ã€ŠHide and Aizawaã€‹


 HA1 0.0 - Prologue

    HA1 0.0 - Prologue

    Under the darkness of night sky, on a steep slope in one corner of Avrika Continent, Hide leaned on a rock while looking at Carlson who desperately tried to stop the bleeding in his left stomach.

    But Hide realized the gunshot wound in his stomach could not be healed. No medical procedure could save a victim of a hollow point bullet.

    "Carl, don''t waste your time. I can only last twenty minutes at most. Go, I will hold them off."

    Carlson looked at Hide with a deep sigh. Hide was his old and loyal teammate who was certified as an surgeon, and he never gave up on an injury of any kind.

    Twice, Carlson nearly died from gunshot wounds and already became half a corpse, but Hide managed to save him when other medics had surrendered. It would be also too difficult to count the number of people that Hide had saved using his medical skills.

    "Any last messages?"

    "No, I have no one to receive it anymore."

    Hide lit a cigarette before inhaling deeply, and he immediately felt an intense pain from the wound in his left stomach.

    "Help me set the remaining Claymores, then get out of here fast.¡±

    Without a word, Carlson complied with Hide''s request. There were only two remaining Claymores, but to reach Hide''s position there was only a steep path. So, two claymores were more than enough to bleed their pursuer profusely.

    When Carlson finished setting up the Claymores, Hide had also finished setting up a demo-bag filled with RDX, put it on his lap, and then he calmly enjoyed a cigarette while staring into distance.

    As he put the detonator into Hide''s grasp, Carlson said, "Either in hell or in the next life, I will looking for you, and then we will become teammate again."

    "Wilco Brother."

    Hide slightly smiled while looking deeply at Carlson. However, after Carlson was out of sight he looked back into distance. Slowly but surely, remorse then appeared in Hide¡¯s heart, a dark regret that had haunted his life for dozens years. The taste was so bitter that it made Hide repeatedly accepted high-risk job with the hope that it would end his life in honor.

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    Five years as a member of 1st Airborne Ranger Brigade, eight years as a support element at 1st SFG with six qualifications apart from sniper and CQB, six years as a mercenary until finally he ended up in a corner of Avrika , sitting alone and drowning in regret while waiting for the end of his life.

    "Aizawa... I really miss you."

    Tears streamed down on Hide''s cheeks while his mind was filled with memories of his half-sister to the brim.

    His mother died when giving birth to him, so Hide grew up without ever knowing her. A decade later, his father remarried a Brittis woman named Emily Rhoe.

    Emily was a piano player in a high-class pub, specializing in jazz songs. Initially, his father just fell in love with Emily''s music, but slowly and surely the relationship between the two became deeply serious. Not long after their marriage, Emily gave birth to a very sweet baby girl named Aizawa Rhoe.

    Emily was a soft-hearted woman and an almost perfect mother. Therefore Aizawa could live her days full of joy. But life always went to unexpected directions. When Aizawa was four years old, Emily died in a traffic accident.

    After she lost her mother, Aizawa then made Hide as her support, her half-brother who didn''t care about her at all. But Aizawa had no other choice as her father who was too carried away in his sadness, no longer cared about his children. Even though Hide treated her poorly, Aizawa continued to follow him.

    In the end, little Aizawa had no parental figures, while at school other kids stayed away from her and some of them even bullied her.

    According to psychology, three-year-old children were already able to read emotions that were being projected on them. So Aizawa easily realized the negative feelings that Hide projected on her. However, Aizawa tirelessly tried to be an obedient child and never fussed with the hope that one day Hide would accept her.

    But hope was only hope, when Aizawa was seven years old her father was killed in a robbery, at the same time Hide chose to leave her.

    Hide, who panicked when receiving the news about his father¡¯s death, chose to leave and joined military. Fortunately, officials from social service gave a helping hand to take care of his father''s funeral, and then they put Aizawa into an orphanage.

    It was only when Aizawa was 16 years old that Hide dared to meet her. Hide, who at that time finally felt that he was worthy to be relying on, invited Aizawa to live as a family. Of course, Aizawa answered his invitation with overwhelming hatred.

    Hide fully understood Aizawa''s hatred for him, but he couldn''t let her live with a drug and alcohol addicts. Moreover, this scumbag treated Aizawa harshly and often beat her.

    Hide decided to intervene and managed to separate Aizawa from the addicts. However, Aizawa responded by establishing a relationship with a far more bastard man. This cycle was repeated several times until finally, Aizawa''s life was at a point where it could no longer be tolerated.

    Ironically, by the time Hide finally knew what he had to do and how he had to do it, Aizawa had committed suicide by overdose, and the last message he left was ''Hide, I hate you.''

    Since then, regret has followed Hide wherever he went and crushed his heart day after day. In short, this world became his living hell.

    "In the next life, let me endure all your suffering so that you can live without a single regret."

    Hide muttered as the faint sound of footsteps could be heard from the bottom of the slope. He immediately opened the detonator''s safety, and then he calmly waited.

    By relying on his hearing, Hide could tell that a dozen targets had just entered Claymore''s range. He then pressed the detonator gently and the two Claymores instantly exploded and spewed out hundreds of steel balls.

    Not long after that, moans and groans filled the night air, but Hide didn''t have much time to listen into it, because his pursuers fired RPGs sporadically and one of them hit his position.

    Along with a loud and dazzling explosion, Uesugi Hidetada left this world while carrying the greatest regret in his life.

    *****

 HA1 1.1 - New Beginning

    HA1 1.1 - New Beginning

    "... H-hungry."

    Hide felt a slight shake in his shoulder, but it was too heavy to open his eyes so he ignored it. However, the faint voice slowly became clearer. Moreover, it was a voice that he missed so much. Hide immediately frowned.

    "...Big Bro, Aizawa is hungry."

    Shortly after opening his eyes, Hide was greeted by clear gaze of a little girl who looked at him nervously. A sign that the girl with super cute face was worried she would be scolded for waking him up.

    It took fully thirty seconds before Hide managed to organize his mind. Last night, with the excuse to buy instant ramen at convenience store, he left Aizawa. But he then hung out in front of the convenience store until 1:00 am. Of course, when he came home Aizawa was already sleeping even though she had not eaten dinner at all.

    Maybe that''s why this morning Aizawa tried to wake him up, because she would never dared to do it unless she had no choice.

    ''What have I done? Leaving a hungry child alone all night.''

    Hide murmured internally while looking at the wall beside his bed, and somehow he felt remorse and a very strong urge to bang his head against it. Without delay Hide got up from the bed, but a deep shock suddenly gripped his heart, as he remembered that he should have died from being hit by an RPG last night.

    Hide immediately turned his gaze to Aizawa who was still looking at him nervously, and then he gently asked, "Aizawa, what date is today?"

    Aizawa looked at the small calendar at the table next to the bed before answering hesitantly, "March 10, 2029."

    Hide''s mind was instantly spinning wildly, and he even had to tightly grip the edge of his study table to prevent him from falling down.

    ''First semester of my sophomore in high school, while Aizawa has just entered elementary school.''

    After pinching his cheek several times, Hide then knelt before Aizawa and hugged her tightly. He managed to hide his sobs, but tears continued to flow from the corners of his eyes.

    ''I don''t know and I don''t care how it could happen, but I know exactly what I have to do.''

    Hide then rushed to the kitchen while carrying the nervous Aizawa.

    ---

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    There weren''t many groceries in the kitchen. So Hide could only make scrambled eggs and bacon, and serving it with tomato sauce. For the instant ramen he bought last night, he chose not to give it to Aizawa because the MSG content was too large.

    Of course it made Aizawa greatly curious, because usually Hide always made instant ramen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, she didn''t ask any question or complaining.

    Hide smiled broadly when he saw Aizawa eating well. At the same time, he inwardly kept asking why in his previous life he was so stupid and ignored such a sweet and obedient child.

    "Do you like it?"

    "Mhm."

    Aizawa nodded before putting a bite of scrambled egg into her mouth. She liked Hide''s ramen so much, but his scrambled eggs and bacon were no less delicious, so she really liked it too. Not to mention, she didn¡¯t have dinner last night.

    Since today was Sunday, Hide would usually go back to sleep after making breakfast for Aizawa. Meanwhile, Aizawa would watch TV until lunchtime arrived.

    However, the current Hide was very different from his previous life. In addition to his strong mental fortitude as the result of countless life-and-death experiences, he also had ocean-deep regrets that would propel him to do his best for Aizawa.

    As soon as Aizawa finished her breakfast, Hide asked her to take morning shower while he did the dish.

    Aizawa looked at Hide with a questioning look because his half-brother usually never cared about her as long as she had eaten. But she did not argue and went straight to the bathroom after taking a set of change clothes.

    Hide then took a shower before following Aizawa into living room. While Aizawa was watching the morning anime, Hide made little notes about urgent things he had to do as well as important memories from his previous life.

    Without hesitation Hide wrote ''Money'' as the first list on his priorities. On the surface, his family was not lacking materially. His father was no longer a Project Manager, but as a senior programmer with irreplaceable skills, his company would not let him go even though his ability to lead a project has evaporated to the last drop.

    However, Hide knew that in early January next year his father would die in a robbery and he didn''t leave anything for his two children.

    ''To ensure a decent life for Aizawa, I have to earn as much money as possible.''

    Luckily, based on the memories and skills he acquired from his previous life, Hide had many ways to earn money. After writing the various methods he could use to earn money, Hide then noted down his second priority, which was restoring his physical capacity as currently his body was too weak.

    Time was flowing out, and lunchtime arrived when Hide finished writing around a dozen things he had to do in his list of priorities, along with various details on how he should execute it.

    ''There are still many things I have to write before I forget them, but for now I have to bring Aizawa to have lunch and then go shop some groceries.''

    Hide got a sufficient monthly allowance from his father and he did not waste it. Even though it was also part of his regret, because for the past two years he had only gave Aizawa instant ramen and other instant food in order to save money and trouble of preparing decent homemade food.

    "Aizawa, we''ll have lunch outside and then shop for a bit."

    "Lunch outside?"

    Aizawa stared at Hide while tilting her little head. After Emily died, this was the first time she would eat lunch outside, especially with Hide who almost never cared about her.

    "Come on, get your jacket. We''ve got to hurry."

    Aizawa nodded before jogging to her room, and then returned with her favorite jacket. With a single glance Hide realized that Aizawa was super excited. With a broad smile Hide grabbed Aizawa''s hand, and the two then walked toward the exit holding each other hands.

    Aizawa would occasionally turn her gaze to Hide, who would look back at her with gentle smile and desperately hide his bitterness as he recalled Aizawa would never pass her 21th birthday.

    ''This time, I won''t let that happen.''

    Hide inwardly strengthened his resolve, while Aizawa kept asking herself why her half-brother was so different today. He was not as gloomy as usual and looking very sturdy.

    Deep inside, Aizawa even suspected that her half-brother perhaps was someone else. Of course, the suspicion only lasted for a moment.

    ''Big Bro, Aizawa won¡¯t be fussy and will be super obedient,'' Aizawa muttered as she once again looked at Hide.

    *****

 HA1 1.2 - Placing A Bet

    HA1 1.2 - Placing a Bet

    While holding each other''s hands, Hide and Aizawa entered Tohru Ramen. It was a traditional ramen shop located near Sakura Shopping District. The shop was not big and located in a small alley. However, it was very popular among people who shopped at Sakura Shopping District. One of the reasons was that, from generation to generation the owner had never used instant spices.

    As soon as the two got a seat, Hide poured a glass of cold water for Aizawa and himself. Then, the two checked the menu. They had to check it as it had been almost two years since their last visit.

    Fortunately, the menu remained the same. It consisted of soy sauce ramen, thick soup ramen, curry ramen, seafood ramen, and curry rice. It was a bit strange that a ramen shop also provided a rice-based menu, but the owner had no hesitation in including the curry rice because many customers asked for it. According to them, the curry soup served by Tohru Ramen would go very well with a bowl of warm white rice.

    Aizawa without hesitation chose chicken curry rice, a 600 Ren worth menu. Hide was not surprised by her choice. Whenever Emily took both of them to Tohru Ramen, Aizawa would always choose curry rice.

    As soon as their chicken curry rice arrived, Aizawa repeatedly swallowed hard while looking at her favorite menu. But she did not immediately eat it and looked at Hide for a while, as if waiting for permission from him.

    Noticing Aizawa''s gaze, Hide immediately smiled gently. "Have a nice meal."

    "Mhm."

    Perhaps because she was very nervous, Aizawa only answered with a small nod, then placed a small spoon of curry rice in her mouth. Until her third spoon, Aizawa enjoyed her curry rice carefully, but after that, she was drowned by the deliciousness of Tohru Ramen curry rice and continued to eat it heartily.

    Hide secretly realized that Aizawa was very nervous when he was near her, and this made his chest feel very tight.

    Life just didn''t go according to his expectations. He was often ridiculed for growing up without a mother. Then, his father''s love which was previously devoted only to him, suddenly had to be shared with his stepmother. Then, it once again had to be shared with her half-sister, and finally sadness made his father stop paying attention to his own life and his two children.

    ''How can I view the situation around me so narrowly?'' A deep regret gripped Hide''s heart.

    Even though he lived his life more positively and optimistically, it may still not have flowed as he had hoped for, but for Aizawa it would make her life a little more colorful and she would grow better.

    Seeing Aizawa eating heartily, Hide''s regret and bitterness immediately soared to the sky. But at the same time, he got the feeling that in this life seeing Aizawa eat heartily would be a source of happiness for him.

    "Do you like it?"

    "Mhm."

    Aizawa spontaneously nodded, but the joy on her face suddenly dimmed when she remembered Hide was nearby. Aizawa was really worried she would do something that would irritate Hide.

    However, she immediately breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Hide smiling at her. Moreover, Hide then gently wiped the corners of her lips with a napkin.

    "We''ll eat here at least once a week then.¡±

    "Mhm."

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    Aizawa nodded without hesitation. In her heart, she felt something was odd because his big brother was so different today. But she was also happy because he would take her to Tohru Ramen at least once a week, as in this small ramen shop she had lot of fond memories with her mother.

    At the same time Hide hardened his determination.

    ''I will pay ten times as much for the sadness you experienced in your previous life.''

    ---

    As usual, Hide and Aizawa had a calm afternoon. Once dinner was over, Hide asked Aizawa to help him do the dish. This made Aizawa dumbfounded. It was natural because Hide had always refused her every time she wanted to help him.

    "Make sure you dry it completely."

    "Mhm."

    Aizawa gave a small nod while her little hands did their best to dry the spoon Hide had just rinsed.

    "Aizawa, in a few days Big Bro will transfer you to a boarding school. So you have to pack some of your clothes."

    "Boarding school?"

    "Yes, you will study and live at the school. Big Bro will visit you once a week, and on weekends Big Bro will take you home."

    Aizawa stared at Hide while her eyes filled with tears. She finally found the reason why Hide was so different today.

    For Aizawa, school was not a happy place. It only gave her sadness. So Aizawa instinctively would avoid it, and because she didn''t know Hide''s true intentions, the image where she had to stay at school for several days made her tears flow profusely.

    "Big Bro, Aizawa won''t be fussy. Don''t leave Aizawa at boarding school."

    Hide was instantly lost of words, while Aizawa''s tears flowed like a waterfall.

    ''At school, she has no friends. At home, she has no parents to rely on. She only had a stupid half-brother who hated her and ended up leaving her.''

    Hide''s heart crumpled as he imagined the lonely and gloomy life that Aizawa had to go through in his previous life.

    "Big Bro will never leave you, no matter what."

    Hide immediately hugged Aizawa tightly before carrying her into living room. The two then watched TV in silence.

    Hide remembered very well that in school, Aizawa was shunned by other kids and even received bullying. So he put the plan to transfer Aizawa to boarding school as one of his top priorities.

    ''I have to find a way to persuade Aizawa without making her cry.''

    ---

    The night had reached its peak, but Nichiko''s atmosphere was far from quiet. It was known that the capital city of Nikko was never sleeping.

    With casual steps Hide entered Beauty & The Beast, the largest fitness center in Nichiko which also manages a betting exchange for sports events, both domestic and international.

    As soon as Hide arrived in front of the betting counter, an attractive young woman immediately smiled at him. The woman was about 168 cm tall with a well-tuned and perfect body line.

    The name tag on her chest was ''Hanna Kitagawa'', and with a cheerful tone she asked, "First time or have you put a bet before?"

    While handing out his student card Hide answered, "First time, I want to make a bet on the Friday match between Nakamura Ocean and Yuko Mountain."

    Hanna nodded slightly before reaching for a 10" tablet hanging on her right thigh. "Nakamura Ocean vs Yuko Mountain, the rate is 0.85 : 2.1 for Nakamura Ocean win, the minimum betting amount is 3,000 Ren, and the cancellation limit is 24 hours before the match with a 20% penalty.

    If you bet on Nakamura Ocean, the winning money is 0.85 times the stake. If you bet on Yuko Mountain, it''s 2.1 times the stake."

    Hide handed over an envelope as he said, "500 thousand Ren for Yuko Mountain."

    Hanna did not immediately receive the envelope. Instead, she bent her body in front of Hide and whispered, "Your stakes are not small. I have to work very hard to get 400 thousand Ren a month, so you better think about it again.

    After all, if you need extra pocket money, working part-time at a convenience store is a much better option than betting."

    Hide casually said, "It''s not my money, and my dad will beat me up if I come home without the betting slip."

    Hanna pondered for a while before saying, "I heard rumors that Yuko Mountain''s main striker has a knee injury and won''t be playing next Friday. Tell your father about it. If he persists and doesn''t cancel the bet, then at least he''s prepared for the worst outcome."

    "Thanks for the advice. I''ll tell him."

    Hanna smiled slightly before processing the betting slip for Hide. A moment later, Hide was already on his way back to his house.

    This wasn''t the first time he''d left Aizawa at home alone at night. But now, he was no longer the idiot from his previous life. He wasted no time getting home as quickly as possible.

    As he fastened his pace, Hide recalled Hanna''s advice. But from his previous life, he already knew that Yuko Mountain''s main striker was indeed suffering from a knee injury. In a few days, the news would spread until the bet rate had drastically changed in Nakamura Ocean''s favor.

    However, many people didn''t know that in the next Friday match, a young Yuko Mountain player would make an impact by stabbing Nakamura Ocean''s goal post three times.

    The young player who was known to always play solidly never had any intention to hide his skills, but in every previous match he only had a minimal role. That¡¯s why, only his potential was recognized and not his real ability.

    ''This bet will be an opportunity to see if I can make some changes in my new life, or I have to go down the same route,'' Hide muttered before taking a deep breath.

    *****

 HA1 1.3 - Back to School

    HA1 1.3 - Back to School

    Monday morning, long before sun arose in the east Hide rushed to the backyard of his house to exercise. As he was worried, his body was indeed very weak. He could do only ten push-ups before his arm burned. Meanwhile, ten sit-ups almost cramped his stomach.

    Luckily, he did not set his target too high. So, although he did it with a lot of pause, he could finish all menus in the end.

    ''Slowly but surely, my body will return to its peak if I keep exercising.''

    Hide then rushed to clean himself and make breakfast. Not forgetting, he also made lunch for Aizawa. Of course, it was not the usual instant ramen he gave her, but rolled omelet with bacon and mushroom, grilled salmon, white rice with nori flake, a small flask of sweet black tea, and a piece of pear.

    Every day, Hide didn''t need to take Aizawa to school or pick her up, or to be precise he couldn''t do it.

    More than 95% primary schools in Nikko were owned by government. Those schools followed a regulation that a child would take a school based on the distance from home to nearest school. Even so, parents did not need to worry because public schools in Nikko share the same standards in quality and cost.

    Parents were also not allowed to drop off or pick up their children individually because each child would be grouped based on where they live. Each group would go to school or return home together, and had a guardian who would be appointed in turn. This system enabled every child in Nikko to know the meaning of independence from an early age.

    However, if in a group a child was ostracized, then for at least six years the child had to live a miserable school life. Unfortunately, Aizawa was an outcast. In his previous life Hide didn''t do anything even though he knew about it. Of course, in this life he vowed to change it by all means.

    Hide felt his chest became painfully tight when he saw Aizawa walking alone at the very back of the group, while her friends cheerfully walked hand in hand.

    ''Private schools are expensive, but it isn¡¯t a problem as long as it can support Aizawa to grow and develop optimally.''

    Hide took a deep breath before locking the door. A moment later, he was already on his way to school.

    ---

    Never did Hide imagine he would return as a student at East Nichiko High. He also didn''t feel any nostalgia. Instead, he wanted to leave the school as soon as possible. Moreover, there were many things he had to do and school would only get in the way.

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    Luckily, since 2024 Nikko Ministry of Education had issued a policy that junior and senior high school students could take special exams in June and December to accelerate their graduation. And Hide had decided to use it as a means to leave high school life as soon as possible.

    As soon as today last class ended, Hide immediately packed his books and writing utensil. Meanwhile, the whole class was busy talking about the incoming match between Nakamura Ocean and Yuko Mountain. The match became the hottest topic because the best strikers and the strongest defender in Nikko would meet.

    In his previous life, Hide who was blind to soccer, learned about the match because all the students in his class talked about it for a whole week. In this life it had not changed. As soon as the lesson ended, Nakamura Ocean and Yuko Mountain''s supporters immediately continued their war.

    "Yuko Mountain has no chance. Nakamura Ocean brought in the strongest trio defenders from Britiss League for no reason. Meanwhile, Yuko Mountain currently only has one striker who for the last few games played poorly. So, even though he is the best striker from last season, it won¡¯t make difference to the final outcome.¡±

    A beautiful schoolgirl with a slender but well-tuned body vigorously defended Nakamura Ocean. She was Sayaka Kiyomasa, one of the most fanatical soccer fans in Hides¡¯ class.

    Sayaka, who was also the leader of hiking club, looked quite striking to Hide because they both studied at the same school since elementary school. Hide even expressed his feeling to her when they were in third year of middle school, but she flatly rejected him and told him she was interested only in boys stronger than her.

    Hide looked at Sayaka for a moment before sighing deeply. In his previous life, after he nearly died from completing airborne and ranger training without a break, Hide immediately attended assault climber course in the hope to impress Sayaka. But Sayaka rejected him again, and preferred to have a relationship with a professional climber from Vranciss.

    ''I can''t wait to see you cry hysterically, when Nakamura Ocean gets slaughtered this Friday.''

    While grinning inwardly Hide got up and grabbed his school bag. He had to hurry because he had to go to a law firm. Unfortunately, Watanabe Sensei was waiting for him at the door.

    ---

    As soon as he entered the counseling room, Watanabe Sensei asked Hide to sit down. "Hide, your email last night surprised me."

    Hide looked at his homeroom teacher before saying, "Sensei, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s anything special. I''m not the first student who asks for special exam.¡±

    ¡°Correct.¡± Watanabe Sensei nodded before continuing, "However, every student who asking for special exam has been preparing themselves for a long time. Therefore, their homeroom teacher can write the recommendation letter with ease.

    As for you, your score since first year was only on average level. When you were in elementary school, I heard that you were always in top ten in the national exams. But since the third year of middle school, your performance dropped dramatically and there has been no improvement until now.

    Some teachers suggest me to reject your request. But I felt it might be worth the effort if I gave you a chance. You can''t take special exam in June, but I don''t mind giving you a recommendation for special exam in December as long as you show improvement on your monthly scores."

    Without further thought Hide answered, "Thank you for your understanding, Sensei. I will try my best."

    Hide then got up and bowed deeply before leaving counseling room. At first glance, it was very rude, but Hide had to do it. With all accumulated experience from his previous life, it was very hard for him to pretend and act like a high school student. It would be for a while before he could do it.

    That''s why, for now Hide had to avoid a long talk with his homeroom teacher, who would more or less notice his changes.

    ''I still haven''t asked why he wants to take special exam. Well, I can still ask him later so I don''t have to press him now.'' Watanabe Sensei muttered before returning to staff room.

    *****

 HA1 1.4 - Kitaro Music School

    HA1 1.4 - Kitaro Music School

    Perhaps, due to influence from her mother, Aizawa also became a football fan. Hide clearly remembered that since she was a toddler, Aizawa would always watch a soccer match with Emily.

    After helping Hide did the dish from their dinner, Aizawa went to living room and eagerly waited for the match between Nakamura Ocean and Yuko Mountain to start. Then, Hide who never showed interest to soccer matches, also came into the living room and sat next to her.

    Aizawa immediately and nervously asked, "Big Bro, do you want to watch movie?"

    While turning his laptop on Hide answered, "No, Big Bro has something else to do."

    Relief instantly filled Aizawa''s heart, but she desperately tried to hide it. A clear sign that she was very nervous when Hide was around her. But then, the match between Nakamura Ocean and Yuko Mountain began and it didn''t take long before Aizawa was immersed in it.

    Hide also stopped typing and turned his attention to the match when the second half began. He remembered that in three minutes after the second half started, Nobuyuki Masaru would score the first goal against Nakamura Ocean with a quick stab.

    No one expected that Nobuyuki, who usually gave super-accurate passes from the right-field, would instead execute a lightning speed sprint & dribble from his position.

    Yuko Mountain supporters looked at Nobuyuki''s actions, which at first glance seemed careless with wide eyes. While Nakamura Ocean supporters spontaneously scoffed at his stunt, some even burst out into laughing.

    But the entire stadium and even the commentator fell silent as Nobuyuki gracefully passed two best defenders in Britiss League. Then, he outwitted the best goalkeeper in Nikko League with his left foot.

    For the first time in his professional career, Nobuyuki Masamura had finally shown the public that his strongest weapon was not his right leg, but the left.

    As soon as the referee signaled that Nobuyuki''s goal was valid, the screams of Yuko Mountain supporters echoed throughout the stadium. Meanwhile, Nobuyuki casually jogged towards the Yuko Mountain side, as if his goal was just an ordinary thing.

    In the first half Yuko Mountain was clearly had some glitch in their play, but in the second half the momentum slowly shifted to them. This was because Nakamura Ocean''s player who guarded Nobuyuki began to struggle to read the young players'' intentions. Given that in the second half Nobuyuki not only provided accurate long passes, but also often made lightning stabs to midfield and sent short passes to strikers.

    After his first goal, Nobuyuki sent two short passes which led to shots to the goalpost.  Unfortunately, the two shots only hit the crossbar. It was only in the minutes 57 that Nobuyuki made another lightning stab and penetrated Nakamura Ocean''s goal one more time.

    Yuko Mountain supporters spontaneously screamed while Nakamura Ocean supporters closed their eyes, or looked away from the field because they did not have the heart to see the blow to their beloved club.

    In the minutes 63, the only Yuko Mountain striker had to be stretchered off the field because of an injury, and the game went into balance stalemate again. Even so, three minutes before the end of the match Nobuyuki managed to steal another goal.

    The match then ended with a live broadcast of Nakamura Ocean supporters who were crying and shedding tears. It was natural, because this was Nakamura Ocean''s first defeat since the season started. Moreover, the defeat was caused by a young player whose name rarely caught the attention of Nikko League fans.

    Luckily, Aizawa was a Yuko Mountain¡¯s fan. So she didn''t have to cry too. Hide looked at Aizawa''s beaming face before saying, "Brush your teeth before going to bed."

    "Mhm."

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    Aizawa cheerfully gave a small nod before running towards her room.

    Hide then replaced the channel with world broadcasts in the news. Then, he listened to the news while checking a pile of documents on the table.

    ---

    The clock showed 22:50 when Hide heard someone opened the front door. He then turned off the TV, reached out for the documents on the table and walked over to his father.

    As usual, Hide smelled sake from his father. While in his hand he was carrying a mini bag containing a pack of 6-can beer.

    "Dad, I need your sign."

    Without many words Hide''s father accepted the pen, and then put his hand signature on each place that Hide showed, without realizing that one of these documents was Hide''s appointment as legal guardian for Aizawa. Meanwhile, the other two were permits for Hide to take the graduation exam and the transfer of ownership for the house they currently live in.

    "Thank you," Hide said calmly.

    As his father walked to his room, Hide tightly held the document in his hand.

    ''Now I can send Aizawa to boarding school.''

    ---

    It was exactly 21:45, when without warning a heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and lightning poured down from sky.

    Hide immediately grabbed the laptop he used for studying, and rushed to Aizawa''s room. As he walked, his mind was filled with old memories, regret, and bitterness that had jumbled into one.

    A few months after Emily died, one night Aizawa came to his room. She begged to be allowed to sleep in his room, because she was afraid of the heavy rain that had just fallen without prior warning, but Hide sternly refused her.

    Even when Aizawa only asked to be allowed to sit in his room until the rain stopped, Hide without further thought refused it and asked Aizawa to come out of his room and then he locked the door.

    He never knew whether after that Aizawa returned to her room or remained at the door of his room. It was also only after long years before he started to bitterly wonder how Aizawa went through the night that was ravaged by thunderstorms until morning. Of course, his chest would be very tight every time he recalled the event.

    After heaving a deep sigh Hide slowly opened the door to Aizawa¡¯s room, and he found the main light was brightly turned on while Aizawa hid on the bed under her blanket. He could see that Aizawa was trembling while lightly sobbing.

    "Aizawa..."

    "Uwawawa!"

    Hide only whispered, but that was more than enough to startle Aizawa.

    "Aizawa, Big Bro wants to talk for a moment."

    Aizawa didn''t answer right away, and Hide could see that her younger sister seemed to be wiping her tears before came out from under her blanket. Hide then climbed into the bed and sat next to Aizawa, who looked at him questioningly but had relief all over his face.

    "Do you remember that Emily once took you to Kitaro Music School?"

    Aizawa nodded slightly, and Hide immediately opened his laptop, displaying brochure of Kitaro Music School that he had downloaded.

    "Big Bro has been thinking for the past few days, maybe you want to study there, given that Emily once said your tests of aptitude and interest showed you would be a good musician."

    Aizawa seemed to remember clearly when Emily took her to Kitaro, because it happened several days before Emily had an accident that took her life.

    Aizawa stared at Kitaro¡¯s brochure for a while before weakly sobbing, and Hide immediately rubbed her head gently.

    "You do have to stay there, but every Wednesday you are allowed to go out from one to four o''clock. So Big Bro will visit you and we can play wherever you want.

    Also, you can come home every weekend. Big Bro will pick you up on Saturday at one in the afternoon and take you back there on Monday morning."

    Sniff! Sniff! Sniff!

    Because Aizawa''s sobbing became harder, Hide chose to stop his explanation and wiped Aizawa''s snot and tears.

    One thing Hide didn''t expect was, Aizawa suddenly crawled towards her desk, took a brochure from the drawer, and handed it to him.

    "Aizawa wants to study music in Kitaro but doesn''t want to stay there. Kaede Sensei said Kitaro has a pick-up service for children who don''t want to sleep there, but Daddy doesn''t agree and Aizawa should stay at East Nichiko primary school."

    Hide instantly frowned, while a big question mark appeared in his mind. "When did you talk to Daddy?"

    Aizawa counted using her little fingers before answering, "Nine days ago."

    "Did Daddy take you to Kitaro?"

    Aizawa shook her head before answering, "Aizawa went there alone and met with Kaede Sensei."

    Hide instantly felt as if his heart was being shred apart. "Aizawa, did you really go to Kitaro alone?"

    "Mhm, Aizawa was afraid at first, but a kind subway officer escorted Aizawa there, and then Kaede Sensei took Aizawa home with her car."

    Hide subconsciously clenched his fists until his fingernails pricked his palms, while inwardly he tried to imagine what kind of circumstance that drove a six year-old little girl to check a school alone.

    ''Loneliness and longing for her mother who left her at such a tender age,'' Hide muttered as he held back the bitterness in his heart. In a slightly trembling voice he then said, "Aizawa, Big Bro will make sure you study in Kitaro without needing to stay there."

    "Really?"

    Aizawa asked expectantly, and Hide nodded firmly.

    "Really."

    *****

 HA1 1.5 - Organizing Aizawas Future

    HA1 1.5 - Organizing Aizawa''s Future

    Without delay, Hide took care of Aizawa''s transfer from East Nichiko Primary School to Kitaro, and for the first time in his life he understood that school administrations was very tiring matter.

    Hide remembered that long time ago his father had to take a day off from his work to take care of his registration at kindergarten. At that time, he was cranky and didn''t want to go. So, his father had to take him to the park and buy him ice cream, and then gently coaxed him before he finally agreed to go.

    After that, every morning his father would take him to East Nichiko Kindergarten and wait for him until class started before hurriedly leaving for work.

    There was also a moment when Hide didn''t want to go to school because his friends were teasing him for losing a game. His father then would sit on the bench next to his class, while doing office work using his laptop and sometimes had to receive calls or scolds from his boss.

    Therefore, even though his father no longer cared about his children, Hide could never hate him.

    At Kitaro, Hide and Aizawa were greeted by Kaede Sensei, a female musician and former Project Manager at Four Steps From Hell, a well-known music company from Vrancis. After retiring from Four Steps From Hell, Kaede Sensei returned to Nikko and founded Kitaro Music School, a music school that received the best rating in whole Nikko.

    Kaede Sensei smiled gently at Hide and Aizawa before saying, "The tuition at Kitaro is high, but we make sure that every student is not only good at music, but also has satisfactory academic achievements."

    "Sensei, I understand."

    Kaede Sensei smiled again and then asked, "Hide, is it true that your father can''t come here?"

    "Unfortunately, he can''t. Dad is very busy and left Aizawa''s school matter to me. As long as I can handle it, I won''t disturb him."

    Actually, Kaede Sensei doubted Hide''s explanation. She was also worried, because a few days ago Aizawa visited her accompanied by a subway officer who had no relation with her. But in the end, she chose not to dig deeper after seeing that Hide was much more mature than his age. From the way he looked at Aizawa, it was also easy to tell that she was an irreplaceable treasure to him.

    In addition, Hide also brought her favorite French apple pudding. This pudding didn¡¯t expensive, but it¡¯s rather hard to find it in Nikko, and Kaede Sensei never told it almost to anyone she knew that this apple pudding was her favorite desert. And yet, Hide brought it for her and he handed it over while bowing deeply and repeatedly thanking her because a few days ago she had taken Aizawa home.

    "Well¡­" Kaede Sensei turned her gaze to Aizawa before continuing, "Aizawa, welcome to Kitaro."

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    "Mhm.¡± Aizawa firmly nodded.

    Without delay Hide sincerely said, "Thank you, Sensei."

    ---

    Totsuka Firm was an international firm engaged in law, tax, and financial consulting. It had a 45-floor building as its office, located in the center of Nichiko, with more than 500 employees.

    In finance sector, Totsuka Firm did not only receive green-money from ordinary customers, but also red-money from mercenary, blue-money from celebrities who want to hide their income from their partners, or black-money from corruptors, cartels, crime syndicates, and tax evaders.

    Fujimura Kato was one of senior consultants at Totsuka Firm. He was a specialist in dealing with high-profile figures who wish to hide their income from their partners. Although Kato was a consultant who provided the second largest income to Totsuka Firm, he was not a busy person.

    Sometimes, Kato even stood-by with new employees on the 1st floor to provide free consultations to visitors who were being considered to have no financial potential, but could not be kicked out casually in order to maintain company¡¯s image.

    A few days ago, Kato received a client he had a hard time forgetting. He was a high school boy who wanted to take over his younger sister''s guardianship from his father. Morally, Kato should have investigated his background and motives before giving a consultation as the boy was only 18 years old. It was an age where he had just been considered an adult legally.

    But somehow, the boy was able to convince him so he did not only provide a consultation but also prepared the documents that the boy needed. In addition, this unique client also applied for a long-term investment program, an education financing program, and a health and accident insurance program for him and his sister.

    Today, the unique client came to visit with his sister. In addition to bringing his little sister''s guardianship letter which his father had signed, the boy also came to check the draft for the program he requested.

    While Hide was studying the draft he personally prepared, Kato turned his gaze to Aizawa. He fully realized that ever since the sweet and cute little girl entered the lobby, she had been looking curiously in all directions while clinging tightly to her brother.

    Kato smiled cheerfully before gently asking, "Pumpkin, would you like some ice cream?"

    Aizawa thought for a moment before shaking her head, and Kato couldn''t help but smile before returning to waiting for Hide to finish studying the draft.

    In his previous life, Hide also made various financial programs for Aizawa, which ironically she never used until she left this world.

    Although the memories made his heart ache, at least the experience gave him some knowledge about financial programs, and he could see that Kato gave him a moderate financial program with interest rates only slightly above bank rates, but the risk was minimal.

    The deposit that Hide must submit was also calculated on a lump-sum basis, a minimum of 100 thousand Ren and he did not have to put it every month, where after deducting the quota for education programs, health and accident insurance, the remaining deposit would be put in the long-term investment program.

    It took 20 minutes before Hide returned the draft and he made no changes at all.

    Kato cleared his throat slightly before saying, "Just to underline what is written in the draft, for the health and accident insurance program, if the insured does not encounter an accident or health problems, the deposit cannot be taken back."

    "Yes, I understand."

    Seeing Hide answer so calmly, Kato gasped for a moment before continuing, "Then, you two just need to undergo a medical check-up for finalizing the health insurance program."

    "I see," Hide calmly replied, "Although the contract has not been completed, I would like to put the initial deposit first."

    Without delay Kato gave Hide the sub-account of Totsuka Firm that he managed. A moment later, a transfer of one million Ren from Hide entered the account. Then, along with the receipt for the initial deposit, Kato handed over a referral letter for a medical check-up and a list of free gifts provided for new clients to Hide.

    Not long after that, Hide and Aizawa left Totsuka Tower, and Kato walked them until the lobby''s door.

    *****

 HA1 2.1 - Making Use of Old Skill

    HA1 2.1 - Making Use of Old Skill

    Kibou International Hospital was one of the three best hospitals in Nikko. Today Hide and Aizawa visited it for a medical check-up.

    And tonight, Hide visited Kibou Hospital one more time. Apart from wearing an office worker outfit, he wore neutral glasses, a fake mustache, and carried a rather worn out office bag. He also deliberately made his appearance a little crumpled, like an employee who was working overtime.

    The clock showed 01:30 when Hide walked slowly through the employee parking area to the staff entrance. Then, it took only a few seconds for Hide to open the locked door. With ease he then found the HR Room, and once again it only took him a matter of seconds to open its locked door.

    ''Not much has changed.''

    Hide immediately turned the light in the room on. Not long after that, he was already working on a computer in the corner of the room.

    The SFG curriculum was not always concerned with combat tactics. For personnel who were being prepared to carry out covert operations at domestic and foreign land, knowledge and ability to utilize local resources without leaving a trace were considered as important as combat capability.

    In his previous life, in the training phase at 1st SFG, Hide often had to infiltrate various facilities in Nichiko, both government and private, to obtain resources needed to support an operation.

    During his training Hide had infiltrated Kibou Hospital five times to take drugs, chemicals, or even use its laboratory.

    Therefore, for Hide, infiltrating Kibou Hospital was no different from child''s play because he had memorized the layout, procedures and security rotation, working hours of various units to the habits of the personnel, and other information.

    In half an hour, Hide managed to print an ID card and a chemist file using a combination of his fake photo and personal data from his memory.

    After putting his fake file to the employee filing cabinet, Hide erased any digital traces. Then, he inserted virus that would damage some of the employee''s database so that re-registration had to be done using hardcopy files.

    When Hide exited the HR room, several nurses on night duty passed by, but no one suspected that he was not an HR staff at Kibou Hospital. Some of the nurses even smiled sweetly at him.

    ---

    Tropical Disease Research Center was a research institute for deadly tropical diseases. It was massively supported by Nikko government. However, because Nikko was not located in a tropical region and free from deadly tropical diseases, the TDRC laboratory was then being established in tropical countries such as Bharat, Indo, and Villipine, in collaboration with local universities.

    In the country, the TDRC Laboratory was only used to store research data, small-scale research, or educational purposes, and the only TDRC laboratory in Nikko was located at Kibou Hospital.

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    With casual steps Hide walked towards TDRC Lab in the eastern complex. Of course, he was already wearing a lab coat and the ID card he had previously prepared. The identity he used was Arnulfo Lim, a Hoa ethnic and medical student with Villipine nationality.

    In Hide''s fake profile, Arnulfo received scholarship recommendation from the Head of TDRC Lab in Villipine. He had been studying at Tendou University since one month ago, but only four days ago he started visiting TDRC Lab to support Professor Kurokawa''s research, the mentor who gave him scholarship recommendation.

    Like most laboratories in Nikko, TDRC Laboratory operates 24/7. Of course, the number of laboran who worked at night was only one or two people, and Hide didn''t need to greet them because even the smallest greeting could disturb their concentration.

    As soon as he entered TDRC Lab, Hide looked for an empty workbench specifically used for short-duration work. From a cabinet he took pipette, condenser, thermometer, digital timer, beaker, measuring cup, spatula, test tube, digital table scale, and several other pieces of equipment, and then set them on the table.

    Next, he took chemicals from another cabinet. Of course, there were some chemicals or semi-processed materials that he had to take from special storage room.

    As for the locks, Hide had no trouble opening them as long as he had the necessary tools. Some chemicals were stored in refrigerator with a digital locking mechanism, but fortunately Hide did not need chemicals that were stored in that place.

    After filling in the logbook for chemicals that required an end-user letter, Hide then started working. With confidence, he even used a protein analyzer that was not widely known to the public. Of course in his previous life, the tool already became a common commodity when Hide started using it.

    ---

    Otsu was a senior researcher at TDRC, and she had a habit of working at night to avoid drinking invitations from her colleagues.

    Like any other day, tonight Otsu spent her time at TDRC Laboratory. When a young laboran entered the lab, she only glanced at the logo on his lab coat that showed he was a visiting student. Most likely was a recipient of a master''s scholarship, and his outer look showed that he was an ethnic Hoa, maybe from Villipine or Vormossa.

    Well, ethnic Hoa was spread all over on Planet Terra and because Nikko provided scholarships to students from various countries, it was not surprising that one or two of the recipients were ethnic Hoa.

    It''s just that, why did the visiting students seem very familiar with the layout at TDRC Lab?

    He was picking up item by item as if TDRC Lab was his house. Moreover, he also took reagents commonly used to liquefy narcotics and some semi-finished ingredients which were categorized as anesthetic substances.

    Otsu instantly frowned, especially after she saw that the visiting student was aware of the logbook procedure for chemicals that required an end-user letter.

    It was a common practice that in the world of chemical engineering, several reagents required an end-user letter. The example for this practice was reagents that could also be used to liquefy narcotics or used as catalysts when manufacturing certain explosives.

    The end-user letter must not only state the research that being carried out, but must also be signed by an official in the institution where the user carried out the research. For a university, the end-user letter would require at least the signature from head of the department.

    After obtaining an end-user letter, the prospective users would then place the orders on the suppliers. The purchase generally took 1-2 months. Therefore, prospective users must take into account the time-table for their research.

    Fortunately, the researcher and laboran at TDRC Lab did not need to undergo such complicated process when they needed a reagent with an end-user letter. Because somehow, TDRC Lab always had adequate supplies for every reagent with an end-user letter.

    The researcher and laboran only needed to fill in the logbook before they used the reagents with an end-user letter. After that, there would be a staff that specifically took care of the administrative procedure. Of course, only senior researchers were aware of this cheating procedure.

    That''s why it was very unnatural if a visiting student knew about it. Otsu immediately stopped her work. She wanted to know what products that the visiting student would make.

    And one hour later Otsu dropped her jaw as she stared at tens of vials filled with light blue liquid, neatly arranged in the working bench of the visiting student. As a senior researcher, it only took Otsu a glance to realize that the blue liquid was a drug.

    ''What the¡­ He''s making drugs.''

    Otsu didn''t know whether she should admire the bravery of the visiting student or curse his stupidity.

    Moreover, in the process of making the drugs, the visiting student used a relatively new protein analyzer, where until now only the head of the lab and his assistants knew how to operate the device.

    Without delay, Otsu approached the visiting student who without any guilt used government facilities and materials to produce drug.

    *****

 HA1 2.2 - Homework

    HA1 2.2 - Homework

    Hide carefully arranged 34 vials of Hateur Formula into an insulated box. His main objective had been completed. Now, he only had to take some anesthetic and the main ingredient to make explosives. For the explosives, he took only the compounds that required an end-user letter. For other compounds, he could buy it at a chemical store.

    Hide had just put the stolen items to his briefcase when a female researcher in her late 20s came over. She had slender body, about 165 cm tall with fairly defined curve, black hair tied into the back of her head, and a beautiful face but unfortunately was devoid of expression.

    Hide recognized her. She was Otsu Shimamura, the holder of third-highest position in TDRC Laboratory.

    Otsu looked at the vial box in Hide''s hand before asking, "Noob, what did you make?"

    "Prototype of sedative that doesn''t react to TBC med."

    "Do not lie!"

    From inside the briefcase Hide took a document containing a false but official explanation of what he had just done, and handed it over to Otsu.

    After reading it through fully Otsu then returned the documents while saying, "Give me some?"

    "You can make it yourself if you want it."

    Black clouds filled Otsu''s expressionless face as she said, "The last time I used something I made myself, I had to be taken to emergency room and unconscious for five days."

    "Then, ask the person who gave you the formula to try the concoctions."

    "I made the formula myself."

    "Have you tested it using a lab mouse?"

    "I was too excited to know the effect, so I immediately tried it."

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    Hide sighed deeply before taking three vials of Hateur Formula and handing it over to Otsu.

    "There are over four hundred reagents I have to test, so there''s not much I can spare for you. You can use cigarettes or drinks as a medium. All drinks can be used except milk and coconut water."

    A small smile bloomed at Otsu''s lips as she glanced at the name-tag that read ''Arnulfo Lim''.

    "You can call me Otsu and my position is quite high in this place. If someone bothers you, don''t hesitate to tell me."

    "Okay."

    Hide answered with a smile, but inwardly he decided he would never come back again. The conversation with Otsu could create a variable he didn''t want if he returned to TDRC Laboratory. And so, with a light steps Hide took his leave without looking back.

    ---

    With a curious gaze, Aizawa looked at the yellow dough in Hide''s hand. Since two days ago his brother had been busy in the garage making the smelly dough. He works using a portable stove, glass cups of various shapes, and bottles filled with various powders or liquids.

    Aizawa wanted to take a closer look, but Hide asked her to stay away. On reflex, Aizawa wanted to cry because she thought Hide was ignoring her again. But luckily, after two hours of working in the garage, Hide would look for her to remind her to take a shower, and after dinner Hide would accompany her to study.

    And today, Hide allowed her to accompany him in the garage. Hide turned his gaze to Aizawa before asking. "Do you want to help Big Bro finish my school homework?"

    "Mhm."

    Seeing Aizawa nodded with enthusiasm, Hide smiled. He then took a 30 cm long cable and handed it over to Aizawa.

    "Make 23 cables cuts of this length."

    "Mhm."

    Aizawa nodded firmly and Hide handed her a coil of cable and scissors.

    After observing Aizawa for a while Hide returned to his work. Using a special glove, he skillfully glued the orange dough called Semtex into a pipe cleavage 10 cm in diameter and 20 cm long. In all, there are 4 pipe cleavages. After all of them were filled with Semtex, he arranged dozens of buckshot onto the surface of the Semtex and then wrapped them in brown duct tape.

    For the primer, Hide used a lamp holder. He removed the plastic lid and then straightened the copper part and coated it with some reagent. The base of the lamp holder was then connected to one of the cables that Aizawa cut, while the copper was plugged into the side of the pipe cleavage that now had become an Improvised Explosive Pipe (IEP).

    To activate the primer, Hide used a flashlight. He took off the lamp and connected the copper with a new coil of cable. Of course, for now he did not insert the battery to avoid premature detonation.

    For the settings of IEP, Hide could only determine it on location. So for the time being, he only kept every part of IEP in the backpack. Of course, he packed each part carefully using hand-made anti-impact and waterproof boxes. After that, with Aizawa¡¯s help, he cleaned the garage from any trace of IEP making.

    After a smile Hide turned to Aizawa who was helping him wipe the table using alcohol and asked, "Aizawa, do you have something in mind for our dinner?"

    "Ummm...." Aizawa pondered for a while before saying cheerfully, "Other kids in class have been talking about Vormossa Beef Noodle at Tamaki Shopping District. Can we go there?"

    "Of course we can. After we take a bath, we''ll go over there."

    Seeing Aizawa smiling from ear to ear, Hide instantly smiled as well.

    *****

 HA1 2.3 - Firearms Shopping

    HA1 2.3 - Firearms Shopping

    In Nikko, the numbers of annual deaths caused by firearm never reached two digits in average. This was because the government put a very strict control on firearms circulation.

    For civilians who wished to own firearms, the procedures that must be followed were:

    1. Join a hunting or shooting club.

    2. Take a firearms course and pass a written test which is held three times a year.

    3. Underwent medical examination to prove mental health and have no history of drug use.

    4. Apply for firearms training, which usually lasts a month.

    5. Conduct an interview with police and explain the reasons why the applicant needs firearm.

    6. Passing the inspection for criminal records, possession of firearms, employment, involvement with criminal organizations, debt records, and relationships with friends, family, and neighbors.

    7. Apply for a permit to use gunpowder.

    8. Take a day''s course and test shooting with a minimum score of 8.2.

    9. Obtain a certificate from the arms dealer containing a description of the weapon the applicant wants.

    10. Buy a standard case to store weapons and ammunition, along with a locker that meets safety standards.

    11. Allow the police to inspect the applicant''s weapons storage area.

    12. Pass an additional background check.

    13. Buy the weapons.

    All these long procedures must be fulfilled in order to purchase firearm that were legally circulating in Nikko, which was consisted only of two types, shotgun or air rifle.

    That''s why in Nikko, when there was a mass murder the headline was never "Mass Shooting" but "Mass Stabbing" or ¡°Mass Hammering¡±.

    But all things have exceptions. For upper-class people who wanted experiencing the thrill of firing firearm, they could join illegal shooting club that provided military grade firearms for its members.

    One of the arms suppliers for illegal shooting club was Unagi Kenishiro. He lived in small cottage located in south coast of Nichiko, right on a steep hillside where only drunkard or people who lost their way would approach this place.

    As a former scout sniper in Nikko¡¯s Marine, the old Unagi was very satisfied with the location of his cottage. Being able to enjoy sea breeze every day, along with sunrise and sunset gave him a great deal of happiness.

    The evening sun had just about to set when Unagi walked to his cottage. He steadily hiked the steep trail while carrying a fishing rod and tuna as big as a grown man''s thigh. Like any other day, Unagi entered his house through the side door and headed straight to kitchen. Then, without warning someone suddenly smothered him using a piece of cloth from behind.

    Unagi did not know the effect of thick smelling liquid that was used to smother him, but he knew for sure he shouldn''t inhale it. And even though he was old, Unagi was still capable of defending himself.

    Wasting no time Unagi reached the hand that gagged his nose, and he was very surprised because it was soft and weak. Therefore, even though he failed to knock out his attacker using a shoulder throw, without difficulty he removed his grip and took some distance.

    Unagi looked at his attacker while making an assessment. ''Almost perfect balance and stance, good at reading movement and know how to counter it properly, but his body is very weak. Even though he''s wearing a balaclava, I can feel it he''s young.''

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    "Who sent you?"

    "..."

    "Fine."

    Seeing his attacker chose to tightly seal his lips, Unagi no longer wasted his time and attacked. He tried to launch a body-blow with his right hand, but his opponent avoided it with a very small but swift motion, and he even managed to put his lower back against his left waist.

    ''This is bad!''

    Unagi shrieked inwardly as his center of gravity shifted into one of his legs. He tried to counter it but it was futile. His body just smoothly arose, being savagely thrown, and hitting the cottage''s wall very hard.

    When Unagi was still lying on the floor due to the dizziness, his attacker covered his mouth and nose using a cloth smeared with a strong-smelling liquid once again. Not long after that, Unagi fell asleep.

    ---

    Similar to other countries on Planet Terra, Nikko applied a very strict law regarding the use of military force, especially the use of special force for domestic operation. Other than when martial law was on effect, 1st SFG could only operate under Special Tactic Group (STG), which was under direct command of Nikko Federal Police (NFP). This policy was adopted to prevent the misuse of special force by irresponsible official.

    Unfortunately, to eliminate an imminent threat to national security in the most effective way, the military or National Security Services sometimes had to take direct action illegally. The domestic Black Ops was much more risky than the similar operation overseas. If it was known to public, every unit who participated would be facing immediate liquidation.

    Therefore, when they carried out domestic Black Ops, 1st SFG applied the doctrine of one operator for one mission, and the operator only received intelligence and money in cash without other support.

    This was also the reason why in the selection process, the candidates for 1st SFG had to answer several simulation questions. The most frequently simulation was, National Security Service had detected that an anti-government organization would launch a terror attack on a public facility.

    The number of personnel, weapons, attack methods, and hideout location was already being obtained. An undercover officer from Nikko Federal Police had also managed to infiltrate the cell, but the arrests would only be carried out when the attacker entered their target.

    Of course, the military and NSS disagreed with the legal procedures that NFP had to follow unconditionally. Not to mention, versus contact in public space could lead to unwanted collateral and circumstance. An illegal operation was then issued and the candidate had to provide the most effective way to execute it.

    If the candidate chose to eliminate everyone at the location, they could continue to training phase. However, if the candidate tried to identify, made contact, and work together with NFP undercover officer, the candidate would be declared fail to enter training phase because they did not meet the psychological requirements or other parameters.

    When NFP high-ranking officials heard about this interview, they immediately asked Supreme Court to liquidate 1st SFG and asked Ministry of Defense to establish new unit with a more law-abiding modus operandi.

    However, Supreme Court rejected the request because there was no concrete evidence that 1st SFG was carrying out illegal operations in the country as mentioned in the interview. After this event, the relationship between 1st SFG and NFP turned into a fire and water.

    In his previous life, Hide was one of the best 1st SFG operators in carrying out domestic solo operations, and he often would visit Unagi to get his hand on untraceable mil-grade firearms.

    After moving Unagi onto sofa, Hide inspected every corner of the cottage. But he had to be disappointed as he didn¡¯t find the firearm he hoped for, whereas in his previous life Unagi always bragged to him that in his cottage he had a wide variety of firearms.

    "Old bastard!" Hide cursed before sighed in silent.

    In Unagi''s cottage, Hide only found a Sieg Sauer P365, Mini Uzie, AEK-74SU chambered in 5.56 mm, and several combat knives.

    Both Sieg Sauer P365 and Mini Uzie were being packaged in a shockproof Pelican Case and it would float when fell into water. Both weapons were chambered in 9 mm Para, equipped with a sound suppressor, tactical flashlights, and three extra magazines.

    As for the AEK-74SU, Hide found it in Unagi''s wardrobe, without packaging and three extra magazines attached to it.

    Hide immediately packed the weapon he found along with several boxes of ammunition. Then, he calculated the value of his purchases according to the price on the black market.

    AEK-74SU, Minie Uzie, or Sieg Sauer P365 complete with extra magazines was sold for 600 Dillar or 60 thousand Ren each.

    Mil-grade ammunition was 200-400 Dillar per carton of 500-rounds.

    Sound suppressor for handgun or SMG was 800-1000 Dillar per pieces.

    Tactical flashlight complete with a spare battery for 500 hours of operation was 50-80 Dillar per unit.

    Each month Hide received about 400 thousand Ren from his father and he spent it in a very picky way. Therefore, he had decent saving. After deducting the premium for Totsuka Firm and registration fees for Kitaro Music School, his remaining savings were sufficient to buy 5-6 weapons. Unfortunately, he couldn¡¯t get his hand on the weapon he want.

    Hide then put the payment for his shopping on the dining table, along with a vial of Hateur, a 2G dumb phone, and a message on a small piece of paper.

    After confirming that Unagi¡¯s vitals were stable, Hide then left the cottage.

    *****

 HA1 2.4 - Hateur Formula

    HA1 2.4 - Hateur Formula

    In East Acia, Nikko was one of the favorite countries for mercenaries to hang out while waiting for job opportunity or recuperating after completing a mission. The reason was because Nikko had strong and stable economy, a diversity of tourist destinations, and adequate availability of nightlife adventure.

    In Nichiko, mercenaries would gather at Kiotto Caf¨¦. Most people only knew it as a nightlife spot located in western part of the city. It had eight floors, a favorite place for top celebrities and figures, and only opened to the public on Mondays and Thursday, where the management provided free welcome drink for female guests.

    In one of VIP rooms on 4th floor of Kiotto Cafe, Keizawa Ryuhei was sitting on the sofa reading a piece of paper. Keizawa was former sharp shooter in Marine Corps and had become Kiotto Caf¨¦ manager for the past three years.

    After putting down the piece of paper he just read, Keizawa turned his head to Unagi. "He knocked you down but didn''t kill you. He also took away some firearms but left the payment."

    Unagi slightly nodded. "It looks like he just wants to buy weapons without revealing his identity."

    After a moment of silence Keizawa said, "Or, he knows your relationship with me, and fully aware I will chase him to the hell if he kills you."

    "Maybe, but I doubt it. Only a few kids from 1st SFG know that I work with you." Unagi downed a mouthful of beer before continuing, "What about the blue liquid he left?"

    Keizawa immediately handed the vial containing five drops of blue liquid to the young female blonde next to him. "Irene, check it out."

    Irene Blaise, a pharmacist from Miegard, immediately examined the blue liquid. After she was sure it wouldn''t kill her, she then took a cigarette, cut it in half before applying half a drop of blue liquid to the end of one of the cigarette pieces and lit it.

    "Shieeeettt!"

    Irene cursed shortly after she puffed out a light blue smoke she had just inhaled.

    "Do I have to take you to ER?"

    Anxiousness was clearly visible in Keizawa''s gaze as he looked at Irene, but Irene looked back at him as if he was an idiot.

    "No, it''s just that I just used premium ingredient like a stupid addict using third-rate juju weed."

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    Seeing a question mark appearing on Keizawa''s forehead, Irene immediately gave the cigarette piece in her hand to Keizawa while asking, "Why is it that up to now super match-grade ammunition is still produced by hand, one by one?"

    Keizawa casually replied, "Well, even though the precision level of laser technology has reached 0.001 mm, it still cannot match a hyper sensitive touch from Grandmaster Gunsmith''s fingers that spent decades of his life making weapon or ammunition.

    That¡¯s also the reason why Grandmaster Gunsmith is always being fought over between ammunition factories and world-class special mission unit, because in a year they can only produce a few thousand of super match-grade rounds.¡±

    Irene nodded and then said, "Likewise with pharmaceutical world, even though duplication technology using machines have reached an unimaginable level, it still cannot imitate the Grandmaster Pharmacist''s craftsmanship.

    The highest level of sedatives can only be made on a small scale by a god-level pharmacist. This blue liquid is Hateur Formula, referring to the word ''Peak'' in Vranciss as well as homage to Jean Hateur who invented it, an ex-paramedic in Vranciss counter-terrorist unit before he was disappearing in Avrika."

    ¡°And?¡± Keizawa curiously asked.

    An ear to ear smile bloomed in Irene¡¯s lip before she continued, "No one would have thought he is in Nikko."

    Keizawa then let out the final puff. "Apart from slowing my heart rate and lightening my mind, I don''t feel any other effects."

    "You stupid monkey!" Irene massaged her forehead before adding, "Hateur''s magic effect will only appear after you mix it with other compounds. For each vial, I can make 16-20 premium pills for 500 Dillar per piece."

    Keizawa checked the piece of paper in his hand before speaking, "Are you sure with your calculations? The owner of this blue liquid only asks for 1000 Dillar per vial."

    Irene instantly grabbed the piece of paper in Keizawa''s hand, and read it over and over until finally she took a deep breath.

    "Kei, get every single Hateur this guy has."

    "Roger."

    Keizawa immediately grabbed the 2G dumb phone that Hateur Formula¡¯s owner had sent to him through Unagi.

    ---

    Keizawa:

    // Mr. Jean, I''ve received your message and wanted to buy all Hateur you have. I''ll also place an order of 50 vials/week.//

    # 4444 #:

    // Did Freaking Irene doesn¡¯t tell you that creating Hateur requires extreme concentration and can only be done once a month?//

    Keizawa:

    //How do you know Irene is with me?//

    # 4444 #:

    //Because Russaian Mob will skin her alive if she leaves you.//

    Keizawa:

    //As well as your extraordinary pharmaceutical skill, it seems you also know a lot about underground world in Nikko. Maybe, we can greet each other and make a bigger deal.//

    # 4444 #:

    // Sorry, I never made a face-to-face deal. Well, I''m busy right now and I don''t have much time to chat. See you tomorrow. I will text you the time and location an hour before the meeting.//

    Keizawa:

    // Even if it''s only a few vials per month, I still wants to buy it. I can pay it with money, gold, alternative identities, intel, medical service, firearms, safe house, or whatever commodity you can find only in underworld.//

    # 4444 #:

    // I have to leave Nikko in two days. Send me another message and I will cancel our transaction.//

    After turning off his cellphone, Hide then turned his gaze to the bed where Aizawa was fast asleep. Tonight rain was pouring down heavily, and it came along with howling wind and rolling thunder, so Hide studied and did his schoolwork in Aizawa''s room.

    ''I hope everything will run smoothly tomorrow,'' Hide muttered before returning his focus back to his physic homework.

    *****

 HA1 2.5 - Preparation for The Transaction

    HA1 2.5 ¨C Preparation for the Transaction

    With an excuse that he had to do medical check-up at Kibou Hospital, Hide managed to go home early. Of course, he used fake reference letter as he actually had completed the medical examination.

    After telling Aizawa to be staying well at home, Hide then went out again. He slung a medium backpack on his shoulder while small sport bag was tightly strapped on his waist.

    First, by using subway Hide went to west Nichiko. After he was sure no one was tailing him, he went to public restroom to change his appearance. After that he returned to east Nichiko, or to be precise to District Hakibara.

    Hakibara was a paradise for cosplay lover. The area was full of culinary spots, karaoke shops, toy stores, movie theaters, and book stores. There were almost no toys, films, or literature work that cannot be found in this place, be it mainstream, indie, or special requests. And of course, each stores or establishment employed service policy based on a certain cosplay.

    In Hakibara, the first thing Hide did was borrow a car from a toy shop. He had confirmed that the owner of toy shop was on vacation abroad with his family until next week. So, he could calmly borrow their SUV. Hide also took an RC Speedboat from the shop. Of course, he left the payment for it.

    After that, Hide went to an airsoft shop. Nikko had quite a lot of fanatical airsofter. Therefore, it was very easy to find a shop that sold airsoft gun and its accessories, where the quality of these accessories was no less than the original product and sometimes even better.

    Hide left the RC Speedboat in his borrowed car, but he felt uneasy about leaving Formula Hateur, IEP, and his Sieg Sauer P365. So he entered the airsoft shop with a backpack and waist bag filled with illegal items which could send him straight to the jail for 50 years.

    Fortunately, the shop didn¡¯t have metal-detectors at its entrances. Wasting no time, Hide headed straight to the counter for holsters.

    "What do you need?"

    A young woman with a Mohawk haircut, wearing tactical pants with tiger-stripe camouflage, and a dark green tank-top greeted Hide warmly.

    Hide glanced at the Navy Cross tattoo on the shop assistant''s left wrist before answering, "Hard-holster for concealed-carry, can be paired with a shoulder-strap, and can accommodate extra magazines and suppressor."

    The shop assistant pondered for a moment before saying, "We have two types, for Glox 43 and Wulther PPK?"

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    "Do you have the model for Sieg P365?"

    "No, but we have a version of Glox 43 which can also be used for Sieg P365. It¡¯s just that the holster for extra magazine and silencer are separated."

    "Can I see it? I also need a three-point sling, and mag-pouch for AEK-74SU and Uzie."

    "Wait a minute."

    The shop assistant went to the back room, and before long she returned with the items Hide wanted to check.

    Hide immediately took out his Sieg P365 along with an extra magazine and sound suppressor from the waist bag, and tried them on the hard-holster.

    The basic concept of concealed-carry handgun was to be carried at any time in secret, and when circumstance arose the user could make a quick draw and fired first bullet without cocking the gun or put the safety off first.

    That¡¯s why concealed-carry weapons such as Sieg P365, Glox 43, and Wulther PPK were small in size and light in weight. It also did not have external safety lever, and one bullet must be inserted in firing chamber all the time.

    The safety that was integrated into trigger mechanism would prevent a premature shooting, but that did not mean that the factory recommended the users to directly slip their weapons under their clothes. The factory was usually also recommended the user to choose hard-holster, and not soft-holster that could get caught in the trigger unintentionally.

    First, Hide tried to put the holster on his waist, on the inside of his pants and not on the outside. The holster containing Sieg P365 he put on the right while the holster for extra magazine and sound suppressor on the left.

    After that he tried to walk and immediately smiled with satisfaction because he could move quite comfortably, and if he didn''t remove his shirt, no one would know that a weapon was tucked in his waist.

    For three-point sling that he would pair with AEK-74SU and Minie Uzie, Hide opted for a version with a synthetic strap and hardened aluminum sling covered in black chrome.

    As for the mag-pouch, Hide bought six pieces for either AEK-74SU or Minie Uzie. All of them were made of fire-resistant and tear-resistant fabric, had capacity of single magazine, and used mini-clips to attach it to tactical vests or belts.

    Mini-clips were not as strong as rope knot or Velcro tape, but unmatched in terms of quick detach. As Hide would operate in urban area where there was a possibility he have to quickly throw away his weapons and accessories, the mini-clips were the best choice for him.

    When the shop assistant saw Hide''s Sieg P365 made of metal, she immediately said, "I hope you know that airsoft made of metal is illegal."

    "I''m tired of ABS airsoft and want to experience a more authentic sensation. Please, don''t report me."

    "Well, as long as you don''t show it in public, I think you''ll be fine."

    "Thank you for your understanding."

    Before long, Hide finished his shopping. Then, he immediately drove towards Hibino Lake.

    ''It seems I should find someone who can help me drive and gather info. Having to attend school takes up my time a lot.''

    Hide continued driving, while in his mind several names popped up.

    *****

 HA1 2.6 - Paranoid and Deadly

    HA1 2.6 - Paranoid and Deadly

    At eastern end of Nichiko, lied an artificial lake called Hibino. Initially, Lake Hibino was being built to collect excess water during rainy season. But gradually, it turned into a tourist spot that was popular with locals, visitors from other cities, and foreign tourists.

    An hour ago Keizawa received a message that the transaction for Hateur Formula would take place at Lake Hibino. He was also asked to rent a boat and stand by in the middle of the lake.

    Under the gentle light of afternoon sun, Keizawa and Unagi calmly enjoyed melon seeds. Not far from them, Irene was anxiously waiting for a message from the owner of Hateur Formula.

    Seeing Keizawa was so calm and casual like a tourist, Irene immediately pouted her sexy lips. "Kei, this will be much easier if we trace his cellphone."

    Keizawa casually replied, "In this country, only Nikko Federal Police and National Security Service can trace and track Jean''s cellphone. One using legal means while the other using illegal ones."

    "Do not repeat that answer again and again, give me the detailed explanation."

    Keizawa downed a mouthful of tea box before explaining, "No matter what the brand is, motherboard for dumb cellphone was manufactured in Vormossa, Mexica, and Bharat, by two companies which are owned by a fake foundation which are under control of Eisrel Intelligence Service.

    The Eisrel Intelligence Service requested that some modifications be embedded in each motherboard, so that the final product would accept an algorithm to connect it to the joint network specifically used by banks to make international online transactions.

    For nearly eight years, Eisrel Intelligence Service¡¯s field agents used this secure channel to communicate confidentially, before finally the method was discovered by an IT expert from Americ Intelligence Service.

    Even though the method was known to public, the motherboard manufacturers did not eliminate the implanted modifications because it would be too costly to change the production procedures. Besides, not many people know how to activate the procedure for this network.

    You need at least six military grade communication satellites, two servers with super quantum processors, and a team of IT specialists to infiltrate the bank joint network before you can trace Jean''s cellphone."

    Irene sighed deeply before cursing, "Paranoid bastard!"

    Unagi who had been silent decided to said, "Jean Hateur has a million reasons to be paranoid. With his skills, countless groups will want him to join in, and many of them would not hesitate to use threats, blackmail, or other harsh methods."

    Keizawa nodded before adding, "Also, even if Jean didn''t kill Unagi, it doesn''t mean he won''t go to the extreme to protect his butt."

    Silence then enveloped the entire boat. Until finally, one of Keizawa''s bodyguards pointed to the approaching white RC Speedboat.

    The guard put his grip to the silenced MP9E under his jacket as he asked, "Boss, do I need to neutralize it?"

    "No, there are many more practical ways if he wants to harm us."

    The bodyguard nodded, and as soon as the RC Speedboat arrived at the side of the boat, he immediately picked it up, made sure it had no harm, and then brought it to Keizawa.

    Without delay, Irene checked the vial box lying in the middle of RC Speedboat. As soon as she confirmed that there were 30 vials of Hateur Formula, Unagi immediately put down a small bag containing three bundle of 10.000 Dillar each.

    However, before Keizawa''s guard put the RC Speedboat back into water, Irene put a mini-transponder under the small bag of money.

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    "Irene, this is not our agreement. We should not disturb a snake that doesn''t want to show itself."

    Irene looked at Keizawa deeply before saying with great seriousness, "I really want to meet him. Consider with this you are no longer indebted to me."

    Keizawa tapped his fingers on the table for more than a minute before nodding in resignation.

    "I''ll never forget that your medical skill had saved my life twice."

    Keizawa''s words made Irene smile from ear to ear. Before long, the RC Speedboat moved toward the water tunnel on the northeast of Hibino Lake.

    ---

    A Civix was moving at full speed toward the northeast of Lake Hibino, straight to the water tunnel that connected the drainage system throughout Nichiko with Hibino Lake. As soon as the Civix stopped, three men armed with MP5K-SD got out and ran towards the closest entrance to the end of the water tunnel.

    As a team leader, Stuart took the leading position, followed by two colleagues he had worked with for the past four years.

    Stuart and his two colleagues were mercenaries who used to operate in Golden Triangle. The three of them were on vacation in Nichiko when an offer to capture a pharmacist alive came by. The pay was not big, only five thousand Dillar per person. However, the target was only a former non-combatant paramedic from a counter terrorist unit, so Stuart and his colleagues accepted the job without hesitation.

    After Irene told him that the mini-transponder was on its way to the target location, Stuart and his colleagues moved immediately, and he almost burst into laughter when the mini-transponder stopped at the end of water tunnel not far from where he took position.

    Stuart and his colleagues nimbly descended the three-meter high metal staircase. Then, they formed a defensive perimeter facing to all directions. Once they were sure no threat was presence, one of Stuart''s colleagues grabbed the tracker hanging in his waist.

    "Target is still at the end of tunnel. He is practically cornered unless he chooses to jump into water."

    Stuart nodded and said, "Even so, remain vigilant because by now he must have seen the mini-transponder. Also, there is a possibility he carries a gun and knows how to aim."

    ""Roger.""

    The distance from the entrance to the end of the tunnel was 150 meters and there was two turns along the way. With the illumination from tactical flashlight attached on their MP5K, Stuart and his colleagues were moving extra cautiously but fast enough.

    "One more turn and we''ll see the end of the tunnel where our target cornered," Stuart said as he continued walking toward the corner one step at a time, and then . . .

    Kringggggg!

    Stuart and his colleagues almost jumped on their place when a milk can, not far from their position suddenly let out a very loud ¡°Ring!¡±.

    Wasting no time Stuart grabbed and checked the milk can. He found a rubber band across the inside of the can, where a nail was wrapped in the middle of it, and at the bottom of the can there was a toothpick connected to a sewing thread.

    With ease, Stuart concluded that the nail was tied to the twisted rubber band and being held up by the toothpick that was tied to a sewing thread. When he accidentally tripped the sewing thread across the walkway, the toothpick that held the nail was pulled and released the hold. As a result the nail inside the milk can spun wildly to all direction.

    Stuart recognized the milk can-based mechanism. Farmers in Hakaido used it to drive wild boar or deer from entering their fields, while their children used it to prank on the village night duty patrols or the elderly in their village.

    "Damn! I nearly had a heart attack from a kid''s toy."

    Stuart then threw the milk can into water. At the same time, a dazzling light bloomed from the ceiling above his head, followed by a loud explosion and a rain of buckshot that mercilessly hit Stuart and his colleagues in the head.

    ---

    After he saw the mini-transponder under the money bag, Hide immediately inserted the batteries into flashlight that he used as trigger for IEP. Then, shortly after the toy he used as early warning rang, he immediately shifted the on/off lever on the flashlight. At the same time, his left hand pointed the silenced Sieg P365 to the end of a turn 30 meters from his position.

    A loud ''Bang!'' was heard and Hide maintained his aim for a while. Then, he threw the flashlight into water along with the remaining cables until all of it was drifted away, following the RC Speedboat which he had sunk a moment ago.

    Even if he had made sure that all IEP¡¯s components were clean from his or Aizawa''s sweat and fingerprints, Hide was still firmly believe that precautions was a must.

    ¡®I have to leave this place as soon as possible.¡¯

    Hide immediately got up and started walking. As he passed Stuart and his two colleagues, he found that the three were still breathing even though their heads had almost being split open.

    Without hesitation, Hide shot their hearts. He fired with his left hand, caught the brass that the ejector had thrown out with his right, and threw it into water.

    Not long after that, Hide arrived at the hatch that Stuart and his two companions had used to enter the tunnel. With great vigilance Hide passed it, and then continued his journey to the hatch five blocks from his current position. To be precise, it was a hatch located behind a restaurant that had been closed since six months ago.

    *****

 HA1 2.7 - Figure of A Father

    HA1 2.7 - Figure of A Father

    Unagi was a specialist in using booby traps or mechanisms to injure or kill one or multiple targets. He carefully scanned the tunnel''s ceiling before examining the three bodies lying beneath it.

    "They were receiving the blasts at full. Something is stopping them at their place and distracting them." Unagi picked up a piece of broken buckshot lying on the floor before continuing, "Their fatal injuries were not caused by shockwave or heat wave, but buckshot bursts that caused a wound cavity bigger than hollow-point round."

    Keizawa nodded his head a few times before saying, "It seems we are not dealing with Jean Hateur, but an ex-commando specializing in combat engineering, and we don''t know his full skills set."

    "Shieeeet!" Irene cursed before closing her eyes and clenching her fists hard.

    Keizawa then let out a deep breath before turning his head towards Unagi. "Properly bury them. I will write letters to their families."

    "Roger." Unagi immediately took out his cellphone and called in some men.

    Stuart and his two colleagues were not Keizawa¡¯s men. However, as manager of Kiotto Kafe, Keizawa had responsibility to ensure that mercenaries who stayed at Nichiko did not disturb public order. On the other hand, the authorities would not interfere with the mercenaries'' vacation.

    Keizawa also added a custom of writing letters to the fallen mercenary''s family, if when they were at Nichiko they didn''t cause uproar in public. It was said that this little custom earned Keizawa great respect from mercenaries who visited Nichiko.

    With a long sigh Keizawa muttered inwardly, ''Stuart had two ex-wives and three children, while his colleagues are brothers who left a father. I must write a letter to them as soon as possible.''

    ---

    This afternoon, Aizawa was dumbfounded because Hide suddenly returned home with curry rice from Tohru Ramen for her. Not long after that, Hide told her to stay well at home and then left again with a full-packed backpack and waist bag.

    Aizawa cheerfully obeyed Hide''s words. After having lunch with the delicious curry rice from Tohru Ramen, she then continued her activities like any other day, did school work and studied until it was time to take a bath.

    However, when the sun fully down in the west and Hide had not returned, Aizawa started to get anxious, restless, and began to wonder if his brother left her and would never come back.

    Previously, for more than two years every afternoon Aizawa had to close the curtain and turn on the lights in the whole house alone, as Hide would only return home shortly before dinner.

    However, during the last few days, Aizawa didn''t have to do this anymore because Hide was the one who went to close the curtains and turn on the lights all over the house. Therefore, when Aizawa had to go back to a routine that reminded her the lonely days she had gone through, she naturally sobbed and wondered what mistake she had made so Hide left her.

    Luckily Aizawa didn''t have to wait too long. Moreover, Hide panicked as soon as he saw Aizawa sitting and sobbing near the door. Hide immediately lifted and carried Aizawa, and after seeing the expression on Hide''s face, Aizawa instantly realized that his brother would never leave her.

    After calming Aizawa, Hide then shifted her mood by asking her to order a pizza for dinner.

    Aizawa cheerfully received the smartphone and the money Hide gave her. Then, she searched a reference on how to order pizza online. Not long after Hide finished his bath, the pizza ordered by Aizawa arrived and dinner began afterward.

    Long time ago, Aizawa asked Hide to buy her a pizza after she saw a pizza ad on the TV. At that time, the pizza was look super yummy, but Hide replied that pizza was not good for growing little girl.

    However, now, when Aizawa reminded him that pizza was not good for growing little girl, Hide casually replied that pizza which was not good for growing girl had been prohibited from circulating, and all the pizza currently circulating was much tastier and also good for growing girl.

    ''Whoah...  Big Bro is not lying. Pizza in current circulation is super yummy.''

    Cheerfully, Aizawa chowed down a large bite of pizza topped with bacon, mushroom, and had sausage inside its crust.

    Seeing Aizawa enjoying the pizza with a content expression, Hide smiled broadly.

    "Aizawa, is the pizza delicious?"

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    "Mhm... this pizza is super yummy."

    "Then, you should thank Big Bro by kissing and hugging Big Bro tightly."

    "U-um... but Mommy said girls should not kiss and hug carelessly to become a perfect bride."

    "Don''t worry, that rule doesn''t apply to Big Bro."

    "Really?"

    Aizawa tilted her head while Hide nodded firmly. Not long after that, Aizawa put the pizza slice in her hand before kissing Hide''s cheek and hugged him tightly.

    Wasting no time, Hide kissed back Aizawa on the cheek and hugged her tightly. It was simple thing that in his previous life he could only imagine and dream of every night, while his heart was filled with regret and bitterness.

    ''In this life, I will make sure that happiness will always be with you.''

    Hide murmured while desperately trying to hold back his tears.

    ---

    Today was Aizawa''s first day to study at Kitaro. Although Kitaro provided a shuttle service, in the first-week Hide chose to take Aizawa and pick her up directly. In addition, he also intended to bring Aizawa to thank the subway officer who took her to Kitaro a few days before.

    Hide and Aizawa bowed deeply, while Takeshi, the subway officer who took Aizawa to Kitaro scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

    "Well, this is not necessary. My first child is only four years old, while my wife is pregnant with our second child. So it''s natural that I don''t have the heart to see such little girl ride the subway alone."

    "Uncle Takeshi, please accept this. These little gifts are nothing compared to the kindness you have shown to Aizawa."

    While still bowing, Hide held a parcel of pickled peaches which Takeshi tried to refuse.  At the same time, Aizawa also bowed while holding a parcel of assorted chocolate. Seeing the two children most likely wouldn¡¯t give up until he received the gifts, Takeshi finally received the parcels.

    "Thank you, you two sure knows how to make an adult like me flattered."

    As soon as Takeshi received the parcel, relief immediately appeared on Hide''s face. He then bowed deeply once more before saying goodbye.

    Under Takeshi''s gaze, Hide led Aizawa to subway train that would take them to south Nichiko. Carefully, Hide treated Aizawa as if she was the most precious treasure in this world, while occasionally Aizawa would turn to Hide and smile broadly.

    ''Why does he look more like a father than a brother?''

    Takeshi looked at Hide in amazement, just before he and Aizawa disappeared behind the subway train¡¯s door.

    ---

    When Kaede Sensei found out that Hide and Aizawa''s father was a senior programmer at an international game developer, she immediately asked Hide if his father could help Kitaro created a student archiving program.

    Without a second thought Hide agreed to Kaede Sensei''s request. It''s just that he was the one who would make the archiving program. At first, Kaede Sensei doubted Hide''s ability, but Hide cleverly issued a deadly move. He offered a free program complete with maintenance packet as long as Aizawa studied at Kitaro.

    An archiving program or what was often called the Library Software was not complicated program. The basic scripts were even available online, so Hide didn''t need to write it from scratch.

    Hide was also quite familiar with Library Software. When he was in 7th grade he had succeeded in making a cashier program based on it, and Emily managed to sell it for 100 Dillar or 10,000 Ren to minimarts, cafes, and several shops whose owners she knew well.

    It only took four hours before the archiving program prototype was ready for data input. Kaede Sensei looked at the black and white table on the screen before turning her gaze towards Hide.

    "Can we really start entering student data into the computer today?"

    "Yes, meanwhile I will work on the program display so that the staff will be more comfortable when working with it."

    Kaede Sensei smiled broadly before saying, "Hide, we do not need an elegant or beautiful appearance. As long as we can access files quickly, that is more than enough."

    "Don''t worry Sensei, the part I enjoy the most is the graphic designs for the displays. Also, I will assist the data input while checking for bugs that may arise, and make sure this program is ready for use within a week."

    To be honest, Kaede Sensei wanted to ask about Hide''s school. Had he got permission to leave the class?

    However, when she remembered there were more than eight thousand names that had to be inputted while Kitaro Music School only had two administrative staff, Kaede Sensei immediately hardened her heart.

    "Following Sensei''s request, data input will start from 92 students who are still actively studying, followed by 430 students who only take music lessons in the afternoon, and continue with graduates who still often come here to take short courses."

    Kaede Sensei gave a small nod before saying softly, "Yes, but for now we''ll have lunch first."

    ---

    Kitaro did not differentiate the place or the lunch menu between the teacher and students, only the table was distinguished. Teacher dining tables were located at both ends and at the center of dining room.

    When Hide entered the dining room with Kaede Sensei, Aizawa was already there. She had even started enjoying her lunch while chatting with a girl her age. Judging from the way they chatted and laughed, it seemed the two were quite on the same page, and would likely become friends. Seeing this, Hide breathed a sigh of relief.

    Initially, he was worried about how to help Aizawa to integrate herself with her new school. At minimum, Hide hoped that he could be at Kitaro during Aizawa''s first days. He considered various methods, but none of them could be considered a natural way.

    Hide would not use his father''s method by waiting for him outside the classroom, because that method made the whole class ridicule him. Although the method used by his father was now a sweet memory for him, it could not be denied that this method had made his heart languish at that time, and Hide did not want Aizawa experienced it.

    Fortunately, Kaede Sensei gave him a way. So, without hesitation he maximized the opportunity. The problem with his absence from school, he would deal with it later.

    When Aizawa saw Hide sitting not far from her table, she immediately smiled cheerfully. Aizawa already knew that his brother was helping the administrative staff at Kitaro. So, she was not surprised when she saw Hide.

    ''What a sweet child.''

    Hide smiled back, while in his mind he remembered that when he was in elementary school he would pretend not to know his father whenever he came to school.

    ''The first biggest problem was solved halfway.''

    Slowly but surely relief filled Hide''s heart. He then cheerfully introduced himself to Teaching Staff who sat at the same table with him. Of course, from time to time Hide would steal glances at Aizawa who was laughing with her new friend.

    *****

 HA1 3.1 - Body Conditioning

    HA1 3.1 - Body Conditioning

    Unlike public schools, Kitaro adopted six-day school system. It''s just that, on Saturday the lessons were focused on musical practice and last only until 11:50. And because he had completed the archive program, Hide decided that Aizawa should try using the shuttle service starting today.

    After the shuttle pick Aizawa up, Hide went to Totsuka Firm to deliver the second deposit of 30 thousand Dillar or equivalent of 3 million Ren. The second deposit made Hide and Aizawa receive a pair of Vrada N5 Notebook and Vrada S5 Smartphone. After that, Hide went to Beauty & the Beast to take the betting money he won.

    In 2022, Nikko¡¯s government issued a policy to prohibit all forms of online gambling. Even for conventional gambling, the bet must be done in cash and face-to-face, not by telephone, email, or other messaging form.

    Most people did not understand why Nikko¡¯s government issued such a strange policy, while big players in underground world incessantly cursed because it made them losing one of greatest methods of money laundering.

    Then, when the turmoil in underground world almost hit the boiling point, four money launderer syndicates from abroad entered the field to provide solution, and it took 12 years before a novice journalist discovered that the four syndicates were actually an extension from National Security Service to finance their illegal operations.

    Although National Security Service currently already had deep root in underground financial network, the government had not lifted the ban on online gambling. It annoyed Hide to the core because it made him unable to place massive bets using multiple fakes IDs. He also had to meet Hanna face to face and accepted her wrath.

    While giving Hide a sharp gaze Hanna said, "You said it was your father''s bet. So, why did you put the money into your account?"

    Hide glanced at the withdrawal slip he just handed over to Hanna before answering, "It''s because I''m worried you won''t let me place the bet."

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Hide put forward a parcel of pickled peaches to Hanna before continuing, "And this is a small token of gratitude because you tipped me about Yuko Mountain''s main striker."

    Hanna looked at the pickled peaches in front of her before letting out a sigh. It was imported from Aussie and was premium products in its class. A hint of reluctance appeared in Hanna''s heart, but only for a moment because she remembered that Hide had won 2.5 million Ren.

    After the public somehow, knew the injury suffered by Yuko Mountain¡¯s main striker, the bet rate between Nakamura Ocean vs Yuko Mountain changed drastically to 0.5: 5, and of course other than Hide almost no one thought Yuko Mountain will win.

    "Hide, you''re super lucky this time. However, if you lose, 500 thousand Ren will evaporate like a smoke. So, next time you want to put a bet, think it carefully first."

    Seeing Hide gave her a drop dead serious nod, Hanna''s expression softened and she immediately grabbed the pickled peach parcel.

    "Thanks for the peach."

    "You''re welcome."

    Hide answered cheerfully, while in his heart he desperately refrained himself from telling Hanna that he bought the parcel when there was a buy two-get-one sales.

    ''Never spoil woman''s mood, no matter how good your intention.''

    Hide muttered to himself, while Hanna cheerfully processed the money he won.

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    After he received a notification via his smartphone that 2.5 million Ren had just entered his account, Hide immediately said, "I also want to have membership in Beauty & the Beast."

    Hanna smiled before answering, "I can suggest you a few programs. Tell me, what kind of results you want to get."

    "Body development with focus on flexibility, explosive power, and endurance. I will also need a regular sports massage."

    Hanna looked at Hide for a while before asking, "Are you member of MMA or some other martial arts club?"

    "No, I just want my body to be fully developed, and always in peak condition."

    Hanna pondered for a while and then said, "The monthly fee for the program you are asking for will be 14.000 Ren, and note that people call it a program for masochists because it¡¯s excruciatingly painful and tiring."

    "I know."

    "Other advisor will ask you to pay the fee for the first four months up front. However, if you choose me, I don''t mind if you pay it monthly. So, if you suddenly want to stop you won¡¯t losing too much of money."

    Hide curiously looked at Hanna as he asked, "I thought you are only a receptionist."

    "Beauty & the Beast do not employ a dedicated receptionist. All the receptionists here are fitness advisor, nutritionists, or expert of body development who handled the front desk in turn.

    I also have a morning diet class for office lady, and accompany boxing athletes during the day, and for your information the two boxers I accompany hold the title for their class."

    Hide nodded and firmly said, "Then, I will choose you."

    "Good."

    Hanna smiled cheerfully, and then took Hide to one of fitness rooms on 2nd floor.

    ---

    After measuring his weight, height, shoulder width, chest circumference, waist circumference, thigh circumference, the distance of elbow to shoulder and elbow to wrist, the distance of ankle to knee, width and foot pattern, Hanna then looked at Hide with sparkling eyes.

    "If you enter military or MMA club, they will surely welcome you with a big smile."

    Not long after that, Hanna began to squeeze some parts of Hide''s body and immediately grinned from ear to ear.

    "Looks like you start practicing over the last few days. Can you tell me the details?"

    Hide nodded and explained, "Push-ups, sit-ups, squats, lunges, and other basic exercises. As for my fitness level, heart and lung capacity, I can do a full-power 50 meters run, return to the starting point by walking, then have full-power 100 meters run, and walk to the starting point again.

    I repeat the cycle until full-power 400 meters run, and I can do it up to 5 sets without throwing up."

    Hanna looked at Hide curiously before saying, "Without throwing up huh¡­"

    "Yeah."

    "Well, it could be because you''re not running full-power or your body has a very good foundation. Whatever it is, we''ll find out in the next few days."

    After asking questions about daily routines, allergies to food or drugs, and several other things, Hanna then gave Hide the final explanation.

    The final form of the program would be sent via email in a few days. Of course, in the future the program would be corrected according to Hide¡¯s progress. And even if he didn''t complete the menu, he had to stop the morning exercise within 2 hours, not including warm-up.

    Hide also had to train in Beauty & the Beast at 15.30 - 17.00 five days a week. On odd days he would do a short fast. It was a full-power runs with the shortest duration of 10 minutes and the longest duration of 40 minutes, to build explosive power.

    On even days, he would have a long-range swimming without pause for 40 minutes to build endurance without the risk of overloaded his feet. After running or swimming he would get sports massage to reduce muscle pain, soreness, or tension so that the next day he could train as usual.

    The program also included access to all the fitness facilities at Beauty & the Beast. So in addition to the menu he received from Hanna, Hide could train in Beauty & the Beast anytime 24/7.

    "Okay."

    Hide nodded slightly, and then he excused himself because he had to get home before Aizawa.

    ---

    The distance between Hide¡¯s house and Beauty & the Beast were not far, so when Aizawa came home Hide had already prepared the lunch.

    After the lunch Hide then showed Vrada S5 to Aizawa while saying, "Starting today you can use Big Bro''s smartphone and Big Bro will also teach you how to use laptop. But you have to help Big Bro cleaning up the house, do the dishes, and exercise with Big Bro in the backyard every morning."

    ¡°Mhm.¡± Aizawa nodded while looking at Vrada S5 in Hide''s hand with sparkling eyes. "Can Aizawa take it to school?"

    "No, when you leave the house you can use your old 2G cellphone."

    "But Aizawa''s cellphone can only be used to make calls or send text."

    Seeing Aizawa pouting her lips, Hide smiled inwardly because it¡¯s a sign that Aizawa was no longer anxious when she was near him.

    "Well, your cellphone intended purpose is only for communication. Also, you can use Big Bro''s smartphone only if you have finished your school work and have to go to bed before ten."

    "Mhm."

    Aizawa nodded firmly and Hide immediately handed over the Vrada S5 to her. Not long after that, Aizawa was drowning and busy tinkering with her new toy.

    *****

 HA1 3.2 - Physical Exercise

    HA1 3.2 - Physical Exercise

    Monday, since five in the morning Hide had been exercising in the backyard. He hadn¡¯t received the training menu from Hanna yet, but it didn''t mean he would just sit around did nothing while waiting.

    As for Aizawa, Hide asked her to join him at half-past five and she complied with it even though he did not wake her up. After washing her face and brushing her teeth, Aizawa immediately joined Hide in the backyard. Since a few days ago, Hide made it a habit for Aizawa to use a tracksuit as her pajama. Therefore, she could start the work out right away without changing her clothes first.

    After helping Aizawa stretched, Hide then asked her to do a hula-hoop and jumping-rope for three minutes each, followed by short badminton against the wall for 14 minutes. For the last 20 minutes, Hide and Aizawa closed their exercise by playing badminton casually.

    One thing that surprised Hide was, Aizawa turned out to be really like badminton. She played with gusto and often laughed cheerfully. Unfortunately, they still have to go to school.

    Hide deftly caught the shuttlecock that flew at him before saying, "Aizawa, let¡¯s stop here for today."

    With a hopeful gaze Aizawa asked, "Can we play ten more minutes?"

    "We''ll be late for school if we don''t immediately take a shower and have breakfast."

    Aizawa nodded weakly while Hide handed to her a small thermos of warm soy milk. After drinking the warm soy milk to the last drop, Hide and Aizawa went to take morning shower, had breakfast, and then left for school.

    ---

    Hide realized that he would receive Watanabe Sensei''s wrath. Skipping school for one whole week was not trivial matter. Initially, he thought that he was mentally ready, but his assumption turned out to be just an illusion.

    In the counseling cubicle, for more than three minutes Watanabe Sensei looked at Hide silently. It was not angry gaze, but somehow it made Hide drowned by his own awkwardness.

    ''It''s not in vain that Watanabe Sensei has been a teacher for 20 years. He knows how to put a pressure on his students.''

    Hide muttered inwardly, while at the same time Watanabe Sensei took a deep breath.

    "Your daily grades have been amazing lately. Other teachers almost thought that you were a different student. Unfortunately, you ruined their positive impression by leaving the class for an entire week without permission." Watanabe Sensei took another deep breath before adding. "I don''t want to hear your excuses. If you had the intention of saying it, you should have conveyed it using a permit to leave the class.

    I may sound unfair, but I have no other choice. I have to impose penalty on you. You will participate on Running for Donation."

    Without many words Hide answered firmly, "Yes, Sensei, I understand."

    ---

    Running for Donation was an activity to raise charity funds by running. The rules were simple. The person or party who asked for the donation would run a certain distance for a certain nominal.

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    Once a month, East Nichiko High held a Running for Donation and they would put the donation they received into scholarship program for athletes initiated the Ministry of Education. It¡¯s usually being held on the municipal athletic field which had 8 lane of 400 meters track, on Monday-Thursday at 3:30-5:00 pm, with the main participants were members of sports club.

    Whether by coincidence or not, the club responsible for holding today Running for Donation was Hiking Club.

    Sayaka looked at Hide doubtfully as she said, "Are you sure you want to join Running for Donation?"

    Sayaka''s doubts were quite understandable, considering that in last year selection Hide got severe cramps on 5 km running test. He even had to be taken to nearby hospital by ambulance. Moreover, up to this day Sayaka believed that Hide still had feelings for her. So, she doubted his motivation too.

    "As I said before, this is a penalty from Watanabe Sensei."

    Sayaka nodded a few times before saying, "Hide, I''m sure you can ask Watanabe Sensei to give you other penalty, but since you have arrived here I will do my best to help you."

    "Thank you for your consideration."

    Sayaka then explained the rules of Running for Donation in details. In summary, photos and profiles of each runner would be uploaded to Running for Donation¡¯s page on the East Nichiko High¡¯s official website. Then, it would be promoted to various social media where donors could donate and select the runners.

    "The rate we use is 1000 Ren/km, but you don''t need to worry because I''ve wrote in your profile that you are a volunteer and not main runner.

    For now you can sit and watch how it goes. We have regular donors who are enthusiastic about this event, so the main runner will be quite busy."

    "Okay."

    Hide replied briefly before rushing to the long bench behind the marketing team, who were busy working on their laptop.

    Hide fully aware that Sayaka was subtly asking him not to cause problems such as pushing himself and then got a cramp like during last year Hiking Club¡¯s selection. However, he didn''t give a fuck about it. If he had to run he would run, and if he didn''t need to, he would happily sit in the bench.

    The problem was, he was just about to sit when one of the marketing team said, "Hide, someone chose you to run 2 km."

    "Okay."

    Hide answered briefly while Sayaka gasped. Then, after tightened his shoelaces and did a small stretch Hide rushed to the starting point.

    ---

    Hide had only started his physical training for a few days, so of course he still didn''t have solid stamina. However, because he focuses his training on stretching and jumping-rope, it would not be difficult for him if it''s only a run without time limits or carrying weights.

    Running for Donation main runners desperately suppressed their laughter when they saw Hide running at a speed of 4.5 km/h. To them, Hide was no different from a turtle.

    Only Isamu Sensei looked at Hide''s way of running with all seriousness. Before he became a sports teacher and hiking club advisor at East Nichiko, Isamu Sensei was a professional climber for eight years.

    Apart from basic exercises such as push-ups, chin-ups, squats, or technical exercises such as wall climbing, as a professional climber Isamu Sensei also had to run 16 km, five days a week. So it could be said that he was familiar with running techniques, and he could see that Hide was a professional runner.

    "Sayaka, who is that kid? Is he a member of Track and Field?"

    Sayaka turned her gaze to Isamu Sensei and said, "Sensei, that''s Hide, the kid who got severe cramps in the last year selection."

    "Huh?"

    Seeing Isamu Sensei dropped his jaw, Sayaka immediately asked, "Sensei, should we ask him to stop?"

    Isamu Sensei took a deep breath before saying, "I understand if you can''t see it, but I''m 200% sure that Hide has natural talent to become professional athlete.

    Maintain center of gravity in the center mass while accurately placing pressure on the soles of the feet backward instead of downward, and combined it with a low and short but rhythmic stride, will result in a very friendly stride towards the knees, ankles, and soles of the feet.

    It¡¯s called cotton step and is not something you can master in a year or two of practice, unless the person is very sensitive to the rhythm and motoric movements of his body to the smallest degree."

    Now, it''s Sayaka''s turn to drop her jaw. On reflex, she wanted to refute Isamu Sensei''s judgment, but at the same time, she recalled that Isamu Sensei''s assessment on someone physical ability was never wrong.

    *****

 HA1 3.3 - Determination

    HA1 3.3 - Determination

    As soon as today Running for Donation ended, Sayaka gave Hide permission to go home. He did not have to help to return the equipment to the school. However, Hide did not go home immediately. He went to restroom and took a small rest first. It was a habit that he developed in his previous life.

    In Airborne Ranger training and selection, there was a phase called Hate Week because in this phase every student would sincerely hate their instructors. Some of them even went to shrine or temple to wish their instructor a bad luck for the whole year.

    In the Hate Week, every student would undergo an extreme physical and mental training for the whole week almost without sleeping. The only resting time they could enjoy was 50 minutes meal break and medical examination every six hours.

    During the 50-minute pause, Hide would go to the restroom after eating and undergo the medical examination. Over there, he would just sit silently and pensively. It was a habit that reflected his character as a solitary person. As well as habit that unintentionally taught him how to enjoy solitude.

    A few years later this habit had enabled Hide to complete the Stalking Phase in the Sniper Advance Course, where the monotonous and boring routine alone thwarted more than half of the students.

    While he was pensive, Hide''s mind was filled with questions, how could anyone directly chose him to run 2 km as soon as his profile was uploaded? Then, just before the Running for Donation ended the number rose to 18 km.

    ''Am I popular without realizing it or someone is pranking on me?''

    While Hide was wondering to himself, four members of Hiking Club suddenly entered the toilet and started a conversation.

    "I guarantee the Weak Hide won''t come back tomorrow."

    "Tenma, don''t you think 18 km is too much? I think 12 km is more than enough to make Hide tremble."

    ¡°It¡¯s not that I complain because we have to give up our allowance for the whole month to get the 18 km mark, but I also think 12 km is enough to scare Hide."

    "Maybe it¡¯s truly too much, but there''s no point in regretting it now."

    Although Hide could not see their faces, he could easily recognize their voices, and then he heard the fifth voice.

    "So, you all are the anonymous donors who specifically asked Hide to run."

    "Sayaka, this is a toilet for boys."

    "I know," Sayaka firmly replied.

    "Are you going to report us to Isamu Sensei?"

    "No, instead of reporting you I''ll join in by adding 4 km to Hide''s quota."

    "Why?"

    "Looks like Hide still have feelings for me, and there is a possibility he will join Running for Donation when Hiking Club is on duty again. Therefore, I want him to realize as soon as possible, that Running for Donation is not a place to play."

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    "Okay, we understand."

    Not long after that, Sayaka and the four members of Hiking Club came out of the toilet. Meanwhile, Hide was sighing in silence.

    ''Self-centered bitch, making conclusions arbitrarily.''

    Somehow, hearing Sayaka¡¯s assumption that he still had feelings for her, made Hide wanted to vomit.

    ---

    Hanna worked at Beauty & the Beast on Tuesday-Sunday, with the average daily working hours around 15 hours. That''s why she would enjoy her vacation to the fullest.

    Sunday night, as soon as she finished her working hours, Hanna would go straight to an All You Can Eat restaurant. The next day she would wake up at 11:30, order fast food, and then spend her day watching anime or reading manga while enjoying potato chips and ice cream.

    Of course, Hanna could exercise the lazing and great glutton eating style only once a week, to ensure her posture and figure remains ideal and perfectly defined.

    Hanna just took a bit a mouthful of fried chicken when Hide''s call came in.  She reflexively frowned before placing a bookmark on the manga she was reading. Then, she answered Hide''s call with a super serious tone.

    "Hide, I''m busy putting together a training program for you. You better do not bother me for too long."

    [I just want to ask, from tomorrow to Thursday I have to run for 22 km and maybe more. Will it affect the program I will undertake?]

    "The key is no more than 40 minutes for each set. You do not only want endurance but also explosive power, and so monotonous repetitions that are too long will be counterproductive. Of course, right now your body is not ready to do Short Fast with duration of 40 minutes.

    So, do it with a pattern of 10 minutes interspersed with 5 minutes rest, with total repetition no more than eight times."

    [.  .  .]

    "After the run, you must immediately drink something with high amino acid content, but low in sugar, to help your muscle recover as soon as possible.¡±

    [Understood and thank you.]

    "You''re welcome."

    Hanna immediately ended Hide''s call, and then cheerfully devoured her fried chicken and continued reading the manga.

    ---

    In his previous life, after completing basic training Hide was able to run 2.4 km in 12 minutes without making his breath rise and fall. After he was completing the formation training for infantry unit, his speed rose to 11 minutes, while when he was on duty in Airborne Ranger his running speed increase again.

    However, now he could only cover a distance of 1.7 km within 10 minutes. Moreover, it had made him bathing his body with his own sweats. The distance also became shorter in the second and subsequent rounds. Overall, Hide only managed to record a distance of 7.9 km after running 5 times 10 minutes each.

    Seeing Hide gasping for air while his face was deathly pale, several members of Hiking Club immediately handed him energy drinks, but Hide kindly refused and drank his own sport-drink that he bought accordingly to Hanna¡¯s sugestion.

    Not far from Hide''s position, Sayaka looked at Hide with a complicated expression. As for Tenma and his three comrades, they were desperately trying to hold back their laughter.

    Only Isamu Sensei was fully aware of how heavy and serious the running pattern that Hide used. Even when he was still a professional climber, he would prefer 16 km jogs in one go rather than having to do short fast with a much shorter distance.

    While Hide was lying on his back on the edge of the athletic field, Isamu Sensei approached and sat next to him.

    "Hide, why did you do the Short Fast so eagerly? If you want to complete 22 km in three days, you just need to increase your speed a little and with duration of 3x90 minutes, I''m sure you will be able to complete it. It wills very tiring, but it won''t as hurt as Short Fast."

    "Sensei, I have joined a body development program before coming here for Running for Donation. I only do what my adviser told me."

    As soon as he heard Hide''s answer, a question mark instantly appeared on Isamu Sensei''s forehead. As far as he recalled, the only body development program that had Short Fast as a menu was explosive power. The problem was, only sprinters or professional martial artists would undergo such torturous programs.

    Also, if the goal was only to have a healthy body with an ideal posture, there were hundreds of other programs that were more humane. But in the end Isamu Sensei didn''t ask further and only muttered, ¡®Hide, honestly, I can¡¯t tell whether you are a fool or someone with admirable determination.¡¯

    *****

 HA1 3.4 - Of Their Own Accord

    HA1 3.4 - Of Their Own Accord

    On Tuesday Hide recorded a total distance of 7.9 km. On Wednesday, he added it by 7.7 km. So today, he only had to run for 6.4 km to complete his 22 km quota.

    Hide was about to warm up when Isamu Sensei called all the runners and announced that half an hour ago an anonymous donor sent a donation of 200 thousand Ren, and chose Sayaka, Tenma, Hiroki, Tsugiyama, and Oda as runners.

    Isamu Sensei thought that the amount of the donation was ridiculous as the Running for Donation was already on its last day. So, he sent an email to confirm whether the 200 km quota could be shared with other runners.

    Unfortunately, the donor still hadn''t replied yet. It meant, it could be because the donor was busy, or it¡¯s because the donor was trying to mess the Running for Donation. In the end, Isamu Sensei left the final decision to the runner chosen by the donor.

    "I have no objection if the five of you are not willing to take it. But if you do, I will be very grateful, and of course I have no expectation you will complete the whole 200 km quota in one day."

    After pondering for a while Sayaka raised her hand and asked, "Is it okay if the five of us don''t complete the 200 km quota?"

    Isamu Sensei firmly answered, "We''ll transfer the money for the unfulfilled quota back to the donor."

    Tenma excitedly said, "Then, let''s take as much as we can and return the rest of the money."

    In an instant, Tenma''s words were greeted by applause and war cries from other runners.

    ---

    Six runners were running in the athletic field at full speed. Five of them tried their best to record the longest distance they could get. As for the last runner, he just tried to close his quota in the shortest time possible.

    Sayaka and Tenma have started hiking since junior high school. The two had also invested a lot of energy and time to train and shape their physical fitness. Therefore, it''s not surprising that when they gave their all, Tenma could run at 20 km/h like a marathon runner while Sayaka managed to maintain her pace at 16 km/h.

    As for Hiroki, Tsugiyama, and Oda, they had started hiking only after entering East Nichiko High. Even so, they could maintain a pace of 12 km/h.

    However, for discerning eyes it was definitely not a good development. If Sayaka, Tenma, and the other three were running within their capacity, they would be fine. Unfortunately, from the start they had stepped on the gas and ran with a speed 25% higher than their physical limits.

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    The reason behind this rash action was because, when they were at the starting point Hide had said to them, "I know you are the donors who chose me to run 22 km. So, I¡¯m wondering how tough your bodies are, or you all are just a bunch of boot-fuck bullshit."

    Without second thought, Sayaka, Tenma, and the other three snatched the bait Hide had thrown. They immediately ran without any regard to rhythm or their physical capacity. They even ignored the warnings their brains had shouted out when their body have entered the initial phase of dehydration.

    Luckily, if someone ignored the warning from their brain and continued the activities that could cause a fatal damage, their brain would activate auto-shutdown or what was commonly known as fainting.

    Apart from Oda who had to stop due to severe cramps at km.16, Tsugiyama fell unconscious on the track at km.20, Hiroki at km.28, and Tenma at km.36. As for Sayaka, she immediately lowered her speed as soon as her friends fell one by one. In the end, she managed to complete the 40 km quota. However, she fell unconscious a moment later.

    As for Hide, he safely completed his quota. He was enjoying a can of supplement drink as he looked at Sayaka, Tenma, and the other three who had their back on stretcher while medical staff took care of them.

    Inwardly, Hide saluted and muttered, ''Your performance will never be forgotten.''

    ---

    After doing her homework, Aizawa brushed her teeth before joining Hide in the living room. While Hide was watching the world in the news, Aizawa was playing online games using a smartphone.

    When Aizawa returned his smartphone, Hide immediately told her that apart from morning exercise in the backyard, they would also swim in Beauty & the Beast every other day.

    And as soon as she heard the word swim, Aizawa''s first response was, "Big Bro, buy Aizawa a bikini."

    Hide¡¯s eyes instantly widened as he turned his eyes to Aizawa, ''How could a six year old girl want a bikini?''

    Hide then firmly saying, "No, you can''t wear a bikini yet."

    Aizawa immediately pursed her lips. "Why?"

    "Bikini is clothes for adult. It¡¯s illegal for a cute six year old girl like you to wear it."

    "...?"

    "If police arrest you Big Bro will be alone at home, or Aizawa wants to leave Big Bro?"

    Aizawa immediately shook her head. "No, Aizawa won''t leave Big Bro."

    Hide smiled from ear to ear before lifting Aizawa into his chest, "Good, now it''s time for bed."

    Aizawa cheerfully wrapped her hand around Hide''s neck. While having a big smile in his face, Hide then carried over Aizawa to her bedroom. Then, while standing on her bed Aizawa pecked Hide''s cheek.

    "Mwaaah... mwaaaah! Good night Big Bro."

    Hide nodded slightly with a smile, while Aizawa quickly slipped into under the blanket.

    After making sure Aizawa was fully covered, Hide then turned the main light off and returned to living room. He was about to sit back in front of the TV when a message from an unknown number entered his smartphone.

    -Hide, this is Isamu Sensei. Sayaka and Tenma have just confessed that they specifically chose you for the 22 km run. They also had told me about your provocation today. Do you want me to transfer the rest of your money back?-

    Without delay Hide replied.

    -Sensei, you don''t need to transfer the money back, and sorry if I caused trouble today.-

    -Well, your way of joking is too far. But I won''t mind it as long as when Hiking Club enters a competition and needs additional people, you are willing to help us.-

    -In that case, I will help Hiking Club whenever Sensei asks me to.-

    -Good, I will also make sure Sayaka and Tenma won''t bother you again. Good night.-

    -Thank you and good night, Sensei.-

    Hide then took a deep breath before putting back his smartphone to the table, and while continued watching the world on the news, inwardly he considered someone he would choose as his partner in crime.

    *****

 HA1 4.1 - Prospective Partner

    HA1 4.1 - Prospective Partner

    Under the gentle evening sunlight Hide walked down the corridor to the library. Today, he planned to meet his prospective partner-in-crime. As soon as he passed the library¡¯s door, Hide immediately turned his gaze to a corner where a boy at his age sat in front of his laptop.

    Takeo Ishida, student of class 2A at East Nichiko High. He was a software engineering genius and won two national level software engineering championships, sponsored by Ministry of Research and Technology.

    In junior high, Takeo three times in a row destroyed Hide''s dream to participate in nationwide software engineering championship. Hide¡¯s journey as young programmer went only as far as runner-up at prefectural level, and it made him held a deep grudge against Takeo at that time.

    Hide''s father was a world-class programmer, and Hide had started studying software engineering at the age of seven. Meanwhile, Takeo''s parents were just tech-blind restaurant owners. So it was easy to imagine Hide''s feelings, when he suffered a defeat from a kid who studied software engineering all by himself.

    In general, for a skill to develop to perfection, it took 1% talent and 99% hard work. The quota for talent was indeed only 1%, but that 1% gap was an impassable gap and became an eternal line between the gifted and the non-talented. When Hide realized that he would never surpass Takeo''s natural comprehension in software engineering, he immediately sank into bitterness.

    It was a decade later before Hide realized that his talent was not in software engineering, but in another area that he loved much more, and for the first time in his life, he realized the pain of envious and hate stares from other people who competed with him.

    Hide also deeply regretted his past deed, when he bluntly projected his bitterness to Takeo, who in this life ironically was the most ideal partner-in-crime for him. After heaving a deep sigh, Hide then approached Takeo.

    ---

    Almost every day after school, Takeo would use the library''s Wi-Fi network to work on small projects, provided for free-lancer programmers by online-job sites. Of course, he put some textbooks on the table so that other students would think he was studying or doing schoolwork.

    When Hide suddenly sat before him, Takeo immediately frowned. Although he and Hide were rivals in software engineering, in junior high Takeo repeatedly tried to make friends with Hide. Of course, his effort was in vain because for some reason Hide hated him so much. Even so, Takeo didn''t hate Hide back.

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    However, when he was in ninth grade Takeo was beaten by several students but Hide ignored him, even though at that time Takeo had desperately shouted for help from him.

    With an icy gaze Takeo looked at Hide. "Are you looking for trouble?"

    "No,¡± Hide calmly said as he looked straight to Takeo¡¯s eyes. ¡°I want to offer you a job with a good payoff."

    Takeo scornfully answered, "I don''t want to work with a coward."

    Hide tapped his fingers on the table for a moment before replying, "If you think I am a coward because I left you when you were beaten by Tenma and his gang, you are wrong. That day, I didn¡¯t help you because I wanted to watch you get beaten.

    I didn¡¯t left after ignoring your shout for help, but watched you from a corner while laughing in my heart."

    Takeo instantly clenched his fist and with a trembling voice he said, "Get out of my sight."

    However, with a calm tone Hide continued, "I did not immediately regret my action. But once I start to regret it, I always feel a sense of bitterness every time I recalled my stupidity that day."

    Takeo stuttered for a while before asking, "Did you take a wrong medicine this morning?"

    Hide shook his head slowly before whispering, "Listen carefully, your parents lost in forex trading and have a huge debt. It¡¯s around 8 million Dillar.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°The pay from the job I am offering can offset your parent''s debt, and after 5-6 jobs there is a chance you can fully clear it."

    As he creased his forehead, Takeo wondered how Hide knew about his parents'' debts. Then, he asked, "What kind of work can bring more than a million Dillar yields, and can be done by high school kid?"

    Hide immediately handed over to Takeo a piece of paper. "This place isn''t proper place to talk about it. Meet me here tomorrow at nine in the morning, if you''re interested."

    After Takeo took the piece of paper, Hide got up and leaved the library.

    ---

    While walking home to his house, Hide recalled his conversation with Takeo. He managed to confirm that Takeo was a solitary type like him. Because only a solitary type would be able to speak normally to other solitary type even if it was their first conversation.

    In his previous life, for more than two decades Hide tried to project himself out like a solider. And every time he failed to do so, his gloomy and pessimistic mind would spike up to several folds. Before finally, a psychologist in Sniper Advance Course told him that he was a solitary type who would instinctively project himself inwardly.

    A solider would gain peace of mind when he or she was in a crowd. Meanwhile, a solitary type would achieve peace of mind when he or she entered their inner self.

    When he finally realized that for more than two decades he had been desperately trying to become what he was not, Hide really didn''t know he should laugh out loud or cry over his stupidity.

    ''Well, it¡¯s good that I can also prevent another regret from my previous life.''

    At this point, Takeo didn''t realize how desperate his parents were. But Hide knew that Takeo''s parents had not only borrowed money from the bank, but had also mortgaged their house and restaurant. Also, within a few months Takeo''s parents would commit suicide after poisoning Takeo and his twin little sister using sleeping pills.

    ''Even if Takeo refuses to become my partner, I will still prevent his parents'' suicide attempts.''

    Hide strengthened his determination as he accelerated his footsteps.

    *****

 HA1 4.2 - Prospective Target

    HA1 4.2 - Prospective Target

    Takeo''s parents never asked Takeo to help them at their restaurant. They only asked him to get the best academic achievement possible while looked after his twin little sister. And because his little sisters were still in kindergarten, the task of looking after them was more like accompanying them to play, bathing them, and making sure they didn¡¯t skip their meal.

    Every evening, while Takeo studied and did his schoolwork, his twin little sister would sat in front of him while coloring sketchbooks using crayons. After that, Takeo would read them bedtime story.

    While reaching out for the Thousand and One Nights storybook from the shelf Takeo said, "Kei, Rei, it''s time to go to the bed."

    ""Mhm.""

    Kei Ishida and Rei Ishida, a pair of cute twins who always followed Takeo wherever he went, nodded together before tidying up their sketchbooks, and then hurried to their bedroom with Takeo.

    Takeo was about to start reciting tonight bed time story when Rei looked at him with her clear eyes and asked, "Big Bro, do we really have to leave this house?"

    "Huh?"

    Takeo was instantly shocked. Even though his parents had huge debts, their restaurant was still crowded with visitors and provided a decent income. Therefore, as time went on they would surely pay their debt off, even though there was a possibility he would have to give up the college.

    Takeo immediately tidied Kei and Rei''s blanket before asking gently, "Rei, why do you think we have to leave our house?"

    Rei innocently answered, "This afternoon two people from the bank came and argued with daddy."

    Kei then added, "They said this house and daddy''s restaurant will be confiscated and we can''t stay here anymore."

    On reflex Takeo smiled before saying, "Don''t worry, we won''t leave this house. Dad and Mom will take care of everything."

    Kei and Rei then nodded together, and without delay Takeo started reciting tonight bedtime story.

    ---

    After his little sisters fell asleep, Takeo went into his parents'' study. Every day, his parents came home at least at 11:00 PM. So, he still had about an hour.

    Takeo carefully examined his father''s desk and PC. With ease he found that in addition to 8 million Dillar debts, his parents had also mortgaged their home and restaurant. Worst of all, they had been in arrears for three months of installments.

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    Takeo instantly slumped to the chair, while Hide''s ridiculous offer crossed his mind.  He had ignored the offer without second thought. It was only natural that no matter what, he had a hard time imagining how two high school kids could make one million Dillar. But now, it seemed he had to consider every possible option, no matter how ridiculous it was.

    ¡®I hope Hide''s offer isn''t nonsense or I''ll beat him up.¡¯

    Takeo then tidied up his father''s desk before going to his room.

    ---

    Knosses was a mid-class restaurant on south Nichiko. It was very popular with the locals. All of its main menus used chicken as the base and were prepared using Hellenix culinary traditions.

    As a son of a restaurant owner, Takeo was well aware of Knosses¡¯s potential. It was located on the main road that connected downtown Nichiko with the beach on the south of the city, in the middle of an open field with no other buildings up to radius of 12 km.

    Under such conditions, a restaurant would close in six months if the menu didn¡¯t leave an extremely good impression in their customer¡¯s hearts, and had characteristics that could not be found anywhere else.

    Exactly at 09:00 PM, Takeo arrived in Knosses. He found Hide was sitting in a corner while making notes. If he''s not out of options, Takeo really didn''t want to talk with Hide. Therefore, he instantly frowned when Hide chose to eat first.

    Moreover, after they finished three servings of Roasted Lemon Chicken Breast served with Greece yogurt, Hide still hadn''t said a word about the job he mentioned yesterday. He just paid the bill before taking Takeo to the bus stop in front of the restaurant.

    While giving Hide a sharp gaze Takeo said, "Your way of joking is too much."

    Hide smiled slightly before answering, "I''m not joking and you are also savoring the Roasted Lemon Chicken Breast. So, don''t give me a sword stare."

    "Fuck!" Without delay, Takeo took his wallet.

    At the same time Hide casually said, "We''re going to rob Knosses."

    "Haaaah?!"

    Takeo dropped his jaw as he gave Hide a dumbfounded eyes, but Hide only looked back at him calmly.

    "I''m still sane and I''m not joking."

    Takeo was stunned for some time before saying, "For your information, a restaurant will deposit their income once a week or when it reaches a certain amount. So, getting one million Dillar from a restaurant is impossible."

    "Our target is not the money that Knosses makes, but what is stored in its cellar."

    "...?"

    "Knosses is used by an ex-Pararoble Cartel from Mexico, to hide the money and gold he stole from his former boss."

    A question mark appeared on Takeo''s forehead while he stared deeply at Hide. "Let¡¯s assume your info is legit, how are we going to do it?"

    "This job is very dangerous. Give it a thought for three days, deeply and carefully, and then decide. I will tell you the details only if you join the fun." Hide was quiet for a moment before adding, "And don''t ever think you can tell Knosses'' owner about my plan for a reward. He''ll kill you for the sake of keeping his secret."

    Silence then enveloped the bus stop. Hide gave Takeo time to digest his explanation, and waited until the bus that would take him to Kitaro appeared in the distance.

    "I have to pick up my little sister, so this is the end of our conversation. Thank you for coming and listening to my offer."

    "Yeah."

    Takeo replied with a small nod and fell into contemplation as the bus arrived and Hide got in into it. A moment later, he then looked at the bus that moving away into distance.

    On reflex Takeo muttered under his breath, "Why do I feel he was so different from the usual Hide I knew?"

    *****

 HA1 4.3 - Information and Transportation

    HA1 4.3 - Information and Transportation

    Last night, Takeo spent his time considering Hide''s offer. He was aware the risk was high. However, what he worried the most was not the risk, but the burdens his parents would have to bear if something happened to him.

    Takeo didn''t want to give his parents some additional burden, but at the same time he knew they had no means to take care of their debt. That''s why, even though he still couldn''t make the decision, Takeo decided to visit Hide.

    After taking a deep breath, Takeo pressed the bell door on Hide''s house.

    ---

    Hide and Aizawa had just taking a shower after cleaning the house. Then, the bell door suddenly rang. Shortly after they opened the door, Hide and Aizawa were greeted by Takeo and two sweet twin little girls.

    After clearing his throat Takeo said, "I have to look after my little sisters, so I can''t leave them at home alone."

    Hide smiled at Rei and Kei before saying, "No problem, please come in."

    Hide was not surprised that Takeo knew his home. It was a simple task for him to find one or two addresses. After asking Aizawa to accompany Rei and Kei playing snake and ladder in the living room, he then took Takeo to the terrace.

    ¡°Have you decided?" Hide calmly asked.

    Takeo took a deep breath before replying, "Before we go into the details of your offer, can I ask a few questions first?"

    "You can."

    "Are we going to kill some people?"

    "If all goes well, we will kill only four people who are guarding Knosses at night. I''ll do it. Your job is to gather information and take care of the transportation."

    "Have you killed people before?" Takeo asked as he deeply looked at Hide.

    "I have, but please don''t ask the details."

    Takeo was instantly stunned. He didn''t know whether he should believe Hide''s words or not. In the end, he chose not to think about it further and asked the next question.

    "If you get killed, what should I do?"

    Hide was silent for a while before answering, "If I am caught or killed, Knosses owner will identify me and then kill my family. So, you must quickly run and destroy all trails that connect you with the job."

    Takeo instantly turned his gaze towards Aizawa, and stared at her while an indescribable emotion flashed through his eyes. ''He must have had a very deep motive if he took such a big risk.''

    While Takeo was still pondering Hide said, "As a side note, if on D-Day the conditions I want are not achieved, we will cancel or postpone the job."

    "Understood.¡± Takeo slightly nodded. ¡°Now, can you explain my role?"

    "We need two cars and we will destroy it after the job is done. Your first job is to find them. I''ll also teach you how to drive."

    Takeo frowned as he said, "Finding information isn''t difficult, but I''m not sure I can master a driving technique in a matter of days."

    "The job needs a lot of preparation before we can execute it. I''ve arranged a 30-days long time-table, so you have plenty of time to learn how to drive."

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    "Do I will need a driving license?"

    "For this job, you won¡¯t have time to get a driving license."

    "Hide, how did you find out about Knosses, the owner who was a former member of Pararoble Cartel, and other info?"

    "A black market dealer provides it. He will also fund the operation and launder the money we get. In return, he will get a 20% cut."

    Of course, the black market dealer Hide was referring to was himself, but to convince Takeo, he immediately added.

    "I know the dealer family well. I have also done three jobs for him and they are all tasty. You don''t have to worry about him."

    Takeo took a deep breath before saying, "Understood, now we can go into the details."

    ---

    With great interest, Takeo listened to Hide''s explanation. Every night, Knosses was guarded by four men. Three of them were just local thugs, but the other one was an ex-commando from Central Americ.

    The Knosses owner lived in downtown Nichiko, and was legally unrelated to Knosses. However, he could send his bodyguard to Knosses in a matter of minutes when needed. The team he sent was using five-man format, driving two Evo IVs.

    Therefore, if Hide failed to prevent the distress signal, the job would be canceled and he would quickly withdraw. Regarding how Hide would eliminate the four guards in Knosses, he must get more information before he could determine the method.

    For the cars, Takeo had to find two compact SUVs from rich jerks or dirty politicians, with a maximum location of 60 km from Knosses. The two compact SUVs would be stolen one hour before the robbery. The first car would be used in the robbery while the second car would be placed at the transit location to escape.

    Takeo also had to find two other compact SUVs from a nearby city with the same physical appearance. The plate number of the two other compact SUVs would be used to create a fake license plate. This was done to anticipate if the compact SUV owner reports the theft of their car before the robbery was over, and highway patrol responded by conducting initial sweep in the area.

    Without difficulty, Takeo understood the details of Hide''s plan. The problem was, Hide did not mention how and where he would learn how to drive a car.

    "When will you start teaching me how to drive?"

    "Tomorrow, free some of your time after school. For now, we''ll have lunch before continuing."

    Takeo nodded and then asked, "Can I order a delivery from my restaurant, in exchange for treating me at Knosses?"

    "Of course you can."

    Hide answered cheerfully, because for him free food always tasted two times more delicious. Not to mention, it came from a high-end restaurant.

    ---

    Exactly at 21:40, Hide carried Aizawa to her bedroom. After Hide put her down on the bed, Aizawa asked, "Big Bro, will Kei and Rei play here again?"

    "Do you want to play with them again?"

    "Mhm."

    "Then, next week Big Bro will ask Takeo to bring Rei and Kei here."

    Aizawa immediately nodded several times before slipping in into under her blanket, and after saying good night and turning off the main light, Hide left the room.

    While he walked back to living room, Hide was thinking what excuse he could use to explain why Rei and Kei couldn''t come next week. As until Knosses job was executed, he and Takeo shouldn''t interact too often. That way, if he was caught or killed, the owner of Knosses would not connect him with Takeo.

    ''I shouldn''t have promised it to Aizawa.''

    Hide then heaving a deep sigh before sitting down in the living room and continued watching the world on the news.

    ---

    After putting Kei and Rei to sleep, Takeo immediately worked on his task. For the cars, with ease he got 24 prospective preys. He then printed the list, to be handed to Hide the next day.

    Hide was the one who would steal the car, so he was also the one who would do the field survey. After the car was determined, Takeo then would look for a compact SUV with the same physical appearance.

    Takeo then moved to his second task, which was buying screwdrivers, pliers, electric drills, drill bolt, four-rotor drones, cables, AAA batteries, mini flashlights, 2G cellphone, high-resolution camera, alcohol, bandages, antibiotic as well as wound dryers, intravenous fluids, energy-bars, aspirin, chemicals, acidic liquids, and dozens of other items.

    Hide submitted the shopping list along with 600 thousand Ren, and insisted that every purchase must be accompanied by a receipt.

    Takeo carefully read the shopping list before writing down the shop where he plans to buy each item. In every shop, he couldn''t buy more than three items and the purchases had to be completed within two weeks. It was quite a hassle, but he didn''t mind it.

    Takeo''s third task was to collect footage from security CCTV at Knosses at night. He had to save the footage and then hand them over to Hide.

    ¡®Now I just need to focus my mind on the driving practice and my part in the preparation stage is done.¡¯

    After turning his laptop off, Takeo climbed into the bed. However, he could not sleep. His mind was filled with the images of robbery attempt he would carry with Hide to the brim.

    *****

 HA1 5.1 - Driving Course

    HA1 5.1 ¨C Driving Course

    On the south of Nichiko, lay an unused pier called Old Pier. It had a fairly large area. A small part of it was rented as a warehouse by several export-import companies, while the rest became an area to pile up used containers. But actually, the container dumping area was an illegal racing track for auto-clubs.

    That was the brief explanation Takeo received from Hide, just before they left Nichiko East High and separated. However, when Takeo arrived at Old Pier, he only saw Hide leaning on an empty security post next to the entrance, and there was no sign that the place was a racing arena.

    Hide smiled at Takeo before saying, "I thought you were lost."

    Takeo gave Hide a short sigh before answering, "I understand we have to limit our interaction, but I think it''s a bit too much if we have to take a different route every time we go somewhere."

    "It''s not a bit too much and you have to get used to it."

    Because Hide said it with a very serious expression, and it was something that happened rarely, Takeo could only nod. "Fine, but I don''t see any tracks or cars in this place. So how am I going to train?"

    "Follow me."

    Hide then jumped over the wire fence next to the security post. After being stunned for a moment, Takeo then followed him.

    ---

    After walking for around 2 km from the entrance, Hide and Takeo arrived in front of an old and unkempt house. On the porch of the house, an old man sat behind a table.

    After observing two young men who stood right in front of ''No entry without permission!'' sign, the old man said, "This place opens at 6 pm."

    Hide casually answered, "We know, but we want to learn when Old Pier is still quiet."

    "What''s the fun of learning to drive alone? Only a timid or prospective criminal learn to drive in secret, and at a glance I can see that you''re not timid in the slightest."

    "We work part-time at a cargo delivery service. Within a few months we will be legitimate to get a driving license. So we want to be prepared first."

    The old man pondered for some time before speaking, "If you guys want it, I can prepare a van in a few days."

    Hide shook his head. "Thanks for the offer, but we want to use Nizan S12 with standard-setting. We will start today and rent the car that we use exclusively for the next 19 days. We also need 8 sets of spare tires with 80% condition."

    Hearing Hide''s request, the old man frowned. "What kind of logistics service using sedans for their operations?"

    "Well, my friend is a complete newbie. So we have to start one step at a time." Hide paused for a moment before continuing, "For me, I am able to drive a 10-ton truck. I can show it if you don''t believe me."

    "No need." The old man then signaled for Hide and Takeo to come over. "I have four basic S12s. After you memorize the rules of this place, pay the rent and compensation guarantee if you damage my car, sign a statement that you had never learned how to drive here, you can choose which car to use."

    While pulling out a pen and some documents from the desk drawer, the Old Man added, "And from now on, you can call me Oldman Ronsox."

    Hide smiled before saying, "Thank you, Oldman Ronsox."

    ---

    After selecting an S12 in light blue, white, and gray hues, Hide took Takeo to a parking lot not far from the Oldman Ronsox house. Then he asked Takeo to take the driver''s seat.

    Cold sweat instantly filled Takeo''s forehead, a sign that he was very nervous.  Even so, Takeo still complied with Hide''s request.

    Hide then explained how to start the car, showing the gear stick, hand brake, gas pedal, brake pedal, and gear pedal. To test Takeo''s reaction, Hide gave him instant questions. He would name the gas, brake, or gear and see if Takeo hits the right pedal or not.

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    After fifteen minutes of instant questions, Hide then asked Takeo to change gears which were done when the engine was on and the handbrake was installed.

    After that, the real practice began. The first menu was Symmetric Maneuver. Where Takeo had to move back and forth right next to the 50-meter parking line, and maintained the side of the S12 30-40 cm from the line.

    Of course, even though Takeo took it slowly, he still had a hard time keeping the car symmetrical with the parking lines. Takeo even crossed it several times.

    Only after Hide asked him to use the side rear view mirrors to help him maintain his path, Takeo easily ensured the S12 remained symmetrical with the parking line whether it was moving forward or backward.

    After 20 minutes of Symmetric Maneuver, Takeo began to be able to stop, change gears, or start the S12''s engine smoothly. Hide then gave him a break before the next menu started.

    ---

    In silence, ten minutes passed before Takeo turned his head towards Hide. "What''s the next practice?"

    Hide casually answered, "Parking Maneuvers."

    Without delay Takeo started the engine, and Hide immediately gave instructions.

    "Align S12 left side at a distance of 30 cm from the parking line, then move backward until the rear tire is in front of the end of first diagonal line."

    Takeo gracefully carried out Hide''s first instructions, and the second was immediately given.

    "Turn the steering wheel to the left until it''s stuck, then step on the gas gently until each sides of S12 are symmetrical with the first and second diagonal lines."

    When the S12 position was symmetrical with the two diagonal lines that form the parking box, Takeo immediately lifted his foot off the gas.

    "Let go of the steering wheel.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Good, now the steering wheel is in neutral and you just have to move backward."

    Takeo slowly stepped on the gas again, and when the entire body of S12 entered the parking lot, Hide immediately said.

    "Congratulations, you just did your first perfect parking."

    Takeo immediately grinned from ear to ear, and then stepped off the S12 to take a picture of his first parking attempt.

    ---

    The third exercise for Takeo was Free Maneuver, which was driving freely at the highest speed possible. Twice a week, the track at Old Pier would be used as a racing arena with different obstacle settings for each race. Therefore, Hide was not worry Takeo would have lack of track variations.

    After putting on his seat belt, Hide told Takeo he could start stepping on the gas. In the first few laps, Takeo was only moving at a speed of 40-50 km/h. However, slowly his confidence increased until he dared to go on a straight track at a speed of 60-80 km/h.

    Of course, when there was a difficult turn, Takeo had to slowed down to 20-30 km/h. Hide also told Takeo that when he was about to turn or change lanes, seeing the rearview mirror was much more important than turning the turn signal on. Of course, it would be perfect if Takeo saw the rearview mirror and turned the turn signal on at the same time.

    Without realizing it, 20 minutes had passed and Hide asked Takeo to pull over. After downing a juice box Hide said, "Tomorrow I can still accompany you, but from next day you have to train on your own. Your mandatory menus are 10 minutes Symmetric Maneuver for each side, 10 minutes Parking Maneuver for each side, and then do as many Free Maneuvers as possible."

    Takeo nodded slightly before confidently said, "Understood."

    ---

    From the terrace of his house, Oldman Ronsox observed the two young men who were practicing driving, and he immediately cursed, "Working in a logistic service huh¡­ Damn two monkey heads!"

    The back-forth movement and parking exercises carried out by his two young guests would not be of much benefit to people who were already able to drive, but would have a huge positive effect for people who were just started their practice, where their bodies and minds were still fresh and would absorb every sensation they felt like a dry sponge absorbs water.

    If it was done correctly and measuredly, both exercises would allow the driver to blend in with the car. In short, the driver only needed 5% of his attention to get the car to move the way he wanted, and used the rest of his attention for situational awareness outside the car.

    The ability to drive with this minimal attention on the car was the basis for Offensive Driving adopted by SFG and motorized element from Capital Guard Regiment, where the personnel was projected to drive in chaotic area of ??versus contact.

    One of the main training in offensive driving was pushing forward or backward a VIP car whose driver was killed or unconscious, either in a straight line or in a turn until the car exited the hot zone. The pushing maneuver was impossible to execute if the driver was too focused on the vehicle he was driving, and ignored the situation around him.

    Oldman Ronsox knew the benefits of the exercises performed by Hide and Takeo was because he was the one who created the training method for offensive driving. A question mark instantly appeared on Oldman Ronsox''s forehead, but in the end he decided to harbor his curiosity.

    "Well, if I wait a little longer, usually people will willingly and unconsciously tell me things I want to know."

    When his two guests finished the practice, Oldman Ronsox asked them to park the S12 next to his house and no need to return it to the warehouse, without any further interaction.

    *****

 HA1 5.2 - Training Improvement

    HA1 5.2 - Training Improvement

    It''s not known to the public, but many elite military units override the aspects of building the physical capacity to the highest level, as their ultimate goal was to build the undying will power.

    Therefore, it was not uncommon when in training personnel were thrown into situations that exceed their physical limits. For example, the personnel had to face an excessive physical activity without proper energy intake. It was a training method that actually could damage physical potential.

    Then, why would such counterproductive methods was being applied?

    The answer was that no matter how perfect, physical capacity still had its limit. Meanwhile, will power was limitless as far as one knew how to dig them.

    There were many examples where personnel who had lost all of his comrades, while his physical capacity, mental strength, and adrenaline had been drained out to the last drop, was still be able to complete the mission thanks to his undying will power that transcended human boundaries.

    In his previous life, Hide had successfully passed the training commonly known as ''Testing the limit of human spirit'' that almost killed him both physically and mentally, and the results of this training were still properly stored in his soul to this day.

    Therefore, in this life Hide only had to build his physical capacity to the highest level. Like professional athletes who over the years built muscles they needed. He would patiently craft perfect muscle, one thin layer at a time.

    Five days have passed since the last time Hide accompanied Takeo at Old Pier. As usual, he went to Beauty & the Beast after school. Today, his training routine was a 40-minute marathon swim.

    Hide did the swim by circling the edge of the pool and changing styles each time he completed a lap. Of course, currently he was still unable to use full speed for 40 minutes straight. But at least, he was able to do it at moderate speed.

    As soon as Hide finished his swim, Hanna immediately helped him dry his body, and then asked him to lie down on the mat not at the edge of the pool. The sports massage session then began.

    Sports massage should be applied while the body was still warm, and if the recipient''s body was too cold, baby oil or a special blanket must be used. For Hide, Hanna chose to use a special thin blanket that could hold body heat.

    Five minutes after Hanna started the massage, Hide''s body was flooded with sweat. It was a positive sign that the lactic acid or the burning residue that had accumulated in his muscles was being burned out.

    When Hanna massaged Hide''s arm, she felt Hide developed additional of muscle over there. So she asked, "Hide, apart from my menu, have you done other exercises that require a specific arm swinging movements?"

    "Yes, every morning I throw a tennis ball at a target on the wall by swinging my arms like a whip from below. I do it as a means of stress relief. There are at least 200 reps per session."

    A lie smoothly left Hide¡¯s lips. What he threw every morning was combat knives and not tennis balls. But of course, Hanna didn''t know that she was being lied to.

    And so Hanna casually said, "Well, it makes your arms stronger and more flexible. It also doesn''t clash my menu. You can carry it as long as you apply adequate rest and nutrition intake."

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Hanna then smiled a little before continuing, "Looks like you are also getting used to my massage."

    "Yup,¡± Hide briefly replied.

    Hanna clearly remembered when Hide told her that he wasn''t used to being massaged, right before the first session started. At that time, she ignored Hide''s warning, and the first session ended in a fight.

    Luckily, in the second session a mutual understanding between the two was slowly forming. Hanna was extra careful when she gave the acupressure, while Hide tried desperately not to squirm.

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    And now, in the fifth session, Hide was able to lie down like a wooden block so that Hanna could do her job with ease.

    With a teasing tone, Hanna then asked, "Hide, what about sex? If you can''t let a woman touch you, how are you going to do it?"

    Hide calmly answered, "I''ll tie my partner''s feet and hands, as well as gag her mouth and blind folded her eyes. Maybe I''ll also sedate her first so I can do it freely."

    Hanna reflexively frowned. "Hide, I hope no woman will marry you."

    Hanna then squeezed Hide''s butt as hard as she could, and a hysterical scream suddenly was heard to every corner of the pool.

    ---

    Under the twilight sun Hide walked out of Beauty & the Beast, and he immediately frowned as Takeo walked over to him with a smile. Even so, Hide did not avoid Takeo.

    As he walked next to Hide, Takeo said cheerfully, "I have met your target today. I can park backward at full speed. As for the symmetrical maneuver, from the starting point to the endpoint I can reach a maximum speed of 80 km/h and only hold the steering wheel with one hand."

    ¡°Well done.¡±

    A proud smile spread out across Takeo''s lips before he continued, "Is there another target I need to meet?"

    Hide casually answered, "No, higher targets won''t have any effect, it''s about time you change the menu."

    "Change the menu?"

    A question mark appeared on Takeo''s forehead as Hide continued.

    "On the west side of Old Pier, you will find two tracks of used tires, 3 meters wide each, forming the letters Z and S, and from end to end both are 500 meters long. You can measure them using Google earth if you don''t believe me."

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Hide paused for a moment before continuing, "Starting tomorrow, apply symmetric maneuver and free maneuver on those tracks, as many as possible but with the same quota."

    "Is that the last practice before I can ride on the highway?"

    "No, what you have been doing so far is a small warm-up. The basic training is what you will do from tomorrow. Then, you can go for a more complex menu before going for a drive on the highway."

    Takeo nodded before hesitatingly asking, "Can I ask a question that has nothing to do with your menu?"

    "What is it?"

    "What is the difference between SOHC and DOHC engines?"

    "SOHC is a Single Over Head Camshaft. DOHC is a Double Over Head Camshaft. For more details, you can find it on the internet."

    Takeo let out a long sigh before saying, "I''ve been reading various references on the internet for the past few days, but I still don''t get a picture I can understand."

    Hide then led Takeo into an alley, and leaned against a wall before saying, "I''ll give you a quick overview, so listen to it carefully."

    "Okay."

    "Imagine there are four lanes, some vehicles only have two lanes, but for my explanation we will use four lanes as a reference."

    After Takeo nodded slightly, Hide continued his explanation.

    In the SOHC engine, the four lanes were used to pump air and fuel into combustion chamber, as well as to pump out the combustion residues. This alternating pump-in and the pump-out cycle would produce rpm at low-medium levels, around 4000-6000 rpm.

    The single input and output system made the engine¡¯s size very compact. For example, Hondha Civix, to remove its engine, it only took 2-3 people to lift it without the need for a pulley. It was also made the engine more fuel-efficient, but it would be very dirty if you skipped the maintenance schedule.

    With a medium-level rpm, the vehicle would also have a very responsive acceleration. The car would be very comfortable when overtook other car in crowded traffic, or to maneuver on the road that could not be said to be a turn but also not a straight one.

    "Now for the DOHC engine."

    Without giving Takeo time to digest his explanation, Hide continued.

    In a DOHC engine, there were four lanes for pumping air and fuel into the combustion chamber, as well as four other lanes for pumping out the combustion residues. This simultaneous pumping in and out cycle produced a fairly high rpm, at least around 8000 rpm.

    The separation between input and output lane made the DOHC engine bigger and heavier. For example Toyoto Correla, to install or remove its engine a pulley was needed. The rate of fuel consumption was also higher than SOHC engine in the same class, but the engine would not be fussy even though it was rarely being serviced.

    With a high rpm, the vehicle had a lot of power and was comfortable to use on an empty straight road. Compared to SOHC engines, DOHC engines also excel when the car had to make full turns. Because in the same gear the DOHC engine had a higher rpm, and a higher rpm means more power that was vital for pushing the car body when turning.

    Hide look at Takeo''s excited face before giving a serious warning, "However, to be able to feel and take the advantage of a DOHC or SOHC engine, you need at least 5000 hours of intense training. So don''t think about it for now.

    And as I said before, focus on your training and we shouldn''t have interaction in public too often."

    Takeo nodded, and then he asked another question, "How about a twin-cam engine?"

    Hide sighed silently, but he still answered Takeo''s question.

    "The twin-cam engine only has four lanes like SOHC engine, but each lane is divided into two. Half lane is for the fuel and air inlet, and the other half is the exit for the combustion residues."

    While Takeo nodded, Hide asked, "Can I go now?"

    "Ummm... yeah."

    "Thank you."

    Wasting no time Hide then took his leave. He had to get home before Aizawa, so he had to hurry. Meanwhile, Takeo was standing still in his place, lost in thought to digest the enlightenment he had just received.

    *****

 HA1 5.3 - Foolish Big Brother & Unfortunate Little Sister

    HA1 5.3 - Foolish Big Brother & Unfortunate Little Sister

    Like any other day, Oldman Ronsox sat in front of his house, wearing shorts, T-shirt, and flip-flops made of tires.

    The only difference was that since Takeo trained at Old Pier, he would cheerfully wait for him because the kid always brought him a nice meal from Kikuchi restaurant. Oldman Ronsox also had a very positive impression of Takeo because he was polite and determined young man.

    A few days ago, Takeo had started the Symmetrical Maneuvers and Free Maneuvers on the Z and S tracks. And every day he would do it for hours. It was as if his life was depended on it.

    ''He doesn''t seem like a kid who''s crazy about street racing. Why does he train so hard?''

    A question mark appeared on Oldman Ronsox''s forehead as Takeo entered the yard. Then, without hesitation he accepted the paper-bag handed over by Takeo.

    "You''re late. I skip my lunch and now I¡¯m starving."

    "Please forgive me. Hide showed me a new training menu, so I can''t go here right away."

    Seeing Takeo was answering him awkwardly, Oldman Ronsox immediately changed the subject. "What new menu did he give you?"

    Without delay Takeo showed a video on his smartphone. It lasted only a few seconds, showing a Nissan S13 that spun in place three times before going full speed and then made a turn on a traffic cone with a very small turning radius, like how needle on a bow forming a circle.

    "While continuing the practice on S and Z tracks, Hide also wants me to start practicing the spins and turn maneuvers in the video, but he didn''t give me any tips at all."

    ¡°It¡¯s called 360 degree drift,¡± Oldman Ronsox said while opening his lunch. "To be able to execute it, the driver must have a solid foundation in controlling the steering wheel and pedals. To be honest, your foundation is still weak, but it''s slightly enough to start that kind of tire-slaughtering training."

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Still in a casual tone Oldman Ronsox continued, "Since you always bring me lunch, let me give you a little tip. Gas too strong will make the car spin, while gas too weak will make the car fail to clear the turn and then spin.

    To find the right touch, you have to do trial & error hundreds of times and there is no other way. Luckily, your friend has prepared extra tires for you."

    Takeo immediately gave a small bow. "Thank you for the tips."

    "No problem, and last night Hide came here with a gift and asked me to teach you how to change tires, wash the car, and the basics of maintenance. So, don''t come home right away after the training.

    You should be grateful to Hide. I don¡¯t know what you two are up to, but he is very serious about preparing you."

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    "Understood."

    Takeo once again bowed to Oldman Ronsox. A moment later, he was already immersed in his training, while Oldman Ronsox happily enjoyed the roasted duck he brought.

    ---

    Sunday morning, after having their breakfast Hide and Aizawa would clean and tidied the house for two hours. After that, Aizawa would play using Hide''s smartphone or computer. As for Hide, he would study the first and third-year materials.

    Hide had just turned his laptop on when the doorbell rang. He then rushed to open the door, and found Takeo looking at him with a smile. At the same time, Kei and Rei cocked their heads out while trying to look into living room.

    Yesterday, on the last day of practice at Old Pier Hide had told Takeo to meet him tonight in front of Sakura Hotel. The two would have a small warm-up before carrying out Knosses job. So, Hide was a little surprised when Takeo came to visit this early along with his little sisters.

    While Hide was pensive, a light step approached from behind him, and in an instant Rei and Kei''s faces turned radiant.

    Two weeks in a row Hide lied to Aizawa that Rei and Kei couldn''t come to their house, but when Aizawa stopped asking about it, they actually came to visit.

    Hide knew very well that he had to limit the interaction with Takeo and his family. However, when he saw the joy on Aizawa, Kei, and Rei''s faces, he realized that he could no longer ask Takeo and his little sisters to go home.

    After smiling gently at Rei and Kei, Hide said, "Come in."

    Before long, Aizawa, Kei, and Rei were already playing puzzles in the living room. Meanwhile, Hide and Takeo sat at the terrace.

    After letting out a deep sigh Hide said, "Don''t you remember we have to keep our interactions as low as possible?"

    Takeo slightly nodded a few times. "I know, but I have no other choice. Rei and Kei keep pestering me to bring them to play here, and I also want to talk to you directly."

    "Well, you''re already here. So, hurry up and say what you have to say."

    After clearing his throat Takeo asked, "Do you know why at East Nichiko Elementary, Aizawa was alienated by other kids?"

    "I know Aizawa is an outcast and being bullied by some kids, but I don''t know the exact reason."

    "Do you want to know?"

    "Absolutely."

    After taking a deep breath, Takeo then began his explanation. At first, he only heard one or two pieces of story from classmates who have younger siblings in East Nichiko Elementary. However, after he dug deeper for the last few days, there were a few things he found.

    Initially, Aizawa had lots of friends. Until one day, one of her friends mocked her because she always brought instant noodles for her lunch. When Aizawa said that the lunch was made by her Big Brother and she really liked it, the boy then said that her Big Brother gave her instant noodles every day because he hated her.

    Then, no one expected that Aizawa would burst into a loud cry while hit and grabbed the hair of the boy who said that her brother hated her.

    Aizawa was a smart, sweet kid, and didn''t like to make fuss. So, her friends and teachers were very surprised when Aizawa suddenly snapped. Her friends then started to stay away from her, while her teachers didn''t know what to do. Worse, her father didn''t come to the school when her homeroom teacher asked him to.

    Aizawa, who was previously considered a genius because she could count, read, and write fluently before other kids could do it, in the end got the nickname Instant Noodle Monster and was even bullied.

    Takeo was silent for a while before continuing, "I know Aizawa has changed schools, but please don''t give her instant noodle for her lunch."

    "Don''t worry, at her new school Aizawa doesn''t have to bring her own lunch."

    Hide replied calmly, but inwardly turmoil and regret mercilessly tore his heart.

    ---

    11:00 pm, Hide knelt next to the bed while Aizawa fell asleep peacefully in front of him. He silently took a deep sigh as the story about the origin of Aizawa''s bullying kept ringing in his ears. At the same time, the image of Aizawa crying out loud when one of her friends make her remembered the reality she wanted to deny, kept floating in his mind.

    "Please forgive your foolish brother¡­ my unfortunate Lil Sis."

    Tears flowed from corners of Hide''s eyes while he fixed Aizawa''s blanket, and after he kissed Aizawa''s forehead gently, Hide then got up. Tonight, he had some work he had to carry and he must hurry.

    *****

 HA1 6.1 - Stalking

    HA1 6.1 - Stalking

    In downtown of Nichiko, two blocks from Sakura Hotel to be precise, stood a huge minimart. Rumor said Aizen Mafia owned this minimart, because apart from having ¡®Aizen¡¯ as its name, a Nizan S14 belonging to Aizen Mafia''s head chief sat in its backyard almost all the time.

    A group of young people who hang out in front of the minimart every night was also said to be junior members of Aizen Mafia.

    At exactly 12:30 am, Takeo entered Aizen Minimart and immediately grabbed a shopping basket. Wasting no time he put in snack bars, chewing gum, salad oil, matches, isotonic drinks, and a few other items.

    After paying for his purchase, Takeo then rushed to the bus stop in front of Sakura Hotel, the location where he would link-up with Hide. In the bus stop, Takeo found Hide was sitting with a medium-sized backpack on his shoulders.

    Takeo casually said, "I''ve bought the things you asked for."

    Hide made sure Takeo was wearing a pair of sneakers, jeans, t-shirt, and a dark jacket he had asked, before asking him, "That¡¯s not outfit you usually wear, right?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Takeo firmly replied. ¡°And everything is new as you requested.¡±

    ¡°Where are your spare clothes and shoes?¡±

    ¡°In my backpack.¡±

    After a smile Hide said, ¡°Then, let¡¯s get the job done."

    Without a word Hide and Takeo entered the alley next to Sakura Hotel. After walking for twenty minutes, they stopped in front of a dark blue S14.

    "Hide, whose S14 is this?"

    "Chief of Aizen Mafia."

    Hide then threw S14''s key at Takeo, who stared at him with wide eyes and a hanging mouth.

    "Don''t you know Aizen Mafia¡¯s Chief is a psychopath?"

    "Tonight we''re going to kill some people. Stealing a car from a psycho is trivial, but if you aren''t ready, it''s still not too late to cancel it."

    Takeo swallowed hard before replying, "No, let¡¯s do it. It''s just that I still can''t do the 360 degree drift. So, are you sure you want me to drive? Not to mention, I''ve never drive a car on the highway."

    Hide answered firmly, "I won¡¯t ask you if I¡¯m not sure."

    If Hide had time to practice even for just ten days, he would definitely become ten times more proficient than Takeo. However, he had a lot of other things he had to do, so his best option right now was Takeo.

    "This is also a good opportunity to test your skills."

    "Understood."

    A moment later, the dark blue S14 exited the alley and went straight into highway that led to West Nichiko.

    ---

    Twenty days of intensive training would not give Takeo a god-level driving skill, but at least currently his driving skill was above average. With ease he controlled S14, smoothly cutting through a night street that was neither crowded nor empty.

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    Takeo was also not nervous when Hide asked him to change lanes or overtake car in front of them. The S14 gracefully moved according to Takeo''s will, as if it was part of his own body.

    Initially, Takeo was only traveling at speeds of 40-60 km/h. However, as soon as he got used to the road and his feeling blended with S14, he immediately stepped on the gas and maintained a speed of 60-80 km/h.

    Before long, Hide and Takeo had entered Highway 11, a hilly route that connecting Nichiko City with Aida City.

    Hide then asked Takeo to park S14 near the km.45 sign, just among the cluster of giant fir trees. The S14 was parked facing the road with a distance around 15 meters away.

    As soon as Takeo turned the engine off Hide said, "We will wait for our prey here."

    "Who is our prey?"

    "Aizen Mafia''s couriers, every week they will transfer the cash they got from Aizen Mafia¡¯s business in Aida to Nichiko."

    Hide then took out two balaclavas from one of pocket in his jacket. He handed over one of balaclavas to Takeo, and put the other one on his head.

    Without many words Takeo put on the balaclava like Hide, until covering his forehead. Then, he asked, "Are you sure we can ambush the convoy?"

    "Our target is not a convoy. It¡¯s a Black Civic with a driver and a bodyguard. Neither of them are good drivers, but they are Aizen Mafia''s executioners who are notorious for their brutality."

    "Are you sure there is only one car and two people?"

    "While you are practicing your driving skill, I¡¯m not only busy preparing Knosses job. I also search for a prey to test your readiness."

    "Understood." Takeo nodded and then ate a piece of gum.

    Hide actually wants to explain that when transporting high-value packages, confidentiality was far more important than a large open escort. As no matter how strong or how big an escort was, if the opponent could study it and find its weaknesses, the escort would be rendered useless.

    However, because Takeo did not ask further questions, Hide chose to explain it and ate a snack bar without making sound.

    ---

    Time flew before finally, Takeo nervously looked at the situation around the S14. As far as he could see he only saw darkness, accompanied by the sound of crickets and night insects.

    According to some experts, the sound of crickets and night insects could help calm your soul. But for Takeo, the current sound of crickets and night insects somehow made the hairs on his nape stood straight to the end.

    In addition, every time he stole a glanced at Hide, Takeo got a strong impression that Hide seemed to merge with the eerie air around them. Slowly but surely, doubts arose in Takeo''s heart. He even started to suspect that Hide who sat next to him was not a human.

    To confirm his doubts, Takeo opened a conversation. "Hide, how did you steal this S14?"

    "Entering Aizen Minimart''s backyard by jumping over the fence, opening S14¡¯s door with a long steel ruler, starting the engine with the standard trick, and then taking it into alley next to Sakura Hotel."

    "The junior member of Aizen Mafia in front of the minimart, did they just let you drive away their boss''s S14?"

    Hide shook his head. "They are not junior members of Aizen Mafia. The only one who has connection with Aizen Mafia is the minimart owner. She is Chief of Aizen Mafia''s illegitimate daughter, but the two have not spoken for the last two years.

    To steal this car I did not use magic tricks, but exploitation of information, by exploiting the gap between believed information and actual information."

    Takeo nodded slightly while Hide checked his watch.

    "Five minutes before our target appears."

    "How do you know?"

    "Our targets are following a protocol with great precision."

    Without a word, Takeo lowered his balaclava down to his chin, while Hide took out AEK-74SU and Sieg Sauer P365 from his backpack, complete with magazine pouches filled with extra magazines.

    Hide deftly attached AEK-74SU to three-point sling and then placed it in front of his chest, and then placed Sieg Sauer P365 on his right calf. For the extra magazine, he placed them around his waist along with a combat knife.

    Seeing Takeo staring at him with wide eyes Hide immediately said, "Well, we''re going to kill some people tonight."

    "Yeah."

    Takeo weakly replied before swallowing hard. Previously, Hide had said that he had killed some people. At that time Takeo doubted Hide''s words. But now, after he had a close look at the glint in Hide''s eyes, Takeo got the feeling that Hide seemed to have not only killed, but had killed very often.

    ''Hide, who are you?''

    Right now, Takeo firmly believed that Hide who sat next to him was not Hide in his memory.

    *****

 HA1 6.2 - Takeos First Action

    HA1 6.2 - Takeo''s First Action

    While waiting, Hide gently rubbed his AEK-74SU. The S code on the assault rifle indicated that it was a variant with a folding stock. While the U code indicated that it used the shortest barrel. When the stock was stretched, the total length of AEK-74SU was only 75 cm. A compact size that was suitable for an assault launch from a vehicle.

    As soon as he saw the light beam in the distance, Hide stretched the AEK-74SU''s stock, followed by loading a magazine, cocking it, and placing the selector lever into safety position.

    Then, while lowering his balaclava down to his chin Hide said, "Wait for my confirmation."

    "Okay."

    Not long after that, a black sedan crossed S14¡¯s position. Takeo could not see the sedan model, but Hide said firmly, "That''s our target. Once they disappeared in the next turn, start the engine and chase them."

    Takeo nodded and after the Civic''s tail lights disappeared behind a turn, he immediately started S14¡¯s engine and stepped on the gas.

    While lowering the window Hide asked, "Do you remember the straight road after km.32 marks?"

    "Yeah."

    "Stick tight to our targets just before they enter the straight road, and then give them three blinks using the headlights. If they slow down, advance slowly until the front right of S14 is aligned with the rear left of Civic. Then, push them diagonally, and make sure our car stop in good position."

    "Roger."

    "The fuel tank and hood of commercial cars do not have additional protection. Continuous shots on fuel tank can cause the car to burn. Aimlessly shooting the engine can also cause a short circuit which can lead into fire. I can only shoot the Civic''s driver. So, I need the view as wide as possible."

    Takeo swallowed hard before answering in a slightly trembling voice, "I''ll try my best, but what if they don''t slow down after I blink the headlights?"

    Hide casually answered, "In that case, I''ll try to shoot the tires. But there''s a chance I''ll hit the fuel tank and the Civic catches fire with the money we''re after."

    "Understood."

    ---

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    With a speed of 90 km/h, Takeo took a turn at an area that was not exactly a turn but also not a straight road, and it felt as if the S14 only slightly shifted its line without any g-force. It was an extraordinary maneuver executed by using extraordinary skill, by someone who did not have many driving hours on the highway.

    However, Takeo didn''t feel like he had done anything out of the ordinary. To him, the turn he had just made was no different from the other turns he had done while training at Old Pier. Of course Hide had a different opinion and he was very satisfied that Takeo did not disappoint him.

    As soon as the Black Civic''s tail lights were visible in the distance Hide immediately said, "I trust you."

    "Roger."

    Takeo immediately stepped hard on the gas and in an instant the S14 accelerated and catching up with Black Civic. With ease, Takeo stalked the Black Civic until final turn before km.32 marks. As both cars made the turn, the S14¡¯s front almost hit Black Civic¡¯s rear, but Takeo deftly made adjustments just a second before the collision occurred.

    And just as Hide said, as soon as Takeo blinked the headlights three times, the Black Civic immediately slowed down to 60 km/h. Without delay Takeo made his move to overtake, and as soon as the front tire of S14 was aligned with the rear tire of Black Civic, he gently swerved to the right.

    After receiving a diagonal push, the Black Civic instantly spun wildly before crashing into the guardrail and stopping. The S14 also spun, but not as wild as Black Civic, and without difficulty Takeo controlled it until the S14 stopped two seconds earlier before the Black Civic.

    The time span of two seconds was only fleeting, but it was more than enough for Hide to make a good aim. Moreover, Takeo positioned Hide to be within 10 meters of Black Civic and he did not need to turn his waist to point his weapon to its front seat.

    With one fluid motion Hide put the AEK-74SU right below his chin, made an alignment to Black Civic¡¯s dashboard, shifted the selector lever to full auto, and then squeezed the trigger.

    Ra-tatartarrrrr!

    The rain of projectiles hit the Civic''s windshield and dashboard, and then mercilessly penetrated the bodies of two occupants who never imagined someone would hit them with two fully loaded magazines.

    In his previous life, to finish off a target at 20 meters, Hide would go straight for the head. However, in this lifetime he didn¡¯t have enough shooting practiced yet. Therefore, although his soul carried the god-level shooting skill from his previous life, his body lacked the muscle memory needed to use it. Until he got his accuracy back, Hide could only rely on volume of fire.

    Hide deftly inserted the third magazine before exiting the S14 while ensuring that no cartridge fell outside the car. Then, while pointing the AEK-74SU to Black Civic''s dashboard, he walked forward in full alert.

    When he arrived at the front of the Civic, Hide found the driver and his colleagues were still breathing and gave him hateful looks. Without hesitation, he ended their lives with headshot. After taking two cartridge cases he just fired and put it in his pocket, he then grabbed two suitcases in the trunk while Takeo carried the S14 to close over to him.

    When Hide put the two suitcases to S14¡¯s backseat, he saw Takeo was staring the two dead men on the Civic with a stunning look. Wasting no time, Hide then entered S14.

    "As soon as the courier''s car stops, Aizen Mafia HQ will notice it right away. We have only eight minutes before they send out a two-way sweep."

    "Yeah."

    After nodding slightly Takeo stepped on the gas.

    *****

 HA1 6.3 - Home

    HA1 6.3 - Home

    At the intersection to enter Highway 11, there was a semi-finished building that was on suspended due to a land dispute. As per Hide''s request, Takeo took the S14 into basement parking lot under the semi-finished building.

    As soon as the S14 stopped, Takeo moved two suitcases containing their robbery money onto S14''s hood, while Hide took two 40-liter rucksacks from the trunk.

    Hide deftly divided the money into two piles, and then asked Takeo to take his share into the rucksack. Takeo realized that Hide gave him the smaller pile of money, but he didn''t say a word and accepted it happily.

    Next, Hide and Takeo put back the empty suitcase to S14''s back seat. After that they changed into their spare clothes and shoes before dumping their old clothes and shoes to the back seats. Then, they covered the entire S14¡¯s interior with salad oil.

    To erase the forensics traces in the S14, burning it using salad oil was more than enough. However, to prevent the S14 from exploding and attracting attention, the fuel tank had to be emptied before the fire was lit.

    Hide casually shot the S14¡¯s fuel tank once, and when the fuel tank was completely drained, he lit two matchsticks and threw it into the pool of fuel on the floor.

    In an instant the flames devoured S14, while Hide and Takeo jogged to the backyard of the semi-finished building. Then, they followed a trail at an abandoned field to the bus stop about 5 km away. At the bus stop, they rested and enjoyed the remaining isotonic drinks and snacks.

    After downing a bottle of isotonic drink, Hide turned his gaze to Takeo. "Nine million Ren, quite a number."

    Takeo looked at Hide while tilting his head, "How do you know?"

    "I count it. Ninety bundles, a hundred of 1000 Ren notes each. I''ve also taken commission for our Broker. So, the money in your rucksack is entirely yours."

    "I see."

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    "All are clean money and ready to use, but do not use more than 500 thousand Ren in a single transaction.¡±

    "Understood."

    "There''s still 10 days before Knosses job. Think about it again. I don''t mind if you want to withdraw, just text me a number 10 and this will be our last meeting."

    Takeo let out a deep sigh before saying, "Why do you think I''ll step back?"

    "Please recall the image of Aizen¡¯s member I killed. Then, ask yourself if you can see another corpse."

    After a long silence, Takeo showed his trembling hand as he said, "To be honest, until now I still have goose bumps. However, two days ago I found on my father''s computer he was looking for references on how to commit suicide using sleeping pills.

    That''s why right now my options are to see my family¡¯s corpse or someone else¡¯s corpse."

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Takeo looked at Hide seriously before continuing, "If you think I''m not ready, please help me to prepare myself."

    Hide smiled before saying casually, "The bad news is, ten days won''t be enough to prepare you. The good news is, preparation and training are only secondary to the will to act. As with strong will and the right way of thinking, one will look for the method that suits his condition."

    Takeo immediately took a deep breath full of relief, while Hide cheerfully smiles.

    "Continue your training at Old Pier. I''ll have our Broker send extra money to Oldman Ronsox."

    "I can use my money."

    "Never use your money. The executor''s job is to execute the plan, not fund it."

    "Understood."

    Hide smiled again before calling two taxis at once. Not long after that, he and Takeo were already on their way to their homes.

    ---

    As soon as he arrived at his house, Hide hid the robbery money and his firearms in the safe he made on the garage floor. After that he went to take a shower, and then he sat in the kitchen while enjoying a cup of warm tea.

    A moment later, Aizawa came out of her room. After washing her face and brushed her teeth, she immediately went over to Hide in the kitchen. Almost spontaneously Hide lifted her into his lap and gently hugged her. At the same time, the bitter regret that he had forgotten returned to his heart.

    ''Forgive your foolish brother,'' Hide muttered while kissing Aizawa''s cheek.

    "Big Bro, are we not going to exercise today?"

    "Today we will take a walk to city¡¯s square and then enjoys chicken porridge for breakfast. Today, Big Bro will also take you to school."

    Seeing Aizawa tilting her head Hide immediately asked, "Do you not want go to school with Big Bro?"

    Aizawa shook her head before saying, "Going to school with Aizawa¡¯s friends using shuttle is fun, but going with Big Bro is fun too."

    Hide once again kissed Aizawa''s cheek before saying, "All right, let''s go to city¡¯s square then."

    "Mhm."

    Aizawa nodded slightly before kissing Hide''s cheek.

    Not long after that, the brother and sister had left the house. They walked towards city¡¯s square while holding each other''s hands cheerfully.

    *****

 HA1 7.1 - Knife Skill

    HA1 7.1 - Knife Skill

    There were many knife throwing techniques, but Hide specifically chose underhand no-spin technique. He chose this technique because it could be applied with a knife with balance point at front tips, mid-section, or base of the grip. Most of all, if the thrower had their feeling and touch reached the deepest level they could even applied it with scissors or other tools.

    Every morning, after carrying out his regular warm up and stretching Hide would hone his knife skills. He focused it in two things, silent killing and knife throwing. As his sweats were dripping down to the floor, he placed the combat knife on his palm and then gripped it using all his fingers but the index finger. He then placed his index finger on the back of the knife as straight as possible.

    After that, he made an underhand swung as if he was swinging a whip upward. Just before his index finger pointed at the target, he released his grip and used his index finger to make a small upward touch so that the combat knife wouldn''t spin as it slid away from his palm.

    As his hand stopped with his index finger pointing upward, the combat knife flew straight to the target.

    Takkk!!

    It perfectly pierced the wooden target six meters in front of Hide. After taking a deep breath, Hide grabbed another five pieces of steel nail, as big as chopsticks, and threw them using the underhand no-spin technique.

    Takkk!!

    Takkk!!

    Clank!!

    Takkk!!

    Clank!!

    "Four out of six," Hide muttered softly.

    After glancing at his watch, Hide closed his eyes in preparation before practicing silent killing using knife.

    ---

    Hakka Plateau, Nikko Army''s Advance Sniper Training Center

    The gentle evening sun shone on a row of bivouacs on the edge of a small stream. Each bivouac was no more than 40 cm high and was well camouflaged among the high grasses.

    Not far from the row of bivouacs, an instructor in green olive tactical pants and a sand brown T-shirt calmly stood. While holding a scarecrow made of stuffed weed, the instructor looked at the six cadets kneeling before him.

    The cadets¡¯ body was thin. Their cheeks were deeply sunken like a deer. Their faces were covered with beard and sideburns, while their hair reached their napes and ears. Their combat fatigue was also worn out. Yet, their gazes were sharp like eagle.

    After giving a small smile the instructor said, "Congratulations, 14 out of 37 cadets have completed the eight weeks of Marksman Phase, but only you are selected to proceed to Stalking Phase."

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    """Sir,""" the cadets calmly answered in unison.

    "Do you know what you''re going to do for the next six weeks?"

    One of the cadets appointed by the instructor replied, "Infiltrate various objectives guarded by a platoon of Airborne Ranger specializing in countering Special Forces or sniper, executed 300-600 meter perfect shots without being caught, at the minimum got five successes out of eight opportunities."

    "Right, shooting the target from beyond 600 meters will be too easy for you. So, you have to work a little bit harder to proof yourself." The instructor paused for a moment before asking again, "But, what if you have to kill a target silently at close range, at night, behind enemy lines."

    Another cadet replied, "No matter how good the sound and flash suppressor we use, muzzle flash from sidearm will still leak our presence. Therefore, silent killing must be done using combat knife."

    "Correct, and so, for the next six weeks, I and the other 16 instructors will teach you how to kill silently using fighting knife, throwing knife, steel wire, poison, dart, or other toys."

    After looking at each cadet one by one the instructor added, "The result of silent killing class will not affect the graduation of Stalking Phase. But believe me, master the skill until you are worthy of being called a sentry slayer, and one day you will be grateful for it when the opportunity to use it comes by."

    """Sir."""

    "For today, I will teach you the knife silent killing," The instructor then showed a black chromed combat knife as he explained, "Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife or Britiss Commando Knife. It¡¯s made based on the old bayonet model from Hoa Republic. The flat part is slightly triangular, while the edges are not very sharp. It is by their nature for stabbing and tearing, and not for cutting large muscles, veins, or blood vessels.

    It is very effective at draining the victim''s blood. It is also very easy to insert it between the ribs to give a touch to the heart or lungs. In short, it is knife made specifically for killing."

    """Sir."""

    The instructor then pointed at several locations on his scarecrow. "The seven basic targets, unless you intend to take medic course, you don''t need to remember their names. Just remember their location and how to destroy them.

    If the grip, movement, and angle of the knife are correct, the victim will be unconscious in four seconds, enter a coma in six seconds, and arrive in the afterlife in 8-10 seconds."

    """Sir."""

    "Now, make your scarecrow so we can start the practice."

    """Sir."""

    A few minutes later, the scarecrow butchering practice began.

    ---

    Slowly Hide opened his eyes. While the memory of knife silent killing practice was still fresh in his mind, he grabbed his training partner. A doll he made from 1.8 m long wooden block, wrapped tightly using an old blanket and towel.

    For seven basic targets in knife silent killing, 76 techniques could be used. Most were techniques that were executed from behind in a standing position. But there were also techniques that had to be performed from the front, from a kneeling position, or even from a prone position.

    Of course, Hide couldn''t practice all the techniques. But at least, he could restore the sensation and familiarity to some of the techniques he most likely would use.

    "Hello, Teddy my old friend. We meet again."

    After a warm greeting, Hide then stabbed Teddy using his Fairbairn Sykes, in various angles and positions. Sometimes, after a stab, he would push or pull the Fairbairn Sykes handle sideways. Other times, he''ll just turn it around like a screw driver.

    Within half an hour, Hide managed to make hundreds of stabs without the slightest pause. If Teddy was a living being, his blood would have been drained dry and pooled on the floor along with Hide''s sweat.

    "Phewww..."

    After checking his watch, Hide then mumbled softly, "Ten minutes before Aizawa comes down. Today I also promised her to take her for shopping after school."

    After gulping down a glass of warm water, Hide then rushed to the side yard and started Hanna''s exercise program.

    *****

 HA1 7.2 - New Target

    HA1 7.2 - New Target

    Every night, Hide only slept for 4-5 hours even though he underwent intense physical exercise in the day. Therefore, on Saturday he would go back to sleep after Aizawa left for school, and only woke up an hour before the time to pick her up.

    Unfortunately, this Saturday he had to miss the opportunity to erase the physical fatigue that had accumulated for the whole weak. He was just about to get into the bed when the doorbell rang, and as soon as he opened the door, he found Takeo calmly stood in front of him.

    "Sorry, I come without notify you first, but we have something important to talk about."

    Hide nodded slightly before asking, "You didn''t bring Kei and Rei?"

    "No, every Saturday Kei and Rei will stay at the restaurant from morning to evening."

    After nodding his head one more time, Hide led Takeo to the terrace in next to the living room. Without delay, Takeo then showed him a document with big letterhead ¡®Nikko City Planning and Development Office¡¯ in its cover.

    "I heard that there will be a redevelopment project for the highway that connects the city and the beach on the south coast, as well as the construction of a drainage channel underneath. So I tried to find out the detail."

    "What did you find?" Hide calmly asked.

    "The project is scheduled to last for six months, starting from next Tuesday, from both ends of the highway. Last night, I found heavy vehicles and material carriers already starting to go back and forth in front of Knosses. Metro police also set up a temporary post for highway patrol right in front of Knosses."

    After taking a deep breath Hide said, "We''ll have to wait until the project is finished then."

    "Hide, I can''t wait that long." Takeo worriedly added, "My quota from the previous job is only enough to pay my parents'' installments two times."

    Hide casually said, "I can lend you 3 million Ren. I''ll also ask if our Broker has other work for us."

    "Thanks," Takeo genuinely said.

    "No problem, but a friend is a friend and money is money. They are two different things. So, the loan must be legalized by my financial consultant."

    "I don''t mind, but do you have a financial consultant?"

    "I have."

    After a small nod Takeo said, "I''ve also made a fake explanation for the money that I will hand over to my parents, but I need you to join the act."

    "Email me the details. I will play my role as best as I can."

    "Okay."

    While Takeo was smiling from ear to ear, Hide took his jacket and some money he stash in the garage. Not long after that, the two were already on their way to Totsuka Tower.

    ---

    On Saturday, Aizawa only studied in Kitaro for half a day. Hide had also promised her to take her for grocery shopping every Saturday. Therefore, after his business at Totsuka Tower with Takeo was over, He immediately went to picked Aizawa up.

    The shopping district that Hide and Aizawa visited was Sakura Shopping District. It was regular shopping district located two blocks from where they lived, and it had around two thousand shops, caf¨¦, and other business establishment.

    Today, Aizawa wanted to have fish as her dinner. So the first place Hide and Aizawa went was the fishmonger.

    "Aizawa, what fish do you want?"

    "Saba." Without hesitation Aizawa pointed at the ordinary looking of Indo-pacific double-lined mackerel fillet wrapped in Styrofoam and transparent plastic.

    Due to its migration patterns and the existence of farm-raised harvest, Saba or Indo-pacific double-lined mackerel was the cheapest fillet that available year around in Nikko, but Aizawa really liked this cheap fish. So, Hide didn''t correct her choice, and just added another type of fillet.

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    "Two mackerel fillets and one salmon fillet."

    "Roger."

    The fishmonger quickly wrapped up Hide''s order, and cheerfully added another piece of mackerel fillet.

    "The visitors have been decreasing a lot lately, so please take this little bonus. It''s a shame if it doesn''t sell."

    "Thank you, Uncle." As he handed over the payment Hide asked, "Some of my regular shops are also closed, is the drop in visitors really that bad?"

    After taking a deep breath the fishmonger replied, "The real problem is that a developer wants to build a shopping mall and amusement park here. When the shop owners refuse to sell their land, the developer launches harassment to both shop owners and visitors."

    Hide gave a small nod before saying, "I hope things get back to normal soon. This shopping district makes my daily shopping easier. Also, this city already has eight malls, but there are only three shopping districts."

    "Yeah, I also hope this shopping district survives," the fishmonger hopefully replied, although at the same time his gaze looked very pessimistic.

    After getting the main ingredients for today dinner and tomorrow breakfast, Hide and Aizawa then continued their grocery shopping.

    ---

    Hide''s groceries list was not long, so in 30 minutes he had already bought everything. Then, he intended to buy Aizawa some snack before they went home.

    "Aizawa, do you want some snacks?"

    After tilting her head for a moment Aizawa replied, "Can we buy steamed hopia from Old Sano''s place?"

    "Well, Old Sano happened to ask if Big Bro could repair the program on his cash register." After smiling slightly Hide then asked, "What flavor do you want?"

    "Pear jam and orange jam."

    "Okay, let''s go there then."

    "Mhm."

    Aizawa firmly nodded, and wasting no time Hide took her to Sano''s Steamed Hopia, while inwardly he let out a deep sigh.

    ''All of Aizawa''s favorite foods and snacks are exactly the same as Emily''s. Deep in her heart, she must be missed Emily so much. If only I came back a little earlier, I will be able to prevent the traffic accident.''

    ---

    While he was wrapping the steamed hopia ordered by Aizawa, with a complicated gaze Old Sano would occasionally steal a glance at Hide.

    Old Sano''s uneasiness was understandable. Considering that previously, every time he asked Hide if he could spare some time to repair his cash register, he always got a grunt of refusal before Hide hurriedly left.

    The problem was that the maintenance guarantee had already ended a long time ago. So he couldn''t force Hide to repair the program. But recently, Hide looked cheerful whenever he passed over his shop, not gloomy anymore.

    So Old Sano dared himself to ask, "Umm . . . Hide, do you have time to fix my cash register?"

    "May I check it out first?"

    In an instant relief filled Old Man Sano''s heart, "Of Course you can."

    Old Man Sano then invited Hide and Aizawa in. Thirty minutes later, Hide had repaired the cash register.

    "So fast," Old Sano muttered in admiration.

    Hide calmly replied, "I just happened to make similar program for Aizawa''s school, and the data sheet on your cash register is still intact, so I just need to put it together."

    "Thank you, Hide."

    Old Sano cheerfully handed him a small envelope, but Hide politely refused.

    "Old Sano, you don''t need to pay me. Instead, help me to distribute the program to anyone who previously used my cashier program. They only need to copy the main program and replace the data sheet with their own. Then, put the folder on the File System."

    A question mark immediately appeared on Old Sano''s forehead, "Are you sure it''s free?"

    "Absolutely."

    After taking a deep breath Old Sano said, "They will be very happy. Unfortunately, some of them just closed their shop?"

    "Does it have anything to do with the plan to build shopping mall here?"

    Old Man Sano nodded. "The people sent by the developers are really assholes. Old Nobukatsu who was the pillar of the resistance became a hit and run victim while jogging. Until now, he still hasn''t woken up in the ICU.

    The eldest son of the cafe owner on the end of the street was beaten by a group of people when going home after school. Some of the patrons were also become victims of extortion and some were even sexually harassed.

    They also damaged several shops that opened at night. Worse yet, a member of Metro Police who was on duty here were stabbed by an unknown person, while his colleague was beaten to the point he had to be sent to ICU. Both also lost their revolvers."

    Hide immediately frowned, "Metro Police will definitely respond to the stabbing and violence against its members harshly. It''s not surprising if they would ask for a limp or two as payback."

    "Yes, they sent SAT undercover personnel to patrol here. They had stopped an attempt to vandalize a shop at night and many arrests were made. Things have even calmed down for a few weeks." Old Man Sano took a deep sigh before continuing. "However, some journalists wrote that the use of counter-terror units to arrest thugs was considered overkill.

    The pressure on Metro Police has led them to withdraw the SAT personnel and it''s only a matter of time before the unrest engulfed this shopping district one more time."

    "Why are no journalists writing about the dirty attempts to evict the shop owner here?"

    "There are, but the problem is they are also the one who strongly criticize the Metro Police when their personnel show their fangs to deter the thugs."

    After taking a deep breath Hide said, "I bet there must be politicians and city officials at play."

    Old Sano nodded firmly. "Yeah, I''m also sure the developer won''t be so aggressive without adequate support. Besides, I heard the developer is also eyeing the other four blocks on the west side of this shopping district. You should tell your father about it, Hide."

    "I''ll tell him," Hide replied casually, but for a split second his eyes flashed.

    After some light conversation, Hide and Aizawa then left Old Sano''s shop. In exchange for Hide''s payment, Old Sano gave Aizawa a box of mixed flavored steamed hopia.

    *****

 HA1 7.3 - Debt of Life

    HA1 7.3 - Debt of Life

    While Aizawa was playing with his smartphone in the living room, Hide was preparing dinner. The main dish was Saba mackerel. He diced it and slightly stir-fried it using high heat, and then put it on top of warm rice and doused it with saut¨¦ed onions seasoned with teriyaki sauce.

    Dousing the teriyaki sauce on the mackerel instead of cooking it together was a bit unconventional, but Aizawa super loved it. She could finish two bowls of rice every time Emily made it.

    "Aizawa, dinner is ready."

    "Okay."

    Wasting no time Aizawa came to dining table. With sparkling eyes she looked at her favorite dish which was served with mushroom and tofu miso soup, fish¡¯s skin crackers, and pickled cucumbers.

    ""Thank you for the meal," Hide and Aizawa offered the gratitude for the food at the same time, and dinner started immediately afterward.

    After gulping down a spoon full of mackerel, Aizawa turned her gaze towards Hide. "Big Bro, can Aizawa stay at Kitaro every Monday, Thursday, and Friday?"

    Hide didn''t answer right away. Initially, he had intended for Aizawa to stay in Kitaro for 6-10 months, so that he could focus on training and earning money. But now, he was reluctant to part away with her and chose to collect the money slowly.

    After pondering for a moment Hide said, "Well, it¡¯s depending on the reason."

    "Every Monday and Thursday Aizawa will have music practice with Kana, while on Friday we will watch soccer game together."

    A question mark immediately appeared on Hide''s forehead. "Who is Kana?"

    Aizawa cheerfully explained, "She is Kaede Sensei''s niece. Last year both her parents passed away in a plane crash, and now she lives with Kaede Sensei. Kana is also a Yuko Mountain fan like Aizawa."

    Aizawa then opened her Cloud account using Hide''s smartphone and showed a photo of two girls in Kitaro''s uniform. The two of them were standing and holding hands in front of a piano.

    The first girl had clear black eyes, long shiny black hair, and a cute oriental face. As for the second girl, she had clear blue eyes, perfect blonde hair, with a charming beauty of a Caucasian-Oriental face. One thing that very stood out about the two little girls was, their face and smile were brimming with happiness.

    ''Looks like I missed a very important stuff,'' Hide muttered inwardly.

    After Emily''s departure, this was the first time Aizawa excitedly talked about her friend. It was also the first time she smiled so brightly in a picture without Emily on it.

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    "Aizawa, do you have music practice only with Kana?"

    "No.¡± Aizawa shook her head before explaining, ¡°In the class Aizawa practice with a group of nine children. Outside the class, Aizawa will practice with Kana under the guidance of Kaede Sensei or Kirara Sensei. Aizawa will play the piano while Kana will play the violin."

    "I see." Hide smiled widely before continuing, "Tomorrow let¡¯s buy extra clothes and bathroom miscellaneous for you. Then, Big Bro will take care of your dormitory admission."

    "Okay." Aizawa cheerfully nodded three times.

    "You can also bring the smartphone from Totsuka Firm, and use it to take as many pictures as you want. But don''t get addicted to playing games or Big Bro will ask for it back."

    "Okay." Aizawa once again cheerfully nodded.

    Dinner then continued and Hide asked Aizawa to tell him about her study in Kitaro. All this time, he had only checked Aizawa''s brilliant grades, without asking too many questions because she seemed very happy with her school life. However, it seemed it was a big mistake.

    ---

    It was late at night, but Hide was still wide awake. In his pitch-black room, he sat pensively on the bed, leaning against the wall.

    From his previous life, Hide knew that the attempt to acquire Sakura Shopping District would fail. In March next year, a wife of a shop owner and her three-year-old son would become victim of car hit and run right in front of their shop. The death of the mother and her son would then attract public''s attention, followed by overwhelming support to preserve Sakura Shopping District.

    But Hide never knew that the developer who wanted Sakura Shopping District also wanted the block where he lived.

    After he joined 1st SFG and had several contacts in National Intelligence Service, Hide managed to track down that the robber who killed his father. He was a member of Toruma Mafia. He then collected the debt of life for his father''s death.

    And, before Hide slit his throat, the Elder of Toruma Mafia hysterically explained that he was only carrying out a deal with Nichiko Construction and Developer Association, to help them in a national scale project and not targeting his father specifically.

    At that time, Hide ignored the explanation and thought of it as panicked nonsense in the face of death. However, it seemed he didn''t dig deep enough.

    ''Looks like I have to speed up the visit to Toruma Mafia.''

    Slowly but surely, a dense bloodlust enveloped Hide. At the same time, his gaze turned as sharp as a sword.

    ---

    Every day, especially on Monday, Takeo would leave his house much earlier than normal high school students. First, he would take Kei and Rei to an all-day kindergarten. Then, he rushed to East Nichiko High and waited for the start of class by reading a light novel.

    Takeo casually passed the empty schoolyard and entered the first floor of main building. Then, on the stairs to the 2nd floor he found Hide had been waiting for him.

    While approaching Hide, Takeo asked, "Do we have a new target?"

    "Yeah." Hide was silent for a moment before continuing, "But this is my personal stuff and not from our broker. The money is also small even though the risk is quite high. So, I don''t mind if you aren''t interested."

    Takeo firmly replied, "Right now I need every penny I can get. Also, this can be a means of collecting experience for me."

    "Well then, please gather as much detail as possible about acquisition of Sakura Shopping District. The keywords are Toruma Mafia and Nichiko Construction and Developer Association. Feel free to infiltrate any network in this city, but avoid Nichiko Metro Police¡¯s servers. Their Cyber Crime Unit is not a joke."

    "Okay."

    "There''s a possibility to develop this operation into a prized job, but for now we shouldn''t get our hopes up too high."

    "Understood."

    Hide then sincerely said, "Thank you."

    "No problem. You have helped me a lot too."

    A moment later, Hide and Takeo were already on their way to their own class. They walked separately as if their previous conversation never happened.

    *****

 HA1 8.1 - Second Hunt

    HA1 8.1 - Second Hunt

    During the lunch break Hide received a message from Takeo. He wanted to meet him. Therefore, as soon as the class ended he rushed to the main building¡¯s rooftop.

    At the door to the rooftop Hide waited for a few minutes before Takeo appeared.

    "What do you want to talk about?"

    Takeo smiled before replying, "I''ve got some info for you to study."

    "So fast." Even if it was just a glimpse, an admiration was visible in Hide''s face.

    "I pretend to be sick during the gym class and use the resting time to log into network at District Attorney and Nichiko Construction and Developer Association."

    After a small nod, Hide opened the door to the rooftop using two small iron sticks, and then went to a corner with Takeo.

    While handing over a memory card Takeo said, "I got the names of Toruma Mafia¡¯s members along with their cell phone numbers. By using GPS log, I mapped out their location. Turns out, more than 200 Toruma Mafia members are stand-by in Sakura Shopping District.

    I also found that NCDA is not only targeting Sakura Shopping District, but also the eight blocks around it. Including the block where you live. They intend to build a super mall, high-class apartment, and an international theme park. The project is called Sakura Project."

    Wasting no time Hide inserted the memory card into a tablet without connection and studied it right away. A moment later he turned his gaze to Takeo.

    "We need more cell phone numbers and I have a good trick to tag GPS features on a smartphone."

    "Teach me the trick."

    "I will, but more importantly, can you go out tonight?"

    "At midnight my parents are home, so I can go out at any day past midnight."

    "Meet me in front of Kenzo Bowling, past midnight."

    A question mark instantly filled Takeo''s forehead, "Isn''t Kenzo Bowling located in Red Light District?"

    "To be precise, it¡¯s the block at Red Light District that Toruma Mafia controls. They''re busy with Sakura Shopping District, so we''re going to visit their home ground."

    "Okay. Do I need some preparations?"

    "No, but from today onwards Aizawa will sleep at Kitaro every Monday, Thursday, and Friday. So, we''ll be going out a lot at night."

    "Understood."

    A moment later, Hide and Takeo left the rooftop with a gap of ten minutes.

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    ---

    In front of a closed shop across of Kenzo Bowling, a truck cafe stood by every night. On one of the chairs, Takeo sat casually while enjoying ginger tea and a small plate of sweet potato chips.

    However, if you looked closely, he was actually observing Kenzo Bowling through the glass window of the closed shop. A wireless earpiece was also lodged in his ear, connected to a Motololla digital mini walkie-talkie in his left pocket of his jacket.

    More or less, similar to the ambush on Aizen Mafia''s money delivery, Takeo had the impression that the current hunt wasn''t the first time for Hide. However, he chose not to ask any questions and focused his mind on his task.

    As three men exited Kenzo Bowling''s lobby and walked into the dark alley next to it, Takeo reached his walkie-talkie and sent short static three times in a row. Then, he only had to wait for Hide¡¯s instruction. Should he go to RV point or continue his role as a spotter?

    ''What a cold night.''

    Takeo rubbed his hands together before taking a sip of his ginger tea. Then, two people who were passing Kenzo Bowling caught his attention.

    The first person was a middle-aged man who was walking with a stagger. It seemed he was drunk. Meanwhile, the second person was a girl who casually supported the man. Takeo didn''t recognize the middle-aged man, but he knew the girl.

    Shizuka Oda, a national karate champion for open weight class since 2nd grade of junior high school. She was currently a sophomore at East Nichiko High and happened to be in the same class as Takeo.

    Takeo clearly remembered Shizuka wasn''t a smart girl. Her grades at school were slightly below average. But in physical appearance, hardly anyone can match her. Her secret worship club even crowned her as the prettiest student since East Nichiko High was founded.

    A big question mark appeared in Takeo''s mind as he muttered, ''Does she work as a part-time call girl?''

    Although curiosity filled his mind, Takeo did not forget his job. He carefully watched Shizuka and the unknown man. He was ready to press PTT button on the walkie-talkie, but the two passed through the alley next to Kenzo Bowling and entered the next one.

    ---

    Tamie Alley, located next to Kenzo Bowling, wide enough for a car to pass, extended 200 meters long and connected two main roads, but it''s only illuminated by two dim post lamps.

    With steady steps, three men walked down Tamie Alley. The three had fierce faces and wore flamboyant clothes. The man in the middle had a small bag in his left armpit, while his right hand had a cigarette. The other two men proudly displayed the daggers tucked into their waist.

    Just as the three fierce men passed the second post lamp, three steel nails as big as chopstick shot out from a dark corner.

    Tap tap tap!!!

    Exactly at the same time, the three nails hit the three fierce men on the chest. Their bodies instantly froze, before falling to their knees and collapsed to the ground. A moment later, thick foam flowed from corner of their mouths.

    No matter how deep, a stab wound from a nail as big as chopstick would not result in an instant kill. However, the highly-potent neurotoxin that coated the tip of the nails was capable of killing an 800 kg bull in five seconds. In addition, Hide hand-made neurotoxin also had a shock effect that would completely paralyze the victim in 0.2 - 0.5 seconds.

    Wasting no time Hide came out from his hiding spot and claimed his prize. First, he checked the small bag lying silently on the paved road.

    ''Three bundles of 100 thousand Ren.''

    After putting the money into inner pocket of his jacket, Hide pulled out the steel nails on his victims'' chests. After wrapping them in duct tape into one and put them in a ziplock bag, he then saved it in his backpack.

    That way, the police and members of Toruma Mafia wouldn''t know for sure the type of the nail he used.

    ''Last touch.''

    Swiftly, Hide took the cell phone from the pocket of the man who carried the money and copied the data inside it into a memory card. Then, when the copying process had only reached 50%, he heard heavy footsteps from behind the wall in front of him.

    On reflex, Hide''s left hand pulled the silenced Sieg P365 from holster under his right armpit, and aimed it at the incoming silhouette that was jumping over the wall.

    *****

 HA1 8.2 - Acquaintance

    HA1 8.2 - Acquaintance

    Four months ago, Shizuka realized that life could become harsh and bitter without prior warning. And as always, tragedy changed the way one viewed her or his life.

    Shizuka, who previously lived her life in a happy-go-lucky way, decided to start working part-time. She didn''t plan to go to college, but she wanted to accumulate money as early as possible. Also, work would help her to forget some painful memories.

    Shizuka''s workplace was Yumi Resto. It was a middle-class restaurant with Siamese culinary traditions, where his father worked as an assistant chef.

    As a dishwasher and food delivery girl, Shizuka earned 600 Ren/h. Not a huge amount, but she was quite proud of the money she made. Moreover, after the work she could make sure his father didn''t stop too long at snack bar and take him home before he got too drunk.

    As she laid her father on the bed Shizuka asked, "Dad, can''t you stop drinking every night?"

    "I can''t. Without alcohol your mother would fill my mind every time I close my eyes."

    "Why are you still remembering the damnable bitch that left you for a younger man?"

    Shizuka clenched her fists tightly. But his father did not answer, he already fell asleep. As she sighed in silence, Shizuka then fixed her father''s blanket. Not long after that, she left the house carrying a backpack containing a wig and uniform for her second part-time job.

    Every night, after her father fell asleep Shizuka would work at Kenzo Bowling, as a mini-bar waitress for 2000 Ren/h. With such a nice salary, she didn''t mind having to compromise with some customers who had naughty hand. She won''t be working there forever after all.

    By using a pile of used bricks, Shizuka silently jumped over the wall behind her lodging house, then sneaked through the backyard of a massage parlor, toward the wall before Tamie alley. After jumping over the second wall, she could enter Kenzo Bowling through the back door and no one would know she was working there.

    With steady steps, Shizuka took a stance. Then, in one flowing motion she jumped over the second wall. The problem was, as soon as her feet landed on Tamie alley, she found a black-clothed youth she knew, kneeling in front of her and pointing a silenced sidearm.

    Moreover, in front of the youth lay three men and she recognized them. They were money collectors from Toruma Mafia. In a glance Shizuka could tell the three men were no longer breathing, while their mouths were foaming and their chest covered in blood. So, with ease Shizuka concluded that the sidearm in the youth''s hand was not an airsoft.

    "Hide?"

    A big question mark filled Shizuka''s mind, especially since Hide''s current gaze was so different from what she remembered, and it also made the hairs on her nape stand straight.

    ---

    ''A surprised face, but no scream or panic.  .  .  Interesting.'' While observing Shizuka''s unnatural reaction, Hide put the memory card into his pocket.

    He then calmly said, "I never thought someone I know would show up here."

    "Don''t worry. I know how to keep my mouth shut."

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    "Good." Hide smiled before adding, "I hope you don''t mind having a short chat at bus stop in front of Miyagi Mall."

    "I don''t."

    Shizuka agreed without hesitation. She understood that if Hide wanted to kill her, she would have been lying still on ground by now.

    "Then, walk four meters ahead of me and don''t try to run. I''m a good shooter and rarely miss."

    "Okay."

    Wasting no time, Shizuka started walking, and after sending static to Takeo as a signal he could go to RV point, Hide  followed Shizuka. With casual steps, the two walked to the end of the alley, moving away from Kenzo Bowling.

    ---

    At the bus stop in front of Miyagi Mall, Hide and Shizuka sat next to each other. Hide calmly started the conversation, "Do you know why the police use serial killers to track down murder suspects?"

    "How in the absolute fuck I would know?"

    Even though she knew Hide was pointing the silenced sidearm under his jacket at her, Shizuka dared to speak casually. She had a feeling Hide just wanted to make sure she kept her mouth shut.

    Still in a casual tone Shizuka added, "Hide, I will keep my mouth shut. I just want to live in peace. So, can you go straight to the point? I still have a work to do."

    "I''m just trying to say, a serial killer will recognize another killer instinctively."

    "So..." Shizuka smiled scornfully before continuing, "You want to say you are a serial killer and you recognize me as a murderer."

    "More or less."

    "We have three bodies as a proof you are a serial killer, but where is the body to prove I''m a murderer."

    Hide calmly but firmly replied, "If we trace back up to 6-12 months, I''m sure we''ll find friend, acquaintance, co-worker, family, or anyone in your social circle who had been declared as missing person or died of unnatural causes."

    Panic was reflected in Shizuka''s gaze, but only for a moment. "If you''re not planning to kill me, can you stop your bullshit and let me go?"

    "Sure." While putting a bundle of money on Shizuka''s lap, Hide continued, "This is your silent money. Take a break and rest for a few days. You look battered and full of sorrow."

    Hide then got up and left Shizuka who stared at him dumbfounded.

    ---

    A kid playground four blocks from Kenzo Bowling, Takeo was sitting on a wooden bench playing with his smartphone when Hide arrived. Wasting no time, he handed over a small paper bag.

    "Bacon sandwich and warm lemon tea, in case you are hungry."

    "Thanks." Hide took a big bite of the bacon sandwich before saying, "We have a little problem."

    "What problem?"

    "Shizuka from your class saw my action."

    Takeo immediately turned to Hide and said in a super serious tone, "Hide, I saw Shizuka and a drunk. But they passed Tamie alley and entered the next one, so I didn''t warn you."

    "It''s not your fault. She took a shortcut by jumping over the wall."

    "Did. . ."  Takeo swallowed hard before continuing, "Did you kill her?"

    "I didn''t, but I already talked to her and gave her some silent money."

    "So what are we going to do next?"

    "Wait and watch."

    "Nothing else, are you sure?"

    "Yeah." After handing a bundle of money to Takeo, Hide continued, "Let''s go home."

    To be honest, at this moment Takeo''s heart was in turmoil. He was super worried that Shizuka would report Hide to the police.  But at the same time, he didn''t have the heart to silence Shizuka by killing her.

    ''Damn it! Hide, I can only trust your judgment.'' After a silent sigh Takeo then called a taxi.

    Meanwhile, Hide turned his head towards a figure in a dark corner, and then casually sipped of his warm lemon tea as if he saw no one.

    *****

 HA1 8.3 - Nightclub

    HA1 8.3 - Nightclub

    While the other students were doing their physics assignments, Shizuka pensively looked out of the window. After her meeting with Hide last night, she decided to quit her job at Kenzo Bowling. So far, she had been able to compromise with the gropers, but who knew before they went any further.

    Shizuka continued to ponder until the bell for lunch break finally rang. ''Time to find out how to join Hide''s night club.''

    With steady steps Shizuka walked over to Takeo, and then she wrapped her arms around his neck.

    "We need to talk."

    "Huh?"

    A look of surprise filled Takeo''s face before he frowned. He didn''t know how much Shizuka knew. But he knew with certainty that interaction with her should be avoided. So reflexively, Takeo tried to let go of Shizuka''s arm.

    "No tha-kugh..."

    "As if you have the power to refuse me."

    Without hesitation Shizuka tightened her arm until it almost strangled Takeo. And, even though Takeo tried to resist, she easily dragged him out of the classroom. Then she led him to the broom closet at the end of the corridor, while ignoring the other students'' whispers and stares.

    ---

    Ever since East Nichiko High was founded, the broom closet was just an ordinary room to store cleaning equipment, nothing more nothing less. But then, in her first year Shizuka used it as a room to beat an upperclassman who dared to smack her butt.

    After that, she developed a habit to use broom room on any floor as a spot for talking and beating. Therefore, the other students called the broom closet as Shizuka''s Torture Chamber, be it on the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd floor.

    While Takeo massaged his aching neck, Shizuka blatantly stated her intention.

    "How can I join your nightclub?"

    "Night club? What are you talking about?"

    "Don''t play dumb, last night I saw you sitting at the truck cafe across from Kenzo Bowling, while Hide took action in Tamie alley. After that, you two regrouped at the small playground a few blocks away."

    Takeo replied firmly, "So what? I saw you on a date with a drunk too."

    Shizuka''s left eyebrow spontaneously rose upwards. "Twig, that''s my father."

    "Huh? Sorry, don''t know about that," Takeo said weakly.

    "Never mind, just tell me what I want to know or the other members at least."

    "Honestly, talk to Hide directly. I''m just an errand boy."

    "Even an errand boy will know a thing or two."

    "You overestimate me."

    "Well, just a gentle reminder, I still remember your weakness since kindergarten."

    "That''s a long long long time ago." Takeo tried to look tough, but unfortunately his voice was shaking a little.

    So, after taking a deep breath Shizuka then said, "Don''t blame me, you forced my hand."

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    Casually, Shizuka took out a transparent plastic bag containing two cockroaches from her jacket pocket and thrust it in front of Takeo''s nose. Takeo''s eyes instantly widened, and then he collapsed to the floor with his eyes turning white.

    "I told you I still remember your weakness."

    Swiftly, Shizuka then took Takeo''s smartphone and checked its contents. Unfortunately, she only found Hide''s number but no messages or calls to the number.

    "Let''s try something then,'''' murmured Shizuka as she sent a message to Hide.

    Takeo:

    //Hide, what is our next target?//

    Hide:

    //Dear Miss Oda, did you kill our poor Takeo?//

    Takeo:

    //How in the absolute fuck do you know this is not Takeo?//

    Hide:

    //We don''t use personal numbers to communicate.//

    "Damn!"

    Shizuka pursed her lips while returned Takeo''s smartphone. Then, she woke him up and the answer and question session started immediately.

    ---

    As someone who had to go through it twice, for Hide school life was boring as hell. The only thing that became his consolation when he was at school was lunch at the cafeteria.

    Therefore, when he saw Takeo being dragged by Shizuka into her torture chambers, Hide chose to ignore him. And, as soon as he arrived at the cafeteria he ordered his favorite dish, the steamed tofu roll.

    Steamed tofu roll was made of ground chicken meat and white tofu, mixed with chopped carrots, leeks, and mushrooms, eggs, corn starch, seasoning, and spices, then rolled in tofu skins and steamed.

    For variety, the chicken meat was sometimes replaced with shrimp or white flesh fish. One serving consists of three rolls served with tomato sauce, chili oil, and thinly sliced ??and rolled cucumbers and radishes. Hide really liked steamed tofu roll because it was high in protein, but low in oil.

    Every day, he would order three servings of steamed tofu roll, along with white rice, mushroom soup, zucchini chips, apples, and a glass of ice lime water, then sit in one corner. He was annoyed at having to reply to Shizuka''s text, but luckily the conversation was short.

    ''What a good lunch.''

    Cheerfully, Hide began devouring his lunch. Unfortunately, fifteen minutes later two people suddenly sat across from him.  They were Takeo who somehow had a face as pale as a corpse, and Shizuka who somehow looked a little sour.

    Without hiding his annoyance Hide said, "Whatever it is, make it quick."

    "Hide, I want to join your nightclub."

    ''Nightclub?'' Hide turned to Takeo before asking, "What did you say to her?"

    "Not a word," Takeo answered proudly, though his face was still as pale as a corpse.

    After taking a mouthful of ice lime water, Hide turned to Shizuka. "Your grip on reality is too loose."

    "Hide, don''t bullshit me." Shizuka then lowered her voice before continuing, "Think about it, I''m stronger than Takeo the Twig, have a scooter driving license, and know the Red Light District better. In short, I''m more useful than The Twig."

    Hide casually replied, "I don''t bullshit you. I and Takeo don''t form any clubs. We just sometimes look for extra pocket money, that''s all. Also, from my perspective Takeo is more useful than you."

    "Even so, I believe I can bring benefits for both of you." Shizuka took a deep look at Hide before continuing, "You also know I can do what you did last night, while The Twig can''t."

    The sharp determination in Shizuka''s gaze made Hide sighed silently. Shizuka did have the potential to make the job easier. The problem was, Hide prioritized motivation over capability.

    "Tell me, why do you want to join me and Takeo?"

    Shizuka answered without hesitation, "Four months ago I found out that my father was diagnosed with cancer and he will not make it through this year.

    Right now he''s working twice as hard to raise money. Because he knows I don''t want to live with my mother who is married to a 10-years younger man."

    After a moment of silence, Hide said calmly, "After school, let''s meet again on the roof of Left Wing Building."

    "Okay."

    A smile as warm as the morning sun spread across Shizuka''s lips. Meanwhile, Takeo pursed his lips, but he didn''t say a word.

    "Now, let me enjoy my lunchtime in peace. It''s a precious moment for me."

    "Roger."

    Without wasting any time, Shizuka then dragged Takeo.

    *****

 HA1 9.1 - A Piece of Memories

    HA1 9.1 - A Piece of Memories

    Shizuka looked in admiration as Takeo used two small iron bars to unlock the door to the rooftop.

    "It''s hard to imagine a Twig like you have a bad boy side."

    In a flat tone Takeo responded, "Hide can do it three times faster. He also will teach you the trick."

    "Noice, I can''t wait for it."

    Shizuka have a small smile before following Takeo to a corner on the rooftop. Then, she asked softly, "Do you remember that at kindergarten and elementary school we were always together?

    I would take care of children who bullied you, and you would bring me lunch and lend me your homework for me to copy. But then¡­ suddenly you became a stranger.

    When Tenma and his friends beat you and Hide ignored you. I was happy to help you and hoped we could be friends again. But you shouted at me, ''I don''t need a help from a Yankee girl like you.'' And now, you get along with Hide pretty well but remain a stranger to me."

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Takeo let out a deep sigh but didn¡¯t continue his words

    After waiting for a moment Shizuka then asked in a lonely tone, "Tell me darn Twig, why did you start avoiding me after our first summer in junior high?"

    Takeo looked at Shizuka''s dark brownish and long hair before answering, "It''s because you started hanging out with Yankee Kuroki and dyed your hair. I thought you would be a bad influence for me."

    "Bad influence because of my hair huh?" Deep remorse filled Shizuka''s heart, but she was able to calm it. "My hair color is natural by the way. My mom is half Americ, so I have a bit of a Caucasian gene, even though I don''t know why it''s changed only after I entered junior high.

    For Kuroki, you are absolutely correct. Recently, I found out that he was an absolute cockroach. But at that time, we were just friends from the same dojo."

    For some reason, Takeo could feel a thick regret, anger, and bitterness in Shizuka''s tone, and it bothered him.

    "I''m sorry. It seems I made some idiot judgment."

    "Yeah, you did," Shizuka muttered in a regretful tone.

    Silence then enveloped the two.

    ---

    When Hide arrived and saw the awkward silence between Shizuka and Takeo, he immediately asked, "Are you two fighting?"

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    "¡°No,¡±" Shizuka and Takeo answered in unison.

    ''What a couple,'' Hide muttered inwardly. "Then, listen to me carefully. I¡¯ll explain a few things."

    Shizuka immediately gave Hide a nod. "Okay."

    "Basically, we have a few roles when carrying out a hunt. Planner, executor, transportation, info gathering, and logistics. I take the role of planner and executor while Takeo took the rest.¡±

    "Wait a second," Shizuka tilted her head to the side as question mark appeared on her forehead. "I thought you are the muscle and Takeo is the brain."

    Takeo calmly said, "I told you. I''m just an errand boy."

    "U-ugh... Okay."

    Hide pointed at Shizuka before continuing, "Depend on the situation, you will assist me or Takeo, and to make it easier for you two to stick together I want you two to date, and it doesn''t matter if it''s a fake or a real one."

    "Why?"

    "Okay."

    Two opposing answers were heard at almost at the same time, and Hide casually explained, "It¡¯s to make sure that everything looks natural when you two are together, be it inside or outside the school."

    "Fine."

    Takeo reluctantly agreed while Shizuka hummed softly.

    "I and Takeo will slowly explain how we communicate or work. But first, you need to take a motorbike course, any model as long as it¡¯s no lower than 300 cc class with cruiser features. We have operational fund to pay it, so keep the receipt."

    "Okay."

    Shizuka nodded firmly three times, while Hide handed him a piece of paper.

    "This is a list of standard outfits when you go out hunting with us. Takeo will take you to the store and pay the bill."

    "So, this will become our first date."

    "It''s a fake relationship, remember?"

    "I know, but it''s still fun for me."

    "Whatever."

    "Well." Hide cleared his throat before turning his gaze to Shizuka. "Can you wait downstairs? I need to talk with Takeo for a moment."

    Suspicion and worry instantly rose in Shizuka''s heart. "Why do you want to talk without me?"

    "It will not affect the decision to accept you to the team, but I need to know Takeo''s honest opinion about it."

    "Okay."

    Without delay Shizuka left the rooftop, while Hide turned his gaze to Takeo.

    "If you have something in mind, please say it."

    "Hide, honestly, I don''t like it, but in general I don''t have complaints except for her reason about her father. At least, we need to check it."

    Hide firmly replied, "She didn''t lie about her father. However, I have something else that bothers my mind."

    "What is it?"

    "I will explain it later. For now, I want you to find out if there is someone in Shizuka''s social circle who was missing or dead in the last six months, and I want you to check it quietly."

    Puzzlement filled Takeo''s face, but he answered firmly, "Okay."

    "Also, don''t tell Shizuka about Knosses or our broker."

    "Understood."

    "And... Even if it''s only a fake relationship, please treat her nicely."

    "Why?"

    "It¡¯s hard to explain it, but someday there is a chance you will thank me for this."

    "I doubt it, but I will try my best because you ask me to."

    Hide smiled before saying cheerfully, "Thank you, now you have a date so have fun."

    "It''s a fake relationship, remember?"

    "Yeah."

    Takeo then left the rooftop, while Hide looked into distance.

    ''Well, it''s not cost me a penny, so why not do it.''

    Based on memories from his previous life, Hide knew that in a few months Shizuka''s father would die in hospital. She then moved out of the country to live with her mother.

    On her last day in the school, Shizuka confessed her feelings to Takeo. But Takeo rejected her with a cold and flat answer. After that, Hide never heard anything about her again.

    ''Well, this is how far I can do it for you two, for in the end everything is up to your own feelings."

    *****

 HA1 9.2 - Another Hunting

    HA1 9.2 - Another Hunting

    Shizuka clearly remembered her time in the kindergarten. Her father had to leave for work before she woke up, while her mother was an architect in a fairly large firm. Every morning her mother would drop her off at the kindergarten long before her friends arrived, and gave her two sandwiches she bought from convenience store. One was for breakfast and another one was for lunch.

    Because she was taller and stronger than other kids, Shizuka was shunned by her classmates. Fortunately, two other children were also shunned and arrived at kindergarten as early as her. The first child was Hide. However, because Hide''s father was very protective, Shizuka found it was difficult to approach him.

    The second child was Takeo. He was a weak child who was extremely afraid of cockroaches. One time, when Takeo was being bullied by other children, Shizuka took the initiative to help him. After that, Takeo would follow her wherever she went. He would also help Shizuka with schoolwork and bring her a nice lunch.

    Takeo and Shizuka continued to hang out together in elementary school and Shizuka was super happy about it. She even believed that the two of them would always be together until high school and maybe beyond.

    Therefore, when Takeo suddenly left her side, Shizuka instantly felt unbearable emptiness in her heart. For the first time, she realized that Takeo''s presence was much deeper and important than she thought.

    When she finally could spend time with Takeo once again, the excitement in her heart was also far beyond her expectations. She almost screamed hysterically to express it. And now, the two had their date. Fake or real, it still made her happy.

    While looking at the signboard ''Tamiya Shop, best second-hand outdoor outfit'', Shizuka said, "Twig, you''ll never become popular boy, if you take a girl to a second-hand shop in her first date."

    Takeo flatly replied, "We need high-end products. With a budget of 20,000 Ren/person, we will get only 1-2 items if we buy a new one."

    "Fine."

    While following Takeo into Tamiya Shop Shizuka pressed her lips together, but actually deep in her heart she was humming cheerfully. In truth, Shizuka didn''t mind second-hand items at all. But she was worried that Takeo would find her strange if she didn''t act like a normal girl.

    ---

    This was the third time Takeo''s went for a shop at Tamiya, so shopkeeper Keiko already knew him well. She welcomed him with a cheerful smile.

    "Do you need another outdoor outfit? I still have your measurements."

    "Not for me, but her."

    "Oh my. . . Girlfriend?" Shopkeeper Keiko enthusiastically asked.

    "More or less," Takeo answered casually while Shizuka nodded eagerly three times.

    "I see. It''s good to be young."

    While receiving a small list from Takeo, shopkeeper Keiko smiled broadly. She then took out a measurement string and a small notepad before turning to Shizuka.

    "All of our products are high-end, but we can''t give you one single brand for every item. It must be a mixed brand."

    "No problem," Shizuka replied cheerfully.

    The measurement then starts, from the sole of the foot, the distance from the ankle to the waist, hip circumference, waist circumference, chest circumference, until the shoulder width.

    With full admiration shopkeeper Keiko then said, "Takeo, you sure get a good breed."

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    "Yeah," Takeo answered flatly while Shizuka nodded once again.

    "Then, how much is your budget?"

    "As usual, 20,000 Ren."

    After studying the list in her hand shopkeeper Keiko said, "That will get her three sets, but can you add 5000 Ren for the brand new sports bra and shorts?"

    "I can."

    "Good." Shopkeeper Keiko smiled broadly before turning her gaze to Shizuka, "For high agility shoes that don''t squeak I don''t have the pair that fits your size, but I can make them in two weeks using local materials that better than Adidaz or Nicke."

    ¡°Can you really make something better than Adidaz or Nicke?¡±

    ¡°We can.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not a copycat, right?¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t do copycat. We make something better in a small number, or just sell second-hand stuff from reputable brand.¡±

    ¡°In that case, give me the local made.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Shopkeeper nodded before continuing, ¡°For the low-visibility outfit with 200 degrees Celsius heat-resistant, tear-resistant, and a material that doesn''t make a sound when rubbing each other, I had to combine the products from Navigator, Aitor, and Mapper.

    And as a bonus, I''ll give you an Alvis raincoat and Norland medium sling bag."

    "Okay, and thank you for the gift set."

    Takeo then handed over the payment, while Shizuka smiled from ear to ear.

    "Wait for a moment, except for the shoes I will prepare the rest."

    "Okay."

    Takeo and Shizuka then went to waiting room.

    ---

    While handing over a can of juice he bought from the vending machine Takeo said, "Usually, there will be several options for each item, so you have to try which one fits you the best."

    Shizuka cheerfully nodded. "Okay, but wouldn''t the shopkeeper suspect that the clothes we buy will be used for criminal acts? I also never thought that low-visibility outfits existed."

    Takeo casually replied, "Actually, low-visibility outdoor outfits have been quite popular for the last few years."

    "Really?"

    "Yeah, lots of soloist outdoor junkies and member of PMC prefer low-visibility outfits. That''s what Hide told me."

    "I see."

    Takeo then took out a 2G cellphone he bought on the way to Tamiya, and after fiddling with it for a while he handed it over to Shizuka.

    "The first five numbers are Hide''s, the next five are mine, and the last five are yours. You can also adding regular numbers."

    After checking the phonebook inside of the dumb cellphone Shizuka asked, "Why are every number only four-digit long?"

    "Dunno, and it only can send text, which will be erased by auto-delete after three minutes?"

    "Huh? What a weird number."

    With a puzzled look, Shizuka put her dumb cellphone into her pocket.

    "Now, do you know where you will take the motorbike course?"

    "Let''s try the place where I learn to ride a scooter. They have good circuits and various motorbikes."

    "Okay, from here we will go there then."

    "Roger."

    Takeo and Shizuka continued to chat, unaware that from the 2nd floor, Sayaka and her gang was observing the two. A black cloud was visible on Sayaka''s face, while her hands gripped the guardrail tightly.

    ---

    Lily Tunnel was a one-way tunnel located at west of Red Light District. Basically, it¡¯s an L-shaped shortcut with a total length of 500 meters. During the peak of rush hours, Lily Tunnel was used to channel surplus of traffic flow from the main road to the secondary route. While at night, it was as quiet as deserted tomb.

    Thursday midnight, Hide and Shizuka casually leaned against the wall right in the middle of Lily Tunnel. Both of them were wearing concise greenish-gray clothes which looked like normal clothes in general.

    Ten minutes had passed since they greeted each other, before Hide casually opened a conversation. "How is your outfit?"

    "It¡¯s thicker and heavier than I thought, but warm and supports swift movement well. I can''t wait to receive my shoes."

    ¡°Good.¡± Hide smiled in satisfaction before saying, "But don¡¯t forget to burn it to the ash after we completed the job."

    ¡°Earlier, Twig has said that to me too,¡± Shizuka calmly said. ¡°But, do we really have to burn it? These are really nice clothes.¡±

    Hide calmly replied, ¡°Once we use it in illegal act, clothes and equipment we use became dangerous liability. We shouldn¡¯t have attachment on it.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Shizuka then turned her gaze to Hide, ¡°Can I ask something?"

    "Sure."

    "Takeo is taking position near the east end. So, shouldn''t I takes the position in the west end to make sure we watch both ends?¡±

    "That''s the ideal setup. But for this job I want you to learn how to collect the loot, because in the future, maybe you''ll have to do it."

    "Okay."

    "Also, Takeo doesn¡¯t only watching over the east end. He is watching over both ends of the tunnel using traffic CCTV."

    Shizuka gave a small nod and at the same time, some statistics were heard.

    *Krsk-krsk. . . Krsk-krsk. . . Krsk!*

    "Do you still remember the meaning of this signal?"

    Shizuka firmly replied, "Five people, from east end."

    "Good." Hide then reached Shizuka''s slender waist with his left hand. "Please, bear with me for a moment."

    "O-okay," Shizuka stuttered as her face became as red as tomato.

    "Don''t blush and be casual. We don''t do anything lewd."

    "I-I don''t. . . It''s just that the weather is a little too cold."

    "I see."

    While clinging tightly like lovers, Hide and Shizuka walked to the east end of Lily Tunnel.

    *****

 HA1 9.3 - A Masterpiece

    HA1 9.3 - A Masterpiece

    ''It seems I have to be more attentive,'' Hide muttered inwardly.

    In his previous life, Hide died at age of 48 years old. So, when he grabbed Shizuka''s waist, he purely thought of Shizuka as a child, nothing more nothing less. He never imagined Shizuka would blush to the point her face became as red as tomato. She even became clumsy.

    Also, as far as he remembered Shizuka was a happy-go-lucky girl who was never shy to drag the boy she wanted to beat by putting her arm on his neck. In short, Hide assumed that she was not a girly goof who would blush just because a boy touched her hand.

    Fortunately, after Hide changed his approach and only held her hands, Shizuka managed to calm herself down. With ease, she then listened and absorbed every piece of explanations regarding her job.

    "Do you have questions?"

    "Nope, and you can grab my waist."

    "I think holding your hand is more than enough, and sorry if I have made you uncomfortable."

    "Don''t sweat it, I''m just a little surprised because you did it so naturally," Shizuka replied while inwardly she muttered, ''As if we are a long life couple.''

    "Okay." Hide then opened the zip on his jacket halfway to his stomach.

    While holding each other¡¯s hand, Hide and Shizuka continued to walk on the right side of the tunnel. At Hide''s request, Shizuka skillfully put on an annoyed face. It was unbelievably natural that even Hide almost thought Shizuka was truly angry with him.

    Then, five men appeared in the distance. They walked on the left side of the tunnel. Two men at the front looked at Hide and Shizuka vigilantly, but only for a moment before they locked their gaze on Shizuka''s charming figure.

    When they were only 10 meters apart, Hide squeezed Shizuka''s hand twice. Shizuka spontaneously jerked his hand, and then walked away one step faster. Shizuka''s action made the five approaching men giggle. Their attention was also fully directed on Shizuka, as now they could see her beautiful face.

    At the same time, Hide pulled out the silenced Sieg P365 from holster under his left armpit and placed it in front of his chest. Once his left hand merged with his right hand, he then pushed the silenced Sieg P365 forward until his hands were straight and formed a triangle. At the same time, Hide also slightly lowered his knees.

    The Sieg P365 had no external safety lever and one round was always loaded in the firing chamber. So, once he had sight in on the target, Hide immediately squished the trigger gently.

    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    Be-beeb!  Be-beeb!  Be-beeb!

    Five quick double-taps hit five chests in turn, followed by five thuds as five bodies hit the ground. When one of his targets tried to crawl, Hide fired the last round at his back. Then, he inserted a new magazine before shifting the slide-release lever using his right thumb.

    Clack!

    Smoothly, Sieg P365''s slide was returned to the front and one round automatically loaded to the firing chamber. Hide then approached his victims and shot their temples from a distance of 2 cm in turn.

    After making the confirmed kills, Hide moved closer to the tunnel''s wall. While holding Sieg P365 using both hands close at his chest, he turned to Shizuka.

    "Your turn."

    "Okay."

    Swiftly, Shizuka started working her part.

    ---

    Even though it''s only in the movie, Shizuka had at least seen how hit man ambushed their targets using a silenced handgun.  However, compared to the sensation when she looked at it directly from a close range, the difference was like a night and day. For a moment, she even felt a strong excitement.

    Shizuka could easily see that Hide''s action was a masterpiece. One that took tons and tons of practice until it became a second nature. The steel determination that Hide showed when he gave the final touch was also deeply imprinted on her mind.

    ''Normal humans wouldn''t be able to execute an art of killing at this level,'' Shizuka muttered as she was done collecting all the cartridge cases.

    She then took the small bag and smartphone from the man lying in the middle. Swiftly, she moved five bundles of money in the small bag to inner pocket of her jacket, and then copied the data on his smartphone. Last but not the least, she returned the smartphone to its original position. Therefore, people would conclude that money was the main target.

    With a face full of pride Shizuka then approached Hide.

    "Done."

    "How many cartridge cases did you collect?"

    "Sixteen."

    "Good job."

    After sheathing his Sieg P365 back into the holster, Hide then led Shizuka to jog towards the west end of Lily Tunnel. Once they past the exit, the two turned right and climbed a 40 degree slope covered by short grass.

    At the top of the slope, they lay down in front of wire fence and waited until no passing cars before jumping over it. Then, they casually walked down the sidewalk to the Red Light District.

    In a casual but curious tone Shizuka asked, "Hide, how did you know the five people who entered Lily Tunnel were our targets?"

    "I recognize them. The man who brought the money is Maeda The Fox. He was one of the group leaders in Toruma Mafia."

    Hide didn''t lie, but he couldn''t tell Shizuka that in his previous life he had done the same action and all the information he had gathered was still stored in his mind.

    "How many times you have done a job like this?"

    "This is my third with Takeo, but I have done tons of similar jobs alone."

    "Who taught you?"

    "Well, I can tell you, but then I have to kill you."

    Shizuka pressed her lips, and she was silent for a while before saying resolutely, "Hide, teach me how to use firearm."

    "In your dreams."

    "Hide, I''m serious. You don''t use your dick to pull the trigger. So, I can do it too."

    "Sorry, but I''m bound by an oath not to teach my art of killing to anyone."

    "Break your damn oath, I will pay you with everything I have, including my body if you want it."

    In reflex, Hide looked at Shizuka from the head to the toe. Then, he casually said, ¡°Don¡¯t use your body as a bargaining chip as if it''s nothing."

    "It''s my body. So---"

    "Talk about it one more time and I''ll kick you out of the team."

    Hearing Hide''s sharp tone, Shizuka stopped arguing and could only purse her lips. Under the night sky full of stars, the two then walk in silence.

    *****

 HA1 9.4 - Body Trail

    HA1 9.4 - Body Trail

    Two hundred meters from the Red Light District, from the rooftop of an empty three-story building, Takeo watched five ambulances enter the east end of Lily Tunnel. At the same time, he heard someone open the door to the rooftop. As he held his breath, Takeo turned his gaze to check the incoming people.

    "Thank God." After heaving a sigh of relief Takeo greeted Hide and Shizuka, "A car entered Lily Tunnel a few minutes ago. Not long after that Toruma Mafia launched a comb up to eight blocks, starting from the outer ring."

    Hide gave a small nod before saying, "Fortunately, we''ve arrived here so I don''t need to throw away my weapon and the loot money, even though we need to stay here for a few hours."

    As she happily glanced at Takeo, Shizuka asked, "We''ve prepared snacks and mineral water, but is it safe to stay here?"

    "Don''t worry. Toruma Mafia can only do door-to-door searches in their own area. For the other area, they will only comb the street, looking for weapons and the money. They will also take a photo of ID card for every person they suspect," Hide replied firmly.

    "Okay,'''' Shizuka happily replied while Takeo nodded slightly.

    The three then sat in a corner. After Shizuka put the loot in front of everyone, Hide immediately distributed the money, 150 thousand Ren to Shizuka and 100 thousand Ren to Takeo.

    "Noice."

    "Thank you."

    "Me too, thank you for your hard work."  Hide then turned his gaze to Takeo before asking, "Do you have a bill we have to close?"

    Wasting no time Takeo handed over two invoices. "It¡¯s from Tamiya and motorbike school where Shizuka took the course."

    After making a quick calculation, Hide handed 30 thousand Ren to Takeo. "Is the motorbike school good?"

    "Yup, they have five training circuits and various motorbikes in prime condition."

    "In that case I will take a motorbike course over there."

    "Hide, you also want to take a motorbike course?" Shizuka asked curiously.

    Before Hide answering, Takeo said "Why not? Hide also takes driving course like me, and even though he only trains once a week, his skills can keep up with me who are practicing five days a week."

    "I see." Shizuka gave a small nod before looking at Hide with a hopeful gaze, "Can I take a driving course too?"

    "You can, but you have to finish your motorbike course first."

    "Okay."

    In an instant an ear-to-ear smile bloomed on Shizuka''s lips.

    ---

    While Hide and Shizuka enjoyed snacks and mineral water, Takeo was processing the information from Maeda The Fox''s smartphone. He organized the text messages into a folder, whiles the phone numbers in the phonebook he labeled with GPS tracking, and then were inserted into his Hunting Map.

    In his second year of junior high, Takeo already knew how to label a smartphone with GPS tracking. However, the procedure he got from Hide made him realize that his method was a child''s play.

    By using Hide''s method, it only took him 70 minutes to label dozens of numbers in the phonebook. Then, he cheerfully said, "Hide, we get 42 additional numbers."

    "Okay." Hide downed a mouthful of mineral water before saying, "Now, I want you to focus on Maeda Hakei, Satori Kudo, Naoki Nana, Kurosawa Katsutadai, Nobutaka Haya, Shiori Sato. Mark the place where these people are gathered together."

    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    "Who are they?" Takeo asked.

    "Group leader of Toruma Mafia."

    "Are we going to kill them when they gather?" Shizuka asked.

    "Of course not, attacking these people when they are gathering in one place is suicide."

    Takeo took a deep breath before giving Shizuka a questioning look. "I wonder if there is something wrong with your head."

    "Sorry," Shizuka muttered weakly.

    Hide then continued his explanation, "The group leaders only gathered when they met Toruma Elder and the location is always changing. After the meeting, I will kill him and send an ultimatum to stop Sakura Project."

    With some hesitation Shizuka raised her hand. "May I ask another question?"

    "You may."

    "Why don''t we go after the developer? I think it will be easier. We might only need to threaten them without any need to kill them?"

    "An ultimatum without killing usually goes unheeded. Moreover, even if the developer resigns from the project, other developers will replace them.

    However, if we succeed in killing Toruma''s Elder, the other mafia families will think a thousand times before taking a part in the project."

    Shizuka slightly nodded before asking again, "But... Can we kidnap him and ask for ransom before we kill him?"

    "For now we can''t." Hide took a deep breath before explaining, "Kidnapping and ransom ops requires big resources and complex planning. Right now, it¡¯s beyond our reach.¡±

    "I see."

    Casually but determinedly Takeo then said, "I will make an alarm program that will go active if group leaders of Toruma Mafia gathers in one place."

    "Good, we will move as soon as they gather, so be prepared."

    ""Okay.""

    After checking the situation using Google Earth online and finding Toruma Mafia''s members still doing the combing, Hide and Shizuka decided to sleep by leaning their back against the guard rail, while Takeo continued his work using his laptop.

    ---

    The sun was peeking out on the east, while Hide was making small notes. Not far next to him, Shizuka was sleeping peacefully, her back flat on the roof floor while her arms and legs formed x-shape.

    ''What a peaceful sleep,'' Hide muttered while looking at Shizuka''s face.

    At the same time Takeo approached Hide and handed over a memory card to him. "Toruma Mafia¡¯s men just finish the combing, and here''s info about Shizuka''s social circle."

    Hide nodded and handed over the small note in his hand to Takeo while saying, "This is a model of a long-range digital camera and trading site for second-hand military equipment. Can you monitor the site and buy the camera using a fake id if there is a ready-stock available?"

    "I can place an order so they will look for the camera specifically."

    "No, you have to make impression the purchase is spontaneous, and not preordered."

    "Okay."

    "Well, let''s go home then." Hide turned to Shizuka before continuing, "And you should take her home like how a couple does."

    "Piece of a cake."

    Wasting no time Takeo woke Shizuka up.

    ---

    With casual steps Takeo and Shizuka walked down the empty morning street.

    "Twig, have you ever considered asking Hide to teach you how to use firearm?"

    "I have and he refused."

    Shizuka was silent for a moment before asking again, "If there is a girl who has lost her virginity, sells her body for something she really needs, and then she confesses her love to you, what answer you would give to her?"

    Takeo furrowed his brow before replying annoyingly, "Why do you ask me such complicated question?"

    "Dunno, just my curiosity¡­ I think," Shizuka muttered casually.

    "The heck..." Takeo took a deep breath before saying, "Honestly, I don''t know the answer. But if I like someone, then it doesn''t matter what she did before we were together."

    "I see." Shizuka gently smiled before asking again, "Hey Twig, let¡¯s skip school today. I''m so sleepy."

    "We can''t. We need to act normally like any other day."

    "Okay¡­ Then, do you have someone you like in school?"

    "No, and please stop asking stupid questions."

    "Okay," Shizuka replied before cheerfully smiling.

    ---

    Last night Aizawa slept at Kitaro and wouldn''t be going home until the noon, so Hide was sitting alone in the kitchen. He enjoyed his breakfast while reading information about Shizuka''s social circle.

    As he had expected, someone in Shizuka''s social circle was missing four months ago. The information Takeo gathered had included the information he knew, local TV interviews with investigator from metro police, and articles from local newspapers.

    In short, the information was:

    // Kuroki Iwatani or Yankee Kuroki, a second-year medical student, son of a famous surgeon couple, Shizuka''s karate training partner since junior high because no boy at her age can fight her.

    Kuroki was last seen entering a dojo of Ryusen karate with Shizuka. Ever since Shizuka entered junior high, the two routinely practiced at that dojo every Saturday, from noon to dinner time.

    Based on Shizuka''s testimony, on that day Kuroki came home early. It was something that he did very often. However, even after one week he never arrived at his home.

    The GPS on Kuroki''s smartphone showed that its last position was around Lake Hibino before the signal was lost. Until now, metro police stated that Kuroki was missing, but the case file was handled by detectives from homicide unit.

    As the last person being seen with Kuroki, Shizuka had become a prime suspect. However, due to lack of evidence and motive, her name was removed from the list.

    ps: When I talked to her a few days ago, Shizuka mentioned Kuroki''s name hatefully. //

    "Well, it seems I found your victim. Let''s see how deep you buried his body."

    After putting down the info he had just read, Hide continued eating his breakfast.

    *****

 HA1 10.1 - A Nice Dinner

    HA1 10.1 - A Nice Dinner

    [Big Bro wants to watch Yuko Mountain''s match with Aizawa and Kana?]

    "Yeah."

    [But Big Bro never showed any interest in soccer match before.]

    "Well, Big Bro also wants to see how are you doing?"

    [Aizawa is super fine, already had dinner, done her homework, and brushed her teeth.]

    "Umm..."

    [Big Bro, the match is about to start.]

    *Beeeeep!*

    ''This kid¡­ Monday, Thursday, and Friday. It''s only been three days but she''s already started forgetting my presence.''

    Hide didn''t know if he should have happy that Aizawa¡¯s dependence on him started to decrease, or sad because it made him lonely.

    ''Well, I already arrived here.''

    Wasting no time Hide then rang the bell at the front gate of Kitaro.

    ---

    Through the CCTV, Hide and Kaede Sensei observed Aizawa and Kana. The two kids used one of the small auditorium rooms to watch Yuko Mountain''s match. The room was not big, but it was equipped with a good sound-proof means, a sofa, and a 42" LED TV.

    Aizawa and Kana wore Yuko Mountain jackets. They also tucked dozens of colorful straws into their headbands, circling their heads neatly. Hide remembered very well that Aizawa didn''t have Yuko Mountain attributes, so she must have borrowed it from Kana.

    ''Damn, why did I never think of buying her Yuko Mountain''s jersey?''

    A deep regret was reflected in Hide''s face, and it did not escape Kaede Sensei''s attention.

    "Sorry Hide, I never thought Aizawa would be affected by Kana," Kaede Sensei said in a tone full of guilt. "Kana is a sweet and quiet child. But somehow, when watching Yuko Mountain¡¯s match she turned into a zealot fan like her parents."

    "Don''t worry about it, Sensei. Actually, I''m happy because Aizawa can express herself freely and have a friend with a similar feeling."

    Even though Kaede Sensei didn''t tell him out rightly, Hide realized she was telling him that for Kana, Yuko Mountain''s match was one of her ways to cherish her precious memory with her parents. In short, Yuko Mountain match was deep glue for Aizawa and Kana.

    Hide was also aware that Kaede Sensei had brought him to her office and watched Aizawa and Kana through CCTV, so the two kids could express their feelings as freely as possible.

    And Hide''s guess was accurate. When Yuko Mountain scored the first goal, Aizawa and Kana instantly stood up, and celebrated it by did a strange circle dance in front of the TV. Hide couldn''t hear their voices, but he could glimpse their brimming expressions.

    "They look very happy."

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    "Indeed." Kaede Sensei smiled before continuing, "All afternoon Kana taught Aizawa this victory dance. The same dance that her parents used to do while carrying her in their back."

    "I see."

    While smiling happily, Hide and Kaede Sensei looked back at Aizawa and Kana. Deep down in their hearts, they waited Yuko Mountain''s next goal with great anticipation.

    ---

    On the way home from Kitaro, loneliness hits Hide so damn hard. For the first time in his life, he realized that without Aizawa¡¯s presence his house felt bleak and empty. So he decided to get some food and hang around till midnight. After all, he didn''t have school tomorrow and only had to confirm a few things about Shizuka.

    One block from Kitaro, Hide was standing in front of Fumiya Steak. He was calmly looking at an advertisement for a 4500 Ren signature dish which was being discounted to 3700 Ren currently.

    ''Well, an occasional indulgence in heavy protein wouldn''t hurt my wallet.''

    With cheerful steps Hide entered Fumiya Steak. At first glance, more than half the tables were occupied, and then he found someone he knew. In one corner, Hanna sat alone. She wore a tight and knee-high dress that defined her curves provocatively. In short, she looked sexy and smoking red hot.

    The problem was, her face was full of black clouds while she folded her arms in front of her bosom. Moreover, at her table the water jug was half emptied while the dinner cloth was still neatly folded on the plate.

    ''Danger close!'' Hide muttered reflexively.

    There''s a chance that catching up on Hanna''s broken date would make the meeting with her in Beauty & the Beast became an awkward encounter. Not to mention, Hide wanted to enjoy his meal in solitude as usual.

    Unfortunately, whether it''s coincidental or uncoincidental Hanna turned her head to him and their gaze locked for a moment. Wasting no time Hide turned around and headed for the exit.

    "Hide!! Don''t you dare to run from me!"

    Ignoring the stares and whispers of other guests, Hanna rushed over to Hide. Then, she dragged him to her table like a predator dragging its prey.

    "You know, this is illegal. I''m too young and too innocent for a dinner date."

    "Just pretend to be my date. Please, I beg you." Hanna lowered her voice before continuing, "And note that I¡¯m only three years older, and with the way you carry yourself I''m sure no one will think you''re a high school kid."

    Hanna wasn''t lying. Actually, if Hide didn''t wear a high school uniform when he came to Beauty & the Beast, she would keep forgetting that Hide was a high school kid.

    ''Well...''

    Hide sighed inwardly, but he was no longer able to dodge it so he decided to take the advantage to the maximum.

    "Fine, but I''m super hungry and don''t have a lot of money."

    Hanna instantly smiled from ear to ear. "Help me with my date with everything you got, and you can order whatever you want."

    "Ma¡¯am, yes Ma¡¯am."

    Hide didn''t know why Hanna was so serious about maintaining her image, but he didn''t care as long as he could get a free and good meal. A moment later a waitress came. After pouring Hide a glass of water, she then turned her gaze to Hanna.

    "Miss Hanna, congratulations, after five zero in a row finally a gentleman comes to your dinner date." The waitress looked at Hide for a moment before continuing, "He is also a good-looking one."

    Hanna cheerfully replied, "It seems my luck is back."

    "Then, are you ready to order?"

    "Yeah, give me the usual cut, medium rare, vegetable saut¨¦, replace the bread with baked potato, and a glass of light crispy wine."

    "Roger."

    When the waitress turned to him, Hide immediately said, "Two today best cuts, medium rare, vegetable saut¨¦, no carbs, and a glass of lemon juice with a splash of cheapest wine."

    "Roger, please wait for a moment. Your dinner will come shortly."

    "Thank you." Hanna then turned to Hide before asking, "So, what brings you here alone?"

    "Nothing special. I just want to get a nice dinner.¡± Hide took a sip from his glass before asking, ¡°And you?"

    "I come for a date, but as you can see, it¡¯s botched."

    "I wonder. What kind of idiots ditched a babe on the level of a world-class lingerie model?"

    Hanna slightly smiled before asking, "Are you praising me or making fun of me?"

    "Of course I compliment you."

    "Well..." Hanna took a deep breath before continuing, "Basically, everything is going into sour direction after I rejected a narcissistic prick a year ago."

    After glancing at every corner of the restaurant, Hide then asked, "A couple with black office suit near the entry, are they your bodyguards?"

    "No, they are goons the prick sent to watch my date."

    "I hope they don''t beat me after this."

    "Don''t worry, they wouldn''t dare."

    "Okay."

    Hide didn''t know why Hanna was so confident, but he firmly believed her. The two then cheerfully continued their conversation.

    *****

 HA1 10.2 - A Good Night Kiss

    HA1 10.2 - A Good Night Kiss

    Dinner went on in a flowing and casual atmosphere. Hanna never thought that talking to Hide outside the gym was very fun. He didn''t try to impress her and just talked normally, but that made Hanna comfortable.

    However, Hanna was suddenly being attack by heavy dizziness. "Hide, it seems you have to take me home."

    "What''s wrong?" With a gaze full of question mark, Hide looked at Hanna who was massaging her forehead.

    "I don''t know. Alcohol suddenly hit me so damn hard."

    "You shouldn''t drink too much if your alcohol resistance is low."

    "Hide, I swear I can drink a bottle of Smirnova as if it''s water. A glass of light crispy wine is nothing."

    "Well, let''s call a taxi. I will make sure you get home safely."

    "Okay. I will leave my car here."

    "Wait, you bring a car?"

    "Yes." Hanna took deep breaths to clear her mind before handing her purse. "Use my card for the bill, key tag with my apartment''s address also inside."

    "Okay."

    Inwardly, Hide felt something suspicious. As far as he could tell, Hanna was a careful woman. He was sure she wouldn''t recklessly drink when she had to drive home. Moreover, at the same time the black suited couple paid their bill and then walked out of the restaurant as if they already knew what was going to happen to Hanna.

    So, when Hanna handed her purse, Hide intentionally grabbed her wrist, and he was a bit surprised to find that Hanna''s temperature was normal. The only concern was her pulse, which was slightly abnormal.

    ''It¡¯s only a light drunk and some sleeping med, but no aphrodisiac. Do I overthink it?''

    Unfortunately, Hide didn''t have much time to ponder because Hanna suddenly laid her head on the table.

    "Hide, let''s hurry. I''m so sleepy."

    "Got it."

    ---

    After paying the bill, Hide carried Hanna who was already half-unconscious to parking lot. Bringing Hanna home using her car would be more convenient than taking a taxi. He also did not need to waste time for waiting the taxi.

    Once he arrived in the parking lot, Hide took out the key for Hanna''s car. After he pressed a button with the light symbol, the sidelights of a Black Altiez immediately flashed three times. However, a man and woman in a black suit were standing in front of it and stared at him coldly.

    ''No wonder the parking attendant''s nowhere to be seen,'' Hide muttered as the black suited couple approached him.

    In a commanding tone the black suited man said, "We''ll take Miss Hanna home, you can scram."

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    Hide reflexively frowned. "As if I''d hand over a half-unconscious young and attractive female to suspicious strangers."

    "We are not suspicious strangers, but members of Torra Security Group," answered the black suited woman casually.

    "A security group affiliated with Toruma Mafia, that''s making both of you more suspicious."

    The black suited man stared at Hide for a moment before saying, "If you know who we are, then don''t test our patience."

    "Fine, if you don''t have bad intentions, you should let me stay with Hanna until she arrives in her apartment."

    The black suited woman turned her gaze to his partner and casually said, "Stop wasting our time. I''ll take care of Miss Hanna. You give this goof some sweet lessons."

    "Roger."

    The black suited couple then stepped forward. One tried to grab Hanna''s arm while the other tried to grab Hide''s collar. Both of them moved forward confidently, unaware that Hide was quietly reaching for a penknife at his waist.

    Just as the black suited man grabbed his collar, Hide swiftly stabbed his left wrist, and then pushed his hand forward. Blood instantly gushed out from a deep and long cut.

    The black suited couple immediately stepped back together. The man didn''t scream and just gritted his teeth, while the woman looked at the wound on his hand seriously.

    "I''ll kill you bastard!"

    The black suited man drew his knife as he stepped forward, but the black suited woman held him.

    "Your wound needs a serious treatment."

    "I will make it quick."

    "No, let me do-Arghhh... Bastard!!"

    Before the black suited woman finished her word, a flying penknife stabbed her right thigh perfectly and deeply.

    "You!!"

    The black suited woman gave Hide poisonous stare, but Hide looked back at her casually, and drew another penknife.

    "I don''t mind dragging this situation as long as possible, until someone notices it and maybe calls for police."

    Hide was fully aware that in hand-to-hand fighting, right now he was not a match for the black suited couple. So, he had to take extreme measures if he didn''t want to lose Hanna. He was even ready to use his Sieg P365 if situation demanded it.

    "You won''t get away."

    "I''ll skin you alive."

    After throwing hateful threats the black suited couple then left, while Hide took a deep breath full of relief.

    ''Damn, now I have troublesome people to watch out.''

    ---

    Blue Orchid Apartment, inside Unit 3401, Hanna was sitting on the sofa holding a large glass filled with grayish-white ice water. She didn''t know how Hide made the drink, but after drinking it she immediately urinated a few times and the effect of the alcohol and sleeping med were gone.

    After taking a deep breath, Hanna turned his gaze to Hide who was sitting next to her watching the world on the news. "I''m going to roast whoever''s responsible for tonight''s shit alive."

    "You should, but it could be too dangerous for you."

    Hanna smiled before answering, "Don''t worry, I know what I''m doing and how to do it. The two goons will also never bother you ever again."

    Hide didn''t know why Hanna was so confident, but he chose to give a small nod.

    After arriving at Hanna''s apartment, Hide realized that Hanna was not as simple as he thought. Blue Orchid was not the most expensive apartment in Nichiko, but he knew the cheapest unit was around 200 thousand Ren / month. Meanwhile, Hanna''s room was a deluxe class with luxurious furniture.

    Moreover, she had a Black Altiez with a high-quality custom interior. In Nikko, buying a private car was neither difficult nor expensive. But parking fees and taxes could suffocate people with monthly incomes less than 500 thousand Ren.

    "It''s already past midnight,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°So, I will go home."

    "Okay, and thank you for taking me home safely. I will never forget this favor."

    "Don''t sweat it."

    Actually, Hanna was wondering how Hide took care of the two goons from Torra Security Group. She also didn''t expect him to be able to drive a car. But for now, she chose to suppress her curiosity.

    ''There will be another chance to ask,'' Hanna muttered as she walked Hide toward the door.

    However, Hanna couldn''t suppress her urge to tease Hide. Just as the two were at the door, she asked, "Hide, you don''t think we were going to do the lewd and naughty thing, do you?"

    "I don¡¯t. I''m just innocent high school kid."

    "Really?"

    "Yeah."

    "Well, at least let me give you a good night kiss, as your Big Sister of course."

    "Okay," Hide replied casually

    Without delay Hanna took a step forward and cupped Hide''s cheek with her hands.

    ''Let''s see if you can stay calm and casual when I kiss you.''

    *****

 HA1 10.3 - Rapid Development

    HA1 10.3 - Rapid Development

    Hide knew Hanna only meant to kiss his lips gently. So, he decided to stay still, let Hanna did it, and then went home immediately. Unfortunately, he lost his self-control at the last millisecond.

    When Hanna''s soft lips touched his lips, Hide instinctively responded and gently turned the intended light kiss into a wet and deep kiss.

    Hanna instantly widened her eyes, but only for a moment before she closed it and voluntarily enjoyed the passionate kiss. Then, before she realized it, it''s already become more than a kiss.

    Normally, a man should foundling, grabbing, fiddling, and caressing some sensitive area, giving enough pleasant sensation, relaxed the woman¡¯s mind and defensive instinct before reaching for the vagina, but Hide skipped all of that. He directly sent two fingers to Hanna''s most private area and penetrated it.

    Surprisingly, Hide could do it in a way that didn''t make Hanna uncomfortable or entered high-alert mode. Then, while he maintained the wet kiss, his experienced finger initiated a fatal stimulation. A moment later, Hanna''s waist trembled weakly, her breath fluctuated, and then she lost all strength and her body became limp.

    After he kissed Hanna''s snow-white neck gently, Hide said, "Let''s continue in the bed."

    "Okay."

    Hanna was fully aware of what Hide would do to her next. But instead of resisting, she actually couldn''t wait for it.

    A moment later, she was already lying in the bed naked from head to toe, softly panting and moaning while Hide leisurely pounding her.

    "Th-eeeere¡­ ¡° Hanna gasped as Hide hit her pleasure spot, and then she weakly said, ¡°Hide, don''t stop until I get enough."

    "Roger, but can I mark you inside?"

    "You can."

    "Nice."

    In an instant a smile bloomed in Hide''s lips, and like how a seasoned predator eating a conquered prey, he continued dominating and enjoying Hanna''s defenseless body and mind.

    ---

    The morning sun shone through the gaps in the curtains, while Hanna lay quietly on the bed, still in Hide''s arms. It was warm and comfortable, so she was reluctant to wake up.

    ''I must be so lonely to let a high school kid fucked me all night.''

    Hanna clearly remembered how Hide''s finger directly reached for her vagina and stimulated it. Normally, it would result in a game over if you did it to a woman who almost knew nothing about you. But Hide managed to make her orgasm only after a small touch, continuing to another orgasm, and another, and another.

    And once her female instinct to be dominated kicked in, in an instant she became a goner beyond saving. She voluntarily abandoned any thought to resist, and let Hide screwed her until she passed out a few times.

    In the fourth round, she even complied happily when Hide asked her to give him a blowjob, and that was her first blowjob. However, Hanna thought that last night in action wasn''t too bad, she loves it instead. Unfortunately, Hide was a high school kid.

    ''Damn you Hide! If only you were a little bit older.''

    Without realizing it, Hanna gripped Hide''s hand tightly and woke him up. Hide then gently kissed her snow-white neck.

    "Mornings," muttered Hanna as she turned her body.

    Hanna wasn''t surprised at all when she saw Hide looking back at her calmly. Last night''s fiery-in-action clearly showed that Hide was an experienced predator.

    "Do you have to go to work?"

    "Yes, as you already know my day off is Monday. Last night I went home early for the date."

    "I see."

    "How about you? Do you have school today?"

    "Nope, but I need to go somewhere else this morning. So, can I use the bathroom first?"

    Hanna nodded slightly, "You can, and I will make you a breakfast. Any requests?"

    "Anything is good for me."

    "Okay." Hanna cheerfully smiled, and then with a mischief tone she asked, "Hide, will your girlfriend be angry if she knew about our affair last night?"

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    "Fortunately, I don''t have any."

    "Really?" Heavy disbelief clearly filled Hanna''s gaze.

    "For every 100 girls in my school, it will be a miracle if one or two know me."

    "Then, who took your first?"

    Deep down, Hanna''s question made Hide''s heart filled with irony, for she was the one who took his first. Of course, Hide was not stupid enough to say the woman was Hanna, because he knew for sure she won''t believe it.

    "When I entered high school, I became interested in sex. So I often called escort girls and learned a lot about adventure behind a closed-door from them."

    Hide was silent for a moment before continuing, "But I already stopped calling them, and you are the first woman other than escort girl. Maybe it''s not special for you, but it means a lot to me."

    "For me, it means a lot too," Hanna replied before looking at the ceiling and sinking into contemplation.

    While smiling Hide then got off the bed. Carefully, he reached for his clothes lying next to the bed. When he found his Sieg P365 and penknife was still in its place under his shirt, Hide breathed a sigh of relief and immediately went to take a bath.

    ---

    When Hide came out of the bathroom, Hanna was already sitting in the dining table wearing her sleeping robe. As soon as Hide sat across from her, she offered him a cup of coffee.

    "Black, sweet, cream, or milk?"

    "Two sugar and two milk."

    Swiftly, Hanna put two spoons of sugar and two spoon of milk into a cup of coffee and then handed it over to Hide

    After taking a sip of his milk coffee Hide smiled. "This milk coffee is super delicious."

    "No doubt, milk coffee is my forte," Hanna proudly replied.

    "I see."

    Wasting no time, Hide started enjoying some toasts with apple jam. It was a simple but delicious breakfast and he liked it. Then, after he finished his fourth toast, Hanna opened the conversation with a serious tone.

    "Hide, please listen to me very carefully."

    "Okay."

    "Last night is the most wonderful sex I have ever had." Hanna took a deep breath before continuing, "But we can''t do it again."

    Hide nodded three times, and then casually asked, "Do you have a boyfriend?

    "I don''t, and you already know it."

    "Then, I don''t see why we can''t do it again."

    "What if you get me pregnant?"

    "Let''s get married then."

    Hanna instantly dropped her jaw. If Hide asked her to use a birth control pill or talked about using contraception, then she would pretending to be angry and could stop any potential future sex.

    However, she never thought that Hide would ask her to marry him, and he said it so calmly. Even in her wildest imagination, the idea never pop-up in her mind. Therefore, in an instant her heartbeat surged wildly and she almost failed to calm it.

    "Hide, I''m older than you."

    "Only three years and with the way I carry myself, not many people will notice."

    "Actually, it''s four years difference."

    "It''s still not a big concern for me."

    "Do you understand the consequences of a four-year age difference?"

    "Not to mention a four-year-age difference, I am fully aware of how big the gap in a single-year-age difference. It''s as big as the gap between sky and earth." Hide took a sip of his coffee before continuing, "A younger woman has more smooth skin and a more supple body. It''s the primary reason why touching their body will give you heavenly sensation. And the most of all is their ultimate reaction when you stimulate their vag---"

    "Hide, shut up before I beat you."

    "I''m just giving you my honest answer," Hide innocently replied.

    Hanna pressed her lips before saying, "What I asked is about people''s view regarding a couple with a four-year-younger male?"

    Hide took a deep breath and then seriously said, "Look, if I''m not the one you are looking for, let''s kill any potential for a future relationship right now right here. But please don''t do it because you worry about a view from people who have nothing to do with our life.

    At least, let''s try it first. If in the end it''s not working out, feel free to dump me."

    "You mean I can dump you whenever I want, are you sure about that?"

    "I am."

    "You will not be angry, doing something stupid, or took revenge by messing with my life."

    "Why do you think I will disturb your life after you dump me?"

    A bitter smile bloomed on Hanna''s lips. "I already experienced it two times."

    Hide thought for a while before saying, "Well, if a smoking hot babe like you dumped me, I''m sure I will cry in corner of my room for a week or two. However, even if I can''t forget you, I can guarantee that I will never disturb your life."

    In an instant, Hanna became dumbfounded. Hide words looked ridiculous at first glance, the way he said it was also very casual, but behind all of that she could feel a steel determination.

    ''This kid, if I''m not careful his feelings will overwhelm me in an instant. Too bad he is too young.'' After taking a deep breath Hanna said, "Fine, let''s try it first. But don''t think too far like marriage and such. Also, no hard feelings if someday I dump you."

    "Okay." Hide nodded firmly and continued his breakfast.

    At the same time, Hanna was lost in contemplation. She didn''t have any intention to build a deep or long relationship with Hide.

    However, a short-term relationship with him was not a bad idea. She also had a feeling she would enjoy it, and there was a chance that after a while Hide would get enough of her body. With his deadly skill, it was hard to believe he would stick to a single woman for a long time.

    ''Let''s try it and see how far it will go,'' Hanna calmly muttered.

    ---

    In the elevator, as he went down to the lobby Hide was calmly looking at Hanna''s apartment spare key tag. In his previous life, he received adequate intercourse training so he knew how to do proper sex. However, he did it to dig up info from high-profile female figures. In short, he had never built-up a deep relationship with any woman.

    But this time, he wanted to try a deep relationship with Hanna. Of course, he didn''t know how to start it. Therefore, he chose a straightforward approach which somehow managed to get him to the starting line. Even now, he still had hard time believing that Hanna agreed with his proposal.

    ''Maybe this development is too fast. Maybe Hanna also never considered a long-term relationship. Even so, I believe I will be able to maintain it as long as possible.''

    Steel confidence flashed in Hide''s gaze, and it was not without solid foundation. In his previous life, most women became deeply attached to him after a few sexes. Sometimes, he even had to fake his death to avoid their radar.

    ''Sorry Hanna, but you will never be able to leave my grip.''

    Ping!!

    Once the elevator¡¯s door opened, Hide casually stepped out towards the front door while smiling cheerfully.

    *****

 HA1 11.1 - Natural Hunter

    HA1 11.1 - Natural Hunter

    Pine Abode was a small dojo of Ryusen Karate. It was located atop of a hill full of pine trees, and about 5 km away from Lake Hibino. Until two years ago Pine Abode was an active dojo, but now it was only used during summer training camp.

    The layout of the dojo was divided into a training hall, sandbag corner, sparring quarter, sleeping quarter, bathroom, and instructor quarter. In its center lay a 9x4 meter inner-yard, while on the front yard stood several hitting posts, handcrafted weight training equipment, and targeting blocks for archery practice.

    After checking out every corner of Pine Abode, Hide sat in the terrace and re-reading the info and maps Takeo had gathered.

    ''A small road that connected to the highway and six hiking trails that connected to Lake Hibino. There are no houses or cottages in the vicinity. At dusk, some hikers saw Shizuka and Kuroki had some training in the front yard.''

    Hide took a deep breath before pondering. He was sure Shizuka killed Kuroki on the last day they were seen together. After that, she threw Kuroki''s smartphone at Lake Hibino which was a famous spot for weekend date. She did it to give the impression that Kuroki had leaved the dojo first. Then, she dug a hole in a spot hidden from outside views to burry Kuroki¡¯s cold body.

    ''Well, I''ve already brought shovel, isotonic drink, and snacks. I better starts the work.''

    Without delay, Hide headed to inner yard and started the digging at some spot. Nichiko Metro Police already dug a few spots in the inner yard, down to 1.5 meters below the surface and found nothing, so Hide realized he had to dig deeper.

    ---

    Like any other Saturday, at noon Shizuka would go to Pine Abode for karate and archery practice. She instantly frowned when she found the door at the front yard was unlocked. Wasting no time she rushed to inner yard and found Hide was sitting in one corner. He only wore his boxers. His body was covered in sweat and dirt, while his right hand held a large bottle of isotonic drink.

    Shizuka then turned her gaze to three fresh mounds in the inner yard. She was not surprised that one of them was the spot where she buried Kuroki.

    "Three meters deep, you made me work so damn hard."

    "Are you going to report me?"

    Hide downed a mouthful of isotonic drink before replying, "A killer reports another killer, what a brilliant idea."

    "Then, why do you try so hard to find evidence of my crime?"

    "I want to ask ¡®Why did you kill Kuroki?¡¯, and the evidence will make sure you can''t dodge my question by saying ''I didn''t kill him.'' or such."

    Shizuka took a deep breath before saying, "I never thought you have a hobby of prying into other people''s private matter."

    "We''re going to work together for a job that can get us killed. It''s natural if I want to know my teammate with all my heart."

    "Fine."

    With casual steps Shizuka walked over to Hide, but she immediately stopped right away as Hide pointed his silenced Sieg P365 to her chest.

    "Sorry, I don''t want to sit too close to someone who can break someone skull with the base of her palm. Especially, when I''m in a place where no one will hear my scream."

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    Curiosity instantly flashed in Shizuka''s gaze. "How can you are so sure I used the base of my palm and not a brick or iron bat?"

    Hide smiled before answering, "I happen to see similar fatal injuries to Kuroki''s skull a few times."

    "Well, I will tell you the reason." Shizuka sat down and leaned against the wall before continuing, "After I entered senior high, Kuroki asked me several times to go to love hotel but I always refused him.

    Then, during our last training he drugged my drink. While I couldn''t move my body he raped me. It was disgusting to see his smile up close as he banged me. It''s also damn painful when I thought that I just lost something precious without my consent, but I didn''t have any intention to kill him. I just wanted to break his legs."

    ¡°¡­¡±

    "In reflex, my right hand just hit him 1 cm above his left ear from the side. Then, he fell to the floor and stopped moving. Surprisingly, it didn''t make me panic at all."

    "I absolutely agree. You should kill him." Hide took a deep breath before continuing, "I mean, there''s a chance that one day he will come to see Takeo and say, ''Hey Dude, I already screwed your wife and took her first time. So, no matter how many times you do her, you would never beat me.'' I believe it will be very painful for Takeo."

    "Yeah, that was what I thought at that time..." Shizuka softly muttered, but then her eyes widened. "Wait, why do you make an assumption I will marry Twig?"

    "Because your feeling for him is as clear as the sun in the high noon."

    Shizuka immediately lowered her head. "Please, don''t tell Twig about any of this."

    "Consider it done." Hide then silent for a moment before asking, "Did Kuroki threaten you that he will tell Takeo if you refuse his lust to bang you again?"

    "How do you know?" Shizuka looked at Hide as deep curiosity filled her face.

    "Most of my targets are bastards lower than animals, so I know how they thought."

    After a deep sigh Shizuka said, "After the bastard put his dirty cum inside me, he even took pictures of my private area and my naked body as leverage for his threat."

    "Do you feel any guilt after killing Kuroki?"

    "Hell no!!"

    "Did he come to your dream?"

    "No."

    "Do you feel any sensation after you killed him, like a good feeling and you want to feel it again and again?"

    "No, the only things I feel is regret that I killed him right away and didn''t beat him first." Shizuka took a deep breath before asking in a low voice, "Am I strange?"

    "Not in the slightest." Hide put together his words inwardly before continuing, "You just have a far stronger heart and mind compared to most people. Some people called it a natural hunter."

    "I see."

    "But I don''t understand one thing. Kuroki is already dead, so why do you want to learn how to use firearms? You are even ready to pay the tuition fee using your body."

    "I need to kill a man. His name is Takeshi Torumada. He has a group of tough bodyguards."

    ''Takeshi Torumada.'' Hide instantly furrowed, "How in the wonder you get involved with the third son of Toruma Mafia''s Leader?"

    Wasting no time Shizuka explained, "One night Takeshi was targeting me, but a friend who helped me get the job at Kenzo took my place. The next morning she was found dead with a swollen vagina."

    Hide nodded and said, "Takeshi killed your friend because he has necrophilia. Most of his victims are girls from human trafficking under Toruma¡¯s management, but sometimes he wills targets normal girls."

    "Hide, Takeshi is still targeting me and quitting Kenzo won''t stop him. My only option is to kill him using an arrow or go away as far as possible." In a pleading tone Shizuka continued, "I beg you, please teach me how to use firearms."

    "After we kill Toruma¡¯s Elder, I will kill Takeshi. So don''t worry about him."

    "Okay." In an instant relief appeared on Shizuka''s face.

    "Can I use the bathroom? I need to take a shower."

    "You can."

    "Thank you."

    ---

    When he underwent Sniper Advance Course, Hide met with Texas Tower Syndrome for the first time. It was a condition where someone experienced ecstasy from taking someone life. It''s a syndrome that often occurred in a natural shooter. At that time, Hide witnessed how dangerous a shooter with Texas Tower Syndrome was, as he became very creative at hunting and killing.

    In the Stalking Phase, after successfully infiltrating the objective, a cadet didn''t shoot the targeting block. Instead, he shot one of Airborne Rangers who guarded the perimeter, and he couldn''t stop his desire to kill. Two other Airborne Rangers became his victims before he retreated, and two instructors were killed when hunting the cadet.

    Unfortunately, Texas Tower Syndrome had no cure. The only way to treat the patient was by killing them. Therefore, if Shizuka had symptoms of Texas Tower Syndrome, Hide would kill her without hesitation and bury her body in Pine Abode''s inner yard.

    ''Fortunately, she is just a natural hunter,'' Hide muttered as he washed his body.

    Somehow, he felt a tremendous relief when he knew he didn''t have to kill Shizuka.

    *****

 HA1 11.2 - Teammates

    HA1 11.2 - Teammates

    Saturday morning, Takeo usually would sleep until noon as his mother would bring Kei and Rei to their restaurant. But today, he wanted to talk to his parents. Therefore, he woke up earlier than usual.

    "So, what do you want to talk about?" Takeo''s father calmly asked.

    "I find that other than the loan arrears, you also have mortgaged our house and restaurant."

    Takeo''s father instantly frowned, but only for a moment. "You don''t have to worry about that."

    "I want to help." Takeo placed a large bag on the table and opened it while adding, "I have six million Ren and will earn more."

    With a tone full of concern Takeo''s mother immediately asked, "Son, how did you get this money?"

    "I become freelancer programmer for robotic R&D sub-contractor."

    "A freelancer programmer for robotic R&D sub-contractor?" Takeo''s father asked as he gave Takeo a deep gaze.

    "Yes." Takeo handed over a piece of pamphlet to his father before adding, "Here''s the summary about them. It''s a bit difficult to contact them by phone or video call, but their staff will answer chats, emails, or other text messages 24/7."

    ''Elven Robotic, CEO Zimo Hund,'' Takeo''s father muttered before turning his gaze to Takeo. "What kind of work they give you?"

    "They ask me to write a segment of robotic programming. For every segment, I will get 0.5 - 1.5 million Ren."

    Takeo''s mother instantly gasped "They paid you that much?"

    "Actually, it''s not that much. I''m just a beginner. Hide who brings me in, is working on a segment with a value of 1-2 million Ren."

    Takeo''s father and mother instantly looked at each other in wonder. They had hard time imagining a high school kid could earn up to 1-2 million Ren. However, the money that Takeo handed over to them was too hard to argue with.

    Takeo''s father took a deep breath before saying gently, "We will accept your money as a loan."

    Takeo firmly said, "No need, the house and the restaurant are mine too."

    After shaking her head gently Takeo''s mother said, "We don¡¯t have intention to hand over the house and restaurant to you. They belong to Rei and Kei."

    Takeo''s father added, "For you, we hope you can enter university and get a better job than us."

    Takeo casually replied, "Don''t worry. I''ll go to the best university in the country and get a job that will make you proud."

    "We believe in you." Takeo''s father smiled widely before asking, "Did you find something else in my PC, that perhaps you want to talk about too?"

    Takeo realized his father was asking him about the suicide method using sleeping pills, and so he pretended he did not know about it.

    "Something else? Do you guys have other loans?"

    "No, we don¡¯t." Takeo''s mother took a deep breath full of relief before saying, "Ignore your father''s questions."

    "Okay."

    Takeo''s mother then smiled and asked, "So, when you brought Rei and Kei to Aizawa''s house the other day, did it have anything to do with your work?"

    "Yes, at that time Hide gave me the explanation about the job."

    "Do you mind if we invite Hide and Aizawa to express our gratitude? Mom also wants to talk with Hide a little."

    "No, not at all."

    "Good," Takeo''s mother said happily.

    ---

    After the conversation with his parents, Takeo returned to his room. He dropped his body into the bed, and then took a deep breath of relief.

    Initially, his plan to trick his parents was quite simple. He would tell them he became a freelancer programmer a few months ago, together with Hide.

    However, Hide then asked him to develop a deeper plan, such as creating a fictitious sub-contractor, several fake IDs, and a group of chat bots that would answer text messages 24/7. The goal was to convince Takeo''s parents once and for all.

    At first, Takeo thought it would take a lot of time to execute Hide''s idea. But once again, he got the impression that Hide had used the idea for several times, and everything was ready in less than two weeks.

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    Most of all, Takeo could see his programming skill was higher than Hide, but in terms of experience, application, and execution, he was just a child in front of him. It made Takeo very happy because it meant he was the perfect partner for Hide. At the same time, his curiosity about Hide grew even more.

    ''Hide, who exactly are you?'' Takeo muttered as he looked up at the ceiling.

    ---

    Sunday afternoon, Hide and Aizawa entered Kikuchi Restaurant¡¯s lobby hand in hand, and they were immediately greeted by Takeo, Rei, and Kei.

    "Kei, Rei, go to second floor with Aizawa first. I''ll catch up in a moment."

    ""Mhm.""

    Kei and Rei immediately took Aizawa''s hand.

    "Big Sis Aizawa, Mom prepared a VIP room for us." Kei cheerfully said.

    And Rei happily added, "And Daddy prepares a special seafood hotpot."

    "Mhm."

    As his sisters cheerfully took Aizawa towards the stairs to 2nd floor, Takeo smiled before turning his gaze to Hide.

    "Ready to talk to my Mom?"

    "Yeah."

    Wasting no time, Takeo led Hide to the back room. Just before the kitchen, the two turned into a small hallway and entered the first room.

    Inside the room, Takeo''s mother was already waiting for the two. She wore casual clothes, but with an ideal body figure and appearance that looked like a woman in her late 20s, casual clothes were more than enough to emit her lethal charm as an attractive mature woman.

    Hide was sure that a normal high school kid won''t be able to think straight when sitting face-to-face alone with Takeo''s mother, who for some reason was wearing a bra that made her breast looked very provocative.

    ''What a vixen,'' Hide muttered.

    At the same time Takeo cheerfully said, "Mom, Hide is here."

    "Yupe."

    "I''ll go to second floor first."

    "Okay."

    Once Takeo left the room, his mother invited Hide to sit on the sofa in the middle of the room.

    "Hide, I¡¯m sorry for asking you to come all of a sudden."

    "No problem, Ma¡¯am. I''m the one who should thank you for the lunch invitation."

    Takeo''s mother smiled gently before saying, "As I mentioned on the phone this morning, can you please explain a little about Elven Robotic, especially for the parts that are not mentioned on their website."

    "Sure."

    Hide already knew what he had to say, so he easily explained.

    "The website says their main office is in Madried, Svain, but their center of operations is in Kasko, Vinland. Their main contract comes from West Eurova, but recently they get a client from Nikko and hired local freelancers for it."

    "So, it''s not a terrorist or criminal syndicate?"

    "It¡¯s not, and to be honest, Elven Robotic is just a small sub-contractor who takes crumbs from big player in the field. They have only two expert programmers and a dozen freelancers. That''s why they use cheap and ready-to-train people, like me and Takeo."

    A big question mark instantly appeared on Takeo''s mother''s forehead, "Cheap labor?"

    "Yeah, Takeo and me, we are basically the lowest-level workers in programming industry."

    "I see."

    A shock was evident on Takeo''s mother''s face. She never thought there was a low-ranked worker with such high wages. However, she also felt a sense of relieve because it made sense that right now Takeo was still in the lowest pecking order.

    Hide then calmly added, "Of course, there is no certainty how long we will be employed by Elven Robotic."

    Takeo''s mother nodded slightly before saying, "Hide, thank you for bringing Takeo to join Elven Robotic. Believe me, it''s the greatest kindness our family has ever received. It''s a bit difficult to explain it, but you are a savior of our family."

    After skillfully pretending to blush Hide said, "Mrs. Ishida, I think you''re exaggerating it. As national champion in programming competitions, Takeo deserves the opportunity."

    "I see."

    Takeo''s mother had no intention of explaining further, so she just smiled. For her and her husband, the most important thing was that Takeo did not join criminal organization to earn big money. Moreover, after Takeo took part in paying their debts, they felt their fighting spirit was being rekindled and optimism filled their hearts.

    With a heart full of relieved, Takeo¡¯s mother then walked Hide to the hotpot room. She was oblivious that previously, Hide was actually very nervous.

    The plan of using fake company to trick Takeo¡¯s parent was not without flaw. If Takeo¡¯s mother asked him about the payment method from Elven Robotic and its record, he wouldn¡¯t be able to provide satisfying answer and the play would crumble.

    ¡®Later, I will have to address this issue,¡¯ Hide muttered as he followed Takeo¡¯s mother. ¡®And then burn Elven Robotic for once and all.¡¯

    ---

    "Big Sis Aizawa, this squid is super yummy."

    "The prawns are super yummy too."

    "Mhm."

    Kei and Rei cheerfully showed Aizawa the best part of the seafood hotpot their father had prepared, while Hide and Takeo watched the three with a smile.

    "It seems you manage to calm my mother down."

    "For now at least."

    "I owe you a lot."

    "We are teammates. It''s natural to help each other out."

    "I see."

    "Just make sure you treat Shizuka well, like how I support you."

    "I will."

    "Good."

    Hide smiled widely, and then took his chopstick. Before long, he already joined the happy hunting on the hotpot.

    However, deep down he felt the burden on his shoulders was getting heavier. Now, if something happened to Takeo and their cover was exposed, he would have to answer directly to his parents.

    ''There is no other choice. Everything has its own price and I need to make sure Takeo can carry out his share without distraction,'' Hide muttered as he downed a piece of egg tofu.

    ---

    In the middle of the night, after applying moisturizer to her face, Takeo''s mother then climbed into bed where her husband lay staring the ceiling.

    Takeo''s father then asked, "Dear, do you remember Akira''s son who became a programmer, and how Akira boast that he earned eight million Ren per year?"

    "So what?" In a sharp tone Takeo''s mother asked back.

    "I mean, how Takeo makes money nearly as much as Akira''s son''s annual income in less time."

    "Akira''s son graduated from a third-rate university, and who knows if he actually works as a programmer in his company."

    "Still ..." Takeo''s father turned his head to Takeo''s mother before continuing, "Maybe I should contact Elven Robotic and talk face-to-face with Takeo''s supervisor?"

    Takeo''s mother instantly massaged her forehead. Then, in an icy tone she said, "They are busy people. If you annoy them and it affects Takeo, I will beat the shit out of you until our children don''t recognize you."

    "Okay," Takeo''s father meekly replied.

    "Don''t overthink it," Takeo''s mother said as she rested her head on her husband''s chest. "I found an interest-free loan document legalized by Totsuka Firm in Takeo''s room. He borrowed three million Ren from Hide and still has several hundred thousand Ren in cash."

    "I see," Takeo''s father softly replied. ¡°He also borrows money from Hide.¡±

    "Yeah, and it''s been a while since we do it." Takeo''s mother''s hand touched her husband''s third leg before continuing, "So, let''s do it all night."

    "Okay."

    Takeo''s father immediately initiated the midnight versus contact. A moment later, the sound of ''Creak! Creak! Creak!'' were heard, along with Takeo''s mother''s panting and moan.

    *****

 HA1 11.3 - Start of Another Hunt

    HA1 11.3 - Start of Another Hunt

    After breakfast, Kei and Rei watched Morning Cartoon while Takeo prepared lunch boxes using the dishes taken from the restaurant. Usually, he only prepared lunch boxes for himself, Kei, and Rei. But starting today, he will prepare another one for Shizuka.

    At the same time, his mother who just woke up approached him. As she looked at the lunch boxes in front of Takeo, she asked, "Do you also prepare a lunch box for Hide?"

    "No, it''s for Shizuka."

    "For Shizuka?" In an instant question mark appeared on Takeo''s mother''s forehead. "Do you start hanging around with Shizuka again?"

    "Yup."

    "Good," Takeo''s mother happily said before making a cup of warm tea. "I said nothing when you started staying away from Shizuka. But actually, I thought you were rather careless."

    "What do you mean?"

    "Girls at the age of 12-20 have to go through many things that are not easy. So, don''t judge them based on their appearances such as hairstyles, clothes, or their way to behave."

    "How about the boys?"

    "You have to ask your father for that. But from what I see, you have a strong heart. I believe you will be fine, no matter what the challenge is."

    "Understood." Takeo then decided to change the topic, "Is it okay for you and father to come late to the restaurant?"

    Takeo''s mother smiled and then happily answered, "No worries, Monday is a slow day for a restaurant, and your father needs additional sleep."

    "I see." Takeo nodded slightly,

    At the same time a ringtone was heard from his smartphone. It was a ringtone indicating that Toruma Mafia''s group leader was gathering in one place.

    "Mom, can you help me to complete these lunch boxes? I forgot to prepare something."

    After a cheerful nod Takeo''s mother replied, "Roger."

    A few minutes later, Takeo left his house with Kei and Rei. On his shoulder, he carried his school backpack, filled with spare clothes, a netbook, a tablet, and other equipment.

    ---

    When the White MPV from Kitaro appeared in the distance, Hide immediately knelt before Aizawa.

    "As you will stay at Kitaro till tomorrow, you have to give Big Bro a hug and two kisses now."

    "Mhm." Aizawa immediately hugged Hide tightly and kissed his cheeks, and then said, "Aizawa loves Big Bro."

    "Big Bro also loves Aizawa," Hide replied before kissing Aizawa''s cheeks.

    Not long after that, Aizawa got in into the White MPV, and once it disappeared behind a corner, Hide checked the message from Takeo.

    ''They''re really good at choosing meeting times,'' Hide muttered as he went back to the house.

    Wasting no time, he changed his school uniform into a leafy green outdoor outfit, complete with a tactical belt and shoulder strap, and then covered it with a green dry moss outdoor jacket. After that, he went to the garage.

    After putting on a pair of gloves, Hide packed some coms, combat knife, balaclava, various pouches, and other equipment into a big bag. Then, he started preparing the firearms.

    Ideally, for this job he only needed to bring an assault rifle with eight extra magazines and a handgun with four extra magazines. However, because he only had three extra AEK-74SU magazines, Hide decided to bring the Mini Uzie too.

    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

    ¡°I have to increase my collection as soon as possible,¡± Hide said as he loaded 5.56 mm round into an AEK-74SU''s magazine.

    Takeo still had to look for a car. Therefore, Hide took his time to load every magazine he would bring. That way, he only had to bring as much ammunition as he needed.

    ---

    Shizuka had been told that when the hunt to kill Toruma Mafia''s Elder began, she would have to buy isotonic drinks, snacks, cleaner spray, and a few other items. Then, she had to help Takeo to secure a car. So, after she finished her shopping she immediately regrouped with Takeo.

    With calm and confident steps, she walked into a basement parking lot that operated fully automatic. She wore a green olive outdoor outfit in a casual fashion, on her back hung a 40-liter backpack, while in each hand she carried a shopping bag from convenience store. So, at first glance, Shizuka was no different from a college girl who just went for a shopping.

    The parking lot had six segments and each segment accommodated about 100 cars, all of which looked expensive and luxurious. Fortunately, Takeo was in the closest segment to the entrance, so Shizuka easily found him.

    She looked at the Green SUV in front of Takeo and asked, "Noice car, who is the owner?"

    "A politician''s son who is on vacation abroad, and for some reason he removed the GPS on this car."

    A smile instantly bloomed on Shizuka''s lips, "Wise choice."

    "Yeah."

    "So, how are we going to take it?" Shizuka turned towards a CCTV on one of the pillars and continued, "Is there a guard hiding somewhere?"

    Takeo slightly smiled and then explained, "In Nikko, the average parking fee is 1,200 Ren/hour or the equivalent of a middle-class worker''s lunch. That''s why illegal parking lot appeared, such as this place."

    Shizuka tilted her head as she asked, "What is the difference between this place and the legal parking lot?"

    "This place only charges a parking fee of 32,000 Ren/month."

    "How does it help us?"

    "Because this place is illegal, the management could not place their personnel here, to avoid arrest if the authorities sniff this place. Their security office is also located in another building. So, if we can rig their surveillance system, we can act freely."

    "Are you sure you had rigged their surveillance system?"

    Takeo confidently replied, "Absolutely, right now all CCTV in this place is showing a calm and peaceful situation, without our presence."

    "Then, why do you need me?"

    "I''m still not as skilled as Hide. I need someone to watch my back while I''m working the car, who knows if one or two security dudes come to check this place."

    "Okay, you can start. I''ll watch your back."

    Wasting no time, Takeo got to work, and it took him 20 minutes before he opened the green SUV''s door, reconnected the battery, and started the engine, he then smoothly drove it. One meter from the crossbar in the exit gate, Takeo stopped, giving the electro optic sensor time to read the car''s plate number and did its job.

    Before long, a light "Beep!" was heard and the crossbar lifted up. Without delay, Takeo stepped the gas and took the Green SUV to the first floor, and then entered the morning streets that began to crowd.

    ---

    Under an overhead highway three blocks from Hide''s house, Shizuka casually leaned against the side of Green SUV. Next to her, Takeo surveyed a villa using his netbook.

    When Hide approached him while carrying a large bag, Takeo immediately said, "Based on the GPS on their smartphone, I can assure you that Toruma Mafia''s group leaders gathered at a villa in the base of west hill.

    This villa doesn¡¯t have CCTV so I can¡¯t get any footage from it. However, I find a group of wildlife lover set up a network of CCTV on the ridge around the west hill last week, and some of those CCTV are facing at the Villa.

    So, I can confirm their cars, except the last eight cars.¡±

    ¡°Show me the cars you don¡¯t recognize,¡± Hide casually asked.

    ¡°Here,¡± Takeo said as he showed the footage of two black SUVs, a Mercie Z-class, and five black vans that smoothly entered the villa¡¯s front yard.

    The footage was not clear enough to identify the passenger on the convoy, but Hide firmly said, ¡°This is our target.¡±

    ¡°This is big and suspicious convoy, but are you sure our target is in this convoy?¡± Takeo asked.

    ¡°80% sure, and if turn out our target is not in this convoy, we will just retreat.¡±

    "Okay." Takeo gave a nod before asking, ¡°Can you tell us our plan?¡±

    "Show me the map around the villa."

    Wasting no time, Takeo showed the online map around the villa, and Hide immediately studied it. A moment later, he looked at Takeo and Shizuka in turn.

    "The villa is located 5 km from Highway 11, and the two are connected by a single road. I''m sure Toruma''s Elder will become the first person to leave the meeting when it¡¯s over. I will ambush him at a spot 1-2 km from Highway 11."

    Shizuka who so far had been silent said, "It¡¯s a good place to ambush someone, quite far from the villa, but is not exposed to the traffic on Highway 11."

    "Yup." Hide lightly smile before adding, "As for the exact ambush spot and the spot where you will stand by, we''ll decide it once we get there."

    ""Okay.""

    "There is a possibility I will cancel the ambush. For example, if there are bystanders at the location. In that scenario, I will shift my target to one of the group leaders."

    ""Understood.""

    "One more thing, during the hunt my order is absolute. If you have objection, you can withdraw now."

    "You know I always follow your order," Takeo replied.

    "I know how to follow an order," Shizuka replied.

    "Good, let''s go then."

    A moment later, the Green SUV entered the main route to the hills at the west of Nichiko.

    *****

 HA1 12.1 - Nest on the Fir Tree

    HA1 12.1 - Nest on the Fir Tree

    In a luxurious meeting room in Villa Tigera, Elder Moruyama calmly looked at Leader Torumada and the group leaders sitting before him. At the age of 72, he still held the position of the family''s elder and clearly looked very healthy and fit.

    It was remarkable achievement, considering that the life as an elder of a mafia family was not easy. The member of family was always in competition to achieve a better position, and it was not rare it ended up in a brutal and bloody fight. They would only unite their mind and strength when fighting outsider and Toruma Mafia was no exception.

    ''It seems the family has some new group leaders,'' Elder Moruyama muttered as he turned his head to Leader Torumada, "Let''s begin the meeting."

    ¡°Elder, before we begin, can I suggest something?¡±

    "Go ahead."

    "With our current situation, I beg you to once again consider your presence in this meeting. We still don¡¯t have solid info about the recent attack on our members."

    Elder Moruyama gave a small snort before asking, "You want me to leave after I arrive?"

    Leader Torumada steadfastly replied, "Yes, and it¡¯s for your own safety.¡±

    Elder Moruyama calmly said, "When his or her courier is killed, a group leader will go to the streets to raise morale. When a group leader is killed, it''s my obligation to come out from hidden house, or other families will laugh at me as a coward."

    ¡°Elder, it is very possible that the attacks are a mean to lure you out of the hidden house.¡±

    A smile instantly bloomed on Elder Moruyama''s lips. "In that case, we will give them a warm welcome. That''s our way, the Toruma way."

    "But El--"

    Leader Torumada wanted to present another argument, but Elder Moruyama raised his hand to stop him. "Don''t waste your breath. Let''s start the meeting."

    "Understood." Leader Torumada sighed silently before started the meeting. "Torra Security had traded info with investigators from Nichiko Metro, and found the projectile that killed Group Leader Maeda the Fox was premium stuff.¡±

    "Let me guess," Elder Moruyama said sourly, "It commonly used by contra terrorist unit and highly lethal in close range."

    "Yes," Leader Torumada replied firmly. "The projectile is also used by illegal high-class shooting clubs, and their circulation outside the military is monopolized by Kiyotto Cafe."

    "Have you sent anyone to Kiyotto Cafe?"

    "Elder, I don''t think we should disturb Kiyotto Cafe unless there''s no other way."

    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    "Yeah, other families will throw a grand banquet if we get into a conflict with the lunatic Keizawa." After pausing for a moment Elder Moruyama asked, "Is there any clues that lead to other families?"

    "No, the investigation into IDs we collected during the sweeps yielded nothing. But if there are parties or families who took part in Group Leader Maeda''s assassination and assisted the killer to avoid our sweeping, sooner or later we will know about it.¡±

    ¡°Does the Aizen Family still accuse us of ambushing their courier?¡±

    "Yes, they also alleged that the death of Group Leader Maeda the Fox was an inside job."

    "I see. Continue the investigation, stay alert for attacks from Aizen Family, and make sure Sakura Project can start at the end of this year."

    "Understood."

    "Well, it¡¯s been a long time since I''ve enjoyed the beauty of purple orchid in the rear garden. So, let my old mind relax for a while while you guys continue the meeting."

    """Yes, Elder."""

    In unison, Leader Torumada and the group leaders bowed deeply and only straightened their back when Elder Moruyama had left the room.

    ---

    Rest area, hillside 1 km above the intersection between Highway 11 and the road to Villa Tigera, the Green SUV calmly parked in a corner.

    Hide downed a mouthful of isotonic drink and then asked, "Takeo, what''s your job?"

    "Observing the villa using CCTV network, when Toruma Elder leaves the villa, I will inform you detail of the convoy and estimated number of the bodyguards."

    "Shizuka, explain your task."

    "Keeps an eye on the situation around the car, and ensure Takeo can work without distraction."

    "Good." Hide calmly continued, "And remember, if I ask you to leave, leave immediately and don''t tell me where you go unless I ask. If after three hours you heard nothing from me, just assume that I¡¯m already dead and continue your life as if our hunting never happened."

    Gulp!!

    Takeo and Shizuka swallowed hard at the same time, while Hide opened the Green SUV¡¯s door.

    "Hide, are you sure you''re going to do it alone?" Shizuka worriedly asked.

    "Yup, but I will cancel it if the situation is too dangerous."

    Shizuka hesitantly said, "I carry my bow and arrows, and I never miss a target at a distance of 60 meters. Maybe I can help you?"

    "Not this time. We never did a practiced as a team, while an ambush needs precise coordination and deep mutual understanding."

    Wasting no time, Hide got out of the Green SUV and then followed a small trail to the road at the base of the hill.

    ---

    Hide¡¯s combat load was simple. Three AEK-74SU¡¯s magazines in his belly, three Sieg P365¡¯s magazines in front of it, a fighting knife on the left shoulder, a silenced Sieg P365 on the right armpit, and a radio on the right shoulder, all covered by a jacket. While on his backpack he had a Mini Uzie and three extra magazines, and a silenced AEK-74SU.

    With a balaclava that covered his head down to the forehead, in a glance he looked no different from an outdoor junkie who had just spent the night in the open. Without a body search, no one would have thought that he had various weapons on his body.

    Within minutes, Hide arrived under an old fir tree. Its trunk was as big as four men''s arms linked together. It proudly stood 60 meters tall, on the side of the road and only 1.7 km away from the intersection with Highway 11.

    By using the small gaps and plots on its bark, Hide scaled the fir tree step by step. Once he reached the first branch, everything became easier. He then stopped at a branch the size of an adult''s thigh, seven meters above the ground.

    After clearing a few twigs and making sure he had a good field of view to make a precision shot without sacrificing his cover, Hide unbuttoned his jacket, took out the silenced AEK-74SU, and placed it in front of his chest.

    Then, while putting a gum in his mouth he pressed PTT button. "Apple to Orange, do you copy?"

    [This is Orange. I read you, loud and clear.]

    "Orange, give me the update."

    [We have still water.]

    "Received and understood, Apple over and out."

    As he leaned his back Hide muttered, ''Now, the waiting begins.''

    *****

 HA1 12.2 - Miscalculation

    HA1 12.2 - Miscalculation

    Under the twilight sun, inside the Green SUV, Shizuka and Takeo happily enjoyed pumpkin seeds. It was an effective snack to ward off sleepiness, kept the brain active, but did not make the stomach too full. As per Hide''s advice, pumpkin seeds were your best friend when you carried out an observation.

    After putting a piece of pumpkin seed in her mouth Shizuka asked, "Twig, does Hide know that in junior high Tenma and his gang beat you up because you rejected Sayaka''s confession and made her cry?"

    "Nope."

    "You didn''t tell him?"

    "Nope."

    "Why?"

    "Hide show signs he has no interest in Sayaka anymore, but we can¡¯t see how deep someone''s heart is."

    "Are you worry Hide will blame you for Sayaka''s rejection?"

    "Yeah." Takeo took a deep breath before continuing, "Many students saw Hide cried after Sayaka rejected him. However, we know for sure Hide possess a very strong heart and mind.

    So, his feelings for Sayaka must be very deep if he cried after she rejected him."

    ¡°¡­¡±

    "And," As the hair in his nape stood straight Takeo continued, "Hide is a cold-blooded killer. Who knows what he will do if he blames me for Sayaka''s rejection."

    "Make sense," Shizuka replied as she glanced at Takeo and let out a silent sigh. ''If only this idiot has the same feelings for me.''

    "Is there something wrong with my face?" Takeo asked as he grasped a flash of bitterness in Shizuka''s gaze.

    "Nope,¡± Shizuka casually said. ¡°I¡¯m just wondering why there is a thick-skulled idiot in front of me."

    "The heck." After pressing his lips Takeo asked, "What about you and Kuroki?"

    "For the first two years he was a good training partner. After that, he is only a good sandbag, nothing more nothing less." Shizuka then lightly snorted before adding, "But overall he''s a cockroach, so don''t ever ask me about him again."

    "Okay." Takeo was silent for a moment before he hesitantly asked, "Can you teach me karate? Even if it''s just a little, I want to get stronger."

    "I can," Shizuka casually replied but in her heart she screamed happily. "But, what can you give me in return?"

    "I''ll bring you a nice lunch and you can copy my homework."

    "Okay." Shizuka cheerfully closed the deal.

    At the same time, people in black suits came out from villa''s main building. They walked towards the parking lot and a moment later dozens of vehicles left the villa, leaving behind a Mercie Z-class and a dozen SUVs.

    Without delay Takeo pressed PTT button. "Orange to Apple, do you copy?"

    [Solid copy, go ahead]

    "Multiple vehicles approaching your position, but no joy. Repeat, multiple vehicles approaching your position, but no joy."

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    [Received and Understood, multiple vehicles but no joy.]

    "What do we do now?"

    [Give me a moment. I''ll contact you in a few minutes.]

    "Understood, Orange over and out."

    ---

    Hide downed a mouthful of isotonic drink before sinking into contemplation. If he missed this opportunity, no one would know when Toruma''s Elder would come out of his hideout again. So, he had to consider the option to attack the villa.

    However, he was alone and in his previous life he had no experience attacking the villa. Moreover, the villa was located in a remotely open area, not a city filled with lights. So, under the darkness, Takeo couldn''t help him to maintain situational awareness as he made the approach. In this kind of situation, spontaneous raid without proper planning was very dangerous.

    ''Well, let''s gather the Intel first before deciding further,'' Hide muttered as he pressed PTT button. "Apple to Orange, do you read me?"

    [Yeah¡­ Sorry, I mean loud and clear.]

    "Orange, please tag and count the number of people seen in the villa."

    [Roger.]

    "I also need the villa''s layout, inside and outside."

    [Roger, for the outer layout I can make it based on direct observation. As for the inside layout, I have to find the developer and sneak in into their database. But there''s no guarantee I''ll get the file.]

    "No problem, get what you can, have Pear take your place watching the villa, and stay alert to the situation around you."

    [Roger. Are you returning to RV?]

    "If by 20:30 target show no sign of leaving, I''ll return to RV."

    [Received and understood, Orange over and out.]

    While letting out a sigh Hide leaned his back on the tree trunk. ''Well, no backup, no support, no deep preparation.''

    ---

    Under the gentle dusk sun, Elder Moruyama sat cross-legged on the terrace, enjoying dozens of purple orchids in full bloom. Then, Chief Koji came over and sat next to him.

    "Elder, it seems our guests will visit us only at night."

    "I''m sure it''s not a problem for you."

    "My men know this villa and the area around it well. The QRF team can also arrive in a few minutes."

    "Good, but I hope you are not overconfident."

    Chief Koji firmly replied, "I¡¯m not. From the way they killed Group Leader Maeda the Fox, we know they are pros, but we are pros too."

    A smile instantly bloomed on Elder Moruyama''s lips. "Then, I entrust my life to you."

    "It''s an ultimate honor for this servant."

    After bowing deeply Chief Koji then withdrew. At the same time, Leader Torumada came with a young man and a woman. After a small but respectful bow, the three sat next to Elder Moruyama.

    "You are still here."

    "After hearing Chief Koji''s plan, how can we go home?"

    "Why?" Elder Moruyama casually asked.

    "Elder, this villa doesn¡¯t have CCTV or hidden rooms for emergencies, while you have only Chief Koji and his men to ensure your safety. This plan is too risky."

    "Well, I leave my hideout to become a bait, not to avoid danger."

    "I understand, but at least let Group Leader Naoki stay here with her men."

    "No, Koji and his men are more than enough."

    "But Elder, we--"

    Elder Moruyama swiftly raised his hand and Leader Torumada instantly fell silent.

    To Elder Moruyama, he would only entrust his life to Chief Koji, whom he raised like his own son. As for the other member of Torumada Mafia, he didn''t believe them in the slightest. Instead, he always worried that one of them would kill him and took his place.

    Of course, Elder Torumada would not show his heart openly. He casually said, "Torumada, with Sakura Project in sight, we must eliminate present threat as quickly as possible, and let me do it personally.

    Meanwhile, you fully put your mind on Sakura Project. This project will bring prosperity to us for the next five years. Don¡¯t screw it."

    Leader Torumada firmly replied, "Understood."

    ---

    Empty warehouse, 2 km from the intersection between Highway 11 and the road to Villa Tigera, six Black SUV neatly parked and not far from it 24 people in black suits casually sat while talking or playing cards.

    On the waists of every man in black suits had a Glox 17 and three extra magazines, while on their shoulder hung an M4CQB + EoTech 553 or MP5-PDW + ACSS Micro Red Dot, along with 8-10 extra magazines in their chest. These firearms were decent piece, but they did not have markings that show their origin. They were untraceable guns commonly used in Nikko¡¯s underworld.

    In one corner, Sawamura was playing cards with some of his men when Leader Torumada walked in with a young man. With steady steps, the two approached Sawamura.

    In an icy tone Sawamura greeted them, "You have no authority over Elder''s Personal Bodyguard. Get lost."

    "I don''t come to interfere." Leader Torumada pointed at his third son as he continued, "I just want Takeshi and his bodyguards to take part when Elder needs help."

    "Why would I let someone take some share in my credit?"

    "Chief Koji doesn''t mind as long as you don''t mind either." Leader Torumada handed him a thick envelope before adding, "Besides, Takeshi doesn''t have to be on the main stage. As far as he participates, that''s enough."

    "Just him and his bodyguards, using his own car."

    "Deal."

    A smile instantly bloomed on Leader Torumada''s lips.

    *****

 HA1 12.3 - Night Visit

    HA1 12.3 - Night Visit

    At 21:00, Hide regrouped with Takeo and Shizuka. While enjoying a piece of sweet bread, he studied the footage from wildlife CCTV scattered around the villa.

    ¡°Good job to find this footage,¡± Hide genuinely praised Takeo.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Takeo firmly replied before explaining. ¡°In the morning, dozens of people buried something at multiple locations 50 meters from the villa. But at dusk there were only the target, six guards, and a little girl."

    "How old is the girl?"

    "About ten or eleven."

    Hide lightly nodded and said, "I see."

    "Maybe there are more people inside the villa," Shizuka added.

    "It can be." Hide took another piece of sweet bread before continuing, "And I¡¯m sure of one thing. This is a game of trap and challenge."

    Question mark appeared on Shizuka''s forehead as she asked, "A game of trap and challenge?"

    "Yup, Toruma''s Elder used his life as bait to lure people who killed Toruma¡¯s group leader. That''s why he put only a small number of security details in the villa. It''s a provocation to the challenger''s bravery.

    Of course, he also prepares QRF that can arrive in the villa in a matter of minutes."

    "What if no one answer the challenge?" Takeo asked.

    "Toruma''s Elder will return to his hideout without losing his pride."

    "So, there is a possibility only six men guard the villa?" Shizuka asked.

    "Yeah, but don''t get too excited." Hide took the third sweet bread before adding, "Small but capable security detail is more effective and hard to infiltrate. They are more dangerous compare to a large number of goons that only provide a false sense of security."

    "Hide, it seems from the start you know they are going to play a trap and challenge game." Takeo said.

    "Yeah, but as far as I know, they will only play it after they know who they''re up against. In the first meeting, Toruma''s Elder will only make a brief appearance to save his face."

    "Then, what will we do now?" Takeo curiously asked.

    "I will answer their invitation." While Takeo and Shizuka stared at him deeply Hide added, "It''s very risky, but if I can secure the villa without alerting the QRF, we''ll get good loots."

    "What about the little girl? Are you going to kill her?" Shizuka asked in a worried tone.

    "Of course not, I have a plan for her."

    ""What is it?"" Takeo and Shizuka asked at the same time.

    "I''ll explain the details if I manage to kill Toruma''s Elder."

    After a moment of silence Takeo handed over his tablet to Hide. "I manage to get villa''s layouts, inside and outside."

    "Good, we have to get closer to the villa then. Let''s move to the rest area in northeast."

    "Roger."

    Wasting no time, Takeo started the engine and drove the Green SUV to their new RV.

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    At the same time, Hide took out a notepad and created the simplified versions of villa''s layouts. He also marked the spots he suspected as locations where the guards placed motion sensors or booby traps.

    ---

    From the edge of guardrail, Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka looked down at Villa Tigera, 1.5 km below their position.

    Hide calmly said, "It sucks, but target-opportunity is fluid and most of the time it flows into unwanted direction. It will be very tiring tonight."

    "It''s not a big deal for me," Takeo said calmly.

    "I''m enjoying our situation actually," Shizuka said as she glanced at Takeo.

    In reflex Hide smiled. "Then, let''s do it. Takeo, monitors the incoming traffic, and informs me if you have guards appears in your observation."

    "Roger."

    ¡°Shizuka, you will come with me. There is a chance I will need your help to take care of the loot.¡±

    "Roger, I will bring my bow and arrows."

    "Nope, no weapon for you. I will secure the villa alone."

    "Huh?" Big question mark appeared in Shizuka''s forehead as she turned her gaze to Hide, ¡°Alone?¡±

    "Yeah, put your balaclava on and bring our biggest backpack."

    "Okay." Disappointment flashed in Shizuka''s gaze, but she didn''t argue.

    Hide then returned to the green SUV behind him. Swiftly, he took off his guns and some of his equipment. In short, he only wore a tactical belt to carry the radio, Fairbairn Sykes knife, steel wire, 3 big nails, and 2 small tubes containing neurotoxin and anesthetic drug.

    "You leave your gun here?" Takeo asked.

    "One gunshot, and it means I fail to secure the villa. When that happens, I''ll throw every weight off my body and focusing my effort only on escaping."

    "Hide, at least bring your handgun."

    "Normally, I will bring my handgun, but for this one I have a good plan."

    "Are you sure?"

    "I''m, and trust me I know what I''m doing."

    "I see."

    After swallowing the antidote for neurotoxin he was going to use and setting a 12-hour timer in his watch, Hide then turned his gaze to Shizuka.

    "Ready?"

    "Yeah."

    "Let¡¯s go then."

    Simultaneously, Hide and Shizuka wore their balaclavas down to their necks. Not long after that, the two carefully descended the slope to the villa with the help from moonlight to illuminate their path.

    ---

    A slope, behind the bushes, 400 meters from the villa, Hide knelt while watching over the Villa¡¯s side yard.

    At a radius of 100 meters, he had to start slithering quietly and find a route to avoid hidden surprises the guards had planted. It would be tiring, but from the pattern of hidden surprise he had to avoid, he could predict the guard¡¯s position.

    Hide also noticed that the guards seemed to be expecting a large number of guests. So, their tactic may not be suited to prevent a single intruder, who was sneaking quietly from an unexpected angle.

    ''My chance of succeeding is not completely zero,'' Hide muttered as he turned his gaze to Shizuka who kneeled next to him. "Remember the way home?"

    "Yeah." Shizuka then turned her gaze to the only lamp in the rest area. "Our car is 80 meters to the left of that post lamp."

    "Good." Hide smiled before continuing, "If there''s even a single gunshot or muzzle flash, immediately regroup with Takeo and leave."

    "Okay."

    "And, if I don''t radio you after a gunshot, it means I''m dead. Don''t contact me because if they get their hand on my coms, they can use it to trace your location."

    "Okay."

    Wasting no time Hide then crept towards the villa, leaving Shizuka who nervously watched his back.

    ---

    [Check-two, this is Central, come in.]

    "Check-two to central, coast is clear."

    [Received and understood, Central over and out.]

    In the courtyard next to the villa, right in the darkest corner, a guard kneeled next to the wall while watching over his sector. At first glance, the guard was no different from a contra terrorist commando.

    Black overalls with kneepad, elbow pad, and shin guards. Balaclava that covered his face, monocular NVG that was ready to be lowered in front of his left eye, and wired-earpiece with microphone in his left ear.

    Along with Haka MP5-PDW in his hands, the guard had tactical vest full of extra magazines for MP5s, radio, and toolkit. While around his waist, he had Haka VP9 with four extra magazines, a combat knife, and various pouches.

    As for target acquisition, he ran his MP5-PDW with ACSS Micro Red Dot for regular CQB. If the opposing force managed to kill the light, he would activate the invisible laser sight and paired it with his NVG. After that, he only had to point the laser at the target he wanted to kill and squeezed the trigger.

    The guard realized that no one guarded the sector behind him, but it didn¡¯t worry him. All morning, he''d been scattering claymores and motion sensors over there. Without knowing their exact location, the guard was sure no one can sneak up on him from that sector undetected.

    Therefore, the guard was completely unaware that Hide was already a few meters behind him and waiting for him to deliver sitrep. He only realized the unavoidable danger when it was already too late.

    Without prior warning, a nail as big as chopstick hit the guard in the nape and the neurotoxin paralyzed him in an instant. His body powerlessly slumped to the ground, and after a moment of weak convulsing the light in his eyes rapidly dimmed, and then gone without a trace.

    Wasting no time, Hide silently dragged the dead guard into a more hidden corner.

    *****

 HA1 12.4 - Executions

    HA1 12.4 - Executions

    With ease Hide stripped his prey. It was easy to tell he had done it hundreds of times. Weapons, equipment, and clothes, he took them all and combined them with his own. All that was left on the guard''s body was only his under shirt, boxer, combat boots, and gloves.

    As for his own clothes and jacket, Hide folds them as small as possible before putting them in a small backpack. Then, he reached out for his new primary weapon.

    ''Nice stuff.''

    With a single touch Hide had figured out that the Haka MP5-PDW in his hand was an untraceable gun. The regular Haka MP5 was made of stamped metal sheet, while the one in his hand was made by molded polymer with metal component less than 20%. Even the magazines were also made of polymer.

    Small arm made of polymer was not as strong as the one made of metal, couldn''t be fired in full-auto, and couldn¡¯t run it with too many accessories, but Hide loved them because they were lighter and cheaper.

    As for the night vision, the guard used monocular NVG PVS-14. It was old system, but it was still fit for many modern combat scenarios. The one that the guard used was also the latest model that contained several technology upgrades. The holder was lighter but firmer, and the image was brighter.

    It felt so good to acquired proper weapon and NVG, but most importantly Hide also found the toolkit pouch he needed.

    ''Time to work, 40 minutes left before the next sitrep.''

    After putting on the quick-detachable Brugger-K suppressor he took from one of pouches to the MP5-PDW, Hide repeatedly squeezed a gum wrapper near the microphone while making radio call.

    "Check-two to Central-check, do you copy?"

    [Loud and clear, Check-two, go ahead.]

    "It seems my NVG is broken and my coms have become weird. I need a replacement."

    [Dumb shit, didn¡¯t I always tell you to double-check every single damn piece.]

    "I did double-check my pieces."

    [Well, I''ll send Check-seven to replace you. Then, you stay in the lounge after replacing your pieces.]

    "Received and understood, Check-two over and out."

    ---

    With great vigilance, a guard crept down the unlit corridor. Then, he walked over to Hide who was kneeling behind a corner. As soon as he arrived and kneeled next to Hide, the guard instantly frowned. He was wondering why Check-two ran his MP5-PDW with suppressor.

    "Dude, why do you put your suppressor on? We''re not in silent mode."

    Stabbb!!

    In a swift but silent and precise motion, Hide''s right hand delivered a nail as big as chopstick to the guard''s throat, who could only stare at him with wide-eyes as his body slumped to the ground. Hide then dragged the dead guard to a more hidden corner.

    ''Two downs,'' Hide muttered as he pulled out the big nail from the guard''s throat.

    ---

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    From the layout obtained by Takeo, Hide learned that the whole villa used a single integrated air conditioner. It could be controlled remotely from inside the building or manually from control panel attached to the main regulator.

    From the start, Hide was targeting this main regulator. It was located next to the main building and only one guard was presence near it. After securing the area Hide went straight to give the main regulator a private visit.

    ¡®This chubby regulator will make tonight job easier,¡¯ Hide happily muttered.

    Then, he used the control panel to stop the outward airflow. After that, by using the looted toolkit he made 2 cm hole in the pipeline for inward airflow.

    Next, he took a black tube with a blue stripe from his waist, took out the wet sponge inside it, and squeezed down a few drops of viscous liquid to the hole in the pipeline. Then, right on top of the viscous liquid Hide dropped a red pill. In an instant, the viscous liquid evaporated and the inward airflow carried out the vapor to every room in the main building.

    ''So far all is good.''

    Hide grinned as he closed the small hole in the pipeline using duct tape, and then waited for one full minute before putting the inward flow in full stop. Since the main building had no ventilation and at night all the doors and windows were tightly closed, the anesthetic that Hide sent would be very effective.

    With steady steps, he then walked towards the main building¡¯s front door. Previously, through the radio the guards hiding in the dark corner had heard that one of their comrades was about to return to main building, so they let Hide passed their position.

    ---

    In a calm manner, Hide took a deep breath and then held it while opening the main building¡¯s front door. Once inside, he quickly closed the door and took out a gas mask from one of the pouches on his waist. An oxygen canister the size of an adult fist was already attached to it so he could put the gas mask on right away.

    One oxygen canister would give him 20 minutes if he was breathing normally, and he had three extra canisters. So, he had about 80 minutes in total.

    ''Time is ticking,'' Hide muttered as he approached the living room. He found a guard was staggering while his two comrades were unconscious in the sofa.

    "Dude, let me help you." Hide picked up the staggering guard as he asked, "Where is our lounge?"

    "There," The guard who was half-unconscious answered weakly while pointing at the door in one corner.

    "I''ll get you there."

    "We got gas attack. I need my mask."

    Hide quickly took away the guard''s gas mask pouch and moved it to his waist. "No, you don''t need it."

    "You¡­ sure."

    "Absolutely."

    "What about Chief Koji? Have you warned him?"

    "I have." Hide then asked casually, "What about the little girl? Where is her room?"

    "Do you mean Anya?"

    "Yes."

    "Her room is at 2nd floor, turn left after the stairs, you will find it in the end of corridor."

    "Thanks."

    "Yeah," The guard replied before falling unconscious.

    A moment later, Hide arrived at the lounge and found eight unconscious guards lying on the sofa. After placing the guard he carried to the floor, he moved the other two guards in the living room to lounge.

    Then, Hide took a black tube with a red stripe on his waist. After sticking the tip of big nail to the wet sponge inside the tube, he stabbed it to nearest unconscious guard right in the neck. A few seconds later, the guard''s body slightly convulsed before stopped moving. At the same time, thin white foam appeared at the guard''s lips.

    Hide then repeated the execution for the other guards. From one guard to another guard, he did it casually while lightly humming.

    ''Good night and please have a nice nap,'' Hide muttered before locking the lounge door and stuffing the key in his pocket.

    After checking all the rooms on the first floor and finding no other prey, Hide immediately went to 2nd floor.

    ---

    The agent that Hide used to anesthetize the guards was not lethal for an adult, but it could kill a child if being inhaled in excess. Therefore, Hide immediately rushed to Anya''s room.

    Clack!!

    He casually opened the door and walked in. Inside the room, he found a girl with snow-white hair and skin sleeping peacefully on the sofa, while 42" LED TV in front of her displayed Spoon & Bob cartoon.

    Hide gently put a gas mask on Anya, moved her to the bed, and covered her with a blanket. He then added the second timer of 20 minutes to his watch, turned off the TV, and exited the room. After using a duct tape to attach a chem stick on the door, he then moved to the next room.

    Clack!!

    Hide carefully opened the door with his left hand, while his right hand gripped the ready to fire MP5-PDW. Inside the room, he found two guards sleeping on chairs. They were hugging Mk.12 Special Purpose Rifle with combo Elcan C79 optical sight and thermal extension scope.

    Wasting no time, Hide executed the guards using nerve poison. Not long after that, he was already in the next room, and the next, and the next. Then, he arrived at the end of corridor.

    *****

 HA1 12.5 - Lot of Work To Do

    HA1 12.5 - Lot of Work to Do

    After replacing the oxygen canister in his mask, Hide entered the last room. The room was quite large. In one corner stood an equipment cage full of weapons, radios, extra magazines, ammo cans, and other individual equipment. Next to it, laid a pile of empty big sports bags.

    On the sofa by the window, four guards armed with M4CQBs lay unconsciously. While at the long table in the middle of the room, two guards were asleep in front of laptops that were still on, and another one was asleep in front of Command Radio CRC-778. With a single glance, it was easy to tell that the room was a command post.

    However, the thing that made Hide smile broadly were the two unconscious people at a luxury desk, located far from the window and the door. One was an old man wearing pajamas with a purple orchid motif, while the other was a middle-aged man in a black office suit.

    ''Jackpots! I found you.¡¯

    Wasting no time, Hide walked over to the long table in the middle of the room and absorbed every piece of info he needed. The distribution pattern of claymores and motion sensors, details of the guard, codenames, security protocols, and most importantly the number of the remaining guards.

    ''Another 11 guards that have to be eliminated,'' Hide muttered as he grabbed CRC-778 receiver and pressed PTT button. "Central-check, to all checks, attention, please regroups in the living room, first floor, immediately."

    [. . .]

    "I say again, regroup in the living room on the first floor, immediately."

    [Who is this?]

    [Where is Chief Koji?]

    "All check, attention, an assassin from Aizen killed one of our Group Leaders a few minutes ago. We will launch a response. Chief Koji is talking to Elder and will give you a briefing in a few minutes. So, move your ass fast."

    [Check-six, received and understood.]

    [Check-four, received and understood.]

    [Check-sixteen, received and understood.]

    [Check-twenty, received and understood.]

    . . .

    . . .

    "Also, don''t disturb guys in the lounge, they are discussing their mission, and don''t forget to close the door or the integrated air conditioner can''t work optimally, Central-check over and out."

    After taking a deep breath, Hide then started the execution using nerve poison. One by one he finished off the guards, but he was surprised to find the middle-aged man in black office suit is still conscious. His head was lying on the table, and although he couldn''t move his body, his eyes were still wide open and his gaze was clear.

    "Are you Chief Koji?"

    "Yes," Chief Koji replied weakly as a question mark appeared on his forehead. "How did you get past the claymore fields and motion sensors?"

    "It''s easy. I know their exact position."

    "Impossible!" A surprise was evident in Chief Koji''s gaze as he continued, "I moved the meeting place here at the last minute, arrived just a minute after the Group Leaders and went straight to spread the Claymore and motion sensors."

    Chief Koji managed to catch his breath before continuing, "So, even if you have an insider among the group leaders, it''s impossible to send a spotter to collect intel before our preparations are complete."

    Hide calmly replied, "Actually, what we are monitoring are the group leaders, as soon as they gather at a place, my colleagues immediately monitor the activity in that place.

    And coincidently, just recently a group of wildlife lover planted illegal CCTV network to observe the wildlife in the area, and some of those CCTC are facing this villa.¡±

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    "Fuck shit..." Chief Koji cursed weakly.

    "Well, your men are well disciplined, well equipped, and you have decent knowledge in small unit''s tactics, but unfortunately my luck is better."

    "Yeah." Chief Koji sighed deeply before pleading, "Please... Don''t kill Elder Moruyama."

    "Why? I bet you know he is a piece of shit."

    "I know, but he took me from the street when I was a toddler, and raised me like his own child."

    "I see. Even a piece of shit has a good side too."

    "Please..." Chief Koji asked while tears streamed down from the corners of his eyes.

    "Sorry, I can''t do that."

    Calmly, Hide then stabbed Chief Koji¡¯s neck using iron spike that had been covered with nerve poison. As for Elder Moruyama, he only covered his mouth with duct tape, and then tied his wrists and legs to the chair.

    Then, as he checked his watch, Hide muttered, ''Replace the oxygen canister on Anya''s gas mask, finish off the remaining guards, pump the anesthetic gas out, and then we can go into stage two.''

    ---

    From her position, Shizuka could clearly observe the villa. In the first hour, she was happy because she didn''t hear gun shot or see muzzle flash. But in the second hour, anxiety slowly gripped her heart. Especially, after she realized the advantage the guards had.

    Almost all the lights in the main building were on, but for the courtyard, only a few garden lights on the outer side were lit. Even the lights on the front door were also off. These conditions allow the guards to maneuver through the darkness with ease, especially if they knew the villa layout well.

    The villa also did not have outer wall. Therefore, intruders would not have a cover when approaching it. Meanwhile, the guards could see to all direction unhindered. The moment she realized the superiority that the guard had, an assumption immediately formed in Shizuka''s mind.

    ''What if Hide was caught or killed with a knife before he could send a message?''

    Without delay Shizuka pressed PTT button, "Pear to Orange, do you read me?"

    [Loud and clear, what''s up?]

    "Do you see any movement in the villa?"

    [No, it''s too dark. The front door opened several times, but I can''t see where the guards come from or where they go to.]

    "You didn''t see Apple get caught?"

    [No... Wait, look at the villa.]

    Shizuka immediately turned her gaze to the villa, and found the windows on the 2nd floor were being opened one by one, followed by the windows on the 1st floor. Then, all the lights in the courtyard were being turned on as Hide''s voice entered her ears.

    [Two morons, why did you break radio discipline without a valid reason? You can distract me at a critical and dangerous moment.]

    "I thought something had happened to you."

    [In that case, the guards will take my radio, hear your conversation, and then track your location. I''ve confirmed they have the device to do it.]

    "Sorry," Shizuka replied timidly.

    Although Hide''s voice sounded calm, Shizuka could feel the anger he was holding back. Therefore, she really didn''t know what she had to say other than apologizing.

    [Just this one, next time, I will kick you out of the club directly.]

    "Understood."

    [Good, now come here. Take a detour, keep a distance of 100 meters from the villa until you reach the road, and then enter through the front gate. I haven''t cleaned the claymore around the villa, so don''t take any shortcuts.]

    "Roger, Pear is Oscar Mike, over and out."

    Wasting no time, Shizuka got up and started jogging. At the same time, the conversation on the radio continued.

    [Orange to Apple, have you managed to secure the villa?]

    [I have.]

    [What about the guards?]

    [I killed them all.]

    In an instant, total silence wrapped the communication line. At the same time, Shizuka quickened her pace as she renewed her assessment of Hide.

    ''He is not a human.''

    ---

    At the front door of the main building, Shizuka met Hide. She was surprised when she saw Hide wearing clothes, weapons, and equipment like a member of a contra terrorist unit, as commonly seen in the movies. However, she didn''t ask where Hide got the outfit from, although deep down she was very curious.

    But one thing that really impressed her was that the outfit matched the way Hide carried himself. It was as if the outfit was part of his body and soul. If she didn''t know Hide, she would have thought Hide was a real member of a contra terrorist unit.

    "What do I need to do?" Shizuka asked firmly.

    "Follow me, there''s a lot of loot to collect."

    "Roger."

    Wasting no time, Shizuka followed Hide and entered the main building. Once she was inside, her gaze was greeted by eleven people with the same outfit as Hide, motionless, lying on the floor, or sitting on the sofa. While in one corner, through the wide-open door, she saw several other bodies.

    "Hide, they look like professional soldiers. How did you kill them all?"

    Hide casually replied, "Professional soldiers are predictable, but the world is full of dangerous amateurs."

    "I see," Shizuka nodded her head even though she didn''t fully understand the meaning of Hide''s answer. "What about the little girl?"

    "She is fine and sleeps peacefully. Her name is Anya and her room is at the end of the corridor, turn left after the stairs. I marked her room with a chemstick."

    "What is your plan for her?"

    "Listen," Hide continued in a serious and firm tone, "Right now, we have a lot of work to do. So don''t ask me too many questions. I need to focus on my job, and you need to focus on yours."

    "Roger."

    Shizuka then followed Hide to the command post, in silence.

    *****

 HA1 13.1 - A Little Bird In A Cage

    HA1 13.1 - A Little Bird in A Cage

    From refrigerator at command post, Hide took a box of De Queen Doughnut and two bottles of Orange Slurpy. He then walked over to Shizuka who was sitting and making small notes on the long table.

    Hide downed the first bottle of Orange Slurpy and then took a bite of a donut before saying, "Let''s make the last review. Tell me your job."

    "Gathered the loot in sports bags and put it in the black van in the garage. Starting with the loot in this room, followed by the guards'' equipment and weapons, the money in their wallets, and the gold accessories they wore."

    "How many guards do you need to strip?"

    "12 on the second floor, 22 on the first floor, and 1 on the left side of main building."

    "What is the weight limit for each sports bag?"

    "14-16 kg or equivalent of two guards'' weapons and equipment."

    "Good."

    As he ate the last piece of donut in his hand Hide said, "Now, I will teach you how to remove a tactical vest and tactical belt from the guards. Watch carefully because this trick will make your job easier."

    "Okay."

    After gulping down the second bottle of Orange Slurpy, Hide approached one of the guards on the sofa. Swiftly, he opened the clip-lock in the center of his tactical belt, followed by opening the Velcro tape on the upper chest without making the ''Kraack Kraack Kraack!'' sound, and then pulled the knot behind it.

    In an instant, every joint-lock on the vest was released. After straightening the guard''s body, Hide easily took the tactical vest and tactical belt, complete with various pouches, holsters, and combat knife that was still attached to it.

    "This quick-release is created to make medical procedures on injured soldiers easier."

    "Understood."

    "For elbow guards, knee guards, NVGs, primary weapons, and other stuff I''m sure you can take them off easily."

    "Okay." Shizuka nodded before asking, "Do you want me to collect other valuables in the villa?"

    "Ignore them. We''re already lucky enough if we can pack all weapons and equipment we can find."

    "Are you sure? There''s a lot of luxury stuff here."

    With a serious tone Hide replied, "In a hunt, taking everything is the same as taking nothing. Also, it''s impossible to cash in those items without leaving a trace, while opposing QRF can appear at any moment."

    "Okay, but where will you keep the loot?"

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    "There are a few vacant buildings I can use."

    With some hesitation Shizuka proposed an idea, "We can use Pine Abode."

    "Are you sure we can use Pine Abode?"

    "Absolutely." Shizuka firmly added, "I am Pine Abode¡¯s manager. No one can enter it without my permission. It also has a large basement, suitable for storage purpose."

    After pondering for a while Hide said, "I will put the loot in other place, while you carry Anya to Pine Abode. She will stay over there for at least a few hours before I take her to Hakaido."

    Shizuka immediately frowned, "You''re going to take Anya to Hakaido?"

    "Yes, I know a good family that is suitable for her situation."

    "How about her parents?"

    "I bet she doesn''t have them anymore."

    "I see."

    As he took two coils of trip wire from equipment cage Hide said, "Now, I can calmly neutralize the claymore fields and secure my exit. But before that, let''s visit Anya."

    "Okay," Shizuka replied as guilt and nervousness enveloped her heart.

    ---

    Anya opened her eyes slowly and found herself on the bed under the blanket. But it was not surprising because usually Chief Koji would move her to the bed if she fell asleep on the sofa.

    The only thing that was different from usual was, she found a gas mask and several circular objects lying on the table next to her bed. But Anya didn''t think about it further. She immediately rushed to the sofa to continue watching Spoon & Bob.

    She had been told that for the next two days she won¡¯t have school, so she could wake up late tomorrow.

    Then, a few minutes had passed when Anya heard someone open the door to her room. When she turned her head, she found a bodyguard and a woman entered. The two looked very young and she didn''t recognize them, but Anya didn''t find it strange. The bodyguards and workers around Elder Moruyama were changing frequently.

    "Did Elder call me?"

    "No," replied the young man calmly.

    Anya nodded slightly before asking, "Are you guys new?"

    "Yes, for now you can call me Apple and this is my partner Pear. From today, we and Orange, our other partner, will be in charge of taking care of you."

    "What a weird nickname," Anya curtly said.

    Hide smiled and then calmly added, "Anya, we''re moving to a new place. You should pack your things."

    In reflex Anya letting out a sigh, and then she asked, "Should I change my clothes?"

    "No, but you have to wear your jacket and sneakers."

    "Okay."

    "You can''t bring your smartphone either. I''ll buy you a new one later."

    "Mhm."

    Wasting no time, Anya got off the sofa. Moving from one place to another in the early morning was nothing new to her. During the last two years she lived with Elder Moruyama, she had experienced it dozens of times. So, Anya swiftly packed her clothes, toys, and belongings into a backpack with a Spoon & Bob picture and a medium sports bag.

    When Anya was about to put on her sneakers, Hide immediately knelt in front of her and gently helped her.

    "It seems you are similar to Chief Koji, unlike the other guards."

    Hide smiled before replying, "Well, I''m sure he wants me to take care of you as best as I can. I also have a little sister a few years younger than you."

    "I hope your little sister has a normal and happy life."

    "Well, I''ll do everything for her sake."

    "I see," Anya said weakly as complicated gaze filled her clear eyes.

    "Hey," Hide cupped Anya''s cheek before continuing, "This time, the new place is different from the previous ones. I bet you''ll like it a lot."

    "New Guy, don''t lie to me." Anya bit her lower lips before continuing, "All hidden houses are no different from a cage and I''m just a little bird inside it."

    Hide didn''t argue with Anya. He just let out a sigh quietly before saying, "Well, for now we have an emergency. So, don''t go out of your room and if the lights go out or you hear gunshots, hide under the bed immediately."

    "Yeah," Anya replied nonchalantly.

    While Anya turned her attention back on Spoon & Bob, Hide got up and brought out Shizuka who looked very nervous.

    After Hide closed the door, Shizuka then came closer to him and whispered, "Hide, we still haven''t killed the Toruma Elder. Maybe, we can just threaten him and let him go."

    "No, I have a million reasons to kill him. Let''s focus on our job and get out of here as soon as possible."

    "Okay," Shizuka calmly replied, but in her heart she began to doubt Hide''s leadership.

    *****

 HA1 13.2 - Old Friends

    HA1 13.2 - Old Friends

    From the cross checked between his handmade layout and the map in the command post, Hide found that the guards planted 120 motion sensors and 48 M18A3 Claymore anti-personnel mines around the villa. Without hesitation, he ignored the motion sensors and focused his effort to gather the Claymores.

    ''Hello, Little Nasty.''

    While having a slight smile in his lips, Hide looked at two small green squares with a pair of scissor legs in front of him, which were connected to thin trip wire. It was positioned in spot where you would spontaneously run into and kick it, as you tried to get a cover after receiving incoming fire from the direction of the villa.

    ¡®Clever bastard.¡¯

    Hide had to admit that the Claymore set up was at professional level. Fortunately, in his previous life, he knew M18A3 Claymore as if it was his best friend.

    It had a total weight of 1.6 kg with a C4 proportion up to 680 grams. Capable of throwing 700 pieces of 3.2 mm steel pellet as wide as 60-degree field of view, with optimum distribution of shrapnel at 50 meters, but still deadly up to a radius of 100 meters.

    It was also easy to carry, easy to apply, and easy to repackage when you had to change your position. Even a regular infantry without specialization in booby trap would be able to use it effectively after receiving quick training on it.

    As for Hide, he managed to hone his skills in applying Claymore to a level that surpassed the standard at 1st SFG. He was even asked to rewrite the Claymore application''s syllabus for 1st SFG.

    Swiftly but carefully, Hide cut the trip wire, folded the scissor legs, and tied the two Claymores together.

    ''46 pieces left,'' Hide muttered as he walked to the next Claymore¡¯s location.

    ---

    Going up and down while carrying two sports bags weighing 14-16 kg was tough job, but Shizuka could do it without running out of breath. She even had time to move the guard''s corpse in the living room to the lounge, collect a number of gold jewelry from several rooms, and pack some instant food from kitchen.

    Physical work was not a big deal for Shizuka. However, as time went on, the guilt in her heart grew deeper. Fortunately, when the tightness in her chest was unbearable, Hide radioed her and asked her to come to him with four sport bags. Wasting no time, Shizuka carried out Hide''s orders.

    "Are we going to collect them too?" Shizuka asked as she looked at two piles of Claymores in front of her.

    "Yes, but only half of it. I need to use the other half."

    "Roger."

    "After putting it in the van, take Anya to RV. You can use the shortcut through the side yard of the villa."

    A big question mark instantly appeared on Shizuka''s forehead. "What about you?"

    "I need to talk to Toruma''s Elder and put the finishing touches."

    "It seems his death is unavoidable."

    "Well, I just speed up his schedule."

    After taking a deep breath Shizuka turned her gaze to Hide. "After this job, can I leave the team?"

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    "You can," Hide firmly replied.

    Hide was aware that the hunt was not a job for everyone. It was a job that required tremendous motivation and determination, and the sooner Shizuka realized it, the better it was. Also, from the start he never had a plan to recruit Shizuka. She was the one who came to him.

    "But please, make sure our hunting remains as a secret."

    "I''ll guard it with my life. It¡¯s just that I don''t think I can do this kind of job."

    "No worries, I understand your feelings." Hide slightly smiled before continuing, "Actually, after we visited Anya I felt a flash of hesitation in your eyes. I thought you were going to let Toruma''s Elder escape."

    "My grade in class is indeed below average, but that doesn''t mean I''m stupid enough to put my friends into a dangerous circumstance."

    Hide gave Shizuka another smile before saying, "For your information, I never thought you are stupid and I will keep my promise to kill Takeshi."

    "Thank you."

    A moment later, Shizuka walked towards the garage carrying two sports bags, while Hide rushed to the location where he would set up a booby trap to secure his route of retreat.

    ---

    Shizuka attentively held Anya with her left hand, while in her right hand she carried a sports bag containing Anya''s clothes, and on her back she had a big backpack filled with the loot money, gold jewelry, and instant food from kitchen.

    As the two passed by the empty living room Shizuka immediately said, "All guards are being stationed at the outer perimeter."

    "I thought they left me like last time we have emergency."

    "Hey," Shizuka looked at Anya deeply before continuing, "We will never leave you and we will do our best for you."

    In a casual tone Anya responded, "New Maid, your voice is a bit shaky and it''s clearly visible that you''re not sure with what you''re saying."

    "Ugh..."

    Shizuka stuttered, but Anya didn''t seem bothered by it.

    "Don''t worry. I''m used to such treatment."

    "Honestly, this is my first time in this kind of situation. So I''m a little nervous, but I mean it when I said I will do my best for you."

    "I see," Anya replied shortly, and it was clear that she didn''t care about Shizuka''s words.

    Then, after the two passed through the door Shizuka said, "We will be climbing the slope on the east side of the villa and can''t use a flashlight, so the journey will be a bit hard and tiring."

    "I''ve had experience something worse than climbing a slope in the middle of darkness, so stop trying to comfort me."

    "I see."

    Shizuka let out a silent sigh, and she couldn¡¯t help but felt her chest tightened as she imagined Anya''s feeling if she found out that her only family had left this world.

    ''It would be too painful for her.''

    Shizuka knew it for sure, because she also felt an unbearable pain every time she remembered that his father would soon leave her forever.

    ---

    Claymore could be detonated by command-activated using remote control, cables, trap wire, or victim-activated by integrating it into a booby trap mechanism. This time, Hide chose the victim-activated method.

    Twelve Claymores were separately tied on two rows of Fir trees, one meter above the ground, facing each other and forming a 20 meters long corridor. Between the last pair of Fir trees, Hide laid in a trip wire connected to safety ring on each Claymore. One strong pull on the trip wire lay between the last pair of Fir trees and the entire Claymore would explode almost simultaneously.

    As long as the target entered the kill box, it was certain that there would be no survivors.

    Wasting no time, Hide then rushed to the front gate of the villa. When he first saw the villa''s layout, he instantly concluded that the gate was an ideal place to be used as an ambush site for targets on four-wheeled vehicles.

    First, it was because the villa had no outer wall. It had only an artificial creek that surrounded it at a distance of 200-300 meters from the main building. The artificial creek, which was 40 cm wide and 40 cm deep, was planted with mini lotuses and inhabited by hundreds of small ornamental fish.

    So, at a glance it looked like a mere decoration. But in truth, it was super effective for preventing vehicle breaches. This meant that vehicles could only enter the villa through the front gate.

    Second, the front gate of the villa was just two stone monuments that support the large inscription ''Villa Tigera'', located in the middle of a grassy field with some ornamental shrubs, without any building other than a small guard post to control the iron crossbar. This meant that vehicle would have to stop in the open, when the iron crossbar at the gate was being opened.

    Swiftly, Hide set up the remaining Claymores. Every single one of them was facing the front gate, 50 meters away, forming a circle like a giant clock.

    Then, he immediately rushed back to command post. As he walked the 300 meters entry road to the main building Hide muttered, ''I''m counting on you, Old Friends. Let''s kill them all.''

    *****

 HA1 13.3 - Going Dark

    HA1 13.3 - Going Dark

    When he arrived at the command post, Hide found Elder Moruyama was still unconscious. He then slapped him with an agenda book.

    Plack! Plack! Plack! Plack!

    Two slaps to the right cheek, two others to the left, and in an instant Elder Moruyama woke up. As he swallowed the blood in his mouth, he checked his surroundings and found out that he was still in the command post. It was just that his wrists and ankle were tightly bound to his favorite chair.

    Meanwhile, in front of him Chief Koji sat with his head laid on the table, motionless without breathing. His eyes were still wide open, while on his neck there was a wound the size of a pencil, and the few drops of blood that flowed from it had dried and started turning black.

    A deep pain filled Elder Moruyama''s gaze. Then, he turned his attention to Hide, who casually looked at him while tapping his finger on the agenda book.

    As he took off the duct tape covering Elder Moruyama''s mouth, Hide said, "Good morning."

    Elder Moruyama didn''t answer right away, but glanced at the gas mask hanging on Hide''s left waist. "Clever bastard! Even the smart Koji failed to anticipate it."

    "Well, I just imitated bandits in old kung fu movies, punched a hole in a paper window, and then blew the dope inside."

    "Whatever." Elder Moruyama was not interested in Hide''s explanation and asked, "What do you want?"

    "Your life, but before that I want to make sure we have some gold bars in this villa."

    "This villa is just a place to relax, not a hidden house. There are no money, gold, or other valuables here." Elder Moruyama looked at Hide deeply as he continued, "But if you let me go, I can give you a large amount of gold."

    Hide slightly smiled, because he knew for sure what he was looking for. In his previous life, he had never raided Villa Tigera, but he knew of several incidents related to it.

    Two years from now, Villa Tigera would be attacked and burned to the ground by Aizen Mafia. From the rubble, metro police recovered a safe box containing six pieces of 1-kg gold bars and bodies of two little girls. Police also found dozens of other little girl''s bodies buried under the Purple Orchid Garden.

    Initially, after he killed Elder Moruyama, Hide would sneak to the villa and took the gold bar. However, the situation demanded that he had to combine the plan in a high-risk raid. Fortunately, he had already finished the hardest part.

    Without delay, Hide checked Elder Moruyama''s pulse, and he smiled broadly when he found the old man was already free from the effect of the anesthetic, and ready to receive the interrogation formula.

    "Let''s test your honesty."

    Hide then took an injection filled with blue liquid from one of his pouches, and injected it into Elder Moruyama''s neck. A moment later Elder Moruyama''s gaze turned misty.

    "Answer my questions honestly. Do you understand?"

    "Unders¡­ stand," Elder Moruyama replied weakly.

    "Good, first question, where do you keep the gold bar in this villa?"

    "The wall, behind me... behind the painting."

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    Without delay, Hide lowered the painting behind Elder Moruyama and found a safe box the size of a car stereo.

    "Tell me the PIN?"

    "343... 53¡­ 6."

    "Is there a trap inside the safe box?"

    "No."

    "Good."

    With ease Hide opened the safe box. Then, he took out its contents. It consisted of Elder Moruyama''s passport, 5 bundles of 1000 Ren notes, and 10 pieces of 1-kg gold bars, each gold bar was fully being wrapped in by a black pouch.

    While packing the loot from the safe Hide said, "Thank you and goodbye. In my previous life you were responsible for my father''s death. So, in this life I have to prevent it."

    "Okay, goodbye..."

    ''Well, at least this time you don''t scream hysterically like a coward.''

    Gently, Hide''s left hand pulled Elder Moruyama''s forehead backward. At the same time, his right hand pulled out Fairbairn Sykes. Then, he made a slit starting from Elder Moruyama''s left ear, down to his throat, and up to his right ear.

    Fairbairn Sykes was not a cutting knife with sharp edges, so Hide must use his strength to the fullest. The incision was also not neat but a wide and rough gaping. Therefore, Hide''s right hand was full of Elder Moruyama''s blood that flowed like a heavy flood.

    After cleaning his right hand and his Fairbairn Sykes using a bottle of mineral water and a cloth, Hide then copied the contents of Elder Moruyama''s smartphone and took his last picture, where he was staring at the ceiling with widely open mouth and throat.

    "Goodbye, old piece of shit," Hide muttered softly.

    Then, he just started collecting alcoholic beverages when Takeo radioed him.

    ---

    In anticipation of radio interception, Sawamura and Chief Koji agreed that situation updates would be sent via text message, at 20:00, 23:00, 02:00, and 05:00. While tapping his fingers on the table, Sawamura pensively looked at his smartphone, waiting for the third update that should have come three minutes ago.

    ''Chief Koji is always on time, something must have happened at the villa.'' After taking a deep breath, Sawamura turned his gaze to one of his men.

    "Yoshi, call the villa and pretend to be a drunk."

    "Roger."

    Without delay, Yoshi carried out the orders. A moment later, he approached Sawamura while frowning.

    "Boss, no one answered."

    "Fuck!" Sawamura cursed before getting up and continued. "Let''s go to the villa."

    "Boss, if they can take over the villa quietly, then they are pros. They may have already left or have prepared a nasty surprise for the QRF."

    "What''s your suggestion?"

    "Let me sweep the route to the villa first. You and the convoy followed me one click behind."

    "I can''t lose you. You are one of few experienced ex-mils on my team. Let the other personnel do it."

    "No, they will miss vital clue and send the convoy into an ambush. Let me do it, I have the experience and skill for the job."

    "Fine," Sawamura agreed after he saw the determination in Yoshi''s gaze.

    ---

    According to most people, waiting was a boring job as hell. But now, Takeo had another opinion. Waiting could also be very stressful as hell.

    Six hours had passed since Hide and Shizuka had left him, and even though everything was going well so far, Takeo still couldn''t stop hoping for the work to end as soon as possible before anything bad could happened. Unfortunately, it looked like his wish didn''t come true.

    ''This is bad.''

    Takeo clenched his fists tightly as a car swerved off Highway 11 onto the only road leading to the villa, followed by several others.

    Without delay, Takeo pressed PTT button. "Orange to Apple, do you copy?"

    [Loud and Clear, Orange, I''m listening.]

    "Be advised, you have incoming."

    [How many?]

    "One SUV, followed by five SUVs and a sedan one click behind. They turned their lights off as soon as they entered the road to the villa."

    [Received and understood, have Pear and our VIP arrived?]

    "Negative, it''s a 1.5 click rough slope with a kid and in the middle of darkness. It will take a while."

    [Once they arrive, leave RV immediately. Pear knows where you should go.]

    "What about you?"

    [I''ll try to kill the incoming in two sweeps.]

    "Can''t you just finish our target and get back to RV?"

    [I need to give Pear some time to get away. Who knows if they have a long-range night vision or bring K-9.]

    "..."

    [Also, it''s a pity to leave behind weapons and equipment that Pear had painstakingly gathered.]

    [Pear to Apple, for your information, it''s not a pity and pleases put your life as first priority.]

    [Apple to Pear, thank you for your concern, but believes me this is the easiest part, so don''t worry about me too much.]

    As he listened to the conversation on the radio, Takeo frowned as he saw the Lead SUV suddenly stopped.

    "Apple, be advised, the Lead SUV suddenly stopped one click before the villa''s front gate."

    [Is there any explosion?]

    "Negative, why?"

    [I put a booby trap in that place, but they seem to have found it.]

    "Damn. What we do now?"

    [As I said before, leave RV immediately, and cut all communication with me, Apple is going dark.]

    ''The fuck,'' Takeo muttered as he watched all lighting in the villa suddenly went out.

    *****

 HA1 13.4 - Retreat

    HA1 13.4 - Retreat

    Six SUVs and a sedan stopped between the rows of fir trees. In front of the lead SUV, Sawamura looked at 12 Claymores neatly arranged on the hood.

    "This many?"

    "Yes, and they''re ours. Meaning, they have captured the villa." Yoshi paused for a moment before continuing, "If they are still at the villa, they must have seen us."

    Sawamura nodded slightly and then asked, "How do you find these claymores?"

    ¡°They are too greedy. For the sake of getting a maximum effect, they placed it one meter above the ground on fir trees¡¯s trunk." Yoshi turned his head to Sawamura as he continued, "If they put it on the ground and covered it with camouflage, I definitely wouldn''t have seen it."

    "Maybe they thought we''d be driving fast."

    "Maybe." Sawamura then tapped his finger on the SUV''s hood as he asked, "Do you have other info?"

    "There''s only one trail on the ground, and the knots he uses indicate he''s an ex-mil from Americ¡¯s army."

    "White Mutt?"

    "Yes."

    "What''s your suggestion?"

    Yoshi turned his head towards the villa in the distance and asked, "Do you know the pattern of Claymores'' distribution around the villa?"

    "Of course not, I only know Chief Koji spread it 50 meters from artificial creek and he used all of our Claymores. So, there are still 38 pieces we have to watch out for."

    "In that case, we can only enter through the front gate." Yoshi suggested.

    "It seems so."

    "They must have anticipated it. But as long as we can get through the gate, we can do fire and maneuver if versus contact occurs. We will lose some people, but we have a good chance to reach the main building."

    "Let''s do it that way," Sawamura firmly said.

    Whether it was coincidentally or not, at the same time all the lights in the villa went out.

    ---

    Once she saw the Green SUV, Shizuka immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

    "Finally, we arrived."

    "Yeah."

    Sweat was pouring down from Anya''s forehead and her breathing was heavy, but she was desperately trying to look tough. Without delay, Shizuka lifted and carried Anya to the Green SUV, where Takeo had already opened the passenger door.

    After putting Anya in the Green SUV¡¯s passenger seat, Shizuka gave her a bottle of Ponary Sweet. Then, she turned her gaze to Takeo.

    "Are we really going to leave him?"

    "Yes, I trust in Apple''s judgment."

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    "Maybe I can help him?"

    "I think you''ll only become a burden. We should also take our VIP away immediately."

    As she gently wiped out sweat on Anya''s forehead Shizuka said, "Her name is Anya, and Apple wants us to take a shelter in Pine Abode."

    "Let''s go over there then."

    Takeo and Shizuka then got in into Green SUV. A moment later, the Green SUV was leaving the rest area at full speed.

    ---

    Six SUVs and a sedan were moving slowly in tight formation to villa¡¯s front gate, without turning their lights on. The roof of every SUV was widely open, where a shooter armed with M4CQB was ready to launch suppressing fire as soon as muzzle flash was seen in the villa. Meanwhile, the other QRF personnel walked behind the SUV door with great vigilance.

    Behind the left door of the leading SUV, Yoshi walked while making calculations. The guards were equipped with a 200-meters thermal scope and 300-meters NVG PVS-117. Therefore, by using the loot they took from the guards the opposing side could open fire at QRF personnel as soon as they arrived at the gate.

    ''I hope they don''t have an MG Gunner,'' Yoshi muttered inwardly.

    When the leading SUV reached a position five meters from the front gate, Yoshi raised his left hand and the convoy immediately stopped. He then sneaked into the guard post with one QRF personnel as an escort.

    Yoshi was worried that the opposing side would set a booby trap at the guard post, so he decided to check it himself. Carefully, he checked every inch of the guard post. Then, after he made sure that the guard post was clear from any danger, he allowed his escort to come in.

    ''So far everything is good.''

    Without delay, Yoshi approached the panel which controlled the 800 kg crossbar and operated it. A moment later, the crossbar was slowly going up and pulled twelve trap wires tied up to its lower end.

    The twelve wires were braided together until they touch the ground, before spreading and connecting to Claymores'' safety ring without passing the road where the QRF team stopped. And, even though the crossbar had just lifted for 20 cm from its original height, the trap wire already tightened and pulled the safety ring on each Claymore.

    When one of the QRF personnel saw twelve trap wires suddenly appear from the grass field in front of him and tightened up, it was already too late.

    "Get dow----"

    Bang!  Bang!  Bang!  Ba-ba-bang!

    Twelve Claymores exploded simultaneously. Each one was spewing 700 grains of 3.2 mm steel balls at a speed 1,218 m/s toward the guard post. Even if the QRF convoy was not at the center of the explosion, more than 80% of the steel balls rained heavily on their position.

    In a blink of an eye, the windshield shattered, hundreds of small holes formed on the car body, while the QRF personnel slumped to the ground, and pools of blood immediately formed near their bodies. QRF personnel who were lucky enough got instant death. As for the survivors, they could only lay on the ground while groaning and whimpering.

    It would take about 10 minutes before they lost consciousness due to blood loss, and then went into a coma, and finally crossed over to afterlife.

    Inside the guard post, Yoshi and his escort also experienced a similar fate. The guard post was only made of wooden planks and ordinary glass. So, the steel ball pierced it along with two people inside it easily.

    "Bastards!" Yoshi cursed softly.

    Even in his wildest dreams, Yoshi would not have expected the opposing side would move the Claymore to the front gate and sacrifice the defense on the other side. Moreover, they installed the trigger wire on the lower end of the crossbar without any camouflage. Unfortunately, it was too late to realize it and Yoshi could only wait for his last breath while cursing in silence.

    ---

    On the command post balcony, behind one of the gaps in the guard rail, Hide knelt while holding MP5-PDW with both hands. He carefully looked at the front gate and the area around it. After making sure that no threat remained, he then got up to his feet and jumped down onto the roof of the SUV next to the balcony.

    ''Time to go home.''

    Without delay, Hide jogged towards the garage. After changing his clothes he took out Elder Moruyama''s smartphone. First, he sent a message ''Stop Sakura Project or more deaths will follow!'' to all contacts in the phonebook, followed by the last picture of Elder Moruyama.

    Not long after that, he had driven the Black Van away from the burning Villa Tigera. He and Shizuka left too many forensic traces, so he had to wipe them as cleanly as possible. Fortunately, the villa had a large number of alcoholic beverages. Apart from a few most expensive bottles and a few boxes of Leginon white wine, Hide used the rest as fuel.

    As he passed through the front gate, Hide saw that there were a few QRF personnel who were slightly moving or groaning, but he ignored them. He didn''t have time to ease their suffering. Moreover, the sun was about to arise.

    ''I have to hurry,'' Hide muttered as he stepped on the gas.

    *****

 HA1 14.1 - A Promise

    HA1 14.1 - A Promise

    After sending the Black Van with all the loot to a hidden place, Hide went straight home. Apart from his original weapons and equipment, he brought only loot from the safe box. He returned his weapons and equipment to the secret storage in the garage, along with three 1-kg gold bars which he considered as his high-risk fee. As for the other seven gold bars and five bundles of 1,000 Ren bills, he left them in his backpack.

    Hide then took a bath, packed some clothes, and checked every corner of the house. He would be away for a few days so he had to make a quick check and left a note in the fridge door for his father.

    Then, he went to check his father. When he found his father was still fast asleep in his room, Hide breathed a sigh of relief. After that, he enjoyed a cup of warm tea in the kitchen while checking his smartphone.

    ''Twelve text messages and five callings, all from Hanna¡­ Damn!''

    After taking a deep breath, Hide then read the text messages from Hanna.

    Hanna - 4:30 pm

    // Why you don''t come to Beauty & the Beast?//

    Hanna - 6:05 pm

    // Can we go out tonight?//

    Hanna - 6:50 pm

    // Why you don¡¯t answer?//

    Hanna - 7:05 pm

    //Hide, where are you? Are you okay? Please contact me, ASAP.//

    Hanna - 10:10 pm

    // Damn Scoundrel!! You dare to ignore me.//

    . . .

    . . .

    . . .

    Hanna - 13:04 am

    // I will kill you if you appear before me this week.//

    ''It seems I had to coax her before I go to Hakaido,'' Hide muttered before finishing his tea.

    Not long after that, Hide was already standing in front of his house, waiting for the taxi that would take him to Pine Abode. He was indeed very tired, but his eyes were clear and his determination remained as solid as steel.

    ---

    The sun was already fully revealed itself by the time Hide entered Pine Abode''s front yard, and before he knocked the door, Takeo had opened it for him.

    "Thank God, you are safe.¡± Takeo took a deep breath full of relief before adding, ¡°When I checked the footage from the CCTV, all I see is the villa burning fiercely.¡±

    ¡°I have to set it in fire to erase any forensic trace from myself and Shizuka. We left too many, and had no time to clean it properly.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Have you destroyed all the footages?¡±

    ¡°I have, using the procedure you taught me.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± After a smile Hide asked, ¡°Where did you park the Green SUV?"

    "Rest area at south of Lake Hibino."

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    "Good choice. Have you and Shizuka told your parents why you didn''t come home last night?"

    "We''ve convinced them not to worry."

    "I see."

    Hide then followed Takeo entered Pine Abode¡¯s main room, and he found Anya sleeping peacefully under a thick blanket. Not far from her, Shizuka was sleeping soundly in an X-shaped position, while her sleeping sheet and blanket were five meters apart from her.

    "Initially, she hugged Anya tightly, but after she fell asleep she then threw away her sleeping sheet and blanket."

    "Well, last night she stripped the loots from more than 30 dead bodies. So, it''s a good thing if she can sleep peacefully as usual.¡± Hide then turned his gaze back to Takeo and asked, "Do we have food here?"

    "If you don''t mind, I still have my lunch box. Shizuka also took some instant food from the villa."

    "That''s plenty enough, let''s talk about our next move while eating."

    ---

    In one corner of the room, Takeo and Hide arranged their breakfast. Two lunch boxes containing rice, nori, shrimp tempura, vegetable tempura, and cherry tomatoes. A big box of Tuppelware full of bite-sized roasted duck that was supposed to be Oldman Ronsoc''s lunch. Two packs of instant ramen that was crushed and then sprinkled with its seasoning, and two bottles of mineral water.

    At the same time, Anya woke up and immediately sat down. After rubbing her eyes she checked her surroundings. Not far from her, the New Maid was fast asleep in an X-shaped position. Meanwhile, in one of the corners, the New Guard and New Driver were about to eat breakfast. Without delay, Anya approached the two.

    "New Guard, I''m hungry," Anya said as she sat next to Hide.

    Hide gave Anya a smile, and then he said gently, "Wait for a moment, I''ll make you a bowl of instant ramen."

    While pointing at one of the lunch boxes in front of her Anya asked, "Can I eat it?"

    "You can, but the rice is cold."

    "No problem."

    "How about you try it a little first? Then, you can decide."

    "Mhm."

    Wasting no time, Hide placed his left hand under Anya''s chin, while his right hand brought a mouthful of rice and a piece of shrimp tempura to her mouth.

    Hup!

    Anya heartily enjoyed and gulped down the rice and piece of shrimp tempura, and then said, "It''s delish."

    "Are you sure? It will only take a few minutes to make a warm ramen," Hide asked.

    And cheerfully, Takeo offered an additional option, "I can also make you a plate of fried rice."

    "No need, the lunch box is good enough."

    "Okay."

    Hide then cheerfully fed Anya, who would occasionally pick up pieces of ramen.

    "New Guard, do you have a name or should I keep calling you Apple?"

    "You can call me Hide."

    "You can call me Takeo," Takeo pointed at Shizuka as he added, "And she is Shizuka."

    Anya nodded three times before saying, "My name is Anya Kurylenka, but you can call me Blood Mud or White Mutt like the other guards. I won''t report it to Elder Moruyama."

    As he sighed silently, Hide took out his smartphone and showed Anya the family picture when Aizawa was two years old.

    While pointing to Emily''s picture, he said, "She was my stepmom, a gentle and kind Britiss woman. So, I will never call any foreigner as White Mutt because that''s tantamount to insulting her."

    Then, Hide pointed at Aizawa as he added, "She is my little sister. She is a mixed-blood and I loved her so much. So, I will also never call a mixed-blood kid Blood Mud."

    "Mhm," Anya nodded as a faint smile bloomed on her lips.

    And without delay Takeo said, "I don''t have foreigner or mixed-blood relatives in my family, but I''ve never called anyone White Mutt or Blood Mud in my life."

    In an instant, another faint but bright smile bloomed on Anya''s lips. "I see."

    ---

    After the breakfast, Hide asked Anya to take a morning shower. Fortunately, Pine Abode was equipped with a water heater, so Anya could take a bath using warm water.

    "Hide, can I wear a long-sleeved jersey while I''m here?"

    "Of course you can, I mean, why not?"

    "Elder Moruyama asks me to wear a fancy dress most of the time, and I hate it."

    "Well, when you''re with us, feel free to wear any clothes you like. Also, there''s no need to worry about Elder Moruyama."

    "Okay," Anya cheerfully replied.

    After making sure the water in the shower was at the right temperature, Hide exited the bathroom, and as he closed the door a complicated emotion filled his heart.

    He clearly remembered the news showed that two little girls at Villa Tigera were burned alive because they couldn''t get out of the room where they were hiding, when the villa received a raid from a rival group and then being burned to the ground. At that time, he really couldn''t imagine the panic, fear, and suffering they had to go through. Being burned alive was the most painful way of dying.

    And, there was a possibility that Anya was one of those little girls. So, as he hardened his resolve Hide made a promise.

    ''In this life, I will not let you suffer the same fate.''

    *****

 HA1 14.2 - Suspicion

    HA1 14.2 - Suspicion

    As he opened a pack of another instant ramen Hide said, "Now, let¡¯s talk about our next step."

    "Okay."

    "We got seven pieces of 1-kg gold bar from the villa. Two pieces, we will give them to Anya. The rest, I will cash them via Totsuka Firm and we will divide them into three equal part."

    "Hide, I don''t mind if we give more to Anya."

    "For now two pieces is enough, while from the next hunting we will always set aside some for Anya as we are her only family now."

    Takeo immediately gave a nod. "I agree, but for the distribution of the other five pieces, are you sure we will divide it equally? I mean, you were the one who took the biggest risk."

    "I already take my high-risk fees."

    "I see. Then, what about the plan to bring Anya to Hakaido?"

    "Toruma Mafia will send spotters to monitor public transportation and highway in Nichiko. Therefore, I and Anya will depart from train station in Aida City."

    "Can I and Shizuka go to Hakaido too?"

    "You can''t, but I need you to take me and Anya to Aida City."

    "Okay."

    "After Shizuka wakes up, ask her to buy an elementary school uniform, knit head cover, jacket, neutral glasses, school bag, mid-end smartphone, and traveling bag for Anya. Meanwhile, you take some rest here and accompany Anya."

    "Okay." After silence for a moment Takeo asked, "May I know the place where Anya will stay?"

    "No, but this reclusive family is Anya''s only hope. I''ll do everything to convince them to accept her."

    "Are you sure Anya will be okay over there?"

    "Yeah."

    "You know, we just killed her family..."

    Takeo didn''t continue his words, while Hide took a deep breath.

    "Anya''s situation is not as simple as you think."

    A big question mark instantly filled Takeo''s forehead, "Is there some information that I don''t know?"

    Initially, Hide wanted to explain Anya''s situation after Shizuka woke up later. However, it seemed he had to explain it immediately.

    "Elder Moruyama is a pedophile and Anya is one of his victims."

    "Wait... You mean..." Takeo gasped, and as complicated emotion filled his face to the brim, he turned his head to the bathroom where Anya was taking shower.

    "That old bastard was a piece of rotten garbage." Hide let out a deep sigh before continuing, "Every time a little girl dies in his hands, he will bury her body under the Purple Orchid in Villa Tigera because he believes their soul will make the flower bloom more beautiful."

    "What a sick bastard!!"

    "Mafia Elders often ask women from defeated rival as compensation, but that piece of shit will ask for little girl."

    Takeo instantly clenched his fists tightly. "We should torture him before killing him."

    "Unfortunately, we don''t have that luxury, but at least we have saved Anya.¡±

    "I see," Takeo replied as he tried his best to calm his boiling heart.

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    "Well..." Hide ate the last piece of ramen in his hands before continuing, "I have some errands before going to Hakaido, so see you this noon and make sure you are in a good shape to drive."

    "I''ll do my best to get a proper rest."

    "Good."

    Without delay, Hide then left Pine Abode. First, he had to meet Kato at Totsuka Firm, and then Hanna at Beauty & the Beast, and last but not least Aizawa in Kitaro.

    ---

    In the lobby of Beauty & the Beast, Hanna gave Hide an icy glare. But in truth, she didn''t know what she should do. She was really angry with Hide, but after she remembered that Hide was just a high school kid, she didn''t know how to express her anger.

    The problem was that Hide looked back at her casually as if ignoring her text message and call was trivial matter. After taking a deep breath, Hanna opened the conversation.

    "You know Monday is my day-off and I come to Beauty & the Beast just to accompany you to exercise. Yet, yesterday you didn''t come without notifying me."

    "I''m really sorry. Yesterday, I didn''t even go to school, neither did today."

    "Why?" Hanna curiously asked.

    "A distant relative is in a complicated circumstance and come asking for help. Today, I have to take her back to Hakaido and only come back this weekend." Hide then took a deep breath before continuing, "I want to explain my circumstances before I go, or my heart won''t settle down."

    "Fine." In the end, Hanna could only sigh in silence. "Follow me to my office. Yesterday, I asked you to go out because I have something important I want to talk with you."

    "You have your own office?"

    Hanna casually replied, "I also take care of the administration and finances of Beauty & the Beast, so naturally I have a nice working room."

    "I see," Hide replied as he got the feeling that it seemed he only knew Hanna on the surface.

    ---

    ''This isn''t just a nice working room,'' Hide muttered as he glanced at every corner of Hanna''s office.

    The room was not only spacious but also equipped with a billiard table, sofa, 42" LED TV, mini bar, large refrigerator, massage chair, and inner bathroom. Moreover, Hide also found the room was sound-proofed.

    "Is this room really yours?"

    "Of course it''s mine, but don''t ask too many questions. Sooner or later you will know everything about me."

    "Understood."

    A moment later, Hanna and Hide were sitting side by side on the sofa.

    As she played with the back of Hide''s palm Hanna said, "Hide, have you heard the project to redevelop Sakura Shopping District into a super mall?"

    "Yeah, I''ve also heard of some incidents related to it."

    Hanna nodded slightly before saying, "This is still unknown to public, but the project is much bigger and will also take up eight blocks around Sakura Shopping District. So, tell your father you guys need to move out soon."

    "Why do we have to move out?"

    "The project is supported by a few national-level politicians and several large corporations. Therefore, the land acquisition process can be very rough."

    "That sucks, changing living places can also mean changing schools."

    "Hey," Hanna smiled cheerfully before continuing, "I''ll help your dad find a house near your school, roughly the same size, quality, and installments as your old house."

    "That''s a complicated thing. How will you do it?"

    "I know the right people to help me. When your dad has free time I''ll send a real estate agent to talk to him."

    "Okay."

    Without second thought, Hide accepted Hanna''s offer, even though he knew that Sakura Project would be canceled. Or more precisely, he would do everything to thwart it.

    "What about Beauty & the Beast? Isn''t this place will be included on the project as it¡¯s located very close to Sakura Shopping District?"

    Hanna confidently replied, "We just need to have a little renovation to adjust its front face to the new environment."

    "I see."

    Hanna then took out a debit card from her wallet and handed it over to Hide. "Use this card on your trip to Hakaido."

    Hide smiled before saying, "You sound like a sugar mommy."

    "Don''t call me sugar mommy." Hanna pressed her lips before continuing, "Also, you have to return it when you get back here."

    "Okay."

    "One more thing, you owe me a dinner as an apology."

    "Well," Hide looked around the room before turning to look at Hanna, "I never thought you are a high-class babe. I don''t think I can afford something up to your standard."

    "Normally, I only accept dinner dates in a restaurant with minimum rate of 4,000 Ren/person. But for you, a family restaurant with a rate of 1500 Ren/person will do as long as you use your own money."

    While some doubt was lingering in his heart Hide asked, "Are you sure you can eat in a family restaurant?"

    "I''m."

    "Well, my father has a voucher at a good restaurant, how about we use it? I know it''s not my money, but it¡¯s a shame to not use it."

    Hanna smiled before saying, "Let¡¯s eat in both places."

    "Okay, we''ll do that then."

    ---

    After Hide left, Hanna fell into deep pondering while sitting at her working desk. When Hide came, she could easily see that he looked very tired. The fatigue was not just physical, but also mentally like the one that appeared on the faces of pro-heavyweight boxers in his last round.

    Moreover, she smelled blood from Hide''s fingers. It had been covered by the smell of soap, but Hanna could still smell it faintly. The problem was she didn''t find any bruises in Hide''s palm or knuckles.

    ''Hide, what did you do yesterday?''

    The more Hanna thought about it, the more she became curious. Fortunately, she had lent her debit card. Therefore, as soon as Hide used it she would be able to track his location and what he bought.

    *****

 HA1 14.3 - Uesugi Yukino

    HA1 14.3 - Uesugi Yukino

    In front of Kitaro''s reception desk, Aizawa gave Hide who was kneeling in front of her a worried look. Then, while tilting her head she asked, "Why does Big Bro want to go to Hakaido?"

    "Big Bro has to take a relative back to her home. Therefore, you have to stay at Kitaro this week." Hide then gently smiled before continuing, "And next week, we will watch Yuko Mountain¡¯s match together."

    Normally, Aizawa would be super happy if Hide took him to watch Yuko Mountain''s match. But now, what she felt was only a big worry, because as far as she remembered her parents didn''t have siblings while all her grandparents had passed away.

    "Can Aizawa come along?"

    "You want to come with Big Bro to Hakaido?"

    Aizawa nodded firmly, and then she said in a pleading tone, "Please ..."

    "Hey, it''s only a week and you have school."

    Sniff! Sniff!!

    Without warning, Aizawa''s tears began to flow and while sobbing she said, "Big Bro, don''t leave Aizawa."

    "Who said Big Bro will leave you." As he wiped Aizawa''s tears, Hide continued, "Well, if you want to come along then Big Bro will take you too."

    "Really?"

    "Yup. You can wear your uniform, so just pack some clothes and your toothbrush."

    "Mhm."

    Wasting no time, Aizawa immediately jogged to her room while having a smile as big as morning sun. At the same time, Hide was lost in deep thought.

    A few days ago, when Aizawa rejected his visit, he concluded that Aizawa¡¯s over attachment to him was starting to wear off. However, it seemed it was not the case. He had just confirmed that Aizawa still had worries and preconceived notions that he would leave her.

    ''Well, considering how I''ve treated her after Emily passed away, it''s natural that her worries won''t go away in a short time.''

    While holding back the bitterness in his heart, Hide then stood up and turned to Kaede Sensei who was standing near the door.

    "Sensei, I deeply apologize. It seems I have to interrupt Aizawa''s study."

    "Actually, taking Aizawa along is a good thing." While approaching Hide who was looking at her questioningly, Kaede Sensei asked, "Hide, do you know that Aizawa already can solve the fifth grade problem before she came to Kitaro?"

    "Huh?" In an instant big question mark appeared on Hide''s forehead.

    Kaede Sensei took a deep breath before adding in a serious tone, "It¡¯s also surprise me. Most of all, when I asked her who had taught her, Aizawa replied that no one guided her.

    She just took the initiative to study whenever she was alone at home and remembered her mother. She also said it was super hard at first, but it could drive away her loneliness so she kept studying and searched for more difficult material in your old text book.

    Hide, even if Aizawa has an IQ of 142, her way of study is still too extreme, and no matter what kind of circumstances behind her drive, it must be stopped."

    "Sensei, it¡¯s my fault."

    "Aizawa also told me, that after her mother passed away you often said she should become the smartest possible child and be independent as soon as possible. As a teacher, I can confidently say it''s the worst thing you can say to a four-year-old child that just lost her mother."

    ''My old self, why are you so stupid?'' Hide lamented as he bowed deeply to Kaede Sensei, "Sensei, I just realizes my fatal mistake recently. But believe me, I already starts to correct it using every means at my disposal."

    "Good." Kaede Sensei smiled before continuing, "You must fix it with all your might before it''s too late. Or someday, hatred is the only thing she can spare for you for the rest of her life."

    "Sensei, I understand."

    Actually, Hide wanted to scream that he not only knew but had already experienced it firsthand how his relationship with Aizawa would end up bitterly if he didn''t fix it. Fortunately, at the last second he managed to restrain himself.

    "Sensei, thank you for your concern and believe me I''ll pay any price for Aizawa¡¯s happiness."

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    "I believe you, but you should make that promise to Aizawa''s Mother." Kaede Sensei let out a deep sigh before continuing, "She was the one who told Aizawa the importance of being dependent and supporting each other as brothers and sisters. In short, Aizawa''s Mother put her trust in you, and Aizawa follows her wish with everything she has."

    "I''ll make the promise as Sensei says."

    Kaede Sensei smiled and then calmly said, "I know you won''t disappoint her."

    In an instant, tears rushed down on Hide''s cheeks. He already tried to hold back it as hard as he could, but he failed. The regret that he had let Emily down in his previous life, turned out to be far more painful than he thought.

    ''I''m sorry, Mom,'' Hide muttered as he wiped his tears.

    Fortunately, by the time Aizawa returned to the reception room, Hide had managed to calm himself down. Without delay, he bowed deeply towards Kaede Sensei. Then, he left Kitaro while holding Aizawa''s hand tightly.

    ---

    Shizuka gently and attentively helped Anya put on her elementary school uniform. Then, as she smoothed the folds on Anya''s collar, she said, "It looks very fit and good on you."

    "Mhm."

    Anya cheerfully nodded and it was clearly visible that she really liked the uniform Shizuka had given to her.

    While holding Anya''s cheeks using her hands Shizuka then said, "Now, you don''t have to worry about Monster Moruyama anymore."

    "Big Sis Shizuka, is it true that Monster Moruyama is dead?"

    "Yup."

    "Is Chief Koji dead too?"

    "Is he nice to you?"

    "Chief Koji was kind to Anya, but he didn''t help Anya when Monster Moruyama hurt Anya."

    "If he didn''t protect you, then he deserved to accompany Monster Moruyama to afterlife."

    "Really?" Anya asked hesitantly. Her expression clearly showed that she didn''t want Chief Koji to die with Monster Moruyama.

    "Yup, absolutely. Moreover, he tried to protect Monster Moruyama with all his might."

    "Big Sis, can Anya throw away my old clothes?" A black cloud filled Anya''s face as she continued, "Monster Moruyama always asked Anya to wear it before he hurt Anya. It¡¯s just bringing Anya bad memory.¡±

    Shizuka turned her gaze to the pile of mini adult women''s clothes next to her before replying decisively, "We''re not only going to throw it away. We''re going to burn it."

    "Mhm." Anya once again nodded firmly.

    "And, following the student ID that Hide had prepared, for now your name is Uesugi Yukino. Of course, you can change it later."

    "Okay."

    At the same time, Takeo who just woke up approached the two. After taking a glance at the East Nichiko Elementary uniform on Anya, a question mark immediately appeared on his forehead.

    "Shizuka, isn''t that your uniform?"

    "Correct, I thought a new uniform would be too flashy. So, after I made sure it was the same size, I decided to use mine to disguise Yukino. Hide also agreed with my idea."

    "Yukino?"

    "For the journey to Hakaido, Anya will use Uesugi Yukino as her name."

    As he looked at Anya''s snow-white hair and skin Takeo nodded. "That''s a super fitting name for her."

    "Hide also said that there will be a change of plans. His little sister will come along to Hakaido with him, so he will take us too."

    "Good, we can''t let Hide do everything alone."

    "Yeah, I will not feel at ease either if I don¡¯t see the family where Yukino will be staying."

    "Me too."

    Shizuka then handed over a shopping bag to Takeo. "Take a shower and change your clothes. Hide will arrive in a few minutes with our lunch."

    "Okay."

    Wasting no time, Takeo rushed to the bathroom while Shizuka and Yukino separated Yukino''s old clothes and belonging and burned them in the backyard.

    ---

    Blink blink!

    Two little girls, standing face to face, and looking at each other curiously. Then, Hide introduced the two.

    "Aizawa, this is Uesugi Yukino. She is eleven year old so you can call her Big Sis. Yukino just lost her family, so we''ll take her to a relative in Hakaido."

    "Mhm," Aizawa replied as she nodded.

    "Yukino, this is Uesugi Aizawa. She is six year old, so you can call her Little Sis."

    "Okay," Yukino replied cheerfully

    It seemed having a new little sister made Yukino very happy. Moreover, Aizawa was a mixed-blood kid like herself.

    Then, as he smiled Hide lifted the shopping bag from a family restaurant in his hand. "Well, let''s have lunch."

    Wasting no time, the whole group entered Pine Abode and the lunch began immediately afterward. The lunch that Hide brought was only Chicken Cheese Curry Pasta for 700 Ren / portion, but the whole group enjoyed it heartily.

    For Aizawa, having lunch with his brother''s friends turned out to be very fun. As for Yukino, it was the best lunch since her parents used her to pay off their debt two years ago.

    After the lunch, Yukino and Aizawa then played deck card in the middle of the room. Coincidentally, Yukino was taught by Chief Koji how to play poker, while Aizawa was taught how to play it by Kaede Sensei and Kana. So the two happily play poker and it was easy to conclude that the two were very compatible. Also, turned out both of them were formidable poker players.

    At the same time, Hide, Shizuka, and Takeo gathered in one corner. While Takeo turned on his tablet, Shizuka with sparkling eyes looked at Yukino and Aizawa.

    "Hide, you are very wise, bringing Aizawa along to accompany Yukino."

    "Yup," Hide replied as he tried his best to hide the real reason why Aizawa came along to Hakaido with him.

    "While you two are planning the route, can I join Yukino and Aizawa?"

    "No!" Takeo firmly replied. "You will only spoil their happy mood."

    In reflex Shizuka pressed her lips. "Fine."

    Without delay, Hide then pointed to the off-road route on the map. "We won''t use Highway 11 to go to Aida, but this route."

    "Are you sure? This is a dirt road without asphalt at all," Takeo asked.

    Hide firmly replied, "Don''t worry, it''s a hard dirt road and there is no rain in recent days, so the Green SUV will pass it over easily.

    We''re going to turn a 45 minute ride into an 80 minute ride, but that will ensure that we won''t be detected by spotters from Toruma Mafia.

    Once we arrive at the outskirts of Aida City, Takeo will drop us off and we will continue our journey to the train station in the downtown by taxi. Takeo will then follow us after he hides and clears the Green SUV from forensic traces."

    ""Roger,""

    "After that, it¡¯s a seven hours long of sitting on bullet train." Hide then handed over two bundles of a hundred piece 1000 Ren bill. "And here''s your travel money."

    "What about the money and gold jewelry from the guards?" Shizuka asked.

    "Let¡¯s leave it here. We''ll take care of it after returning from Hakaido."

    "Okay."

    A few minutes later, the group was already on their way to parking area on the south of Hibino Lake.

    *****

 HA1 15.1 - Relic of the Past

    HA1 15.1 - Relic of the Past

    Nikko was an island nation with unique geographical location. Stretching from north to south, it consisted of more than 6,000 islands. Of the nine main islands, five were in the subtropical region while the other four were in tropical region.

    Among the four tropical islands, Hakaido was the biggest. It was the fourth island from the north and also the largest food producer in Nikko.

    From Aida City, it took seven hours by bullet train to reach Kano City, the capital city of Hakaido Prefecture. Most of the journey was taken through the underground tunnel at a depth of 260 meters below sea surface or 80 meters below the seabed. It was a long journey, but in short Hide''s group arrived at Kano Central Train Station at 4:20 in the morning.

    Kano Central Station was a modern, neat, and clean train station, but it was far from having a sophisticate impression. The lighting system was dominated by light creamy illumination and there was no bright or colorful neon lamp. There was also no advertising display or other decorations on the walls, while most of the visitors were domestic backpackers or foreign tourists.

    As she observed the situation around her Shizuka said, "I''ve heard people of Hakaido are not very enthusiastic about technological developments, but isn''t this station too minimalist."

    "Actually, I like it." Takeo pointed to a row of wooden benches in the waiting room as he continued, "In this era, where else we can find public benches made of wood with exotic carvings."

    Hide casually added, "For your information, Hakaido residents are not allergic to technological developments. Thirty percent of scientists at Nikko come from Hakaido.

    It¡¯s just that they have deep pride as Nikko''s biggest food producer. They hold tightly to the tradition of living as farmers and don''t like glamorous things."

    "Really?" Shizuka asked as a question mark adorned her forehead.

    "Yup." Hide slightly nodded and added, "Two decades ago, the Prefectural Office tried to renovate Kano International Airport into an airport with a more modern atmosphere, but they received complaints from both foreign tourists and local residents."

    ""They complained?""

    "Yeah, Hakaido is well-known among foreign tourists as a destination with a strong traditional and spiritual culture. So, when they landed and found the atmosphere at the airport was no different from the airport in their home city, they immediately complained and asked where the sensation of arriving in another world that they hoped for."

    ""I see.""

    "Well, let''s get some breakfast, and then try to find transportation to Hakka Plateau."

    ""Okay.""

    Hide''s group then left the train station. Hide walked while carrying Aizawa who was still nodding off. Shizuka held Yukino who looked at the situation around her curiously. As for Takeo, he walked with two travel bags in his hand.

    After exiting the train station, the group immediately got a strange sensation because the tallest building in front of them was only a 3-4 story building, without a single skyscraper. But they didn''t think about it too deep and kept walking.

    Casually, Hide''s group walked to a traditional vegetable market which was located 1 km west of the train station. The traditional market was only open from 03:00 - 06:00, so local people called it the Morning Market.

    Activities filled every corner of Morning Market where from various trucks people moved agriculture products into pick-up cars or even carts. Hide''s group continued walking until about 500 meters from the entrance and arrived in front of a fried rice stall.

    "Let''s eat here," Hide said.

    ""Okay."" Takeo and Shizuka replied as they followed Hide entered the fried rice stall.

    ---

    Inside the fried rice stall, almost all the benches were already occupied by visitors who enjoyed their breakfast heartily. As soon as Hide''s group sat in one corner an Auntie immediately approached them, and for some reason her eyes became gentle as she looked at Aizawa and Yukino.

    The Auntie then said, "You all must be kids from big city, so let me give you a gentle warning. This stall is not a cafe and it only has warm tea, simple fried rice, simple fried noodles, and simple ramen."

    After smiling broadly Hide said, "Don''t worry Auntie, we are just regular backpackers. Warm food is already plenty enough for us."

    In an instant a smile bloomed on the Auntie''s lips. "Good, kids shouldn''t be picky about food to make sure they have strong body."

    After another small smile Hide immediately ordered, "Please give us five warm teas, three-in-one fried rice, and five omelets."

    "Okay, your breakfast will come in a few minutes."

    "Thank you, Auntie."

    "You¡¯re welcome."

    Once the Auntie went back to the kitchen Shizuka immediately asked, "Hide, are you sure we only ordered three servings?"

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    "Yeah, one serving here is equivalent to two servings at Nichiko, even if the price is cheaper, and leaves nothing on your plates."

    ¡°¡°Okay,¡±¡± Takeo and Shizuka replied in unison.

    Hide then gently woke Aizawa up and asked her to sit next to him. Then, he stole a glance at the man standing next to a 5-ton red flatbed truck across the fried rice stall.

    ---

    The Auntie swiftly arranged five large glasses of warm tea, five plates of omelets, and one plate of kimchi.

    "This is the first time a group of polite city kids comes to my stall. I believe this is a sign of good luck. To celebrate it, I made you a special warm lemon tea, a special mushroom omelet, and I happened to have some kimchi."

    "Thank you, Auntie," Hide cheerfully replied.

    "Don''t thank me yet."

    The Auntie then went back to the kitchen to take a mountain of fried rice, and she proudly placed it in the center of the table.

    "This is your fried rice, please enjoy it."

    While Takeo and Shizuka looked at the mountain of fried rice with a dropping jaw, Hide cheerfully said, "Thank you, Auntie."

    "You¡¯re welcome."

    After gently pinching Aizawa and Yukino on the cheeks, the Auntie then went back to kitchen while humming softly. At the same time, Hide help Aizawa and Yukino spooned a portion of fried rice onto their plates.

    Then, as he got up Hide said, "Wait here for a moment, I''ll try to secure our transportation."

    "Okay," Takeo and Shizuka replied as their gaze followed Hide, who walked across the street towards the man who stood next to a 5-ton red flatbed truck.

    ---

    After completing his term with 303rd Military Police Company, Kubota would occasionally become guest instructor for some martial art classes in Nikko Army. Other than that, he would just spend his time transporting vegetables from his foster father''s farm to the Morning Market. And as usual, he would park his truck across Aunt Rino''s fried rice stall, the only younger sister of his foster father.

    At first, Kubota thought today he would pass his morning like any other day. But then, he saw a group that judging by their clothes was come from a metropolitan city. The group consisted of two high school boys, one high school girl, and two mixed-blood little girls. Casually, the group entered Aunt Rino''s fried rice stall.

    Actually, it was not unusual for a group of city kids who visited Hakaido to look for breakfast at Morning Market, as it was very close to the mini-bus station that could take them to every tourist destination in Hakaido.

    However, it became unnatural if a group of city kids chose to eat at Aunt Rino''s fried rice stall. Other than located deep in the morning market, the fried rice stall offered only simple menus and put emphasis on large portions and low prices because its regulars were farmers, drivers, or labor workers. At the same time, near the entrance of Morning Market, there were many food stalls with fancy menus that were more suited to the tastes of city kids.

    Moreover, the group brought two mixed-blood little girls and coincidentally, Aunt Rino had two mixed-blood daughters who live in Swizz. The oldest one was married to a Swizz man and became a successful dairy farmer, while the youngest one was still university student studying agriculture.

    ''There are no such things as coincidences in this world,'' Kubota muttered as the high school kid who previously had stolen glances at him came over to him.

    "Kiddo, is there anything I can help you with?" Kubota asked before gulping down a mouthful of fried rice.

    Hide respectfully introduced himself, "Good morning, Sir. My name is Uesugi Hidetada, and I hope you don''t mind taking our group to Hakka Plateau."

    "I can take you there. My house just happens to be near Hakka Plateau." Kubota took a sip of his warm tea before continuing, "But, have you guys had reservations at Hakka Resort?"

    "No, we don''t."

    "In that case, you''d better change your destinations. Hakka Resort is always full all year round. Believe me, you can''t just come to the receptionist and ask if there are any vacant rooms."

    Hide said calmly, "Actually, our destination is on the other side of Hakka Resort."

    "Kiddo, the other side of Hakka Resort is the training center for Army''s Sniper Specialization. How are you going to enter it?"

    "No, not there but the east peak where a reclusive family lives."

    In an instant Kubota frowned, "Why do you want to go there?"

    "There''s a mixed-blood little girl that needs protection from the reach of Toruma Mafia, so we''ll hide her there."

    Kubota sighing deeply and then said, "Kiddo, Toruma Mafia is the third strongest mafia in Nikko. How can a reclusive family match them? You should go to a mafia family that is stronger than Toruma."

    With a serious tone Hide replied, "This reclusive family is Kurokara Family. Even the combination of ten strongest mafia families in Nikko will think a million times before looking a trouble with them."

    "Kiddo, your grip on reality is too loose." Kubota took the one last spoonful of his fried rice before continuing, "It''s not a secret that Kurokara Family is a relic from the post-World War II. The most important members of the family were sentenced to the death as war criminals. Their descendants then went abroad. Some choose to live a peaceful life and forget their identity, while some others become mercenaries.

    All that remained in Nikko were insignificant family members. They live life as farmers. However, discrimination from the government and negative sentiments from local residents made them fall into poverty. In the end, they disappeared completely without a trace."

    Kubota was silent for a while before continuing, "Moreover, among the anti-foreign faction, Kurokara is the most rabid who takes offense at anything that comes from outside Nikko. So, bringing a mixed-blood little girl to them is a big mistake."

    "Yes, Kurokara is indeed a relic of the past." After a moment of silence Hide continued, "However, in early 1980s, their Family Master married a female westerner, and then they used public name Kirishima, and continued their ancient tradition in a new philosophy. Surprisingly, in early 2000s Nikko''s army started to absorb the new generation of Kirishima Family."

    "Who told you that bullshit? The politicians would never let it happen."

    "Someone who passed the Stalking Phased on Army Advance Sniper Training. He also told me that Mr. Kubota Kirishima, the Lead Instructor for Silent Killing Class in the army, is the door to meet the Head of Kirishima Family."

    Kubota looked at Hide deeply for a while before saying, "Even if, let¡¯s say, everything you said is true, what if I refused your request?"

    "Well," Hide turned to the fried rice stall before continuing, "It seems Aunt Rino has a soft spot for mixed-blood children, so I will put my bet on her."

    "You must have known that if Aunt Rino agrees to help you without proper approval from the Head of the Family, she will not have the protection and support of the family."

    Hide firmly replied, "First, I believe the Head of Kurokara Family will never let his only sister in danger. Second, Aunt Rino is more than capable of protecting both herself and Yukino. Third, she still has the option to go to her oldest daughter in Swizz."

    ''This kid. . .'' Kubota muttered as he looked at Hide with a big wonder. ''How the fuck a high school kid who appeared out of nowhere know so much about Kirishima Family?''

    "Fine." In the end, Kubota could only follow Hide''s request. "But at least, tell me what your offer to the family."

    "For Yukino living expenses, I can hand over two pieces of 1-kg gold bar up front, and then send some money every month. For her protection, give me one name that I need to kill every year."

    "She must be very important to you."

    "She is," Hide answered shortly but firmly.

    "I will leave at six. Tell Aunt Rino your group will go with me, and then sit tight in her stall until our departure."

    "Roger, and thank you."

    Hide immediately deeply bowed his head towards Kubota. Then, he went back to Aunt Rino''s stall with a smile full of relieve.

    *****

 HA1 15.2 - Kirishima Family

    HA1 15.2 - Kirishima Family

    Exactly at 06:00, Hide''s group boarded the red flatbed truck. Hide and Takeo sat in the rear bed, while Shizuka, Yukino, and Aizawa sat in the passenger seat. There was no window between the cabin and the rear bed, so they could talk easily.

    After a smile, Kubota turned his gaze to two little girls who sat next to him.

    "Ready to depart?"

    ""Mhm.""

    Yukino and Aizawa nodded vigorously at the same time. It seemed riding a 5-ton truck was an exciting experience for them.

    Not long after that, the red truck left the Morning Market. While the truck was still in urban area, Kubota maintained a speed of 40 km/h. After around twenty minutes, various buildings on each sides of the road had been replaced by paddy fields, while the sun was starting to shine brightly. Without delay Kubota increased the speed.

    As he was fanning his sweat-drenched face Takeo said, "It''s not as hot as summer, but isn''t this rather too much of hot air?"

    "Unfortunately, it will become hotter," Hide calmly said.

    Kubota immediately added, "Wait until we get to the higher area. The air will be much cooler there."

    "Okay," Takeo replied weakly.

    At the same time, from the opposite direction two 5-ton green military trucks passed by. The rear bed of the trucks was full of soldiers with tired faces. Their clothes were also covered in dirt and mud.

    Kubota then casually explained, "Hakaido has many Army training centers. Sniper Specialization, Jungle & Mountain Warfare, Riverine & Coastline Warfare, Basic Infantry Camp, and some others. So, don''t be surprised if you meet a lot of military personnel here."

    "I see," Shizuka replied briefly.

    Then, the red truck passed a long line of soldiers on the one side of the road. The line consisted of a single file. Every single one of the soldiers carried a large rucksack on their back, assault rifles in their hands, jungle hat on their head, and combat boots on their feet. However, their bodies were only covered by underwear. Boxer for male soldiers, and an additional of sport bra for the female.

    Except for Kubota and Hide, everyone on the red truck looked at the soldiers with confused faces.

    "Why are they almost naked?" Shizuka curiously asked.

    "They are member of Airborne Ranger platoon who lost the night war game. As punishment, they return to their base on foot without wearing their combat fatigue."

    "That''s harsh," Takeo said.

    "Unfortunately, that''s not the worst."  Kubota was silent for a moment before continuing, "A platoon that lost the war game three times will have to carry a Walk of Shame at night?"

    In an instant a question mark appeared on Shizuka''s forehead, "Walk of Shame at night?"

    "It''s a 5 km night march, from Kano City¡¯s square to the City Garrison HQ, fully naked either male or female soldiers."

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    "Such things exist?" Takeo asked with a shocked face.

    "Yeah, and it¡¯s quite popular among local female. From 5-year-old little girl to 105-year-old granny will fill both sides of the route. My wife also always watches the event and calls it the Ultimate Public Service," Kubota explained.

    "I have to watch it," Shizuka excitedly said.

    As he grinned Kubota turned to Shizuka.  "Don''t forget to bring chocolate and candy."

    "Why?"

    "Twenty soldiers with the fewest chocolates and candies should repeat the Walk of Shame. So, they will do a special service to get as many chocolates and candy as possible."

    An intense curiosity immediately reflected in Shizuka''s gaze. "Special services?"

    Hide, who had been silent for a while decided to give a little explanation. "The unfortunate and naked young soldiers have to dance exotically in front of the audience to get the chocolates and candies."

    In an instant Shizuka turned his gaze to Hide, "Seriously? Hide, how do you know about it?"

    "Somehow, he looks like someone who had experienced it," Kubota calmly said after stole a glance on Hide.

    "Like hell I''ll do such immoral things," Hide said before looking away.

    After looking at Hide''s face through the center rear mirror one more time, Kubota muttered under his breath, "Now, I''m absolutely sure you''ve done it."

    Hide instantly snorted while Takeo said, "I never thought our military had such tradition."

    Kubota calmly said, "Actually, lots of elite military unit in the world have older but similar traditions."

    "Really?" Shizuka asked curiously.

    "When I lived in a small town in Britiss, every winter I had the opportunity to see member of Royal Marine Commando doing the Walk of Shame under a drizzle of snow."

    ""I see,"" Takeo and Shizuka replied in unison, while Hide still looked away to the distance.

    ---

    After passing through a seemingly endless paddy field, the group then arrived at the base of Hakka Plateau. Kubota didn''t follow the main road that went up to the peak, but turned into an archway with a simple sign that read ''Kirishima Family''.

    Not far from the gate, stood a rice and corn mill, followed by a vast field where corn and grain were dried under the sun, rows of warehouses, workshops, garages filled with various vehicles, and finally a complex consisting of 30 houses.

    "Have we arrived?" Aizawa asked while curiously looking outside.

    Kubota gently replied, "Not yet Pumpkin, this is a complex for workers. Kirishima Family lives on the east peak of Hakka Plateau, about 5 km hike from here."

    "Mhm," Aizawa nodded slightly as relief filled her face. It was clear that she did not want the trip with the truck to end soon.

    Then, not long after that the red truck was already on an uphill road flanked by green fields as far as the eye could see. With eyes full of amazement, Shizuka looked at watermelon field on the left side of the road and the eggplant field on the right side in turn.

    "Mr. Kubota, don''t tell me the whole field from the bottom to the top of the hill belongs to Kirishima Family?"

    "Actually, 45% of the paddy fields we pass also belong to Kirishima Family."

    "That is a huge piece of land," Takeo said in amazement.

    Kubota smiled and then humbly said, "Well, there are many families that are richer than Kirishima Family."

    While Takeo and Shizuka were drowning in amazement, Hide only gave a small nod. He didn''t say much, but he was fully aware that the whole Hakka Plateau was owned by Kirishima Family. They even let Nikko Army used 15% of the area on Hakka Plateau to be used as training center for Sniper Specialization Course.

    Speaking about their domestic assets, Kirishima Family was indeed only the fifth largest in Nikko. However, if their assets abroad were also taken into account, then even if the four families above them combined their entire wealth, the amount would still be nothing compared to Kirishima Family''s total wealth.

    ''Harsh environment will kill a life form or stimulate it to evolve.'' These were the words that Kubota used to say to Hide in his previous life.

    In the last moment before their death, Kurokara Family managed to evolve and survive. It was no secret that the founder of Kurokara Family was always looking down on merchant as scoundrels while referred to farmer as common manpower.

    To the founder of Kurokara Family, only warrior had the right to become a ruling class and leader of society. But now, their descendants evolved into a combination of merchant, farmer, and warrior. Also, they wisely stayed away from politics.

    Some people even thought it was ironic that the strongest and richest family in Nikko choses to be a reclusive family. They did allow their member joint the military or government, but they would not get support from the family except for the education that they had received.

    ''Harsh environment will kill a life form or stimulate it to evolve,'' Hide muttered as he leaned his head to the guard rail.

    *****

 HA1 15.3 - Acceptance

    HA1 15.3 - Acceptance

    The red truck smoothly entered a yard with concrete floor. The yard was spacious, facing east towards a pine valley, and surrounded by an L-shaped building. At the terrace of L-shaped building, there were bamboo chairs and tables where some elderly were chatting and enjoying snacks.

    After parking the red truck next to a double-cab Mitzubizi Strava, Kubota turned his gaze to Yukino and Aizawa.

    "Now, we''ve arrived. Welcome to Kirishima Family."

    "Mhm," Yukino and Aizawa answered at the same time while looking at the yard around them curiously.

    Wasting no time Kubota helped Yukino and Aizawa got down from the truck. Then, through a short but wide corridor in the center of L-shaped building, he led his guests into a paved walkway as wide as five adults standing side by side. Both sides of the walkway were flanked by waist-high bamboo fences covered by a lush vine full of purple grapes.

    The walkway was also in the middle of vegetable garden. Cabbage, spinach, potatoes, leeks, carrots, bananas, melons, bitter melons, long beans, pumpkins, guava, lemon, mulberries, strawberries, watermelons, and various other vegetables or fruit trees were neatly arranged as far as the eye could see.

    Shizuka was fondling a large cluster of ripe purple grapes as she said, "This place is amazing."

    After a smile Kubota said, "That''s because this is your first time here. If you don''t have a calm heart, in a week you will get bored and miss the city''s liveliness."

    "Maybe, but actually I have a fondness for quiet place."

    "In that case, you will get along very well with members of Kirishima Family."

    "I hope so."

    As he looked at the purple grapes on Shizuka''s hand, Kubota added, "As long as you don''t waste it, don''t hesitate to pick any fruit you want to taste."

    "Thank you."

    Without delay, Shizuka plucked away the cluster of a ripe purple grape and shared it with Yukino and Aizawa. Meanwhile, Takeo and Hide shared another cluster.

    Before long, the journey continued while Hide''s group enjoyed the sweet and juicy purple grapes.

    ---

    Kubota took Hide''s group to a log-house as wide as nine tatamis. It was super clean, had two bathrooms, and in the center it had a fire pit with an iron pot hung above it.

    In his previous life, Hide had stayed at the log-house several times. So, he knew that the log-house was built without nails or metal material, but was earthquake resistant. Moreover, it was built in such a way that the inside was cool when the weather was hot, but warm when the weather was cold. It was an ancient construction technique that was considered being lost.

    Also, Hide was surprised when Kubota took him to the log-house in the inner yard, instead of the guest room in the front building. It seemed that he and the rest of the group were accepted as family and not just guests. Hide was sure that along the journey, Kubota had a hard time determining how he would treat his group, and it was only at the last moment that he made his decision. Of course, Hide didn''t say a word about it.

    "Well, the Head of the Family is on a trip, so you guys can stay here while waiting for his return." Kubota calmly continued, "My wife will come with a sleeping sheet in a moment."

    "Understood, and thank you for listening to our request," Hide gratefully said.

    "Don''t thank me yet. You had to wait until the Head of the Family make a decision on your request."

    "We understand."

    After Kubota left, Hide''s group then rushed to take a shower. With fresh body and clean clothes, they then sat in a corner. Hide and Takeo sat cross-legged, while Shizuka sat leaning against the wall with straight legs and allowed her thighs to be used as pillows by Yukino and Aizawa.

    On the bullet train, both Aizawa and Yukino only slept two hours before arriving in Kano City. So, they were sleepy and easily fell asleep.

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    Then, Hide calmly opened a conversation, "There are some traditions we need to follow while we are staying here."

    "Let''s hear it," Takeo said.

    While Shizuka added, "Yeah, I don''t want to break some taboo while becoming a guest."

    Hide then said calmly, "We have to get up before the sun rises. In this month, it is at 05:10, and don''t let any servant see your sleeping sheet falling apart. Tidy it up as soon as you wake up. That way, you will earn their respect like Kirishima Family''s members."

    ""Okay,"" Takeo and Shizuka replied at the same time.

    "If there is no rice when we eat but there is a menu that matches rice very well, don''t ever say ''This menu is very suitable to be enjoyed with rice'' or the like, that would be tantamount to asking the host to provide rice."

    ""Okay.""

    "Thirty meters to the left of this log-house there is a communal bathhouse equipped with a wooden pool and filled with warm water in the morning and evening. Feel free to use it with members of Kirishima Family but pay attention to the time when the opposite sex is using it. The schedule is at the door."

    ""Okay.""

    Then, before Hide could continue his explanation, a crystal clear and melodious voice preceded him first.

    "Oh my, looks like Kubota wasn''t lying when he said that you knew our family very well."

    In reflex, Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka turned their gaze towards the door. Over there, they found a woman in her mid-20s with a beauty no less than a brand ambassador for cosmetic products, looking at them with a gentle smile.

    Her skin was as white as snow, while her glossy jet-black hair was tied as low pony tail and fell freely until it reached her left breast. She wore a pair of dark blue denim trousers, a light blue V-neck shirt, and a gray thin yukata that fell until below her knees.

    Her slim and willowy waist was dangerously seductive, while her fully developed breasts were provocatively pushed out from under her shirt. They were not melon size, but they were larger than average and proportionate with her S-shaped figure.

    At a glance, Hide and Shizuka could estimate that she had a golden ratio of 170/51.

    Undoubtedly, the young woman was a lethal otherworldly beauty. However, her true charm was not in her physical appearance, but her calmness, maturity, and gentleness.

    While her three guests were stunned by her beauty, the charming young woman signaled several maidservants to enter the log-house. Swiftly, some of the maids set up the sleeping sheets, while some others set up several folding tables and placed a large water dispenser, three large plates of fruit salad, and a lunch set.

    At the same time, the charming young woman approached her guests. As she sat in front of them she said gently, "My name is Kiritani Kirishima, the only daughter of Kirishima Family''s Head Master and Kubota''s wife.

    I''m really sorry, your sleeping sheet hasn''t been prepared yet. The Idiot Kubota told me we have some guests only after he arrived home.

    And as the host in charge of welcoming guests, I would like to welcome you to Kirishima Family and nice to meet you all."

    Hide immediately bowed deeply before replying, "Thank you for accepting us, Mrs. Kubota, and please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Uesugi Hidetada and nice to meet you too."

    Without delay, Shizuka and Takeo followed Hide''s action.

    "Greeting Mrs. Kubota, my name is Shizuka Oda, and nice to meet you."

    "Greeting Mrs. Kubota, my name is Takeo Ishida, and nice to meet you."

    "Oh my... You all are really polite kids." Kiritani then covered her cheerful smile with her hand before continuing, "Ah... and please call me Mrs. Kiritani or Big Sis Kiritani."

    "We understand," Hide quickly replied while Takeo and Shizuka nodded in unison.

    After a gentle smile, Kiritani then approached the two little girls who were sleeping on Shizuka''s lap. "And these two sweet and adorable ones must be Yukino and Aizawa."

    While Shizuka was nodding, Kiritani gently moved Aizawa to one of sleeping sheets, followed by Shizuka who no less gently moved Yukino to the sleeping sheet next to Aizawa.

    After fixing Aizawa''s blanket, Kiritani turned her gaze to Shizuka, "I have prepared a light lunch meal, young coconut water, and fruit salad. When these two sweet pumpkins wake up, please make sure they consume as much coconut water and fruit salad as possible to help their body adjust to climate change."

    "I will and thank you very much."

    Then a maid handed over to Shizuka three sets of light gray yukata and a black winged-jacket while Kiritani said, "While you all here, please wear this yukata. If the weather is too cold at night, you can add the winged-jacket.

    As for Yukino and Aizawa, I''ll try to find a casual kimono for them."

    "Thank you very much," Shizuka gratefully said.

    "Don''t be too courteous, and please think of this place as your second home. I''ll be back when it''s time for afternoon bath."

    "Okay."

    Before long, Kiritani left the log-house and Takeo immediately took a deep breath.

    "I never thought that in this world there is such otherworldly beauty."

    "Yeah," Shizuka replied weakly.

    "Mr. Kubota must have had extraordinary luck or he won¡¯t be able to marry Mrs. Kiritani."

    This time, Shizuka only turned to Takeo while heaving a sigh in silence.

    At the same time Hide muttered inwardly, ''Dumb idiot, don''t judge someone by their outer appearance.''

    Hide knew for sure that if Kirishima Family was a family of snake, then Kiritani was the most venomous and dangerous snake.

    Also, the reason why Kubota could snatch Kiritani''s love and affection was not because he was lucky, but because he accepted her the way she was. Yes, it was because of a simple little thing called acceptance. Even so, many people didn''t have a heart big enough to accommodate that small thing.

    Moreover, Hide believed that Shizuka would become as beautiful as Kiritani when the time came. It''s just that most of the time, humans failed to see that someone who was priceless was already standing in front of their nose.

    ''Well, as if I have the right to say that Takeo is an idiot,'' Hide continued his mumbling as he turned to Aizawa who was sleeping peacefully.

    *****

 HA1 15.4 - Hot Bath

    HA1 15.4 - Hot Bath

    In one of the rooms in the inner yard, Kiritani sat in a formal position. With a gloomy look, she looked at two memorial tablets in front of her. The first memorial tablet had the name ''Meiko Kirishima'' engraved on it, while the second table had ''Kubonobu Kirishima''. The two were eight-month-old fetuses who died when Kiritani got into a traffic accident.

    Then, as she let out a sigh, Kubota entered the room carrying a laptop. Kiritani immediately asked him, "What do you find?"

    "Almost everything." Kubota sat cross-legged next to Kiritani before continuing, "Hide use Totsuka Tower to store his money, so I don''t know how much liquid assets he has unless I personally visit their President Director. Other than that, everything seems normal."

    A question mark instantly appeared on Kiritani''s forehead. "What do you mean everything seems normal?"

    "No bank account, no criminal record, no expensive lifestyle, and a normal family. Apart from Takeo''s outstanding achievements in software engineering and Shizuka''s achievements in karate, the three are normal high school kids."

    "What a rare young folks."

    "Yeah, moreover, their daring raid on Villa Tigera, the assassination of Maeda the Fox, and the ambush of Aizen courier were on professional level." Kubota then sighed deeply before continuing, "However, I can''t find the broker who provides them the intel and resource."

    "Huh?" Kiritani immediately turned her gaze to Kubota. "There are only three brokers who have a bit of info about our family, but you can''t find connection between them and our young guests."

    "Yeah, either I missed something or there''s a fourth broker we don''t know about. Therefore, I sent a small team to Nichiko to dig deeper." In a curious tone Kubota then asked, "How about you? What do you find?"

    Kiritani calmly explained, "Takeo is a naive good hearted. Shizuka is a happy-go-lucky with massive strength in her body and mind. She was also good hearted.

    As for Hide, behind his gaze I see pain, deep regret, and darkness from someone who has seen a lot of death. He is pretty similar with you before we lost our children. If you two know each other, I believe you will get along very well with him."

    "I see," replied Kubota briefly.

    "What are we going to do with their request?"

    "We have to wait until father''s returns."

    "Do you mind if I''m the one who talks to him?"

    "Not at all," Kubota replied firmly.

    Kiritani then looked deeply at the memorial tablets in front of her as she said, "Hide said openly that he would exploit Aunt Rino''s soft spot for mixed-blood kids, but he didn''t say a word about my accident and longing for a kid. Can you guess his reason?"

    "I have a hunch he knows it is an absolute taboo to mention your accident in front of me."

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    "So, it''s not only a deep knowledge about our family, but also a deep understanding for its members."

    "I guess so."

    "Then, it''s a wise decision to say to our people that they are member of our family from afar."

    "Yeah, at least for now."

    Kubota then gently grabbed Kiritani''s hand, and a silent agreement formed in their hearts.

    ---

    In Kirishima Family, children and women had the right to use the communal bathroom first. Exactly at 04:30 pm, Kiritani picked up Shizuka, Yukino, and Aizawa for a hot bath in the communal bathroom, which was located 50 meters to the left of the log-house.

    As for Hide, Takeo, and the men in Kirishima Family, they could only use the communal bath at 06:00 pm. To pass the time, Hide took Takeo to wash their clothes. While carrying towels, a toothbrush, and a change of clothes the two walked towards the laundry house.

    At first, Takeo was a little surprised when he heard that washing clothes was closely related to the tradition of warriors from ancient Nikko. So, Hide explained that when a small team of elite warriors operated in enemy territory for deep reconnaissance, they must be able to take care of their own clothing, bedding, and eating utensils.

    Therefore, many warrior families made sure their members were able to take care of things that at first glance were woman''s job. For the small elite unit, the tasks of cooking, watchmen, tracking, and other things could be done alternately, but personal weapons and equipment were individual responsibility.

    After nodding slightly three times Takeo said, "No wonder, when we did the dish from our lunch, some maid servants said that we are well trained."

    "Yup," Hide replied after a smile.

    "I thought they were praising us because we helped them finish some of their jobs."

    "Nope, and for your information, special units in the modern military also use the same doctrine."

    "Really?"

    "Yup, and they are super serious about it.¡±

    "I see."

    And finally, Hide and Takeo arrived at the laundry house which was full of boys. The youngest was 12 years old, while the oldest was 16 years old. As soon as Hide and Takeo entered, the boys gave a small bow saying ''Senior'', and Hide answered with a casual nod.

    Not long after that, Hide and Takeo started their laundry, while their bodies were only wrapped in towels from the waist down.

    Actually, Takeo didn''t know how to wash clothes manually, but luckily Hide had already taught him. So, he could blend in easily, and for the first time in his life Takeo considered that washing his clothes was a serious matter.

    ---

    Most of the children and teenagers in Kirishima Family were not too fond of hot baths. After taking a bath in the afternoon, they preferred to wait for dinner by watching afternoon anime. Therefore, when Hide and Takeo entered the communal bath, only adult men and elderly greeted them. The two immediately bowed toward a 10x4 meter wooden pool, where some people were already soaking in hot water.

    ""Senior.""

    The elderly amicably smile, while the men keep their eyes closed. Hide and Takeo then rushed to a corner to clean up. The rules in the communal bath were the same as the rules in the public bath. Visitors had to clean their body before they could enter the wooden pool and soaking their body in hot water.

    At first, Takeo was a little embarrassed when he had to be completely naked in front of a group of strangers who had muscle-pack body and scars. Anxiety such as ''What if they suddenly drag me into a corner and gangbang my butt?'' also briefly crossed on his mind and sent shivers to his spine.

    Moreover, Hide had said that in ancient Sparta, the initiation ritual for young warriors when they entered the training camp was to serve their seniors in a butt gangbang party. So, it was natural that Takeo was worried about the fate of his butt.

    However, Takeo''s anxiety disappeared as soon as he saw Hide so smoothly blending in. In an instant, Hide even already got a partner to rub each other''s backs.

    "Young one, the way you rub my back feels so good."

    "Of course, I have a lot of experience with back rubbing," Hide proudly replied.

    "I see. Then, if you need a precision rifle, find me in south quarter."

    "Roger."

    Without delay, Takeo immediately looked for a partner to rub each other back. Not long after that, he and Hide were already soaking in the wooden pool, of course without losing their butt¡¯s virginity.

    *****

 HA1 15.5 - Forever Farewell

    HA1 15.5 - Forever Farewell

    After the afternoon bath, members of Kirishima Family, Hide, and Takeo immediately rushed to dining hut. It was located 20 meters next to Communal Bath, or just next to the main kitchen.

    The dining hut had a thatched roof, one-meter high bamboo fence, wooden floors, round tables, and chairs. Each table had a capacity of six people and there were 14 tables in total.

    As Hide and Takeo entered the dining hut, from one of the tables Aizawa and Yukino waved their hands vigorously. Both of them wore light blue kimonos with scattered white cherry blossoms. The two were super cheerful and looked like a pair of siblings. Next to them, Shizuka and Kiritani were sitting casually. Without delay Hide and Takeo joint their table.

    In a few minutes, other tables were filled with two adults, two teenagers, and two children. In of the tables, Kubota then put his hands together in front of his chest, followed by everyone.

    "Thanks for the food."

    """"Thanks for the food.""""

    Once the gratitude for the foods was offered, the dinner immediately began. Today menus were wild duck curry cooked with taro instead of potatoes, stir-fried taro leaves, taro croquette, coarsely chopped and pickled taro¡¯s steam, and taro chips.

    Swiftly, Kiritani took two boneless breasts for Aizawa and Yukino, and then she took a piece of wing for herself as she said, "Don''t hesitate, the boys on today''s hunter duty brought home more than a hundred wild ducks."

    "Wait..." Shizuka turned her gaze to Kiritani as a question mark appeared on her forehead, "How did they manage to bring so many wild ducks home?"

    As he took the wild duck''s neck and the last piece of wing Hide explained, "They are good hunters and Kirishima Family make sure that the ecosystem in Hakka Plateau and the valleys around it are able to support various wild game in massive numbers."

    "In current open season, there are at least 10-20 thousand wild ducks in the lakes and rivers on northern valley," Kiritani added.

    Shizuka slightly nodded and said, "I see."

    Dinner then continued in a light and cheerful atmosphere. Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka admitted that the wild duck curry was a superb delicacy. The meat was tender and rich in flavor, while the bones were soft and could be eaten easily.

    However, what really caught their attention was the other menu. Takeo was drowned in enjoying the taro croquette, while Shizuka drowned in eating the stir-fried taro¡¯s leaves which she enjoyed with curry sauce.

    As for Hide, he divided the taro chips and sprinkled them with chili powder, seaweed flakes, and black pepper. Then, he enjoyed the three-flavored taro chips with Aizawa and Yukino. It was so good that the three asked for another serving of taro chips four times.

    At the same time, Kiritani wanted to ask the maid to bring another portion wild duck curry as the other tables had already asked for refills 2-3 times. However, in the end she canceled her intention.

    ''I should let them enjoy what they want to enjoy,'' Kiritani calmly muttered. After a gentle smile, she then sipped a glass of root beer made of purple grape.

    ---

    After dinner, two tables would be in charge of doing the dish while another two would clean the dining hut. Hide and Takeo wanted to help, but Kiritani forbade them because Kubota wanted to talk to them and Shizuka.

    Kiritani then brought Aizawa and Yukino to the log-house, while Kubota led the three to a stone table in a mini garden. As soon as he sat down, Kubota immediately lit a cigarette, and then he turned his gaze to Hide.

    "Kiddo, I believe you are aware that Elder Taro is our best gunsmith and he really loves back rubbing."

    "Yup."

    "Then, I hope you rubbed his back not because you want to get a gun."

    "I have no intention to visit his workshop, and at the communal bath he was the one who approached me and not the other way around."

    Kubota immediately nodded in satisfaction. "Good, I said to other family members that you all are family from afar so they don''t think there is a leak about our family. However, please remember that you are not a member of Kirishima Family."

    "Don''t worry. We fully understand our position."

    Kubota nodded one more time and then he said, "Now, let''s talk about your request."

    "Okay," Hide replied with a slightly tense tone.

    "My wife has spoken to Family Head. He agreed with your request, but there are a few conditions that you must fulfill."

    In reflex Hide replied, "We are listening."

    "We will adopt Yukino in full, so you don''t need compensate us for anything. However, you must completely cut ties with her and Kirishima Family."

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    Hide was silent for a moment before saying, "You are worried that we will use Kirishima Family as a shield for our actions, either for what we have done or what we are going to do."

    "Something like that. Moreover, even though you don''t use Kirishima Family as a shield for your actions, that doesn''t mean other people will think the same way."

    "I understand."

    "Then, you have time until this weekend to decide."

    "No need, we accept the conditions."

    "Are you sure?"

    Inwardly, Kubota was a bit taken aback. He never thought that Hide would immediately accept the condition. Given that from what he saw, he had a deep attachment to Yukino.

    "I''m," Hide replied firmly.

    "Okay."

    Kubota then got up and left, while the three sunk into deep contemplation. About twenty minutes later, Shizuka turned her eyes to Hide and looked at him deeply.

    "Hide, you just prevented us from seeing Yukino again."

    "I know." Hide took a deep breath before continuing, "If I have other options, no matter how harsh, then right now we have already packed our things and left this place."

    "Maybe, we can change Yukino''s appearance, place her in a remote town, and hire a maid to look after her. Then, we''ll visit her regularly," Takeo suggested.

    After taking a deep breath Hide replied, "Eight out of ten best private detectives in Nikko are affiliated with mafia families. Don''t underestimate their intelligence network."

    "I know we can''t take any risk for Yukino''s safety, but cutting all connection to her is too much for me," Shizuka said weakly.

    "I don''t like it either. If I can''t check on her condition, it will deeply worry me," Takeo said in a slightly irritated tone.

    After a deep sigh Hide said, "Believe me, it''s also so damn frustrating for me."

    Actually, Hide has other options. By using all the money they got at Villa Tigera, he could change his ID along with Yukino and Aizawa. Then, the three of them would go abroad through illegal routes via 2-3 countries, and arrive in the destination country as its citizens.

    In the new place, Hide had to start from scratch to raise money. But he didn''t mind, just as he didn''t mind leaving his personal life and his father at Nikko. However, he could not leave Takeo and his family to their own fate.

    ''If only I have six months to raise some money, I will be able to adopt Yukino and take her away without sacrificing Takeo and his family.''

    As he clenched his fists, inwardly Hide gritted his teeth.

    ---

    In the log-house, Kiritani accompanied Aizawa and Yukino playing poker. Turned out, the three were strong poker players. To make sure their opponent couldn''t read their play, the three had their own weapons that they deployed as if their life was on the line.

    Kiritani would make a face with a constant gentle smile no matter what card she got. Therefore, if someone tried to read her card through her facial expressions, their souls would be sucked by her beauty instead of getting a clue.

    Yukino would make a cute Chihuahua face. She was so cute to the point people who saw her would definitely think that she was a reincarnation of a Chihuahua goddess.

    As for Aizawa, she made a perfectly expressionless face. It was an expression that would reflexively appear when she was doing a solo study. Kaede Sensei was the first person who discovered it and taught Aizawa to use it in poker.

    However, the ultimate weapons of the three poker players immediately collapsed when Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka entered the log-house.

    With a full of consideration, Kiritani immediately took her leave. Without delay, Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka approached Yukino and Aizawa. Using the gentlest tone possible, Hide explained to Yukino that Kirishima Family will fully adopt her, and Hide saw a deep of sadness on Yukino''s eyes as he mentioned the condition for the adoption.

    However, Yukino skillfully hid her feeling. With a calm that even adults rarely showed, she then asked, "Is Yukino really not allowed to meet Big Bro Hide, Big Bro Takeo, Big Sis Shizuka, and Little Sis Aizawa if I join Kirishima Family?"

    "Unfortunately, those are the conditions they put forward," Hide replied as complicated emotion surfaced on his face.

    "Okay." After a cheerful smile Yukino continued, "I''ll sleep first then."

    When Yukino turned around and walked towards her sleeping sheet, somehow her back clearly showed a deep impression of loneliness.

    In reflex, Hide wanted to explain that he, Takeo, and Shizuka had no intention of abandoning her. However, he failed to say any words while in his chest he felt a crushing tightness. In the end, Hide could only close his lips tightly. For the first time in his second life, he lost his composure.

    Meanwhile, even if Aizawa could not fully grasp the situation, she understood that after this she would not be able to meet Yukino. Without delay, she immediately followed Yukino and slipped into her sleeping sheet. Yukino then hugged her tightly.

    As for Takeo and Shizuka, the two could only sit in silence. This was the first time they realized that their attachment to Yukino was deeper than they thought. Therefore, the farewell with her was more painful than they anticipated.

    ---

    After breakfast, Hide and the others immediately said their goodbye to Yukino. Hide, Takeo, Shizuka, and Aizawa took their turns hugging her and kissing each other''s cheeks.

    As she hugged Aizawa, Yukino softly whispered, "Someday, I will look for you and we will play together again, Lil Sis."

    "Mhm," In reflex Aizawa tightened her embrace.

    Then, in a drop dead serious tone Kiritani said, "Please believe in us, we will raise Yukino as our own daughter."

    Although his heart was still bitter, Hide managed to force a smile and replied, "We believe in you."

    Kiritani, Kubota, and Yukino then escorted Hide and the others to the front yard where a van was waiting for them. It had been decided that Hide''s group would cut off any contact with Kirishima Family, so only a servant and not Kubota would escort them to Kano Central Station.

    From the van''s window, Aizawa waved to Yukino. She kept waving until the van turned in a corner and Yukino was out of sight, then she sat quietly between Hide and Shizuka, and a few seconds later she began to sob.

    ''This kid is really weak to a farewell.''

    Gently, Hide wiped Aizawa''s tears and snot, while the journey to Kano Central Station continued in gloomy silence.

    ---

    By using the bullet train, Hide and the rest arrived at Nichiko at 23:00. In front of Nichiko Central Station, while carrying Aizawa who was fast asleep, Hide explained to Takeo and Shizuka. First, Takeo had to track Takeshi Torumada using cellular tracking. Takeshi was a lethal threat to Shizuka, so Hide had to eliminate him as soon as possible.

    Second, Takeo and Shizuka had to return the Green SUV undetected so in the future they could still borrow cars from the same illegal parking lot again.

    Then, Hide casually said, "I hope you won''t be scolded by your parents."

    "After I said we have to meet our supervisor from Elven Robotic in Hakaido, my parents only said I had to take care of our job seriously," Takeo replied.

    "I said I need to do self-training for the next competition and my father asked no question after that," Shizuka replied.

    "Glad to hear that." Hide slightly smiled before continuing, "Then, see you tomorrow in school and be ready to receive the wrath of our homeroom teacher."

    ""Roger.""

    A moment later, Hide got into a taxi with Aizawa who was still fast asleep, while Takeo and Shizuka got into another taxi. The journey to their homes then began.

    *****

 HA1 16.1 - Punishment

    HA1 16.2 - MMA

    Usually, Hanna would come home from Beauty & the Beast at midnight. At Beauty & the Beast she didn''t work non-stop from morning to midnight. It was just that, if she came home too early and felt lonely, in her apartment she would just spend her time watching TV while sipping wine until she fell asleep on the sofa.

    Therefore, she would only go home when she was really sleepy. So, once she arrived at her apartment she only had to take a shower before getting into bed.

    But today, Hanna came home earlier than usual. She leaved Beauty & the Beast at 19:40 or shortly after Hide texted her that he was already at her apartment. In addition to bringing some of his clothes to be placed in her apartment, Hide also said he brought her a dinner.

    Initially, Hanna was pessimistic whenever she thought about her relationship with Hide. But over time, she chose not to think about it too deeply. Even so, she would not rush to tell Hide that she used Beauty & the Beast to launder the money of several mafia families in Nichiko.

    As she entered her apartment Hanna cheerfully said, "I''m home."

    And it felt so good when she found that the lights in her apartment were on, not off as usual. Moreover, there was someone who welcomed her with a cheerful smile.

    "Welcome home."

    Hide who wore a T-shirt and boxers, and seemed to have just taking a shower, rushed over to Hanna. He then attentively helped Hanna take off her coat, sprayed it with antibiotic cleaner, put it into coat hunger, and then hung it on the capstock near a full-size mirror. It was just like how Emily did every time Hide''s father came home.

    "How is your trip to Hakaido go?" Hanna asked.

    "A little tiring, but everything went smoothly."

    "I see."

    Hanna already knew that Hide bought bullet train tickets for one adult and two children, and all of the names on the ticket started with ''Uesugi''. She knew Uesugi Aizawa because she met her several times when Hide took her to Beauty & the Beast for morning exercise.

    As for Uesugi Yukino, she didn''t know her but she didn''t ask further and chose to change the topic.

    "Hide, please keep the debit card. Except for family restaurants, use it when we are going out."

    "Are you sure about that?" With a teasing tone Hide continued, "What if I spend every bit of money on it?"

    Hanna casually replied, "If you buy something that you really need, I don''t mind. However, if you spend it irresponsibly I will sue you for a theft."

    "Roger," Hide cheerfully replied.

    "I''ve also secured the tickets for Yuko Mountain¡¯s match."

    "Thank you."

    Hanna then slightly smiled before asking, "Can I watch the match with you guys?"

    "Of course you can."

    "Good."

    Hide and Hanna then walked towards the living room. After placing her bag on the sofa, Hanna rushed to kitchen. She washed her hands and her face, and then drank a glass of water to moisten her throat.

    Meanwhile, Hide continued arranging their dinner on the table. The menu was a seafood fritter served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce. Not to forget, Hide also chilled a bottle of Leginon into an ice bucket.

    There were no flower, garlands or lit candles on the table, but that was to Hanna''s taste who didn''t like ornamental things, while the pairing between seafood fritter and white wine were her favorite dishes.

    Stolen novel; please report.

    "This looks nice," Hanna said Hide help her sat at one of the chairs.

    "Yup."

    As he smiled widely, Hide opened the Leginon and poured it into two glasses. Meanwhile, Hanna tasted one piece of seafood fritter.

    Then, as she received a glass of Leginon, Hanna said, "This one is only 80 Dillar a bottle, but every year only a few thousand bottles enter Nikko. Where did you buy it?"

    "My father got it from one of his colleagues."

    "Wait, you don''t buy it using my card?"

    "Nope."

    "How about this seafood fritter?"

    "I used my father''s dining voucher."

    While Hanna tilted her head, Hide handed her a stack of dining vouchers.

    "I have plenty and already split them for us and Aizawa."

    "I see."

    Most people, especially man, were not fond of shopping using vouchers because they considered it impractical. Most of them also believed that treating their partner on a date with a voucher was taboo. But actually, Hanna hated those kinds of men.

    For her, even if she had a yearly income far above average people, a voucher was as good as money. If using it could help her save some money, she would use it happily.

    ''Hide, now I know why you are unpopular at your school.''

    As she smiled, Hanna cheerfully took a piece of black pepper calamari from her plate. It tasted twice as delicious because right now her heart was overflowing with happiness, and even if it was simple happiness she was content with it.

    ---

    Hide cheerfully put ice cubes into a jumbo-sized beer glass and add soda water until it reaches ? of the glass. After the edges of the ice cubes became dull, he poured a splash of whiskey and added new ice cubes. Then, he went back to the bed with it.

    Previously, when he went to the mini-bar, Hanna was still lying limp on the bed, fully naked from head to toe. But now, she had sat and leaned on the head of the bed and used a blanket to cover her lower body.

    As he sat next to Hanna, Hide handed over the highball he just made. "This will help you reduce your dizziness, and sorry, it seems I overdid it."

    "It''s okay, so stop worrying about it," Hanna replied as inwardly she muttered, ''Well, he is still young, so maybe he wants to let it loose once in a while. Though, I will definitely become a slut if he keeps making me experience the extreme and forced climax.''

    After a smile, Hanna then took a sip of the highball. It was light and sweet, so she immediately took a few gulps. Turned out, the highball really swept her dizziness away. As Hanna felt that her body cooling down rapidly, sweat flooded her body, and her mind became as fresh as morning air.

    After another sip Hanna turned her gaze to Hide. "Usually, I don''t enjoy light drinks like Highball, but this one is very suitable for me right now, and I love it."

    "Glad to hear that," Hide replied as he was relieved that Hanna wasn''t angry at his actions.

    An hour ago, he ambushed Hanna as she came out of the bathroom. Normally, he would only give her multiple orgasms through fingering and continued with leisure riding. However, some part of his plan to make Hanna as his woman, demanded him to make sure no one would be able to satisfy her. So, he deliberately brought Hanna into another level of physical pleasure.

    He didn''t stop when Hanna''s lower body was already slightly convulsing as she couldn''t take the intense pleasure which came without pause. Hide also didn''t stop when Hanna could only lay limp on the floor. Then, while Hanna was on high and her body was occasionally twitching, he did her a few times and skillfully made sure she didn''t pass out even once.

    Hide then said, "I will take a shower. After that, let''s do a light round before we sleep."

    "Okay."

    As Hide went to the bathroom, Hanna cheerfully took another gulp of Highball.

    ---

    Last night, Hanna had to bear multiple climaxes that kept coming without a pause. As a result, this morning she felt as if she just broke her lower back. However, she didn''t get angry at all.

    Somehow, she got the feeling that last night Hide attentively observed her body reaction and matched it to his fingering to deliver the highest pleasure. In short, Hide was not just using her body to channel his lust. Moreover, the way he did it showed her that he truly cared about her.

    Hanna also once heard the nickname of Golden Finger for people who could deliver extreme orgasms through fingering, but this was the first time she met one of them.

    ''What a brute way to bring a woman to the peak of pleasure,'' Hanna muttered before she took another sip of her milk coffee.

    Of course, this morning she was also not in a condition to teach the morning diet class for the office ladies. Fortunately, she had lots of colleagues who could replace her.

    As she turned her gaze to Hide who was enjoying his omelet Hanna said, "Hide, it seems Sakura Project is canceled. I''ll explain to your father so he doesn''t think you''re lying and scolding you."

    "No need, I haven''t conveyed your offer to him."

    "How fortunate." In an instant relief filled Hanna''s face.

    Hide nodded, and then he asked, "Can you add an MMA program on my exercise?"

    "I can. Your body is also already in the minimum requirement. What kind of MMA do you want?"

    "Street fight including weapon-user as an opponent. Also, I want the training to focus on sparring."

    Hanna didn''t ask why Hide wanted to learn self-defense art. She clearly remembered the incident with two goons from Torra Security Group. So, she concluded that maybe Hide felt the need for self-defense skills after the incident

    "I''ll arrange it," Hanna said firmly.

    "Thank you."

    "No worry, you once saved me from an asshole, so this is nothing."

    Hide smiled and then he said, "Okay."

    Breakfast then continued in light and enjoyable atmosphere, and after that Hanna and Hide casually watched a movie in the living room.

    *****

 HA1 16.2 - MMA

    HA1 16.2 - MMA

    Usually, Hanna would come home from Beauty & the Beast at midnight. At Beauty & the Beast she didn''t work non-stop from morning to midnight. It was just that, if she came home too early and felt lonely, in her apartment she would just spend her time watching TV while sipping wine until she fell asleep on the sofa.

    Therefore, she would only go home when she was really sleepy. So, once she arrived at her apartment she only had to take a shower before getting into bed.

    But today, Hanna came home earlier than usual. She leaved Beauty & the Beast at 19:40 or shortly after Hide texted her that he was already at her apartment. In addition to bringing some of his clothes to be placed in her apartment, Hide also said he brought her a dinner.

    Initially, Hanna was pessimistic whenever she thought about her relationship with Hide. But over time, she chose not to think about it too deeply. Even so, she would not rush to tell Hide that she used Beauty & the Beast to launder the money of several mafia families in Nichiko.

    As she entered her apartment Hanna cheerfully said, "I''m home."

    And it felt so good when she found that the lights in her apartment were on, not off as usual. Moreover, there was someone who welcomed her with a cheerful smile.

    "Welcome home."

    Hide who wore a T-shirt and boxers, and seemed to have just taking a shower, rushed over to Hanna. He then attentively helped Hanna take off her coat, sprayed it with antibiotic cleaner, put it into coat hunger, and then hung it on the capstock near a full-size mirror. It was just like how Emily did every time Hide''s father came home.

    "How is your trip to Hakaido go?" Hanna asked.

    "A little tiring, but everything went smoothly."

    "I see."

    Hanna already knew that Hide bought bullet train tickets for one adult and two children, and all of the names on the ticket started with ''Uesugi''. She knew Uesugi Aizawa because she met her several times when Hide took her to Beauty & the Beast for morning exercise.

    As for Uesugi Yukino, she didn''t know her but she didn''t ask further and chose to change the topic.

    "Hide, please keep the debit card. Except for family restaurants, use it when we are going out."

    "Are you sure about that?" With a teasing tone Hide continued, "What if I spend every bit of money on it?"

    Hanna casually replied, "If you buy something that you really need, I don''t mind. However, if you spend it irresponsibly I will sue you for a theft."

    "Roger," Hide cheerfully replied.

    "I''ve also secured the tickets for Yuko Mountain¡¯s match."

    "Thank you."

    Hanna then slightly smiled before asking, "Can I watch the match with you guys?"

    "Of course you can."

    "Good."

    Hide and Hanna then walked towards the living room. After placing her bag on the sofa, Hanna rushed to kitchen. She washed her hands and her face, and then drank a glass of water to moisten her throat.

    Meanwhile, Hide continued arranging their dinner on the table. The menu was a seafood fritter served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce. Not to forget, Hide also chilled a bottle of Leginon into an ice bucket.

    There were no flower, garlands or lit candles on the table, but that was to Hanna''s taste who didn''t like ornamental things, while the pairing between seafood fritter and white wine were her favorite dishes.

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    "This looks nice," Hanna said Hide help her sat at one of the chairs.

    "Yup."

    As he smiled widely, Hide opened the Leginon and poured it into two glasses. Meanwhile, Hanna tasted one piece of seafood fritter.

    Then, as she received a glass of Leginon, Hanna said, "This one is only 80 Dillar a bottle, but every year only a few thousand bottles enter Nikko. Where did you buy it?"

    "My father got it from one of his colleagues."

    "Wait, you don''t buy it using my card?"

    "Nope."

    "How about this seafood fritter?"

    "I used my father''s dining voucher."

    While Hanna tilted her head, Hide handed her a stack of dining vouchers.

    "I have plenty and already split them for us and Aizawa."

    "I see."

    Most people, especially man, were not fond of shopping using vouchers because they considered it impractical. Most of them also believed that treating their partner on a date with a voucher was taboo. But actually, Hanna hated those kinds of men.

    For her, even if she had a yearly income far above average people, a voucher was as good as money. If using it could help her save some money, she would use it happily.

    ''Hide, now I know why you are unpopular at your school.''

    As she smiled, Hanna cheerfully took a piece of black pepper calamari from her plate. It tasted twice as delicious because right now her heart was overflowing with happiness, and even if it was simple happiness she was content with it.

    ---

    Hide cheerfully put ice cubes into a jumbo-sized beer glass and add soda water until it reaches ? of the glass. After the edges of the ice cubes became dull, he poured a splash of whiskey and added new ice cubes. Then, he went back to the bed with it.

    Previously, when he went to the mini-bar, Hanna was still lying limp on the bed, fully naked from head to toe. But now, she had sat and leaned on the head of the bed and used a blanket to cover her lower body.

    As he sat next to Hanna, Hide handed over the highball he just made. "This will help you reduce your dizziness, and sorry, it seems I overdid it."

    "It''s okay, so stop worrying about it," Hanna replied as inwardly she muttered, ''Well, he is still young, so maybe he wants to let it loose once in a while. Though, I will definitely become a slut if he keeps making me experience the extreme and forced climax.''

    After a smile, Hanna then took a sip of the highball. It was light and sweet, so she immediately took a few gulps. Turned out, the highball really swept her dizziness away. As Hanna felt that her body cooling down rapidly, sweat flooded her body, and her mind became as fresh as morning air.

    After another sip Hanna turned her gaze to Hide. "Usually, I don''t enjoy light drinks like Highball, but this one is very suitable for me right now, and I love it."

    "Glad to hear that," Hide replied as he was relieved that Hanna wasn''t angry at his actions.

    An hour ago, he ambushed Hanna as she came out of the bathroom. Normally, he would only give her multiple orgasms through fingering and continued with leisure riding. However, some part of his plan to make Hanna as his woman, demanded him to make sure no one would be able to satisfy her. So, he deliberately brought Hanna into another level of physical pleasure.

    He didn''t stop when Hanna''s lower body was already slightly convulsing as she couldn''t take the intense pleasure which came without pause. Hide also didn''t stop when Hanna could only lay limp on the floor. Then, while Hanna was on high and her body was occasionally twitching, he did her a few times and skillfully made sure she didn''t pass out even once.

    Hide then said, "I will take a shower. After that, let''s do a light round before we sleep."

    "Okay."

    As Hide went to the bathroom, Hanna cheerfully took another gulp of Highball.

    ---

    Last night, Hanna had to bear multiple climaxes that kept coming without a pause. As a result, this morning she felt as if she just broke her lower back. However, she didn''t get angry at all.

    Somehow, she got the feeling that last night Hide attentively observed her body reaction and matched it to his fingering to deliver the highest pleasure. In short, Hide was not just using her body to channel his lust. Moreover, the way he did it showed her that he truly cared about her.

    Hanna also once heard the nickname of Golden Finger for people who could deliver extreme orgasms through fingering, but this was the first time she met one of them.

    ''What a brute way to bring a woman to the peak of pleasure,'' Hanna muttered before she took another sip of her milk coffee.

    Of course, this morning she was also not in a condition to teach the morning diet class for the office ladies. Fortunately, she had lots of colleagues who could replace her.

    As she turned her gaze to Hide who was enjoying his omelet Hanna said, "Hide, it seems Sakura Project is canceled. I''ll explain to your father so he doesn''t think you''re lying and scolding you."

    "No need, I haven''t conveyed your offer to him."

    "How fortunate." In an instant relief filled Hanna''s face.

    Hide nodded, and then he asked, "Can you add an MMA program on my exercise?"

    "I can. Your body is also already in the minimum requirement. What kind of MMA do you want?"

    "Street fight including weapon-user as an opponent. Also, I want the training to focus on sparring."

    Hanna didn''t ask why Hide wanted to learn self-defense art. She clearly remembered the incident with two goons from Torra Security Group. So, she concluded that maybe Hide felt the need for self-defense skills after the incident

    "I''ll arrange it," Hanna said firmly.

    "Thank you."

    "No worry, you once saved me from an asshole, so this is nothing."

    Hide smiled and then he said, "Okay."

    Breakfast then continued in light and enjoyable atmosphere, and after that Hanna and Hide casually watched a movie in the living room.

    *****

 HA1 16.3 - Base

    HA1 16.3 - Base

    The Green SUV smoothly entered the illegal parking lot undetected by security. Fortunately, its original place was still empty. After the Green SUV sat tightly in its place, Takeo and Shizuka then cleaned its interior using Axcel cleaner spray.

    Hide specifically asked them to use Axcel cleaner spray because it was the only commercial product that could remove forensic traces on human sweat, saliva, and hair. As for erasing their fingerprints, they used a washcloth moistened with some alcohol.

    Twenty minutes later, Takeo and Shizuka had already walked out of the illegal parking lot, and then rushed to the nearest bus stop. On Saturdays, the bus stop in the office district was always empty, so Takeo and Shizuka comfortably monopolized it.

    After turning her gaze to Takeo, Shizuka said, "I never thought there would be an illegal parking lot in Nichiko."

    "Well, rich people want to have some toys, so naturally some people try to accommodate it. I believe some politicians are involved in this business."

    "How do you know about it?"

    Takeo casually answered, "The rich are the ones who gave financial support to politicians, so politicians will gladly give them some privilege."

    "I see."

    After a long silence Shizuka asked again, "Why did you join the hunt with Hide? You are not the type who would use violence as an option."

    Takeo explained his circumstance without hesitation, "My parents have a debt, 8 million Dillar or 800 million Ren. The monthly installment is 3.3 million Ren, but our restaurant net profit never exceeds 1.6 million Ren.

    So, I need money to help them and I also already borrowed 3 million Ren from Hide."

    "What about Hide, do you know why he do the hunt?"

    "Nope, but I believe he is also in a pinch or he will not risk his life for money."

    Silence enveloped the bus stop again, until finally Shizuka asked another question, "Do you know where Hide hid the weapons from Villa Tigera?"

    "He hid it in an abandoned building, but I don''t know the exact location."

    "What do you mean you don''t know the exact location?"

    "There are more than 200 abandoned buildings in Nichiko. Hide already confirms that eleven of them are safe for us to use it, but he doesn¡¯t tell me which building he uses to store the loots from Villa Tigera."

    Looks of surprise filled Shizuka¡¯s face to the brim as she said, "So, Nichiko also has lot of vacant buildings."

    "I have also confirmed seven illegal parking lots and more than 500 people who deserve to lose their car, and that number does not include dirty politicians who parked their cars in their houses."

    "I see," Shizuka replied before nodding her head.

    At the same time, a Black Altiez suddenly stopped across the bus stop. The driver was a charming young woman, and Hide kissed her cheek before getting off the sedan.

    With questioning eyes, Takeo and Shizuka looked at Hide who was approaching them on cheerful steps.

    "Hide, who is the beauty who drives you?" Shizuka curiously asked.

    Hide turned his eyes to Black Altiez that gracefully drove away before replying, "My girlfriend, her name is Hanna and she works in Beauty & the Beast."

    "You''re dating an older woman?" Takeo asked as shock was clearly visible in his face.

    "Yup, and it''s only a four-year difference, so it''s not a big deal."

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    ""I see,"" Takeo and Shizuka replied in unison, while Sayaka''s image flashed in their mind for a moment.

    "Well, let''s not talk about my personal life." Hide then turned his gaze to Takeo before asking, "Are you ready for the hunt in Kibou Hospital?"

    Takeo confidently replied, "Anytime, I''ll make sure there is no footage of your visit."

    "Good."

    Hide then turned to Shizuka. This morning, Takeo already texted him that Shizuka would stay in the team. She also went with him to take the Green SUV in Aida City. Even so, Hide still wanted to hear Shizuka''s decision directly.

    "What is your final decision?"

    "I''ll stay in the team," Shizuka replied as steel determinations flashed in her eyes.

    "Do you realize that even if our target is a bastard lower than an animal, there is still a possibility we have to kill innocent people in our hunt?"

    "Yes, I fully realize the possibility."

    "Good." After a smile Hide calmly said, "Now, let''s go to our new base."

    ---

    The Jazz, a mid-class U-shaped lodging house, located one block away from the illegal parking lot. It had 27 floors and each floor consisted of twenty rooms. Hide casually opened Room 2101 and let Takeo and Shizuka in.

    Although it was not spacious, the furniture in the room was quite complete, and everything was tightly covered by transparent plastic. Unfortunately, the dust on the plastic¡¯s surface was quite thick.

    "Hide, whose room is this?" Shizuka curiously asked

    "The old bastard Toruyama," Hide replied casually.

    ""Huh?""

    While question marks appeared on Shizuka and Takeo''s foreheads, Hide explained, "I copied the contents of his smartphone and found out that he rented this place using a fake ID six months ago. I also already confirmed that no one knows that he rents this place.

    The old bastard has paid the rent, electricity, water, and gas for the next eight years. He has also placed cleaning equipment and a large amount of instant food here. It''s a shame if we don''t use it.

    Also, although the old bastard didn''t put highly valuable goods here, he did put two cars in the illegal parking lot where we borrowed the Green SUV."

    ""I see.""

    "Well, let''s clean this place. Then, we can talk and share our harvest."

    ""Okay.""

    Without delay, the three opened every window in the room and started the cleaning.

    ---

    The cleaning lasts approximately two hours. Then, as Takeo poured hot water into five cups of instant noodles, Hide used a table to pick up a 40-liter rucksack from the ceiling above the living room.

    As he put the rucksack on the table, Hide said, "Let''s talk about our next step."

    ""Okay,"" Takeo and Shizuka replied in unison.

    "First, let''s the three of us participate in Hakka Outdoor Competition."

    "The three of us?" A big question mark appeared on Takeo''s face.

    "Yes, it will become a good cover for us to increase our physical fitness and spend time together."

    "I agree." Answer Shizuka vigorously. "Twig also wants me to teach him karate."

    "I also agree, but what about our promise not to make any contact with Kirishima Family?"

    Hide casually explained, "We come as a contingent from East Nichiko High, so it''s okay. Of course, I will try to sneakily confirm Yukino''s situation while we are staying over there."

    ""Roger.""

    Once Yukino''s name was mentioned, a smile bloomed on Takeo and Shizuka''s lips. Their spirit somehow soared to the sky.

    "Also, back then when we carried out the Villa Tigera job, I think it would be nice if I had a shooter to cover my back in case shit happens."

    Takeo nodded and asked, "Do you want to recruit another member who knows how to use firearms?"

    "No, I don''t. I will teach both of you how to shoot, and other practical skills that will be useful for the hunt."

    "Wait," As he gave Hide a deep look Shizuka asked, "What about your promise not to teach your skills?"

    "That promise?"

    "Yes, that promise," Shizuka seriously said.

    "I lied."

    "The fuck," Shizuka cursed before pursing her lips.

    Hide then casually said, "But just a warning, the training will not easy."

    "No problem," Shizuka calmly replied.

    "I''ll bet my life on it," Takeo eagerly added.

    "Good, let''s visit Isamu Sensei on Monday then."

    ""Okay.""

    "Now, let''s talk about your share."

    While Hide opened the rucksack, Shizuka put a small bag onto table.

    "Hide, this is the loot from the guards, 300 thousand Ren and 160 grams of gold."

    Hide slightly nodded. "We''ll use it as operational funds. For the gold, I''ll turn it into a 20-gr gold bar before cash it out."

    ""Roger.""

    "I''ve cashed in the gold bar from Villa Tigera for a total of 37.8 million Ren. We will add 1.8 million Ren to the operating funds and divide the rest by three."

    ""Roger.""

    Wasting no time, Hide divided the money from the rucksack. Shizuka earned twelve million Ren, while Takeo got nine million Ren plus the original copy of the debt note he owed to Hide. As for the operational funds, Hide put them in one of the cabinets in the kitchen.

    Apart from asking Takeo and Shizuka not to spend their money conspicuously, Hide also asked the two not to put their money in the bank. Currently, he was considering a method so that they could obtain another citizenship unrelated to their current identities, and used it to open an account overseas.

    Hide felt that the three had to obtain a second ID as a means of storing their assets, as they were currently under Kirishima Family''s radar. A family which was capable of freezing the assets of someone they perceive as a threat.

    Then, the lunch began. Five cups of instant noodles divided by three, which were cleanly being devoured in a flash.

    Shizuka wanted to order pizza, burgers, fries, fried chicken, and soda so they could continue their simple lunch into a junk food party, but Hide refused because he had to pick Aizawa up from Kitaro.

    After he gave Takeo and Shizuka the spare key, Hide immediately left the base.

    *****

 HA1 16.4 - A Pair of Big Brother and Little Sister

    HA1 16.4 - A Pair of Big Brother and Little Sister

    Hand in hand, Hide and Aizawa entered Sakura Shopping District. Like any other Saturday it was full of visitors, but Hide and Aizawa enjoyed their shopping.

    ''It''s good that she is always cheerful every time we shop here,'' Hide muttered before saying, "Aizawa, tomorrow we will visit Emily, so let''s also buy her favorite snack."

    "We will visit Mommy tomorrow?" Aizawa asked as she looked at Hide with her clear eyes.

    "Yeah."

    "Is Daddy going with us?"

    "Maybe not, but I will ask him to confirm it."

    "Okay."

    It seemed that Aizawa really wished her father could visit Emily with them. Unfortunately, Hide knew for sure that his father would not come along with them. Of course, he couldn''t just tell the truth to Aizawa.

    To distract Aizawa, Hide asked, "Do you remember Emily''s favorite fruit?"

    "Mhm." Aizawa nodded vigorously before starting to count using her finger, "Apple, Orange, and Pear."

    Hide smiled before asking another question, "How about her favorite snack?"

    "Assorted fish skin crackers, steamed hopia stuffed with crushed peanuts and sugar, roasted melon seed, beef jerky, and light golden beer."

    "Alright, let''s buy fish skin crackers along with mackerel for our dinner first."

    "Mhm."

    Aizawa nodded firmly, and Hide immediately took her to his regular fishmonger.

    ---

    Speaking about fish skin crackers, the most popular one at Nichiko was salmon skin. It was the most expensive and being sold in uniform shapes and sizes.

    However, Emily''s favorite fish skin crackers were the cheap assorted type which was a mix of various fish skins. Some of it was crispy, while some others were very hard so that you had to soak it in soup to eat it.

    Happily, the fishmonger confirmed Hide''s order, "Two packs of 150 gr assorted fish skin crackers, three fillets of mackerel, and two fillets of Chinook."

    Hide slightly nodded and said, "Yes."

    "Wait for a moment."

    The fishmonger then swiftly wrapped Hide''s order, and as he added a mackerel and a salmon fillet, Hide immediately said, "Uncle, this shopping district has back to normal. I''m sure you will have no leftovers."

    "Indeed, this shopping district has return to normal. Therefore, to celebrate it I will give you a bonus." The fishmonger smiled widely before continuing, "Also, you have helped some shop owners repair their cash register, including the one in my son''s shop. So, this is a small gratitude from me and my wife."

    "Thank you then, Uncle."

    "It''s not a big deal. After Sakura Project is canceled this shopping district became twice as crowded."

    "So, in the end the project is canceled."

    "Yeah, I heard from a member of Nichiko Metro that Toruma Mafia touched the wrong person and as a result one of their top brass is assassinated."

    Hide calmly said, "I see. I believe he deserve it."

    "Absolutely," The Fishmonger replied firmly.

    After paying for his shopping and once again thanking the fishmonger, Hide took Aizawa to the next shop. In addition to Emily¡¯s snacks, he also had to buy some snack for his own mother.

    ---

    Oldman Sano looked at the groceries in Hide and Aizawa hands as he confirmed their order, "Two steamed hopia filled with crushed peanuts and sugar, and a package of assorted steamed hopia."

    "Yes," Hide replied.

    Oldman Sano looked at the groceries in Hide and Aizawa hands one more time before asking, "If I my memory serve, those are Emily''s favorite snacks, right?"

    Hide slightly nodded, "Yes, they are."

    Aizawa then cheerfully added, "We are going to visit Mommy tomorrow."

    "I see." Oldman Sano pondered while looking at Hide and Aizawa, and then he asked, "Can you wait for a moment? I will make a special steamed hopia for Emily."

    In reflex Hide replied, "Of course we can, and thank you for making special steamed hopia for Emily."

    "It''s not a big deal."

    After inviting Hide and Aizawa into living room, Oldman Sano rushed to the kitchen. He clearly remembered that Emily died on November 4th, and he always asked Hide to stop by in his shop before visiting Emily because he had prepared a special steamed hopia for her.

    However, Hide never once visited his shop to pick up the special steamed hopia he made for Emily. In the later day, when he went to the church where Emily''s urn was placed, he found out from the final resting house caretaker that after the first anniversary of her death, no one else had ever visited Emily.

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    ''He really has changed,'' Oldman Sanno muttered as a smiled bloomed in his lips.

    ---

    While the TV in front of him showed the world in the news, Hide sat pensively looking at the three tickets for Yuko Mountain¡¯s match in his hands. Then, slowly but surely a memory emerged from the deepest part of his soul.

    In his previous life, Aizawa became a big fan of Nobuyuki Masamura, the new and young star players of Yuko Mountain. For her, Nobuyuki was her hero, idol, and source of inspiration. And of course, she had a dream to watch his play up close.

    One night, Aizawa approached Hide who was watching a movie in the living room. Brimming with enthusiasm and hope, she asked Hide to accompany her to watch Yuko Mountain¡¯s match. Proudly, she showed the money to buy the tickets for the match and subway tickets which she collected from her pocket money little by little.

    However, Hide flatly refused her request. Aizawa didn''t give up and tried to persuade Hide with a cheerful mindset. But Hide kept rejecting her. He even went as far as threatening her he would send her to orphanage if she kept bothering him.

    In the end, Aizawa couldn''t control her tears, and while she was sobbing she asked,

    Why did her mother leave her so early?

    Why did her father not care about her anymore?

    and

    Why did her only big brother hate her so much?

    Then, her sobbing turned into loud crying, but Hide coldly ignored her and left the house.

    In the early morning, when he returned home Hide found Aizawa curled up on the sofa sobbing, but he ignored her again and went straight to his room.

    Surprisingly, in the morning Aizawa did her routine like any other day. She took shower, changed her clothes, had breakfast, and then went to school. It was as if her loud crying last night had never happened. Also, since that day she never talked to Hide anymore and her face became expressionless.

    However, in the later years, the social service officer who handled his father''s final service told Hide that when Aizawa knew his father had been died in a robbery, in an instant her expressionless face crumbled.

    Then, as she heavily sobbed she asked, ''Where is Big Brother? Why does he not come home?''

    When the social service officer told her that they had lost contact with him after he was told that his father had died, Aizawa''s sobs turned into loud cries. The social service officer said that in all of his life, he never saw a child who cried so despairingly.

    A few days later, with a resigned and expressionless face, Aizawa moved to orphanage. At this point, what was left on her heart was only pure hatred for Hide, and until the day of her death, that hatred had not diminished in the slightest.

    Without realizing it, a single tear fell from Hide''s eyes. At the same time, Aizawa who had just finished her homework approached Hide.

    "Big Bro, why are you crying?" Aizawa asked while confused and worried were clearly visible on her face.

    "Nothing, everything is okay."

    Wasting no time, Hide took a tissue from the table and wiped his tear. Then, as he smiled he showed the three tickets in his hand to Aizawa.

    "As Big Bro promised, next Friday we will watch Yuko Mountain¡¯s match."

    "Mhm." In reflex, Aizawa nodded while her face was brimming with happiness.

    "Hanna will be watching with us too."

    "Big Sis Hanna?" Aizawa asked as she tilted her head.

    Aizawa knew Hanna. She was the beautiful Big Sis who taught her how to swim, when she went to Beauty & the Beast for morning exercise. She was kind and gave her a lot of delicious diet crackers, so Aizawa liked her a lot.

    "Yup, these tickets are from her, so after the match we will treat her to a meal."

    "Okay." Aizawa nodded vigorously, and then she showed her piggy savings to Hide, "Big Bro, can Kana and Kaede Sensei watch the match with us too? Aizawa wants to treat them because Kana gave Aizawa a Yuko Mountain¡¯s jersey. Aizawa will pay their tickets."

    As he accepted Aizawa''s piggy saving Hide said, "Of course they can."

    "Aizawa super-duper loves Big Bro." As a smile as bright as the morning sun bloomed on her lips, Aizawa hugged Hide tightly.

    Without delay, Hide kissed Aizawa cheek. "Big Bro also super-duper loves Aizawa."

    ---

    After breakfast, Hide and Aizawa immediately changed into all-black formal clothes. Then, they sat in the kitchen. Not long after that, the door to their father''s room opened, and with listless steps their father walked into kitchen. He looked old, battered, still wearing his working clothes, and a thick smell of alcohol wafted from him. He glanced at Hide and Aizawa for a moment before rushing off to make a cup of tea.

    Aizawa slightly flinched when her father looked at her, while Hide calmly looked back at him.

    "Dad, we are going to visit mother and Emily, are you coming?"

    "No." Hide¡¯s father gave an instant reply.

    "Okay," Hide replied briefly.

    Then, as Hide grabbed a paper bag containing offerings for his mother and Emily, his father turned his head to him.

    "Wait."

    "Yeah."

    "A few weeks ago, someone from Kitaro Music School contacted me and told me that you had transferred Aizawa over there. She also asked me to come, but I''m busy with work."

    Hide replied calmly, "I''ll go there. You don''t need to worry about it."

    "Good." Wasting no time, Hide''s father then went back to his room.

    Meanwhile, Hide turned his gaze to Aizawa. "Let''s go."

    Aizawa nodded silently, and Hide immediately took her hand.

    ---

    St. Mary Church, a small catholic church located in downtown Nichiko. In addition to the nursing home and orphanage, St. Mary also had a final resting house located next to the main building.

    As soon as they arrived at St. Mary, Hide and Aizawa rushed to receptionist at the final resting house to buy candles, borrow a folding table, and a wooden tray.

    Not long after that, he and Aizawa had arrived at the second corridor on the second floor of the final resting house. Wasting no time, Hide opened eternal resting slots 2212 and 2313.

    The first slot was where Hide''s biological mother''s urn was placed. Hide never knew her because she died right after giving birth to him. He only knew her name was Mayumi Hibiki and she was a genius medical researcher. Meanwhile, the second slot was where Emily''s urn was placed.

    ''Mother, Mom, sorry I''m only visiting you now.''

    Hide then lifted and held Aizawa in his chest, so she could see Emily''s urn along with her smiling picture.

    After lighting a pair of candles in the table, they arranged the snacks they brought for their mother. Hide arranged the snacks for her mother, while Aizawa, which somehow became very quiet, arranged the snacks for Emily. Then, they offered a prayer in in silence.

    Calmly, Hide put his hands together in front of his chest, closed his eyes, and then lowered his head.

    ''Mother, thank you for bringing me to this world safely, and please forgive me for the time when I hate you because you were never by my side. Also, please believe me, I will become someone you can be proud of. So, please rest in peace.''

    After being silent for a moment, Hide continued his prayer.

    ''Mom, I''ve let you down once. But please believe me, in this life I will do anything at any cost for Aizawa''s happiness. So, please rest in peace.''

    Then, Hide was silent for a while before opening his eyes. When he turned his eyes to Aizawa, he found she was crying silently.

    When she came to place Emily''s urn, she also cried and her father gently comforted her. When she came back for the first anniversary of Emily''s death, she also sobbed. But her father who was already deep in sorrow did not calm her or comfort her at all, while Hide completely ignored her.

    Of course, right now Hide would not make the same mistake. He gently rubbed Aizawa''s head and then hugged her tightly.

    "It''s only the two of us now, but we have each other, so everything will be fine."

    "Mhm." Aizawa nodded, and somehow she was able to stop her tears.

    Thirty-minute later, Hide and Aizawa left the final resting house hand in hand. Aizawa seemed a little more cheerful, because right now she knew for sure her Big Brother would never leave her and she would never be lonely again.

    Meanwhile, Hide walked forward steadily. He realized that he had a lot of things he have to do for the sake of Aizawa''s happiness and future, but he believed he would be able to get through it all.

    ''Step by step,'' Hide muttered as he smiled at Aizawa who was looking up at him with her clear eyes.

    *****

 HA1 17.0 - Epilogue

    HA1 17.0 - Epilogue

    A beautiful young woman with long golden blond hair and clear blue eyes sat calmly on the sofa. In her lap, she held a 18-month old toddler. The toddler also had golden blond hair and clear blue eyes, with a cute and sweet face that showed she had a combination of Easterner and Westerner blood in her veins.

    As she struggled to free herself from her mother''s arms, with sparkling eyes the toddler looked at the boy who was sitting not far from her, and was busy studying mid-level software engineering textbook using his tablet.

    The young woman finally gave up and let the toddler go. Even until now, she still didn''t quite understand why her daughter was so attached to her step-brother.

    As far as she could remember, her step-son only accompanied her daughter when she had to cook or take a bath, and he just sat beside her bed cage while studying without ever playing with her.

    However, while she lay in her bed, her daughter always looked at her step-brother with sparkling eyes. Moreover, the first words she had spoken were ''Bwig Bou'' and not ''Papa'' or ''Mama''.

    While the young woman shook her head, the toddler immediately crawled towards her step-brother.

    "Bwig Bou," the sweet toddler muttered as she tried to stand next to her step-brother.

    And even if her step-brother ignored her, the toddler kept clinging to him. Then, without prior warning she kissed him on the cheek.

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    "Muuuuah!"

    "Runt." The boy turned his head to his little step-sister before continuing, "How dare you to kiss me!"

    "Muehehe..."

    They boy protested, but the little step-sister ignored his sharp stare, and while smiling cheerfully she sat on his lap.

    "This runt. . . Do you have any idea how heavy your weight is?"

    "Bwig Bou."

    Realizing that his little sister did not listen to his complaint, the boy immediately turned his gaze towards the young woman.

    "Emily, take this runt off from me immediately."

    Emily smiled and then she gently said, "Hide, call me Mommy."

    "Not in this lifetime," Hide replied indifferently.

    "Fine, but at least take a break and don''t spend all your time at home studying."

    "I can''t," Hide replied firmly. "I need to beat the scoundrel Takeo, take the championship, and make Daddy proud."

    As she let out a deep sigh Emily said, "Hide, your Daddy is already very proud of you, and he also wants you to take your time to play, even if it''s just for a little."

    Hide looked at Emily as if she were the stupidest person in the world and said, "Don''t change the subject and hurry up, take this runt from my lap."

    "Hide, you should be happy because a sweet and cute little sister is always following you faithfully."

    In a casual tone Hide replied, "You talk as if she is a puppy."

    In an instant Emily pouted her left cheek, but she didn''t lose her wits. "Just let Aizawa sit next to you, and when we go to Tohru Ramen tomorrow you can have double eggs for your ramen."

    After pondering for a few moments Hide replied, "Fine."

    Wasting no time, Hide lifted Aizawa from his lap and placed her next to him. Then, he wrapped his left arm around Aizawa''s waist before turning his attention back to his tablet.

    "Muehehe... Bwig Bou."

    Even if Hide never once looked at her, Aizawa kept smiling cheerfully as if sitting next to him was the happiest thing for her.

    Seeing this, Emily smiled with satisfaction. ''Slowly but surely, Aizawa will melt his heart. I''m sure of it.''

    Of course, Emily didn''t know that in two years she would leave this world, and Aizawa had to go through a gloomy and bitter journey for the rest of her life.

    *****

 HA2 0.0 â€“ Prologue

    HA2 0.0 ¨C Prologue

    Inside a huge indoor shooting range, Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka carried out a live-shooting drill. They have done such drill several times, so it was not alien thing anymore for them.

    First, Hide would supervise Takeo and Shizuka in turn. Then, he would carry out his own drill while in the back area Takeo and Shizuka calmly observed him.

    Beeb!!

    As soon as the timer started, five hologram targets appeared at a distance 4-8 meters in front of Hide. Wasting no time, he drew his VP9, held it with both arms forming a triangle as straight as possible, pointed the gun at the target, and fired double tap. It was pretty much standard counter-terrorist stance, and Hide combined it with instinctive shooting or aiming without sight.

    Ba-bang! Ba-bang! Ba-bang! Bang-bang!!!

    Some people would think it was dumb to aim without sight, but Hide managed to nail the targets in front of him with double tap in the head. Then, he just nailed the fifth target when another hologram target showed up, and it was not just an attacker hologram, but one that hid behind a hostage.

    Hide immediately switched into conventional stance. Left foot took a half-step forward, his left arm slightly bending downward, while his right arm remained as straight as possible, and then he took aim through the sight and gently squeezed the trigger.

    Bang!

    A perfect single shoot hit the attacker who hid behind the hostage at the right cheek, and the drill was completed. In a matter of seconds, Hide took out six targets, including one that hid behind a hostage, using two firing stances that fundamentally worked in an opposite philosophy.

    No matter how many times Takeo and Shizuka saw it, the way Hide carried out his shooting drill never failed to amaze them. The two had also trained using two firing stances, instinctive counter terrorist stance and conventional stance, but until now they never combined it in one flowing switch. The target for their drill was also only red circle hologram, not human shape hologram let alone one that hid behind a hostage.

    The scoring system was also different. As long as they hit the red circle hologram, they would get perfect score. While for Hide, the scoring was 10 for double in the head, 9 for single in the head, and 8 for double in the chest or center mass. And Hide added 11 for double in the balls in the scoring program.

    Then, as Hide cleared his gun and put it back to holster, Takeo and Shizuka walked over to him.

    ¡°Hide,¡± Shizuka said while giving Hide an expectant gaze. ¡°When I and Twig will have the same drill like you?¡±

    ¡°When you two have solid foundation in both firing stances,¡± Hide calmly replied.

    ¡°Speaking about taking aim without sight,¡± Takeo said. ¡°Does every counter terrorist unit adopt it?¡±

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    ¡°Actually, only a tier-one unit from Eisrel and CIA paramilitary adopt it as fundamental for their CQB.¡±

    ¡°Wait a second,¡± Surprise looks filled Takeo¡¯s face to the brim as he continued, ¡°Do you mean not even Americ tier-one adopt it?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide casually nodded. ¡°Americ DEVGRU is very orthodox in their shooting doctrine. They faithfully stick to the sequence of aim, aimed, fired, and when they have the time they will definitely take aim with sight.

    As for Delta, they let their operators to decide on their own what stance works best for them. And so, a small portion of their operators, the one with a gift as natural shooter, use instinctive shooting, while the rest adopt orthodox approach like DEVGRU.¡±

    ¡°What about our tier-one unit?¡± Takeo asked another question.

    ¡°1st SFG follows Delta¡¯s approach.¡±

    ¡°Any specific reason on why Eisrel tier-one adopts instinctive shooting?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know the background for this adoption,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°What I know is, this Eisrel tier-one beat Delta, DEVGRU, GSG9, SAS, SBS, and lots of other tier-one unit in CQB match, both in one vs one and team vs team.¡±

    ¡°They even beat Americ Delta?¡± Takeo asked in disbelief.

    ¡°Yup.¡±

    ¡°I thought Delta is the best tier-one unit.¡±

    ¡°Well, the scariest part about Americ tier-one is not their shooting skill, sophisticated gear, advance training, massive support, or high success rate. The scariest parts about those dudes are their combat experience,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°No tier-one unit in the whole planet is as combat-tested as Americ tier-one.

    And just so you know, Americ JFK Special Warfare Center and School doesn¡¯t put their best effort on lethal means. They put it on HALO/HAHO training, advance combat medic training, and advance body development training. They put so much effort on this three to the point no special force school outside Americ can beat them on these three.

    They do such thing because their long combat experience tells them, those three trainings are the factors that help their tier-one operators to get the job done the most.¡±

    Takeo nodded and said, ¡°I get it why advance combat medic is important for tier-one personnel, but why HALO/HAHO training is also very important?¡±

    ¡°Unlike ground insertion, by using HALO/HAHO insertion the operators doesn¡¯t need to waste too much time and energy to approach their target. They also can maintain element of surprise to the last moment,¡± Hide calmly explained. ¡°And if you have capable air force, you will literally be able sending your operators to every corner of earth covertly.

    Also, more than half of the most experienced Americ Green Berets are being placed in HALO/HAHO team, and they have the highest combat rotation compare to other teams.¡±

    ¡°What about the advance body development training? Is the training like what body builder does?¡±

    ¡°Nope.¡± After a short pause Hide explained, ¡°Let me give you an illustration. There is a South Korean football player who can play full match at every match the whole season because he never suffers injury and always in his best shape.

    In an interview, this player explain that the reason for his superb performance is because he always run 15 km across the soft sand in the beach every morning, five times a week, regardless what training he will have with his team on the day.

    But he never mentioned that his personal trainer is a former physiotherapist in JFK Special Warfare Center and School, or what kind of stretching he has to carry before and after the run, or why he has to limit his speed at exactly 6.5 km/h. As the result, tons of football players are ended up in hospital after a week or two of imitating his morning run.¡±

    Takeo nodded and said, ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Other question?¡±

    Takeo shook his head, while Shizuka turned her head to Hide and gave him a big question look.

    ¡°How sure are you, that instinctive shooting is suitable for us?¡±

    ¡°It works well for me at least. As for you, I can¡¯t say for sure right now,¡± Hide honestly admitted. ¡°But it¡¯s not a problem.¡±

    ¡°How can it¡¯s not a problem?¡± Shizuka asked as she tilted her head to the side.

    ¡°If instinctive shooting doesn¡¯t work for you, you can switch to aim with sight. If double in the head doesn¡¯t work for you, you can switch to single at the head or double on the chest,¡± Hide casually explained. ¡°However, because we have enough resource to get the best result possible, we should give it a try before lowering our target.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Shizuka calmly said.

    After taking a few gulps of cold water, Hide then continued his drill until he spent 150 rounds in total.

    *****

 HA2 1.1 â€“ Joining Hiking Club

    HA2 1.1 ¨C Joining Hiking Club

    Like the usual Monday, it was a slow and cheerless day. Before finally, exactly at 03:15 pm the last bell for today class rang in every class. Every teacher immediately ended their lesson. Then, Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka went to staff office.

    As soon as the three arrived in an empty corridor Shizuka curiously asked, ¡°Hide, when will you start to trains us on firearms?¡±

    ¡°After we know our routine in Hiking Club, we will schedule it,¡± Hide replied before turned his gaze to Takeo. ¡°Have you completed the preparation for the job in Kibo Hospital?¡±

    Takeo nodded and said, ¡°I have. We can carry it whenever you are ready.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s do it tonight.¡±

    ¡°¡°Okay.¡±¡± Takeo and Shizuka replied at the same time.

    A moment later, the three arrived in the staff office and Isamu Sensei took them to counseling room right away.

    As he signaled the three to sit before him, Isamu Sensei said, ¡°To be honest, your text last night a bit surprised me, Takeo.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m terribly sorry for my sudden request, Sensei,¡± Takeo sincerely said. ¡°But I truly want to join Hiking Club.¡±

    ¡°No worry, it¡¯s not a big deal. I can use your punishment as an excuse to put you in. However, the physical exercise in Hiking Club is nearly abusive, and unlike Hide or Shizuka, I have no intention to prepare you for Hakka Outdoor Competition.¡±

    ¡°I understand,¡± Takeo firmly replied.

    ¡°Good.¡± Isamu Sensei smiled before continuing, ¡°Now, Hide, Shizuka, I will explain my plan for you.¡±

    Hide and Shizuka made a small nod and Isamu Sensei immediately explained his plan.

    Of eight contests in Hakka Outdoor Competition, each student could participate only on one individual competition and one team competition. Hide would participate in individual Hike Run and team cross country navigation. Meanwhile, Shizuka would participate in individual female rock climbing.

    ¡°However, because you two are beginner,¡± Isamu Sensei calmly closing his explanation, ¡°For the next three weeks, you will have to go through the basic physical exercise before I can arrange the most suitable training regime for you.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Shizuka calmly replied.

    ¡°I will follow Sensei¡¯s arrangement,¡± Hide added.

    After the three filled and signed the membership form, Isamu Sensei then brought them to meet the rest of Hiking Club¡¯s member.

    ---

    East Nichiko High was famous for its priority in producing student with good grade, proper discipline, and well manner. That¡¯s why it didn¡¯t maintain a lot of facility to support the development of sport club. Other than one athletic field and one indoor gym, East Nichiko High didn¡¯t have other sport field.

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    As a result, sport clubs in East Nichiko High had to share the athletic field and the gym in a tight schedule. Meanwhile, as the youngest sport club, Hiking Club could only use an unused bicycle parking lot in the backyard as their training field. It was as big as two basketball fields, and in one of its corner stood a 6x3 semi-permanent building to store Hiking Club¡¯s equipment.

    As soon as Isamu Sensei arrived with Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka, member of Hiking Club immediately stopped their stretching and then gathered before him. In total, Hiking Club had four third years, eight second years, and twelve first years. Some of them were curiously looking at Hide, Shizuka, and Takeo, while some others looked at them casually.

    Meanwhile, Sayaka totally ignored Hide while fixing her gaze on Shizuka. A faint gleam flashed on her eyes before she turned her gaze to Takeo.

    After looking at Takeo for a while Sayaka asked, ¡°Sensei, didn¡¯t you tell us that we will only have Hide and Shizuka as new members?¡±

    ¡°Correct, Takeo will join us as regular member and not for the next Hakka Outdoor.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Sayaka replied in a calm tone, but it was easy to tell that she was jubilant to the core. ¡°Well, not everyone here knows our new members. So, let¡¯s hear their introduction.¡±

    ¡°Good point,¡± Isamu Sensei happily expressed his agreement.¡± Shizuka, let¡¯s start from you.¡±

    Without delay Shizuka introduce herself, ¡°Shizuka Oda, Class 2A, you can call me Shizuka. I¡¯m a noob in hiking. Please guide me.¡±

    Takeo who stood next to Shizuka continued the introduction, ¡°Takeo Ishida, Class 2A, you can call me Takeo, please lend me your guidance.¡±

    ¡°Uesugi Hidetada, Class 2C, you can call me Hide, please lend me your guidance.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your introduction,¡± Sayaka calmly said. ¡°As the leader of Hiking Club, I welcome you to our club. And just a gentle reminder, it¡¯s not a secret that East Nichiko is suck at sport competition.

    However, we have two exceptions. Karate Club won national championship after Shizuka joint it last year, while Hiking Club became one of top dog on the national competition for the last four years after Isamu Sensei became its adviser.

    I will never question Shizuka¡¯s determination to win a competition, but for Takeo and Hide, I hope you two understand that this club is a place for highly motivated individual.¡±

    ¡°I understand,¡± Takeo calmly.

    ¡°I understand,¡± Hide added.

    Sayaka then turned her gaze to Hide and Shizuka, and said, ¡°No matter who you are, and even if Isamu Sensei personally hand-picked you, you still have to proof yourselves that you are worthy to represent Hiking Club.

    Is that clear?¡±

    ¡°¡°It is.¡±¡± Hide and Shizuka replied at same time.

    ¡°Good.¡±

    Sayaka then explained that she would in charge of Shizuka¡¯s basic training, while Tenma would in charge for Hide¡¯s basic training. The reason behind this arrangement was because they would participate in the same individual competition in Hakka Outdoor Competition. In short, the arrangement itself was part of the preparation for the competition. As for Takeo, he would join the regular training with first year.

    A moment later, after they changed their clothes into track suit and wore their sneaker, Hide, Shizuka, and Takeo immediately went over to their handler and started their training.

    ---

    While he walked over to Tenma, Hide peeked at Takeo and Shizuka. Takeo easily blended with first years. They carried out basic training under the guidance of two second years. Actually, Hide had a plan to make Takeo participated in one of contest in Hakka Outdoor Competition, but for now he would let Takeo put his mind on building his physical fitness.

    As for Shizuka, Hide noticed the faint but dangerous spark on Sayaka¡¯s eyes when she fixed her gaze on Shizuka earlier. He had a hunch that Sayaka had a feeling for Takeo, and maybe she would make things hard for Shizuka. However, Hide had no worry. He believed Shizuka would be able to handle it.

    Then, as soon as he and Tenma arrived at an empty corner Hide immediately asked, ¡°In the Hike Run, do I replace someone?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Tenma replied flatly, but it seemed he didn¡¯t hold a grudge for the incident in the Running for Donation. ¡°Hiking Club will send anyone to participate in Hakka Outdoor as long as he or she qualified for it.

    Other than you and Shizuka, Isamu Sensei will send sixteen students this year, along with two gym teachers as the guardian.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s quite big. I believe it will require a lot of resource.¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s true that our school doesn¡¯t put a lot of attention for sport competition. However, if a club manages to achieve a good result at prefectural competition, it will receive proper support.¡± Tenma paused for a moment before proudly adding, ¡°As for Hiking Club, we are one of the best four in national level, so the support is excellent.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Now, let me give you a brief review about Hike Run.¡±

    Actually, Hide knew a lot about Hakka Outdoor Competition. In his previous life he helped Kubota to organize it a few times. However, he fully aware that his journey in Hiking Club would be much simpler if he just acted likes a beginner.

    ¡°I¡¯m all ears,¡± Hide calmly said.

    Without delay Tenma explained, ¡°Hike Run is a 3.2 km up-hill race on off trail track. It use different track each year. Therefore, your basic training will be different from basic training for the first year kids. Other than endurance, you have to hone your speed and balance.

    For the next three weeks, your warm up is 2 km jogs, 100 push up, and 100 squats, while the main menu is 3.2 km up-hill run on off trail under 18 minutes. If in three weeks you failed to achieve it, Isamu Sensei would give you a hell week before you repeat the basic training.¡±

    ¡°A hell week if I fail?¡± I curiously asked.

    ¡°Yes.¡± As an unspeakable terror was reflected in his eyes, Tenma said, ¡°Believe me Hide, avoid the hell week as if your life is depended on it.¡±

    ¡°I will avoid it¡­ at all cost.¡± Hide skillfully replied with a slightly trembling voice, but inwardly he calmly muttered, ¡®He must be having it rough and hard way.¡¯

    After Hide completed his stretching and warm up, Tenma and two third year girls who would also participate in Hike Run took him into nearby hiking trail.

    *****

 HA2 1.2 â€“ Hike Run

    HA2 1.2 ¨C Hike Run

    Like any other day, Uruba Hill lied peacefully and silently, ignoring the jungle of concrete that circled it or busy traffic around its edge. Meanwhile, some hikers were navigating through its hiking trail.

    If you compared it with hiking trail around the Lake Hibino, hiking trail in Uruba Hill was much smaller in size and complexity. It had only two hiking trails and the array of woods around it were also thinner. However, it was only one kilometer away from East Nichiko High.

    From the base of Uruba Hill, Hide calmly observed the first three hundred meters hiking trail. In some part, the trail had manmade steps supported by row of small bamboo stake. It also detoured around when encounter a steep slope. In summary, it was gentle trail made for urban people who wanted to enjoy nature without breaking their ankle or knee.

    At the same time, Tenma and the third year girls strapped a pair of bangle just slightly above their ankles. Tenma used 200 gr bangle on each ankle, while the third year girls used 100 gr bangle.

    ¡°Do I need to put it on in my ankle too?¡± Hide curiously asked.

    ¡°No, you can start wearing this toy only after you complete your basic training.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Can you use your watch as stopwatch?¡± Tenma asked as he got up to his feet.

    ¡°I can.¡±

    ¡°Good, use it to record your time.¡± Tenma give Hide a brand new whistle as he added, ¡°and use this whistle in case you have accident. This whistle also a token that you are member of Hiking Club, so don¡¯t lose it and take care of it as good as you can.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± As he put the whistle into his pocket Hide asked, ¡°Do we will start the run at the same time?¡±

    ¡°No, running off trail in a slope is dangerous. Accident can happen just because of a slight carelessness. If we start running at the same time while we have different speed, it will be too long before we realize someone had accident,¡± One of the third year girls calmly explained. ¡°And you can call me Big Sis Nao.¡±

    Hide nodded, while the other third year girl added, ¡°We will run one by one in same track, ten minutes interval each. The order is Nao, you, me, and Tenma. In case you had accident, try to walk to nearby trail and wait. If you can¡¯t walk, blow your whistle as loud as you can every ten second until one of us arrive.

    And you can call me Big Sis Miku.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    A moment later, Nao tied her hair into pony tail and tightened the strap on her backpack. Then, she started her run. Her run was light and nimble like a deer. In less than three minutes Nao¡¯s figure had disappeared from the view, swallowed by sea of oak trees.

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    Then, it¡¯s Hide turn. Tenma immediately gave him an advice, ¡°This is your first run, so don¡¯t push yourself beyond your limit. Just gently introduce your body and mind to this kind of run.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°The finishing line is an open field before the peak.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Wasting no time, Hide then hit the start button on his watch before running in moderate speed. Slowly but surely, he started entering the thickest part of the woods. Then, his struggle began.

    On an off trail run, runners would have trees and obstacles scattered on their track. They have no other choice than avoid every tree, while other natural obstacle required quick but precise judgment. For example, to overcome an extremely steep slope someone with robust physical fitness would take it head on. Meanwhile, someone weaker would take a detour and have additional distance on his track.

    Moreover, unlike the designated hiking trail, the surface of an off trail track was uneven and fully covered with dead leaves and rotten twig. In some area it would also had soft soil, slightly wet, and very slippery. It was really hard to get firm foothold on this kind of track.

    If Hide didn¡¯t have an extremely good sense of balance, he would already slip and rolling on the ground a few times. The other fortunate factor was, in his previous life, after he joining 1st Airborne Brigade, high speed run on an off trail and steep slope was like a meal for him. Therefore, Hide was very familiar with it and could make correct judgment for every obstacle he met.

    When he encountered a 1.5 meter wall made of hard soil, Hide didn¡¯t avoid it. He swiftly climbed it before continuing his run. When he encountered a very steep but dry slope, Hide also didn¡¯t avoid it, but crawl on it with both hands. However, when the obstacle was a four meters high and dozens meter long rock slab, he wisely took a detour.

    ¡®Not now, but in three weeks I will be able to climb this rock with ease,¡¯ Hide muttered as he gave the stone wall a quick glance.

    Without delay Hide continued his run. In the last 500 meters, the oak tree became scarce and Hide could see the finishing line. He didn¡¯t surprise seeing Miku and Tenma had already completed their run and stood next to Nao. Then, on the last two hundreds meter, he suddenly felt as if someone was roughly gripped his lung and heart. At the same time, his legs became very heavy.

    Hide had no choice but to lower his speed. In the end, he arrived on the finishing line while profusely bathing on his sweats. As his shoulder going up and down, Hide hit the stop button on his watch, and the counting stop at 32 minutes 23 seconds.

    At the same time, Nao took a water canteen from her back pack and offered it to Hide, ¡°Here, you should rehydrate your body, but don¡¯t drink more than two mouthful or you won¡¯t be able to run for second round.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Big Sis Nao.¡± Hide immediately took two mouthful gulps before returning the water canteen.

    ¡°It¡¯s hard to believe you were still running to the last moment,¡± Tenma said in a tone that neither a mocking nor complement.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but it¡¯s very slow like turtle,¡± Hide replied in a dejected tone and he didn¡¯t fake it.

    Hide was fully aware that if he compared it to when it was in its peak, his current physical fitness was only at a level of toddler. However, knowing it and tasting it personally were two whole different pond and fish. In short, it was so frustrating for Hide.

    However Miku didn¡¯t know Hide¡¯s inner thought, so she expressed her disagreement, ¡°Hide, you already did it a remarkably good.¡±

    Miku¡¯s words of encouragement didn¡¯t lessen Hide bitterness, but he chose to play along and in curious tone he asked, ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Really,¡± Miku firmly replied. ¡°Everyone in Hiking Club couldn¡¯t finish their first Hike Run by running. Most had completed it by walking for more than halfway, while some other pushed themselves beyond their limit and ended up with accident.¡±

    Nao calmly added, ¡°We also had some who lost their way and arrived on the other side of the hill because they took too many detour.¡±

    Hide knew how it was very easy to lose a sense of direction when traveling in the woods, but he chose to innocently asked, ¡°They lost their way?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Tenma slightly nodded before explaining, ¡°There is no land mark in the woods. People who are navigating on it for the first time will be unable to tell the cardinal direction.

    Not to mention, the quiet and dimly lit forest will create a feeling of helpless, anxiety, and uneasiness. This negative feeling will easily cloud your judgment.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Hide slightly nodded before asked another question, ¡°In the whole history of Hakka Outdoor, what is the fastest record for Hike Run?¡±

    ¡°14 minutes 20 seconds, by a local boy named Suzuki Kirishima,¡± Tenma replied as bitterness was reflected on his eyes.

    Miku immediately added, ¡°Suzuki is the reason why last year Tenma ended up in second place, even if he broke his record from previous year.

    But Suzuki is a monster in human flesh. His record is beyond high school level. Unfortunately, you two will meet him in next Hakka Outdoor.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Well,¡± Nao looked at Hide deeply as she said, ¡°Maybe we will have our own monster this year.¡±

    Tenma and Miku didn¡¯t question Nao¡¯s opinion, but they refrained themselves from agreeing with it. Meanwhile, Hide skillfully put an innocent face. He had already decided. Even if he intended to shape his physical fitness to highest result, in the Hike Run he would only barely take the third place to avoid unnecessary attention.

    After some other small talk, Hide and the three then returned to the base of Uruba Hill for the second hike run.

    *****

 HA2 2.1 â€“ Strict Schedule

    HA2 2.1 ¨C Strict Schedule

    After buying ingredients for dinner, Hide went to Beauty & the Beast to picked Hanna. Usually, Hanna had her day off on Monday, but now she changed it into Sunday. Today, Hide also didn¡¯t have endurance training, so the two came home earlier and went straight to Hanna¡¯s place.

    After taking a bath, Hide went to prepare dinner. He swiftly peeled and cut onion, potato, and carrot into bite sized, and then put it all into a pan and added three table spoon of cooking oil.

    After stirring the pot to make sure the cooking oil coated the vegetables evenly, Hide turned the stove on and using low heat to cook the vegetables. He then waited until the surface of vegetables became transparent before adding three table spoons of sliced brown sugar and three table spoons of Mirin, and then stirred the mix gently.

    When the alcohol in the Mirin completely evaporated, he put 200 ml of water and a sachet of Dashi powder into the pot. He brought it into boil and then added three table spoons of soy sauce. After that he put around 200 gr thinly slice beef under the vegetables and a half tea spoon of grated ginger to replace the sake in neutralizing beef¡¯s smell.

    Then, Hide put the lid and let the stew boil for around 15 minutes or until the water almost completely gone.

    Meanwhile, Hanna sat in the dining table, studied Hide training menu for Hike Run and then adjust his training regime. It was simple adjustment so Hanna completed it in no time.

    After shutting down her laptop, Hanna turned her gaze towards Hide. ¡°Hide, what do you cook?¡±

    ¡°Meat and potato stew. I don¡¯t make rice, but I add additional potato to replace it.¡±

    ¡°It smells nice.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡±

    ¡°I still have egg tofu in the fridge. Let¡¯s add it to the stew.¡±

    ¡°Roger.¡±

    Wasting no time, Hide took two roll of egg tofu and cut it diagonally before putting it into the stew.

    ¡°Do you need my help?¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s pretty much done. I will serve it in a moment.¡±

    ¡°I will set the table then.¡± Without delay Hanna put aside her laptop and arranged the dining table.

    ¡°Hide.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°You can start the MMA class tomorrow while preparing yourself for Hike Run, but you will have to adjust your other training.¡±

    ¡°Such as?¡± Hide curiously asked.

    ¡°Your morning routine when you train at home will mainly focus on high speed jumping rope, quick feet, 50 meters repetitive sprint, squad jump, and sit up.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°You can only do swimming for your endurance training, no more long runs. You also had to limit your push-up 100 reps a day, at least until your arms had dexterity and speed for a boxer.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°For the MMA¡¯s menu you will receive the instruction form the coach I pick for you tomorrow. For other detail I will print it for you.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Hide replied as he transferred the stew pot to the table.

    After the two saying ¡®Thanks for the food¡¯ together, Hide gave Hanna the first serving of meat and potato stew. Wasting no time, Hanna took a piece of stewed meat, blowing it gently a few times, and then put it into her mouth and savored it. To her surprise, the meat was amazingly delicious.

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    ¡°Whoooaaah¡­ This stew is superb.¡±

    ¡°Glad you like it,¡± Hide replied as he pouring a glass of cold orange juice for Hanna.

    ¡°Hide, you are the best.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    It was only casual and simple dinner, but Hanna had to admit that compared to when she had it alone, eating her dinner with Hide was far more enjoyable. Moreover, it made her happy more than she anticipated, to the point where she didn¡¯t realize that Hide was smiling at her like a butcher who happily assessed a fresh fish on chopping board.

    ¡®Making your partner as happy as clam is essential step before you do her,¡¯ Hide evilly muttered before taking a serving of meat and potato stew for himself and calmly enjoyed it.

    ---

    After dinner, Hide and Hanna watched TV in the living room. As she reached and held Hide¡¯s hand, Hanna said, ¡°Hide, we can have sex only every nine days.¡±

    Hide turned his gaze towards Hanna and complained, ¡°Isn¡¯t that too long?¡±

    ¡°Your training put heavy toll on your body. Not to mention sex, even too much masturbation will disrupt your physical fitness development.¡±

    ¡°You aren¡¯t making it up, are you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± Hanna calmly replied. ¡°For your information, boxer and other athlete have to adopt a stricter rule. They can only have sex once a month.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Actually, Hide knew that what Hanna said was true. In his previous life, when he was on duty as extra-long range shooter he also couldn¡¯t have sex, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, or strong medication. It was to ensure his body and mind were always in peak condition, because maintaining stable accuracy on a target beyond 1000 meters would require not only strong mental fortitude but also highest physical fitness possible.

    Even so, it was not easy to lower your intercourse frequency when you have a smoking hot babe as your partner.

    ¡°When we can do the first action in this strict rule of engagement?¡± Hide curiously asked.

    After a naughty smile Hanna said, ¡°Now.¡±

    In an instant Hide smiled widely, ¡°Okie.¡±

    Without delay Hanna and Hide took their clothes off. They only wore t-shirt and boxer, so it was a quick undress. Before long Hide kissed Hanna, gently enjoyed her cherry lips before going deeper and meeting her tongue with his tongue.

    At the same time, Hide¡¯s hands were squeezing Hanna¡¯s butt to the max before moving into her private area. Then, he gently rubbed and stretched its lips a few times before putting one finger in and skillfully stimulated it. Before long, Hanna became wet and moaned in pleasure.

    However, when Hide tried to put Hanna on the sofa she cupped Hide¡¯s cheek and said, ¡°Hold on, not so fast.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Hide asked as if someone had just threw him from a cliff.

    ¡°Let me do the opening.¡± After a mischievous smile Hanna kneeled in front of Hide. ¡°Just sit tight and enjoy.¡±

    Then, after she put her long hair behind her back, Hanna brought her cherry lips closer into Hide¡¯s dicks and kissed it. Then, as Hide eyes widened, she put Hide¡¯s dick into her mouth. In an instant Hide was drowning in pleasure as Hanna sucked his dick or skillfully toying it with her tongue.

    In Hanna¡¯s last fellatio, Hide could tell it was her first and it was rather worst fellatio. Hanna did it clumsily, and her teeth grazed Hide¡¯s dick a few times. However, right now, she could do it amazingly good.

    It was easy to tell Hanna was secretly training her skill. The other clue that Hide could find was Hanna lately had lot of banana in her fridge.

    ¡®What a passionate babe,¡¯ Hide muttered as she enjoyed Hanna¡¯s special service to the fullest.

    Then, moment of pleasure finally came. In reflex, Hide reached Hanna¡¯s head and pulling it while at the same time he pushed his hip forward.

    Splurt splu-spluuuuurrrrtttt!!

    Hanna obediently received the burst of Hide¡¯s seed and swallowed it to the last drop. She even continued to lick and suck Hide¡¯s dick even when it already deflated, and the after sensation was amazingly good to the point that Hide¡¯s thigh became numb from the pleasure.

    A moment later, Hanna finally let Hide¡¯s dick go. Then, she looked at Hide who had just return from heaven and smugly asked, ¡°How is it?¡±

    ¡°You are the hottest babe on the planet,¡± Hide sincerely replied.

    ¡°Of course I¡¯m.¡±

    Sense of victory was clearly visible in Hanna¡¯s beautiful face, and Hide totally agreed that she deserved it.

    After washing her mouth using orange juice she had prepared beforehand, Hanna said, ¡°Let¡¯s do it one more round.¡±

    Before Hanna could put her lips closer to his dick, Hide had cupped her face first. ¡°No, it¡¯s my turn.¡±

    Hanna didn¡¯t argue and she obediently let Hide put her back on the sofa. She was already hot, wet, and ready, so Hide could start the penetration immediately. After putting both Hanna¡¯s legs on his shoulder, Hide place the tips of his dick right before Hanna beautiful and sensual slit. Then, he put his hand next to Hanna¡¯s shoulder, and as he leaned forward, Hanna¡¯s lower body automatically slightly went up.

    After that, Hide¡¯s waist made a gentle push but with enough power to penetrate Hanna¡¯s tight lower lips. It grazed the ceiling, continued going down, and then hit Hanna pleasure spot before going all the way to the deepest part.

    In an instant, Hanna¡¯s back started to arc while a pleasure moan slipped through from her cherry lips. As Hide pulled his hard rock dick, Hanna¡¯s moan became louder and she also started to gasp for the air.

    Unfortunately, Hide was not in the mood to show mercy. He skillfully continued the push and pull stroke, and touching Hanna¡¯s pleasure spot in a way that it would deliver the highest pleasure.

    A moment later, only after a few strokes, Hanna was already been defeated in body and mind. Both her hands were gripping her hair, while her back formed an arc and pushed her breasts upward. She also bit her lips, but it didn¡¯t stop her moan.

    It was easy to tell that right now Hanna only wanted to be screw as hard and as long as possible. However, Hide couldn¡¯t do a hardcore for too long before it started hurting Hanna. Meanwhile, he wanted to make Hanna drowned in pleasure as long as possible, as reward for her previous goddess level of fellatio.

    So, Hide held back his urge to switch into wild hardcore, ¡®It¡¯s time for revenge,¡¯

    Hide evilly grinned as he switched position. First, he gently put one of Hanna¡¯s legs down under his own thigh. Then, he made his push slightly diagonally to the left. His target was Hanna¡¯s second pleasure spot.

    Hide had discovered Hanna¡¯s second pleasure spot on the last intercourse and he could tell that it was rarely being touched and exploited. In short, it was highly sensitive. Even the gentlest touch would throw Hanna¡¯s body and mind straight to the next level of heaven.

    ¡®Heeut¡­.¡¯

    As soon as the tips of Hide¡¯s dick hit her second pleasure spot, Hanna body instantly twisted to the side, while her lower body convulsing weakly.

    ¡°Hide mercieeeeeee¡­¡­!!!¡±

    Hanna used her last breath to scream before her body powerlessly fell back to sofa. Wasting no time, Hide unloaded his seed and enjoyed the moment of pleasure to the fullest. Then, while Hanna¡¯s lower body slightly trembled, he gently kiss her lips before lay next to her and hugged her tightly.

    Hide waited until Hanna fall a sleep before moved her to the bed. After writing a message that he went out to meet Takeo, Hide then went to bathroom to take another bath.

    *****

 HA2 2.2 â€“ Tie Up Loose Ends

    HA2 2.2 ¨C Tie Up Loose Ends

    In downtown of Nichiko, Chikara Tower stood majestically. In total it had 45 floors, some were being preserved for caf¨¦, bar, or restaurant, while the rest could only be rented as office.

    In casual steps, Hide entered Chikara Tower¡¯s through back door. He wore a soft cap, neutral glasses, a flue mask, and thick jacket. His appearance was rather suspicious actually, but the security didn¡¯t stop him. After 20:00, people could only enter the tower through lobby, unless they had key card that the management had issued.

    Wasting no time, Hide walked past the security desk, entered one of the lifts for cargo, and went straight to 3rd basement. On the surface, 3rd basement was being rented as storing facility by auto-workshop that specialize themselves in customizing second-hand car. But in truth, it was just illegal parking lot that worked fully automatic.

    As he exited the lift, Hide took out a car key. While continued his walk, he pressed the button with Zubaru¡¯s logo on it. In an instance, the side lamp on a Black Zubaru sedan model 2026 blipped a few times.

    The Black Zubaru was a little too far from his position, but Hide didn¡¯t complained. It was already good enough that he could get his hand on a good sedan for free.

    ¡®Thanks, Old Bastard Moruyama. I will take care of this baby well,¡¯ Hide happily muttered.

    A moment later he already took the Black Zubaru out of the basement and hit a small and empty road behind Chikara Tower. Hide destination was a bus stop one kilometer east of the tower and he arrived in a blink. Takeo and Shizuka who had been waiting for him immediately entered the sedan. Shizuka took the passenger seat, while Takeo took the back seat.

    ¡°Hide, I thought you will take the Green SUV.¡±

    ¡°It seems you have fallen in love with that Jeep Cherokee.¡±

    Shizuka nodded and admitted, ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s a nice car.¡±

    ¡°Well, this is Bastard Moruyama¡¯s car and it¡¯s a good chance to move it into our workshop.¡±

    ¡°Our workshop?¡± Shizuka curiously asked.

    ¡°I will explain it later. For now, let¡¯s put our mind on tonight job.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Hide then looked at Takeo through center mirror. In a glance he could tell that Takeo was not in his game. His face was pale and he seemed in pain.

    ¡°Takeo, are you okay?¡±

    ¡°Not really,¡± Takeo replied weakly. ¡°Today basic training is harsher than what I anticipate. Now, I almost can¡¯t walk.¡±

    ¡°What is the menu?¡± Hide curiously asked.

    ¡°Sit-ups, squat, push-ups, 60 reps each, but I can¡¯t even finish half of it. Follow up by 8 km run but I had to walk after the first few hundred meters. In a month, I must also be able to do six pull ups and 100 meters sprint in 15 seconds.¡±

    ¡°No worry, as long as you don¡¯t give up you will be able to handle it, sooner or later.¡±

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    ¡°Hide, I saw you completed the 100 push up and squat with ease. I also heard you did a good job for a beginner in Uruba Hill.¡±

    ¡°Basically, I have started my training since weeks ago and it helped me a lot in today training.¡±

    ¡°Do you have some advice for me? I really need it.¡±

    Hide casually replied, ¡°Suck it up, keep calm, and move on.¡±

    ¡°Hide, I ask you for serious advice.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a serious advice. The training under Shizuka and me will be harsher. When shaping physical fitness, there is no such thing as easy way or shortcut.¡±

    ¡°Okay, if it¡¯s for our job, I will give my best.¡±

    ¡°And don¡¯t forget, after our first job, you ask me to prepare you if I have to. Now, I will do it as best as I can and it won¡¯t be nice experience.¡±

    Takeo is gulping hard, but a moment later he managed to strengthen his resolve. ¡°I will pass it no matter what.¡±

    ¡°I believe you will.¡± Hide then turned his gaze towards Shizuka, ¡°How about you, what is your menu today?¡±

    ¡°It was pretty similar to Takeo. I managed to complete it with ease, after that Sayaka taught me about basic rock climbing and we have some test using wall in the back yard. However¡­¡± Shizuka stole a glance on Takeo as she continued, ¡°I felt Sayaka emit some hostility to me.¡±

    ¡®Love triangle huh..¡¯ Hide muttered as he took a casual glance on Takeo. Then, he turned his gaze towards Shizuka, ¡°I will root for you.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡± After a slight pause Shizuka asked, ¡°Hide, can you help me to remember kit and equipment for rock climbing?¡±

    ¡°I can.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± Relief was clearly visible in Shizuka¡¯s eyes. ¡°This afternoon Sayaka showed me lot of kits and explained its function, but I can¡¯t remember it. Not even a single kit stays in my head.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure you become a far better climber than Sayaka, and destroy her pride in next Haka Outdoor,¡± Hide firmly replied before stepping on the gas.

    Vrooooomm!!

    In an instance the Black Zubaru accelerated. A few minutes later, it arrived in a quiet and dark alley one block from Kibo Hospital, and the hunt was begun immediately afterward.

    Takeo stayed in the car with his laptop. Shizuka stood by in bus stop in front of Kibo Hospital, ready to give Hide some assistance if he needed it. As for Hide, he directly entered Kibo Hospital under Takeo¡¯s guidance.

    ---

    Like any other days, Kibo Hospital was calm and quiet at night. In casual steps, Hide walked through the employee parking area. Apart from wearing doctor coat and fake ID card in his chest, he also wore neutral glasses and a fake mustache. Most of all, without touching it no one would know he had silenced Sieg P365 under his left armpit, along with extra magazines, small tube containing neurotoxin, and flashbang in his waist.

    As he walked across the quiet parking lot, in one corner Hide spotted two men in an old creamy Korolla. They wore sport jacket and T-shirt, but Hide was sure they were member of metro police. Takeshi Torumada was the only survivor from incident in Villa Tigera, so metro police treated him as important witness.

    And member of metro police was not the only presence that Hide had to watch out. In other corner, five men with black suits gathered around two luxurious SUV. With ease, Hide could tell they were Toruma Mafia.

    Hide didn¡¯t know how member of metro police and Toruma Mafia could park their car and stood by in the employee parking area. He only knew it was not a good thing for him. Now, he couldn¡¯t use the employee parking area as his exit if shit happened.

    ¡®This exit is burned,¡¯ Hide muttered as he arrived before the staff entrance. It only took a few seconds before he opened the locked door and entered the staff office.

    Before he continued his walk Hide radioed Takeo in whisper, ¡°Apple to Orange, actual.¡±

    [Loud and clear, Apple, go ahead.]

    ¡°Marked people in creamy old Korolla in east corner, and two luxurious Black SUVs in south corner.¡±

    [Who are they?]

    ¡°Metro police and Toruma Mafia.¡±

    [Received and understood, I will mark them.]

    ¡°What about Otsu? Do you spot her?¡±

    [Her name just appeared in the system. She used her keytag to enter lab building next to VIP ward.]

    ¡°Copy, let¡¯s proceed to the next phase.¡±

    [Okay, I have your back, Orange over and out.]

    Without delay, Hide went to VIP ward. He took a detour around TDRC Lab and entering VIP ward from a hallway that connected to main lobby. To reach Takeshi¡¯s room in third floor, Hide also used elevator that was specifically being prepared for hospital staff in emergency.

    Ping!

    As soon as the lift opened, Hide calmly stepped out. He smiled to the nurses on standby desk, and showed a small clipboard that indicated he came for a scheduled check on the patient. The nurses on standby didn¡¯t stop Hide, but they still looked at him wonderingly as this was their first time seeing him.

    One of the nurses, the one with scary expression, also reached out for desk telephone and made a call, but Hide calmly continued walking. Takeo had blocked all cable networks to 3rd floor of VIP ward, so no one would answer the scary nurse¡¯s call.

    Hide next obstacle was two member of metro police who sat in a bench in front of Takeshi¡¯s room. They were not only young and fit, but had Haka VP9 in their waist. In Nikko, most members of national police would carry revolver as their personal weapon. Only police officer with adequate firearms training could carry Haka VP9, so a firefight against them was bad idea. Not to mention, killing police officer would put Hide as one of highest priority in Metro Police¡¯s shit list.

    The two police officers gave Hide a deep and careful gaze as he came closer. But fortunately, they didn¡¯t stop him from entering Takeshi¡¯s rooms.

    *****

 HA2 2.3 â€“ Improvisation

    HA2 2.3 ¨C Improvisation

    Inside the room, Hide found Takeshi lay unconsciously on the bed, and was fully connected to life support machine. Ending his life silently would be a walk in the park. However, two members of Toruma Mafia were guarding him inside the room. Both were middle-aged man with sturdy body, and Hide was sure they carried knife.

    ¡®Damn. Takeo didn¡¯t warn me about these goons,¡¯ Hide muttered as he gently closed the door.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± One of Takeshi¡¯s body guards asked suspiciously.

    ¡°I come to check his vital,¡± Hide replied as he walked over to Takeshi¡¯s bed.

    ¡°Where is doctor Matsu?¡± The other body guard asked as he got up to his feet.

    ¡°He has something urgent he has to attend.¡±

    Both Takeshi¡¯s body guards immediately frowned before looking at each other, and that¡¯s more than enough to tell Hide that he had said something that he shouldn¡¯t. Then, almost at the same time, Takeshi¡¯s bodyguards drew out their knife while Hide reached out for his silenced Sieg P35.

    Pulling out a knife was much faster then pulling out a silenced handgun, so Takeshi¡¯s bodyguards managed to out speed Hide. However, they had to come closer to him, while Hide only had to take aim on their pelvis.

    Be-beeb!! Be-beeb!!

    Four rapid muffled sounds were heard, followed by a painful groan as Takeshi¡¯s bodyguards fell to the floor. Pelvis shot was never failed to drop even the strongest man to the ground, but Hide didn¡¯t stop. He finished off the goons by giving them a headshot, and then he switched his aim to the door.

    Normally, people in front of the room wouldn¡¯t hear or notice a single shot fired from a silenced handgun. However, Hide had fired six shots in row and people with keen hearing would definitely notice it. Not to mention, the repeated muzzle flash would be visible through the mosaic glass on the door.

    In the end, the worst scenario that Hide wanted to avoid at all cost came into reality. He could only let out a deep sigh as swift steps closing in to the door. Judging from how they didn¡¯t immediately storm the room, Hide concluded they must be the metro police¡¯s officers who stood by in front of the room.

    Now, they must have leaned on the wall next to the door, with ready to fire gun in their hands. After calling for back up, they would definitely took action. It¡¯s just a matter of seconds before they entered the room using dynamic entry.

    Wasting no time, Hide took flashbang from his waist. While maintaining his aim to the door, he removed the safety pin using his teeth but didn¡¯t loosen up his gripped on the fuse lever. Then, he fired a single shot at mosaic glass on the door and threw the flashbang.

    The flashbang smoothly drew a gentle arc in the air, passed through the big hole in the door, hit the wall in front of the room, and detonated.

    BAAAAMM!!

    A groan was heard followed by swearing, while a nurse in the distance shrieked. At the same time, Hide put the end of silencer on Sieg P365 just a centimeter before Takeshi¡¯s temple and squeezed the trigger twice. Then, as he put Sieg P365 back into holster Hide went to the balcony.

    By holding on the guard rail, Hide lowered his body to balcony on the second floor, and with a gentle swing he landed on it. It was swift and silent, so the grandma in the room didn¡¯t realize that a stranger had landed on her balcony. She continued watching her favorite historical drama while occasionally wiping her tears.

    By using the same method, Hide landed on the flower bed next to VIP ward.  As he assessed situation around him, Hide took the safety ring from his mouth and put it into his pocket, along with his fake glasses and fake mustache. After that, he jogged across the grass field towards laundry area. At the same time, a radio call came in.

    [Orange to Apple, do you copy?]

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    ¡°Loud and clear.¡±

    [Apple, be advised, people with black suit and sport jacket in the lobby and cafeteria are heading to VIP ward.]

    ¡°Got it,¡± Hide calmly replied before pressing PTT button one more time. ¡°I will try to escape through laundry area, helps me scout the route.¡±

    [Apple, Otsu just went to kitchen a moment ago, be careful, Kibo doesn¡¯t have many CCTV over there.]

    ¡°Copy.¡±

    As soon as he reached the corridor to laundry area and kitchen, Hide switched into casual walk. Running alone in the middle of the night in an empty corridor would definitely attract attention. Not to mention, laundry area and kitchen were located next to each other and Hide had to be careful of unintentional encounter with Otsu.

    Unfortunately, it seemed Hide was run out of luck tonight. As soon as he made a turn in a corner, Otsu¡¯s figure instantly entered his field of view. She was only a few meters in front of him, approaching in casual walk while carrying a cup of coffee in her hand.

    And it was too late for Hide to turn back and run, as Otsu instantly recognized him. ¡°Arnulfo Lim, if it¡¯s really your real name.¡±

    Hide almost in reflex drew his Sieg P365 to silenced Otsu, but he managed to hold his instinct back in the last second. ¡°What do you mean? It¡¯s my real name.¡±

    Otsu walked closer until she was only one step away in front of Hide and said, ¡°It¡¯s rather weird that in the night you showed up, HR people had a glitch in their personnel database and had to re-input it from scratch.¡±

    ¡°Glitch in database is normal occurrence.¡±

    Hide tried to provide reasonable explanation, but it was easy to tell that Otsu didn¡¯t buy it.

    ¡°Surprisingly, after I cross checked Arnulfo Lim¡¯s data, I found no one know him, including the professor who was being listed as sponsor for his scholarship.¡±

    ¡®Fuck. This chick has nasty attention to the detail.¡¯

    Hide couldn¡¯t help but curse inwardly. At the same time, two men in sport jackets approaching from a distance. As soon as they arrived before Otsu, they immediately show their badge.

    Then, one of the men said in a serious tone, ¡°Doc, we have a killer on the run in the vicinity. You should return to your station and stay put over there until we ensure everything is alright.¡±

    Otsu immediately asked, ¡°Who is the victim?¡±

    ¡°Son of a mob¡¯s head, he is a scumbag but we can¡¯t just let the killer escape.¡±

    After giving Hide a careful look for a moment the other men added, ¡°The killer is young and wearing doctor coat. He is armed and danger. You two should return to your station immediately.¡±

    ¡°I see, and thank you for the warning.¡± Without delay Otsu then said, ¡°Arnulfo, we better return to the lab now.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am.¡±

    Hide obediently followed Otsu. He had no other choice. However, he had a hunch why Otsu didn¡¯t hand him over to metro police, and maybe he didn¡¯t need to kill her to silence her.

    ---

    As usual, at night TDRC Lab was as quiet as haunted cemetery. Then, as soon as Otsu locked the door Hide immediately said, ¡°I don¡¯t have the dope anymore.¡±

    ¡°Have you sold it all?¡± Otsu casually asked. ¡°The premium dope you made in this lab.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°But you can make it again, can¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°As long as I have the ingredient and equipment, and for the record I can¡¯t use this place anymore. My face had become too popular here.¡±

    After pondering for a moment Otsu asked again, ¡°Where did you sell it?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t ask a merchant about the secret of his lifeline.¡±

    ¡°Fine.¡± Otsu was upset, but she got it over in a flash. ¡°I have my own product, ready to use. Can you sell it to your buyer? I can give you a nice cut.¡±

    ¡°Nope,¡± Hide flatly rejected.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°My buyer has specific customers. Those people need pussy, booze, and dope to ensure their sanity is in check after carrying some nasty job. It¡¯s easy to get the first two as many as they want. But for the dope, in the long run human body will reach its limit and if you cross it you will get overdose and arrive in afterlife. So¡­.¡±

    Otsu took a deep breath before saying, ¡°Your buyer only accepts premium dope like yours.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Actually, Hateur Formula was not just premium dope. It had one unique character. If an adrenalin junkie consumed it in a certain interval, their body would never developed immunity to it. They would always got sensation as if it was their first time. However, Hide chose not to explain it for now.

    ¡°How about we do this?¡± Hide tried to propose an idea. ¡°Get me the equipment and ingredient. I will produce some and sell it, and we split the money 50:50.¡±

    Otsu nodded and said, ¡°You can use my personal lab. It¡¯s only 25 minutes by foot from here. I can take you there now.¡±

    ¡°Not now, take me there on Thursday night.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Hide couldn¡¯t believe Otsu immediately agreed. She didn¡¯t even show suspicion that he maybe would run away and didn¡¯t come back. But turned out, Otsu already prepare a way to ensure he wouldn¡¯t run

    ¡°Show me your fingers, both hands.¡±

    Hide didn¡¯t argue and put his hands in front of Otsu. After peeling off transparent insulation tape from Hide¡¯s finger tips, Otsu recorded his fingerprints on her smartphone, wrote a few notes on it, and then saved it in her cloud¡¯s account.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t show up, I will send your fingerprints to metro police along with your fake profile and my testament that you are the killer they are looking for.¡± Dangerous glint flashed in Otsu¡¯s eyes as she continued, ¡°If you kill me, in two days the same package will automatically be sent to metro police from my cloud account.¡±

    ¡°Ma¡¯am, yes Ma¡¯am.¡±

    Hide obediently complied, but inwardly he was uncomfortable as hell. He couldn¡¯t just let someone who knew some of his hidden activities had his fingerprints as bargaining chip. However, for now escaping from Kibo was his highest priority and he would need Otsu to do that.

    For the dangerous bargaining chip on Otsu¡¯s hand, he would deal it on their next meeting. A few minutes later, with Otsu¡¯s help Hide managed to slip through metro police¡¯s check points that tightly sealed Kibo Hospital.

    *****

 HA2 3.1 â€“ Workshop

    HA2 3.1 ¨C Workshop

    In the Black Zubaru, Hide finished a box of orange juice in one and long gulp. Then, he said, ¡°We clear the objective, but it¡¯s a close call. We miss a lot of information.

    I enter VIP ward without even knowing the type of the door on Takeshi¡¯s room or doctor who handled him. In the end, I can escape purely because of improvisation and luck.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s my fault,¡± Takeo dejectedly said. ¡°Before tonight we always had good result, so I took it easy and didn¡¯t collect the info through fully.¡±

    ¡°Actually¡­¡± Hide took a deep breath before continuing, ¡°I have the biggest share in tonight mess. As the one with most experience, I should supervise your work before we execute the job. Like how we did it in previous job.¡±

    After biting her lower lips Shizuka weakly said, ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t provide worthy assistance tonight.¡±

    ¡°Hey,¡± Hide looked at Shizuka as he said, ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. You are the most junior among us. Let¡¯s be grateful that we clear the job, learn from our mistake, and move on.¡±

    ¡°¡°Okay,¡±¡± Takeo and Shizuka replied at the same time.

    Hide then started Black Zubaru¡¯s engine. ¡°Let¡¯s visit our workshop before going home.¡±

    Vroom vroom vrooooommmm!!

    With ease, the Black Zubaru leaved the dark alley and entered the main road that neither crowded nor empty, and went straight to the rear complex of Nichiko central station. After passing dozens of neatly parked locomotives, it stopped before a tunnel.

    Hide then asked Shizuka to open the crossbar that sealed the tunnel, and locked it again after Black Zubaru passed it. After that, they continued their journey, drove through the dark tunnel in moderate speed.

    Surprisingly, after a few hundred meters the railway turned into two lanes paved road, Hide immediately increased the speed. Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at an abandoned subway station, and Hide parked the Black Zubaru next to a black van.

    As she exited Black Zubaru, Shizuka asked, ¡°That¡¯s the van from Villa Tigera, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Yep,¡± Hide calmly replied. ¡°And our loot is still there.¡±

    ¡°Hide, how do you know this place?¡± Takeo asked after giving the dark subway station a quick scan.

    ¡°It¡¯s a memory from my previous life.¡±

    It was honest answer, but Takeo and Shizuka didn¡¯t believe it. However, they didn¡¯t ask further.

    With the help from a flash light, Hide then took Takeo and Shizuka into a small information center in one corner. Its door was tightly locked, but Hide easily opened it and in the backroom the three found a fully working elevator.

    As he pointed at keypad next to the elevator Hide said, ¡°The code is 69-69-69.¡±

    ¡°What a pervert code,¡± Shizuka sourly gave her remark.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Hide lightly smiled before continuing, ¡°But it¡¯s very easy to remember.¡±

    No sound was heard as Hide entered the code, but the small red light above the elevator turned green as soon as Hide entered the last number. At the same time, the elevator¡¯s door smoothly opened. Wasting no time, the three entered it and as soon as Hide pressed number 13 on the keypad, the elevator immediately went up.

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    The space inside the elevator was not big, only around 1.5x1.5 meter, and there was a warning of 500 kg limitation on its wall. From the stale air inside the elevator, it was also easy to tell the elevator was not being used for a long time.

    Shizuka and Takeo couldn¡¯t help but had lot of question flooded their mind. However, they tried their best to hold back their curiosity and just followed Hide faithfully.

    Then, the elevator suddenly stop and its door smoothly opened. Hide immediately stepped out into a pitch black room, went straight for the light switch, and turned the lighting on.

    In an instant, Takeo and Shizuka dropped their jaw. The room they entered turned out was very spacious. It had black wall in three sides, bright lighting in 8 meters high ceiling, along with tons of lines, boxes, and numbers made of yellow line on the floor.

    ¡°Hide, what room is this?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    ¡°To secretly carry his hobby, a crazy rich gun nut built this place,¡± Hide calmly introduce the shooting range. ¡°Other than this 200 meters gun range, this place also has firearm workshop, armory, warehouse that store removable ballistic wall to construct CQB quarter, martial gym, and some other useful facilities.

    This place will help us a lot for our training and preparation for the next job.¡±

    Question mark in Takeo¡¯s forehead instantly thickened. ¡°Where is the owner now?¡±

    ¡°He already left this world.¡±

    ¡°Did you kill him?¡± Shizuka asked.

    ¡°No, he died in a plane crash last years, just a few days before he moved his firearm collection here.¡±

    ¡°Does his family know about this place?¡± Takeo asked another question.

    ¡°No one knows this place other than the late owner.¡±

    ¡°Hide, please be honest with us,¡± Shizuka sincerely begged. ¡°How do you know this place?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a memory from my previous life.¡± Hide could tell Shizuka and Takeo didn¡¯t believe him, but he didn¡¯t give a damn. ¡°Follow me.¡±

    Through a door in a corner, Hide took Takeo and Shizuka to the armory. It was not big, only around 7x5 meters, but it had proper gun cage, equipment rack, pallet to pile up ammo can, hand-towed forklift, and sturdy table specifically designed to help shooter when they cleaned and maintained their toys.

    ¡°We have to move our loot from Black Van to this armory as soon as possible,¡± Hide calmly said.

    Takeo lightly nodded. ¡°When will we do it?¡±

    ¡°Next Thursday, can you spare some of your time after dinner?¡±

    ¡°I can,¡± Shizuka firmly replied.

    ¡°No problem,¡± Takeo also firmly replied.

    ¡°Good.¡±

    Hide then took the two to firearm workshop. The workshop had lot of equipment that made Takeo and Shizuka creased their eyebrows, but Hide explained nothing and kept walking to the next room. When passing a medium-sized but well equipped martial art gym, Hide also explained nothing. He only stopped when the three arrived in a small empty room.

    ¡°I want to turn this spare room into a lab.¡±

    ¡°What kind of lab?¡± Shizuka asked.

    ¡°Chemist lab,¡± Hide calmly replied. ¡°Otsu will provide the equipment and materials. Next Thursday, before we move the lot in Black Van, we will take it from her place.¡±

    Takeo added, ¡°It¡¯s also a good chance to take Bastard Moruyama¡¯s second car.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, you and Shizuka will take it. I will carry Black Zubaru.¡±

    Hide then took the two to the last room. It was the combination of kitchen, living room, bathroom, and laundry room. Unlike the previous rooms, it had creamy wall on three sides and one big glass wall on one side. The exterior of big glass wall was being used to hold big letters forming two words, ¡®CHIKARA TOWERS¡¯.

    Takeo and Shizuka immediately walked over to the glass walls. Through a gap on the big letters, they observed the traffic below and they immediately realized that they were far above the ground.

    ¡°Hide, how high we are right now?¡± Takeo asked as doubt was reflected in his eyes. Then, another question appeared in his mind as he recognizes the main road below, the nearby buildings, and the big letters on the exterior glass wall. ¡°Are we in Chikara Tower?¡±

    ¡°Yup, we are in 46th floor of Chikara Tower,¡± Hide calmly replied.

    ¡°Wait a second,¡± Takeo turned his gaze to Hide as he continued, ¡°If I remember it correctly, Chikara Tower is only 45 floors high.¡±

    ¡°Publicly, yes, it¡¯s only 45 floors, but actually it has one additional floor in its peak.¡±

    Shizuka, who so far was only listened silently, decided to ask, ¡°How did the gun nut get an unknown additional floor?¡±

    ¡°People call it the power of money.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Shizuka replied in low voice.

    ¡°Well, along with Bastard Moruyama¡¯s place as our base, we have this place as our workshop. Every activity that related to our job, we will do it in these two places. Don¡¯t leave any trail in other place, especially our house.¡± Hide deeply looked at Takeo and Shizuka before asking, ¡°Got it?¡±

    ¡°¡°Got it.¡±¡±

    ¡°Good, let¡¯s go home then.¡±

    Unlike the way they came in, to leave the workshop Hide showed Takeo and Shizuka a secret access to Chikara Tower¡¯s rooftop. From there, they went down to lobby using regular elevator. After that, they called taxi to take them home.

    *****

 HA2 3.2 â€“ New Routine

    HA2 3.2 ¨C New Routine

    At 00:40, Hide arrived at Hanna¡¯s place. After taking a bath and change his clothes, he went straight to the bed and hugged Hanna from behind, and it felt so warm, nice, and super comfortable. It seemed when he went out Hanna had woke up, taking a shower, and changed into her pajama.

    Then, as Hide gently kissed her cheek, Hanna woke up, gripped his hand, and brought it into her chest.

    ¡°Where did you go with Takeo?¡±

    ¡°Nearby caf¨¦.¡±

    ¡°Hide,¡± Hanna gently said. ¡°I¡¯m not trying to nag on you, but for hanging around in nearby caf¨¦, you go for a very long time.¡±

    ¡°We have a tight schedule to finish a script,¡± A lie smoothly slipped through Hide¡¯s teeth.

    ¡°Script? What kind of script?¡±

    ¡°Programing script. I and Takeo work as part-timer in a robotic programming sub-contractor.¡±

    In an instant Hanna¡¯s creased her eyebrow. Then, she turned around and looked at Hide deeply. ¡°Hide, I won¡¯t forbid you from hanging around with your friends. So, you don¡¯t need to make fancy excuse and just be honest with me.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not fancy excuse,¡± Hide calmly replied. ¡°I and Takeo are truly part-timer in Elven Robotic, a programming sub-contractor from Finn.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    It was easy to tell that Hanna heavily doubted his words, but Hide was not worry at all. ¡°Tomorrow, I will show you its web address. For now, let¡¯s sleep. I¡¯m really tired.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Hanna didn¡¯t argue even though she still doubted Hide¡¯s words. Tomorrow, she would know the truth so for now she would just rest her curiosity.

    ¡°Hide.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Hugs me, tightly.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Without delay, Hide happily complied with Hanna¡¯s request. A moment later, the two were already fast asleep.

    ---

    From Monday to Friday, Hanna had to teach morning diet class for office lady. The class was started at 06:00, so she would wake up at 05:00, took a bath, and then went to Beauty & the Beast after enjoying a cup of warm tea. But today, she deliberately woke up at 04:30. She wanted to prepare a proper breakfast for Hide.

    Surprisingly, when Hanna woke up she found Hide had already wake up before her. He was busy put spare clothes, his school uniform, towel, and small bag of bathroom miscellaneous into a big sport bag.

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    ¡°Hide, what do you want for breakfast?¡± Hanna cheerfully asked.

    ¡°Anything,¡± Hide replied as he put a water canteen to the sport bag. ¡°But I can¡¯t eat something too heavy before MMA class.¡±

    ¡°Okay. I will prepare our breakfast. You go use the bathroom first.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    As she woke up from the bed, Hanna felt a slight ache in her private area, and it made her recalled the last night sofa in action. In an instant, her face became red and hot.

    ¡®He will definitely get me pregnant with his baby if I don¡¯t be careful,¡¯ Hanna muttered as she secretly peeked at Hide.

    Hanna was sure that if right now Hide came to her, undressed her, and then pressed her down to the bed, she would definitely not be able to put any resistance and could only let Hide enjoyed her. Throughout her life, this was the first time she felt a sensation that made her so powerless and nervous, but at the same time it also made her happy.

    It was definitely not a normal occurrence, as usually Hanna wouldn¡¯t have a thought about sex in the next morning after she had it.

    Meanwhile, Hide who didn¡¯t aware of Hanna¡¯s inner thought went to bathroom after finishing the packing for MMA class. As a result another weird feeling gripped Hanna¡¯s heart. She didn¡¯t know she had to be disappointed or relieved that Hide didn¡¯t banged her.

    In the end, Hanna could only take a deep breath a few times to calm her heart. After fixing the bed, she then went to kitchen.

    As she and Hide would eat their breakfast after their morning exercise, Hanna packed it into lunch box. It was simple breakfast consisted of omelet roll, pan-grilled salmon, saut¨¦ vegetable she seasoned with bonito flakes, and garlic bread.

    As to ensure they had enough energy to carry their morning exercise without being too full, Hanna made two bowls of oatmeal with a lot of apple slices. After enjoying the oatmeal with Hide, Hanna then took morning bath.

    A few minutes later, the two were already on their walk to parking lot. Hanna wore a long sleeve track suit and carried a medium sport bag. Next to her, Hide wore a short, T-shirt, and a jacket. Hide also carried his school back pack and a big sport bag. The two walked happily like a young couple who went for a morning exercise.

    ---

    As Hide drove the Black Altiez through the empty morning road, Hanna took her time to study Elven Robotic¡¯s main page. She also did quick surf, looking for a reference about the company. But in the end, she didn¡¯t find anything that triggered her suspicion. Even so, she still had a hard time believing that Hide was a part-timer in such company.

    ¡°Hide, are you truly a part-timer in this software company?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m,¡± Hide calmly replied.

    ¡°How much they pay you?¡±

    ¡°200-300 thousand Ren per project.¡±

    In an instant Hanna widened her eyes. ¡°That¡¯s a lot of payment for a part-timer. High school part-timer usually receive only around 40-60 thousand Ren per month.¡±

    ¡°Yes, but in programing industry, what I receive is only crumbs actually. Not to mention, I and Takeo will need two months to finish one project.¡±

    ¡°Hide.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Give me back my card.¡±

    Hide took a glance on Hanna before saying, ¡°Nope.¡±

    ¡°You are a man and you have your own income. Don¡¯t you have your pride?¡±

    ¡°Pride is just useless burden,¡± Hide casually replied. ¡°And, the sensation for having a smoking hot babe like you as sugar lover is unbelievable nice.¡±

    ¡°Fine.¡± Actually, Hanna didn¡¯t truly want to take her card back, so she didn¡¯t pursue the matter further. Even so, she wouldn¡¯t let Hide off the hook easily. ¡°But at least treat me to a three-star Michelin using your own money, just once is enough.¡±

    ¡°Pick the place. After I get the money for current project, we will go there.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    The average price for three-star Michelin restaurant was around 150 Dillar or 15.000 Ren per person. So, it¡¯s still under Hide¡¯s budget. Also, Hide easily agreed to Hanna¡¯s request because after the dinner he planned to bang her all the night until she begged for mercy.

    However, Hanna couldn¡¯t read Hide¡¯s inner thought and she felt that Hide was too easy in agreeing to her request, and it triggered a suspicion in her heart.

    ¡°Hide, you don¡¯t use your money for fooling around and chasing skirts with Takeo, do you?¡±

    ¡°I and Takeo want to enter university, so we don¡¯t have time for fooling around.¡± Hide calmly explained, ¡°Shizuka¡¯s also always accompany Takeo every time I met him. So, it¡¯s very hard for us to chase other girl.

    Moreover, other than Takeo I don¡¯t have other boys to hanging with and very very very not popular with girls in my school, or I wouldn¡¯t go looking for escort lady to satisfy my healthy curiosity.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    After she gave it a deeper thought, Hanna realized that actually it was easy to tell that Hide was not the type that popular among women or girls. However, she unintentionally bore jealousy and worries that clouded her train of thought. And, it didn¡¯t require a sharp thought to realize that only someone who treated a relationship in serious manner would bore jealousy and worries.

    In an instant, Hanna¡¯s face burning hot as the realization hit her so hard and sudden. ¡®Oh my God, how could I arrive in this point in such a short time?¡¯

    But in the end, Hanna didn¡¯t dare to think about it further and chose to ignore it.

    *****

 HA2 3.3 â€“ MMA Class

    HA2 3.3 ¨C MMA Class

    As soon as they arrived at Beauty & the Beast, Hanna took Hide to the limited martial art gyms in the backyard. The gym was not big, and there were only five boxers and three MMA fighters who were training inside it, but it well equipped and each fighter had a good amount of space for themselves.

    After taking their shoes off, Hanna took Hide to an old man who sat in a bench in a corner. The old man wore a simple t-shirt and short. He also had casual demeanor and short body, but from his ramrod back, broad shoulder, and the way he place his center of gravity, Hide could tell that the old man was a skillful fighter.

    As soon as she arrived in front of the old man, Hanna immediately said, ¡°Hide, this is Coach Kotaro. For the last twenty years, he has produced six national level boxer champion and three Pacific Rim MMA Champions. Please listen and follow his guidance.¡±

    ¡°Coach Kotaro, nice to meet you,¡± Hide bowed his head before continuing, ¡°This beginner will listen and follow your wisdom.¡±

    Coach Kotaro observed Hide from head to toe, pondering for a while, and then asked, ¡°I have read your latest physical stat, but before we start I need to know, have you ever taken martial art lesson before?¡±

    ¡°I took private jujutsu course from first grade to third grade, but never had sparring or training after that,¡± A lie smoothly slipped through Hide¡¯s teeth, and then he added a honest fact, ¡°Even so, I think I will still be able to throw someone if I caught him off guard, and for the last few weeks, I did a light shadow kick-box every morning.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Coach Kotaro casually said. ¡°Show me your best kick then.¡±

    Hide nodded and followed Coach Kotaro into nearby water bag. He calmly took a stance, and then executed a waist high round house kick using his right leg.

    BAAAMM!!

    A loud impact echoed to all direction as soon as Hide¡¯s right foot landed on the water bag. It even attracted attention from nearby trainers and fighters, while Hanna widened her eyes.

    It was definitely not a sound of a kick from a beginner. Moreover, Hide had pivoted his supported feet, rotated his waist, and snapped his foot in one smooth and swift movement without losing his balance.

    Coach Kotaro was also slightly surprised by the power behind Hide¡¯s kick. It perfectly delivered Hide¡¯s weight to the impact. However, he immediately realized that Hide was truly a beginner after seeing the impact point on the Hide¡¯s right foot became as red as tomato. It was easy to tell that Hide never kicked a water bag before.

    ¡°That¡¯s a good kick, and now I know how I should shape you.¡± Coach Kotaro turned his gaze to Hanna and continued, ¡°I will train him.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Coach.¡±

    After giving Hide another wondering glance, Hanna then left. She had to teach morning diet class, so she had to hurry.

    ¡°Did Hanna tell you your basic menu?¡±

    ¡°She did,¡± Hide replied after slightly nodded his head. ¡°High speed jumping rope, sit up, quick feet, speed bag, water bag, shadow box, and three sets of 100 meter sprint, while in the afternoon I will have long range swimming to replace jogging.¡±

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    ¡°You have to do the long range swimming on your own. I will not record the result, but I will definitely know that you carry it or neglect it from the development of your endurance level.¡±

    ¡°Understood, Coach.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± Coach Kotaro then took a two rolls of 160 inches hand wraps from a rack as he said, ¡°I will teach you how to put hand wraps on. After that, we can start the training.¡±

    Even though Hide knew how to wear hand wraps on his own, he decided to play along. He also attentively listened to Coach Kotaro explanation as the old coach tightly wrapped his wrist and fingers. A moment later, the training began.

    ---

    Even though this was the first day of his training, Hide carried it as best as he could without hiding his knowledge about fundamental principal behind each menu. In short, he did each basic menu in the best way to shape a boxer.

    And so, question marks filled Coach Kotaro¡¯s mind to the brim. Throughout his career as martial art trainer, this was the first time he found a beginner that was so easy to train with. He didn¡¯t need to shout ¡®Faster! Faster! Faster!¡¯ when Hide did jumping rope or quick feet.

    He also only had to show Hide how to throw a proper punch or kick once or twice, before Hide could do it correctly. Most of all, when carrying out shadow kick, speed bag, or water bag Hide was able to shift his center of gravity without destroying his stance.

    Not to mention, for a beginner Hide had smooth and swift footwork. His punch and kick was also compact and precise, but powerful. And unlike a beginner, Hide never put his guard down or made an overly wide weaving. He also didn¡¯t do a lot of kicks. But when he did it, it was always powerful kick in an unexpected timing.

    ¡®This is definitely not a rhythm from a beginner, but a seasoned kick boxer.¡¯

    Coach Kotaro was 200% sure his conclusion hit the mark, if only Hide didn¡¯t lack the stamina and endurance of a seasoned kick boxer. But at the same time, he could tell that Hide¡¯s understanding was a result of experience and training, and not because he was a genius fighter who was being guided by his instinct.

    ¡®Fuck¡­ How did this kid got his understanding if he never done any training or fighting?¡¯

    Never did Coach Kotaro imagine that after becoming martial arts trainer for two decades, he would still encounter a situation that he couldn¡¯t comprehend. In the end, Coach Kotaro didn¡¯t thinking about it further and decided he would just totally put his mind in shaping Hide.

    As he pressed the stop button on the stopwatch Coach Kotaro said, ¡°Hide, that¡¯s enough.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Coach.¡± Hide immediately stopped the last round of his water bag and took a mouthful of water from his water canteen.

    ¡°Hide, do you know the best training menu for a boxer?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    Coach Kotaro had a hunch that Hide was lying, but he didn¡¯t point it out and just continued explaining, ¡°Sparring and mitt hitting will make a boxer into a better fighter, but the thing that makes a boxer stronger and faster is the basic menu, along with water bag and shadow box.¡±

    ¡°Understood, Coach.¡±

    ¡°So, don¡¯t neglect each menu you have to carry. After you do the minimal amount for each menu, you can chose whatever menu you like the most and practice it as much as you can. However, after 19:00 don¡¯t do anything that burden your body. You had to give your body time to rest and recover, and at least six hours of good sleep before you start the next training.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Coach.¡±

    ¡°I can only accompany you three times a week, pick the day.¡±

    ¡°Monday, Wednesday, Thursday,¡± Hide calmly replied, even though inwardly he was very surprised.

    Hanna had told him that Coach Kotaro had a national level boxer champions and a Pacific Rim MMA champion under his guidance currently. So, Hide thought he would accompany him only once a week, just to check his progress and gave him some advice. Not to mention he didn¡¯t take competition route, but self-defense street fight. Therefore, Hide never thought Coach Kotaro would spare a lot of time and attention to train him.

    ¡°When I¡¯m not accompanying you, you can train by yourself at home and focusing on your basic, or you can come here and ask one of my staffs to accompany you doing mitt hitting to polish your strike.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Coach.¡±

    ¡°As for sparring, I will only arrange it after you have adequate foundation. At that time, you will also start the training for grappling and ground game.¡±

    Hide deeply bowed his head as he said in tone full of respect and gratitude, ¡°Thank you, Coach.¡±

    ¡°You should thank Hanna, not me.¡± Coach Kotaro casually replied. ¡°She threaten me she will leave Beauty & the Beast if I don¡¯t train you wholeheartedly.¡±

    ¡°I will thank her,¡± Hide sincerely said.

    ¡°Good, we will meet again on Wednesday then.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Coach.¡±

    Hide gave Coach Kotaro another bow before taking a bath and changing into his uniform. For his dirty clothes, he only had to put it into laundry basket with his name and the laundry staff will take care of the rest.

    Then, he went to Hanna¡¯s office to have breakfast with her. The breakfast that Hanna made was only simple breakfast, but it tasted two times more delicious because he was starving. It also brightened his mood.

    After that Hide went to school with a body that was still in peak of exhaustion, and for the whole day he had to struggle preventing himself from fall asleep in the class. It was arduous uphill battle, but he managed to preserve to the end and didn¡¯t neglect the class.

    *****

 HA2 4.1 â€“ Sport Massage

    HA2 4.1 ¨C Sport Massage

    Today, Tenma had a special training with Isamu Sensei, so Hide trained only with Nao and Miku. Even though the tiredness and soreness from MMA class still plagued his body, he managed to complete 2 km jogs, 100 push up, and 100 squats. Hide fully realized that he would become stronger, and the physical abuse he went through every day would become a light snack sooner or later, so he calmly carried out his training without whining.

    Hide also didn¡¯t have to worry about Shizuka. She was doing her basic just fine. However, Takeo was a different matter. His body was already hit its limit even though today was only his second day in Hiking Club. But at the same time, Hide could also see that Takeo¡¯s fighting spirits stayed sky high.

    ¡®His leg must be hurt like hell right now, and his tiredness is at its peak,¡¯ Hide downed a mouthful of water as he observed how Takeo put his life on the line to complete his jogging, by walking step by step. ¡®Just wait a bit longer. I will give you a hand later.¡¯

    ¡°Hide, maybe you should advice Takeo to quit.¡± Nao said as soon as she realized the direction of Hide¡¯s gaze. ¡°Currently, he is just torturing himself.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s his choice.¡± Hide turned his gaze to Nao and continued, ¡°I have no say on it.¡±

    ¡°Even so, I get a hunch Takeo will listen to you.¡±

    Question mark instantly popped up on Hide¡¯s forehead, ¡°What make Big Sis Nao think so?¡±

    ¡°You two seem very close,¡± Nao casually said.

    Miku who stood next to Nao added, ¡°Every a few minutes Takeo will look at you before continuing his painful walk. It¡¯s as if your presence is what give him motivation to keep going at all cost.¡±

    Nao nodded and said, ¡°The way he look on you also pretty similar to someone who passionately look at his lover.¡±

    ¡°Hide, you and Takeo don¡¯t have to hide your relationship from us,¡± Miku said in a tone that made her sounded like a Buddha. ¡°We totally understand your forbidden feeling.¡±

    ¡®What the¡­.¡¯

    Hide had to admit Nao and Miku was very sharp. He definitely had to be careful when interact with the two, but the thing that he worried the most was their weird train of thought, that led them to a dangerous conclusion.

    ¡°I¡¯m a straight,¡± Hide firmly said. ¡°Definitely a hundred percent straight.¡±

    ¡°Hide,¡± Nao narrowed her eyes as she looked at Hide, ¡°The way you denied it makes it more suspicious.¡±

    Hide let out a sigh before explaining, ¡°I believe Takeo is also a straight and he is Shizuka¡¯s boyfriend.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Miku looked at Shizuka, Takeo, and Hide alternately before continuing, ¡°So that¡¯s why Shizuka also sometimes looked at you too.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a new type of love triangle,¡± Nao concluded while nodding her head a few times.

    ¡®These chicks¡­¡¯

    From the weird smile on their face, Hide could tell Miku and Nao totally believed that their conclusion hit the mark, and whatever he said to clarify it would only deepened their conclusion. So, he decided to say nothing while reminded himself to smack Takeo and Shizuka on the head for their carelessness.

    ---

    Training in Uruba Hill went as usual. Nao and Miku did four sets of Hike Run while Hide only three sets. After checking Hide¡¯s today record, Nao turned her gaze to him.

    ¡°Hide, do you know the statistic for 3.6 km run on flat track?¡±

    Hide shook his head. ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°For 3.6 km in flat and hard track, 18 minutes is considered as average, while 15 minutes is superior,¡± Miku paused for a moment before asking, ¡°So, how can you achieve 18 minutes in an off trail hike?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± A lie smoothly slipped through Hide¡¯s teeth.

    ¡°Actually,¡± Nao happily explained, ¡°In 3.6 High Run, if you make a straight line from the starting line to finishing line, it¡¯s only about 1.8 km. So, the key to achieve shortest time possible is by avoiding detour and directly tackle obstacles in your track as many as you can.¡±

    ¡°Starting from tomorrow we will teach you how to do it." Miku sexily licked her lips before adding, ¡°It will be fun. I guarantee it.¡±

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    ¡°Okay.¡± Hide nodded before asking, ¡°But¡­ How do we know what kind of obstacle we will face in the next Hakka Outdoor?¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t know about it. That¡¯s why we will train on different track each week,¡± Miku casually replied. ¡°Fortunately, Uruba Hill has twelve different tracks we can use. Sometimes we will also train in hiking trail around Hibino Lake.

    And believe me, the terrain in Uruba Hill is a child play compare to leg-breaking terrain around Hibino Lake. However, if you can do well in terrain around Hibino Lake, you will also do well in Hakka Outdoor.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Hide obediently nodded.

    After drinking the rest of their water, Hide, Nao, and Miku returned to East Nichiko.

    ---

    Hide calmly entered his class without closing the door and he found Takeo and Shizuka had already waited for him. Seeing Shizuka had gloomily air around him, Hide immediately asked her.

    ¡°How is your training today?¡±

    ¡°Sayaka starts to call me idiot because I can¡¯t remember her explanation from yesterday,¡± Shizuka dejectedly said.

    ¡°Please be patient for now.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Hide then turned his gaze to Takeo. ¡°Have you washed your feet as I ask?¡±

    ¡°I have,¡± Takeo weakly replied. ¡°I also bring the towel you have asked for.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± Hide took a roll of yoga mat from his sport bag as he continued, ¡°I will give you a sport massage.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Big question mark popped up on Takeo¡¯s forehead as he continued, ¡°You will give me a sport massage?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Without delay, Hide put the yoga mat on top of three tables that he put together. ¡°Come on, we don¡¯t have much time. Hop up and face down.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± After handing over the 60x40 cm towel he brought to Hide, Takeo immediately lay on the table.

    Then, Hide used the towel to cover Takeo¡¯s left calf as he said to Shizuka, ¡°Watch and learn how I give Takeo a sport massage. Next time, you are the one who have to give it to him.¡±

    ¡°Me?¡± Shizuka looked at Hide with widened eyes, but it was clearly visible that she was very happy about it.

    ¡°Yes, you.¡± Hide pointed his index finger to Shizuka¡¯s nose as he continued, ¡°When Aizawa sleeps in Kitaro, I will have long-range afternoon swimming before Hanna give me sport massage, so you two have to help each other.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Hide then started massaging Takeo left calf. He gently pressed it with both palm before releasing it in one go.

    ¡°When I press, I pump the blood out of the area I press. When I release the pressure, the blood will come back like a flood.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°This palm press will help the blood flow fluently, and washing out the accumulation of lactic acid that cause sore and ache.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°After that, you can use gentle rubbing, tapping, or kneading to relax the muscle, or use acupressure to release knots that formed due heavy work.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    As karate user who trained since five years old, Shizuka had deep knowledge about how human body worked. She knew that lactic acid was a chemical that human body produced when it broke down carbohydrate for energy. When human muscle was overflowing with lactic acid, it would lead into sore, ache, or even painful contraction.

    The most common method to burn out lactic acid was by carrying out a cooling down exercise and deep stretching right after heavy physical work out. However, at his current condition, Takeo¡¯s body would need more than cooling down exercise and deep stretching to neutralize the overflowing lactic acid.

    Shizuka also knew that sport massage was a good method to wash out overflowing lactic acid and helped an athlete to recover from their tiredness faster. It would enable an athlete so they could carry their training up to their maximum capacity each day.

    However, Shizuka never used sport massage to help her body recover from tiredness or soreness. When she started training karate and had sore muscle, her mother would just give her ice cream and she would stop whining. But now, she deeply interested to learn sport massage to the smallest detail because she could use it to help Takeo. Throughout her life, this was the first time she was very eager to study about something.

    Slowly but surely time flew, and in total Hide required 75 minutes to fully massaged Takeo from toe, calf, thigh, butt, lower back, waist, upper back, shoulder, neck, and arms. Then, as he returned Takeo¡¯s towel he confirmed the result of his work.

    ¡°How is it?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s amazing,¡± Takeo said as sweats drenched his body like a flood. ¡°The sore and ache in my legs gone without a trace. There are still some stings from blister in my sole, but it is not a big deal.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s good that the massage is working as expected.¡±

    ¡°Hide, why you give me this massage only now?¡± Takeo bitterly said. ¡°Last night, I couldn¡¯t sleep because my whole body hurt like hell. I also had a slight fever, while this morning I almost couldn¡¯t wake up from the bed because my body was as stiff as log.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡±

    Hide didn¡¯t give Takeo the sport massage as soon as he could because he wanted to use Takeo¡¯s pain and tiredness to shape his will power. It was not impossible that in the future, Takeo would have to survive by relying on his will power alone. Therefore, he would sharpen his will power every time opportunity presents itself.

    At the same time he didn¡¯t want Takeo to see him as a sadist. He worried that it would lessen Takeo¡¯s trust on him, like how it lessened his trust on his instructors in his previous life, and so Hide made a believable lie.

    ¡°Yesterday my body was also tired as hell, like you.¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Takeo weakly said. ¡°I never thought you will also have a hard time like me.¡±

    ¡°No, problem.¡± Hide then turned his gaze to Shizuka. ¡°Tomorrow I will show it again. After that, you will do it under my supervision for the first few massages.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Shizuka happily replied.

    Takeo who right now was as happy as clam decided to propose an idea, ¡°Hide, please teach me too. It¡¯s not fair if it¡¯s only Shizuka who give me the massage.¡±

    Even without asking Shizuka about it, Hide was sure she would happily agreed with Takeo¡¯s idea. Hide also could tell that Takeo had no bad intention. But still, he felt that he should ask Shizuka for her permission.

    ¡°Do you mind if Takeo gives you a sport massage?¡±

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Shizuka calmly replied but Hide could see the slight blush on her snow white neck.

    ¡®It¡¯s good to be young and get carried away with your feeling,¡¯ Hide muttered as he turned his gaze to Takeo, ¡°I will teach you too.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡±

    ¡°You can use this mat, but in return please buy another one for Shizuka. It will be a lot of comfortable if you two use your own personal mat when receiving sport massage.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°And one more thing,¡± Hide¡¯s expressions suddenly became dead serious. ¡°When training in the backyard, don¡¯t keep looking at me. Some people have notice it and it could lead into unwanted circumstance if you two don¡¯t stop it.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°¡°We do.¡±¡±

    Like a kindergarten kids who got reprimanded by a scary teacher, Takeo and Shizuka obediently replied and nodded their head.

    ¡°Well then, let¡¯s go home.¡±

    Big question mark immediately appeared in Takeo¡¯s forehead. ¡°You don¡¯t teach me the sport massage now?¡±

    ¡°I have to be at home before Aizawa,¡± Hide calmly replied.

    ¡°Ah sorry¡­¡± Takeo awkwardly said. ¡°I¡¯m too excited because my body is super comfortable right now.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    After returning the tables they used back into its original position, Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka left in turn. Hide was first to leave, followed by Takeo and Shizuka who walked side by side like a couple fifteen minutes later.

    *****

 HA2 4.2 â€“ A Jacket

    HA2 4.2 ¨C A Jacket

    After taking afternoon bath, the first thing Hide did was enjoying a glass of warm soymilk and an orange. Actually, Hide felt that his tired body was craving for a can of cold beer. But he could only enjoy beer and other delicious but not healthy intake only once a week, on his cheating day. So, Hide held back his urged and went to make a small preparation for today dinner.

    He planned to steam tilapia fillet, marinated with scallion, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, mirin, and a bit of chili oil. Other than that, he would make saut¨¦ water spinach, miso soup with silk tofu and seaweed, and grilling a few sheets of fish¡¯s skin cracker.

    It was simple dinner set so Hide could complete the preparation in fifteen minutes. However, he would cook it only after Aizawa arrived at home. After putting the washed rice into rice cooker and turned it on, he then went to front gate to wait for Aizawa.

    When she didn¡¯t sleep at Kitaro, Aizawa would arrive at home around 18:30. As he stood silently under the dusky sky, a sense of irony blanketed Hide¡¯s mind. In his previous life, he would deliberately come home just before the dinner even though he knew Aizawa was at home alone all day long.

    But now, he was the one who waited for Aizawa with restless heart. Every a minute or two, Hide would check his watch. His expression would also become tense every time his phone received a message, and then he would took a deep breath full of relief after seeing the message was not related to Aizawa or his father, and just normal message from his social media account. Fortunately, the torturous waiting finally came to an end.

    At 18:42 a White MPV smoothly popped up from behind a corner. In an instant, Hide took a deep breath full of relief. A moment later the White MPV stopped right next to him. Hide immediately opened the sliding door so the driver didn¡¯t need to get down. And as usual, Aizawa, the last passenger of the White MPV, would hop down with a big and cheerful smile on her face.

    ¡®What a cheerful kid,¡¯ Hide happily muttered as he gave Aizawa a gentle smile.

    Then, after thanking the White MPV¡¯s driver while slightly bowed his head, Hide closed the sliding door.

    ¡°How is your school today?¡± Hide asked as he and Aizawa entered the front yard.

    ¡°People from Nichiko Philharmonic came this morning,¡± Aizawa cheerfully replied. ¡°They recruited a student from final year.¡±

    Hide slightly nodded and asked another question, ¡°Do you want to join a philharmonic in the future?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, Aizawa want to join Nichiko Philharmonic,¡± Aizawa firmly replied. ¡°But it will be super-duper hard. Nichiko Philharmonic recruits only two new members once every four years.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡±

    Hide didn¡¯t want to burden Aizawa with high expectation for her future. Even if Aizawa only became a musician in a small caf¨¦, a staff in a small company, or having other ordinary profession, he would not complain about it.

    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Hide had only one wish for Aizawa. As long as she lived past age of twenty and had whatever live she wished for, Hide would support it even if it just a normal and plain life. However, because Aizawa had already set her goal, the best thing he could do was to support it and did not saying anything that would dull her determination.

    ¡°No matter how hard, just give it your all,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°Therefore, whatever final result you achieve, you will have no regret.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Aizawa happily replied

    ---

    After taking a bath, Aizawa immediately went to dining room. She found Hide had just finished cooking their dinner and she immediately help him setting up the table.

    ¡°¡°Thanks for the food.¡±¡±

    Hide and Aizawa offered the gratitude for the meal at the same time, and dinner began afterward.

    After taking a sip of his miso soup Hide asked, ¡°Aizawa, when you sleep in Kitaro, you don¡¯t neglect your morning exercise, do you?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Aizawa happily replied. ¡°Kaede Sensei will help Aizawa and Kana do the warm up and stretching, and then she will watch us playing badminton.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Hide put a piece of tilapia fillet into his mouth before saying, ¡°Starting tomorrow, when you sleep at home, we will have our morning exercise in Beauty & the Beast.¡±

    ¡°Morning exercise in Beauty & the Beast?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Big Bro has to attend MMA class, while you will join Big Sis Hanna in morning diet class.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Aizawa had attended morning diet class a few times. The students were female adults, but they were very kind and nice to her, so she happily followed Hide¡¯s arrangement.

    ¡°The shuttle from Kitaro will pick you up in Beauty and the Beast. Big Bro had already arranged it. So, don¡¯t forget to bring your uniform and bathing miscellaneous.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Aizawa cheerfully nodded one more time. After that, the dinner continued in cheerful mood as Aizawa told Hide about her day in Kitaro.

    ---

    As he had heavy physical exercise before and after school, Hide would go straight to the bed right after dinner. As for his study and school work, he would do it in the morning by waking up two hours earlier before his daily routine began. He would also do the daily laundry in the morning while studying.

    ¡®What a bliss.¡¯

    Hide enjoyed the comfortable sensation to the fullest as he laid his body on the soft and warm bed. It was always so damn good to rest his body after a day of full hard work. Slowly but surely Hide starting to close his heavy eyes, but then someone knocked the door to his room.

    ¡°Come in,¡± Hide replied as he forced himself to open his eyes.

    At the same time, the door was slowly being opened and revealed Aizawa who nervously looked at Hide. ¡°Big Bro¡­¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Hide gently replied, but he didn¡¯t wake up and just lying in his bed. Then, as he tapped the edge of his bed he continued, ¡°Come in and sit here if you want to talk to Big Bro.¡±

    Aizawa immediately entered the room, and climbed up to the edge of the bed while her left hand holding a paper bag in her chest.

    ¡°Big Bro, are you not well?¡±

    ¡°Big Bro just a slightly too tired,¡± Hide gently said. ¡°Do you need something?¡±

    Aizawa nodded a few times before putting forward paper bag in her chest. ¡°When we watch Yuko Mountain¡¯s match next Friday, can you wear this jacket?¡±

    Hide immediately checked the paper bag and found a black jet Yuko Mountain¡¯s jacket inside it. It was slightly bigger than his size, but it was not a problem.

    ¡°Did you buy it using your saving?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Aizawa said while proudly nodded.

    Aizawa¡¯s daily pocket was only 100 Ren. Meaning, the Yuko Mountain¡¯s jacket was equal to 35 days of her pocket money. As she also saving her money to buy tickets of Yuko Mountain¡¯s match and subway tickets, she would need around four months to get all the money.

    In short, before Aizawa moved to Kitaro, on the way back home she wouldn¡¯t buy snack, candy, or soft drink like other kids even though she had the money.  Moreover, because she didn¡¯t have friend, it was highly likely some kids would ridicule her for it. Kids could become very cruel without realizing it sometimes.

    Even so, Aizawa managed to get the money she needed. In a sense, it¡¯s a good thing that she had remarkable will power. The problem was, consciously or unconsciously, only morbid circumstance would drive a kid in such tender age to have an unwavering will power.

    ¡®She must be really wanted to watch Yuko Mountain¡¯s match, and I stupidly destroyed her painstakingly effort in my previous life.¡¯

    Hide¡¯s heart was being overwhelmed by bitter regret as she recalled Aizawa slept in the sofa, crouching while hugging a pillow, at the night he refused to accompany her watching Yuko Mountain¡¯s match. Even in her sleeping she looked very lonely. At that time, Hide actually had a hunch that his rejection had devastated Aizawa¡¯s little heart. But instead of realizing his idiocy, he enjoyed it.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Hide said as he tried his best to suppress his bitterness.

    ¡°Mhm.¡±

    ¡°I will definitely wear it when we watch Yuko Mountain¡¯s match next Friday.¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡±

    Aizawa then returned to her room with face full of happiness. Meanwhile, Hide¡¯s chest became tightly painful as Aizawa last image from his previous life suddenly filled his mind to the brim.

    ¡®I¡¯m sorry¡­ I¡¯m truly sorry.¡¯

    Even though in this life he would never repeated the same mistake he made in his previous life, deep down in his heart Hide still couldn¡¯t forgive himself.

    *****

 HA2 5.1 â€“ A Deal

    HA2 5.1 ¨C A Deal

    Thursday night, Otsu didn¡¯t go to TDRC Lab like other night. After passing Kibo Hospital, she entered an alley. Twenty minutes later she arrived in front of ordinary lodging house. It had two floors of twelve rooms each, and most of the tenant was medical worker from Kibo Hospital.

    After taking a glance at a Black Subaru sedan in the parking lot, Otsu walked over to the stairs to second floor, but then she abruptly came to a stop while her heart skipped a beat, as suddenly but silently Hide stepped out from behind the darkness under the stairs.

    ¡°Arnulfo,¡± Otsu put her hand on her chest as she took a deep breath a few times. Then, she complained, ¡°Don¡¯t appear so suddenly like a ghost.¡±

    ¡°Sorry, old habit,¡± Hide casually replied. ¡°Let¡¯s get to the business. I have some works tonight.¡±

    ¡°Follow me.¡± Without delay Otsu took Hide to second floor while inwardly she muttered, ¡®He is a whole different beast compare to street thug.¡¯

    As someone who loved to work at night and had done it constantly for a few years, Otsu unintentionally developed a sharp sense to feel a presence in the darkness, and it had helped her to avoid unseen trouble that lurked in the dark alley a few times. However, this time her sharp sense didn¡¯t work as usual even though Hide used only a small dark corner to hide himself.

    Otsu also had dug some info about Hide¡¯s action in Kibo a few days before. She discovered that Metro Police found no lead they could be used to track him. They didn¡¯t found safety ring from the flashbang he used, while the cartridges he left behind didn¡¯t have DNA¡¯s trace or fingerprint. A senior detective from Metro Police also made a remark that only the most seasoned professional in the killing industry would exercise such extreme precaution.

    And now, Otsu had just confirmed that she truly made a deal with an extremely dangerous killer. However, she couldn¡¯t cancel it. She was in a dire need for money, so she decided to take the risk.

    As she stopped before the fifth room from the stairs Otsu said, ¡°I never thought you would come earlier than our appointment.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s an old habit,¡± Hide replied as she observed Otsu¡¯s trembling fingers tried to unlock the door. ¡°You look very nervous.¡±

    ¡°Of course I¡¯m super nervous.¡± Otsu said as she stopped her attempt to open the door. After closing her eyes and took a deep breath she then said, ¡°This is my first time I have a deal with a professional killer. Moreover, you have spooked me a few minutes ago.¡±

    ¡°Professional killer?¡± Hide looked amusingly at Otsu as he continued, ¡°How do you come to that conclusion? I killed only one scumbag.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s Metro Police¡¯s assessment.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t take their assessment too serious. They put a lot of bullshit on it to cover their incompetence.¡±

    Hide tried to coax Otsu with a hope she would put her guard down a bit. However, from how she warily glanced at him, he could tell that his attempt didn¡¯t work as he expected.

    ¡°Actually, right now, I have a thought that maybe you come because you want to silent me.¡±

    ¡°If I want to kill you, we will not have this meeting.¡± Hide calmly replied. ¡°You will be already sleeping peacefully somewhere in the river bed.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Otsu nervously replied before taking another deep breath.

    But surprisingly, after that she managed to calm herself down and opened the door with ease. She then took Hide inside her lodging. The room was not big. It was consisted of bedroom, bathroom, a compact kitchen, and a small living room.

    Otsu had turned the bedroom into her personal lab and as soon as Hide entered it, he immediately made a quick assessment. For personal lab, it had adequate equipment, kit, and storage system including a mid-size freezer. It was also well maintained and specifically designed to produce drug.

    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    And even if it didn¡¯t have sophisticated device such as super precise protein analyzer, Hide still could carry the procedure manually. Of course, employing basic method when manufacturing Hateur Formula would require more time and effort, but Hide didn¡¯t think of it as a big deal.

    ¡°This will do,¡± Hide concluded his assessment and handed over a piece of paper to Otsu. ¡°This is the list of ingredient I need. Please write the amount you can provide next to each compound.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Otsu replied as she took out her pen. Two minutes later, she returned the list while saying, ¡°I can only secure this much each month. If I took more than this, it will arouse suspicion.¡±

    After checking the amount on each compound Hide said, ¡°With this amount I can produce 8-12 vials.¡±

    ¡°How much money do we get?¡±

    ¡°I sell it 1000 Dillar per vial. If we split it 50:50, we will get 500 Dillar per vial.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fucking too cheap.¡±

    Otsu couldn¡¯t believe that someone would sell a premium dope at 1000 Dillar per vial. So, a suspicion arose in her heart.

    ¡°Arnulfo, are you trying to trick me?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± Hide casually replied, ¡°And, it¡¯s not too late to cancel our deal if it doesn¡¯t meet your expectation.¡±

    ¡°So, it¡¯s a take it or leave it.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡±

    Otsu then went to a storage cabinets in the corner, took out a one-liter ziplock bag full of pink colored pill, and handed it over to Hide.

    ¡°This is my product. At least, check it before you conclude that your dealer won¡¯t buy it.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Even if he didn¡¯t have intention to help Otsu sold her product, Hide still complied with her request to ease her mind. He immediately took a few kits and carried a quick procedure to check Otsu¡¯s home-made drug. A few minutes later, he had confirmed that it was a potent drug. The dealer would happily buy it at 70-90 Dillar per pill. In summary, the whole bag was worth 100.000 Dillar at least.

    ¡°It¡¯s a good dope.¡±

    Hide honestly admitted and he knew Keizawa would happily buy it. However, he had decided that he would not sell dope that had a possibility to be consumed by normal people, be it in his previous or present life. So, a lie smoothly slipped through his teeth.

    ¡°But as I said a few days ago, my dealer won¡¯t buy it.¡±

    ¡°Seriously?¡±

    Disappointment was clearly visible in Otsu¡¯s gaze. It was as if her long life hope was being crushed into nothingness just before she reached it. However, Hide didn¡¯t give a damn about it. He had his own rule to follow.

    ¡°Actually, my dope is not just premium dope,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°If someone with a high level adrenaline consumes it in certain interval, they will always experience a sensation as if it¡¯s their first time.¡±

    Big question mark instantly popped up in Otsu¡¯s forehead. ¡°How could such absurd effect is exist?¡±

    ¡°Well, it does exist.¡±

    ¡°What about the other dealer? I¡¯m sure you know someone who will buy ordinary product, and I only need one big transaction.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know other drug dealer. I don¡¯t dive too deep in this industry.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible,¡± Otsu firmly concluded. ¡°Underground drug market is a giant network, isn¡¯t it? It¡¯s impossible to know only one dealer.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s true that dope flow through a giant network,¡± Hide calmly replied. ¡°However, the basic rule in this borderless network is, spiders in the jar would snack on each other. So, my rule is to enter it without reveal my identity or do not enter at all. That¡¯s why I know only one dealer.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean it¡¯s like a fierce competition?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not only fierce competition. Dealers will not only hand over other dealer to police to save their own ass. They also won¡¯t have second thought to hand over their customer or anyone else if they have to.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°You are very fortunate that you have not entered it.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Otsu slightly nodded and then asked, ¡°If we can¡¯t do a face-to-face transaction, how we will sell it then?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t explain the detail, but I can guarantee we will get clean money without revealing our identity.¡±

    ¡°Meaning, I also can¡¯t find out that you really sell your product for 1000 Dillar per vial or higher.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    In an instant, Otsu fell into a deep contemplation. In total, she needed 80.000 Dillar. She plant to get it in one swoop by selling her home-made drug in one big transaction. But now, her plan had crumble into pieces.

    Even though she still could get around 5000 Dillar from the deal with Hide, it would need around 16 months before she reached her target. The thought that she had to interact with a dangerous killer for more than a year made Otsu shuddered inwardly. Unfortunately, she had no other option.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Otsu said in resignation. ¡°But I can only provide you the ingredient for around 18 months. After that you can still use my personal lab, but you have to get the ingredient by yourself.¡±

    Hide casually replied, ¡°No problem.¡±

    ¡°We have a deal then.¡±

    ¡°Yes, we have.¡±

    Otsu immediately took a deep breath as she inwardly reminded herself that after she got the money she needed, she had to definitely cut any relationship with the dangerous young man in front of him and start a new life somewhere else with her family.

    And because she was too immersed with her inner thought, she didn¡¯t have any suspicion when Hide casually walked and flanked her. She only realized that something was definitely wrong when Hide¡¯s hand suddenly gagged her mouth and nose from behind. Worst of all, Hide was using a handkerchief that had a weird smell on it.

    Otsu immediately followed her instinct to fight back. However, the more she struggled to free herself, the stronger she inhaled the weird smell. As a result, her strength evaporated in a rapid pace, and her gripped on Hide¡¯s wrist became weaker as her eyes become very heavy.

    ¡®I shouldn¡¯t trust a killer,¡¯ Otsu muttered as her conscious dimmed, and then totally went off two seconds later.

    *****

 HA2 5.2 â€“ Equipment for the Workshop

    HA2 5.2 ¨C Equipment for the Workshop

    The work to take over equipment and compound from Otsu¡¯s personal lab went smoothly. First, it was because the equipment was only portable model or hand-held type. Second, Otsu neatly stored their original package.

    Some medical worker who just came home had saw Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka busily moved various packages from Otsu¡¯s room, but they asked no question or extended their curiosity. And so, in less than two hours everything had been moved to Black Subaru and Black Triton.

    After gulping down two mouthfuls of mineral water Hide looked at Takeo and Shizuka. ¡°Good job.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Takeo happily replied.

    After he exchanged sport massage with Shizuka, Takeo became more cheerful and energetic. He still struggled to complete the basic training in Hiking Club, but now he treated it as a challenge rather than an obligation.

    At the same time, Shizuka turned her gaze to living room where Otsu laid unconsciously. ¡°Hide, why does Otsu try to sell drug when she already has a high-income job?¡±

    ¡°Dunno,¡± Hide casually replied. ¡°But as long as she doesn¡¯t compromise our job, I don¡¯t mind to cooperate with her. She will be a great help when we need certain chemical compound.¡±

    ¡°I will dig some information about her later,¡± Takeo calmly said.

    ¡°That¡¯s good idea,¡± Hide gave his agreement. ¡°As for now, you two return to the workshop first, but wait for me before moving in our loot.¡±

    Takeo pondering for a moment before asking, ¡°Why we have to wait for you? Can we just start moving it without you?¡±

    ¡°How is your body right now?¡±

    ¡°Tired as hell, but the sport massage makes the ache and sore in my body gone without a trace. Also, after my body starts receiving sport massage, no matter how tired, as long as I get enough sleep, I will wake up in prime condition the next day.¡±

    ¡°Hide, we will do it moderately until you join us,¡± Shizuka expressed her agreement to Takeo¡¯s idea. ¡°Moreover, the earlier we start it, the faster we can go home and get to the bed.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Hide didn¡¯t argue and gave his consent. ¡°Use the pallet and forklift in the armory. The manual on how to use it is being pinned in the wall next to the door.¡±

    ¡°Roger,¡± Takeo happily replied.

    Wasting no time Takeo and Shizuka left. Meanwhile, Hide went to take Otsu¡¯s smartphone. He had to clone it so he could replace his fingers print that Otsu had stored in her cloud account. Cloning Otsu¡¯s smartphone would also enable him to sniff a sign of betrayal from her.

    With ease Hide used Otsu¡¯s fingerprint to unlock her smartphone. He stopped for a moment as he observed background picture that displayed Otsu, a toddler boy, and an old woman. But it was only a moment paused, without delay Hide continued his intention to clone Otsu¡¯s smartphone.

    After that, he went to cook a pack of instant ramen. He also fried some red wieners and egg as side dish.

    ---

    Slowly but surely, Otsu regained her conscious. The first thing that came into her mind was, ¡®Where am I? Am I already arrived in afterlife?¡¯

    Then, as she pondered what kind of treatment she would receive, Otsu suddenly smelled the sharp and fragrant aroma of spicy curry instant ramen. She was very familiar with it as it¡¯s her favorite instant ramen.

    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    ¡®Do they will welcome me with my favorite ramen? It seems they also prepare some fried red wiener and egg.¡¯

    Otsu wondered as she slowly opened her eyes, and she was welcomed by ceiling she knew very well. The room was dimly lit, but she was very sure it¡¯s the living room in her lodging. Then, when she weakly turned her head to check her surrounding, she found Hide actually sat not too far from her. He was happily enjoying a bowl of ramen along with fried red wiener and egg, in a way that didn¡¯t make any sound in the slightest.

    ¡®He is definitely not a human,¡¯ Otsu spontaneously concluded.

    Then, she checked her whole body and found out that she didn¡¯t have any strength. She couldn¡¯t even lift her arm. But at least, her clothes was still neatly covered her body and she didn¡¯t feel any pain or weird sensation from her private area. Even so, Otsu fully realized that her biggest worry was still with her in the room.

    ¡°Bastard Arnulfo, why did you anesthetize me?¡±

    ¡°My friends came to help me moved the equipment from your personal lab, and you couldn¡¯t see their face.¡±

    ¡°Someone like you have friends?¡± Otsu asked as her eyes reflected a big doubt.

    ¡°I do.¡± Hide swallowed a piece of red wiener he had silently chewed before continuing, ¡°In my line of work, friends is essential. It give the opposing side another target to shoot at.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Otsu replied as her negative sentiment to Hide spiked to the sky. ¡®He is truly not a human.¡¯

    ¡°I find my dope in your freezer. It seems you have used a few drops to analyze it.¡±

    ¡°I want to replicate it,¡± Otsu admitted. ¡°But its structure is too complex, way beyond my understanding.¡±

    ¡°I will buy it back,¡± Hide calmly said as he put an envelope full of money next to Otsu. ¡°1000 Dillar or 100.000 Ren per vial.¡±

    ¡°I guess I can¡¯t refuse.¡±

    ¡°Yep,¡± Hide firmly replied. ¡°I also had destroyed your home-made dope.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°To prevent you from doing stupid thing like enter drug market on your own, and then pop-up on the radar of some nasty drug dealers or Metro Police, and then pull me in into a trouble.¡±

    ¡°I guess I also have to comply for this one.¡±

    ¡°Yep.¡±

    ¡°Well, at least I don¡¯t need to rent this place anymore.¡±

    Hide could sense a bit of bitterness in Otsu¡¯s tone, but he didn¡¯t dig deeper and maintained a measured distance for their relationship.

    ¡°When you have the ingredient I need, send me a text you want to share fruit, bread, or other food you just bought.¡± Hide put a 2G cellphone next to Otsu as he continued, ¡°I will then send a message about the location and time.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°See you then.¡±

    After washing the dish he had used, Hide then left. Meanwhile, Otsu stayed lying down in the living room. Even after she regained her strength, she continued to silently staring the ceiling above her.

    ---

    In the dark and empty abandoned subway station, Shizuka calmly pulled a 1x1 meter pallet using a hand-towed forklift. She had to walk around 50 meter before arriving in the edge of railway where a Black Van was parked. After lowering the pallet to the floor and locking the forklift¡¯s wheels, she immediately went down to the railway, and with the help of lighting from a portable lamp she moved 16 ammo cans from Black Van into the pallet.

    The first ten cans have description label saying: FEDERAL, 900 rounds x 5.56 mm, M855 Ball FMJ, Gross weight: 13.6 kg.

    While the last six cans had description label saying: FEDERAL, 1000 rounds x 9 mm, HydraShok FMJ +P, Gross weight: 15.9 kg.

    Then, Shizuka just about to put the last ammo can to the pallet when she realized somebody stood about three meters in her left. Her face instantly turned as pale as white sheet, while the hairs in her nape stood up straight to its end. Throughout her life, this was the first time somebody or something had managed to sneak on her fully undetected.

    While preparing herself for the worst, Shizuka turned her head to check the ghostly figure. And she instantly threw a silent curse as she found out that the figure was Hide. He was standing still while casually looked back at her.

    ¡°Damn you Hide!!¡± Shizuka let out her anger before continuing, ¡°Are you trying to get me a heart attack?¡±

    ¡°I was about to call you, when you suddenly freeze in your place.¡±

    ¡®Liar.¡¯ Shizuka protested inwardly. Then, she taking a deep breath before saying, ¡°I and Takeo have already moved everything from Black Triton, and this is the last batch from this car.¡±

    ¡°You two are truly a hardworking young couple.¡±

    Shizuka happily smiled before replying, ¡°So far you always take the heavy share in every job. Therefore, I and Takeo decide we will take the labor share as much as we can.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Hide didn¡¯t mind if Takeo and Shizuka wanted to whip out their own butt. As long as they didn¡¯t expose their health both mentally and physically to unnecessary risk, it was always a good thing to have hardworking teammates.

    ¡°This pallet still has enough space for lab goods in Black Zubaru. Let¡¯s move them too.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Hide then took Shizuka to Black Zubaru which he parked only a dozen meter from Black Van. Along the way, Shizuka concluded that Hide must have arrived when she was loading the loot to the lift. Then, he was silently waiting in the darkness before deliberately spooking her.

    ¡®Damn. Twig didn¡¯t lie.¡¯

    Shizuka stole a glance at Hide as she moved the first lab device to the pallet. Previously, Takeo had told her that in their first hunt, when they waited for their prey in the middle of darkness, Hide had transform into an eerie figure. Now, she had experienced it. There was something totally different about Hide when he was in the middle of dark and quiet place.

    *****

 HA2 5.3 â€“ Expendable Things

    HA2 5.3 ¨C Expendable Things

    Even though his body was tired as hell, Takeo worked in high spirit. By using a hand-towed forklift he swiftly pulled a pallet full of tactical equipment into armory. After neatly putting the loot into a corner, he then returned to shooting range and calmly waited in front of the lift. A moment later, the lift¡¯s door opened and other than Shizuka, Hide was there.

    ¡°You are back,¡± Takeo happily welcomed Hide.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide replied as he pressed the button to hold the lift¡¯s door open.

    At the same time, Shizuka handed over the fully loaded hand-towed forklift to Takeo. ¡°This is the last batch.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Takeo immediately pulled the forklift out of the lift. However, before he took it into armory Hide said, ¡°Just put it in shooting range for now. We will arrange the goods in its place next Saturday.¡±

    ¡°Roger.¡± Takeo immediately put the forklift next to the wall. Then, he asked, ¡°After cleaning the car from our trace, do we go straight home or we go to grab some snack first?¡±

    ¡°We go straight home and get to the bed, but before that, let me show you something first.¡±

    ¡°¡°Okay,¡±¡± Takeo and Shizuka replied at the same time.

    Hide then used the small embedded-steel foothold in one corner of the lift to open the hatch in the ceiling and went up.

    ¡°Come on, up here, I will you show you an exit for emergency.¡±

    Takeo and Shizuka immediately climbed the foothold in turn, and a moment later they already stood on top of the lift next to Hide. Hide then opened a 1.5 x 1.5 meter ventilation entry on the wall by slightly pulling it and then slid it to the side.

    ¡°This is a fake ventilation lane. It ended up in Chikara¡¯s rooftop, but we can also use it to access the real ventilation network in 45th floor, and make an exit in the female rest room.¡±

    As he kneeled before the ventilation entry Takeo asked, ¡°If we can use it to descend to 45th floor, can we also use it to descend to 44th floor and so on?¡±

    ¡°We can,¡± Hide firmly replied. ¡°However, the real ventilation network is only 1 x 1 meter big, so you have to crawl when using it. Suddenly descending out of ventilator in the restroom will also draw a ruckus.

    So, let¡¯s not disturb ladies who are trying to relieve themselves from nature call unless we have no other choice.¡±

    ¡°¡°Understood.¡±¡±

    After putting the entry to the fake air duct back to its place, Hide then pointed his finger to steel plat three meter above their head, where the mechanism that pulling or lowering the lift firmly installed on it.

    ¡°That steel plate would automatically descend to 45th floor if someone put wrong password in the lift¡¯s keypad. It will also activate the silent alarm in the workshop.¡±

    As question mark appeared in her forehead Shizuka asked, ¡°How do we put it back into its original position?¡±

    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°You have to use lift¡¯s control panel to do it.¡±

    ¡°Lift¡¯s control panel?¡± Takeo asked as he turned his gaze towards Hide.

    ¡°Yes, you can find it in the living room. A yellow box with marking ¡®Smart Digital Control Panel¡¯, planted to the wall behind the sofa. Opened it and you will find big touch screen inside. You can also use it to manipulate the lift however you wish. The manual book will show you how to do it.¡±

    ¡°¡°Okay.¡±¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go down and let me show you the other entry to the abandoned subway station.¡±

    ¡°¡°Roger.¡±¡±

    The three immediately returned to the lift and as it slowly descended Hide said, ¡°I will also teach you how to change your appearance.¡±

    Takeo nodded before asking, ¡°Do you mean like using wig?¡±

    ¡°Yep, wig and other things like mouthpiece, mustache, beards, fake glasses, or certain clothes to make your body look bigger, higher, shorter, etc,¡± Hide casually explained. ¡°It will be useful when you entering the workshop through Chikara Tower¡¯s lobby, carrying intel gathering, or shopping for uncommon items.¡±

    ¡°Do we really have to go that far?¡± Shizuka asked curiously.

    ¡°We do.¡± Hide took a deep breath before continuing, ¡°We are basically carrying criminal act to earn money. So, there is no such thing as going too far when protecting our identity.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s like we have a double life,¡± Shizuka concluded.

    ¡°Yeah, and it will tire us physically and mentally, but we won¡¯t do it for more than a year. So, let¡¯s give our best to get the best result.¡±

    ¡°¡°Understood,¡±¡± Takeo and Shizuka replied simultaneously.

    ¡°Also,¡± Hide looked at Takeo and in a super serious tone he said, ¡°In case Hanna asks you why I often go out to meet you, tell her it¡¯s about our job in elven Robotic or our training for Hiking Club. Tell her too that Shizuka is always with us to ensure we don¡¯t goofing around.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Takeo firmly replied while Shizuka happily smiled from ear to ear. It was clearly visible that she truly loved the act to become Takeo¡¯s girlfriend.

    ---

    As soon as the three arrived in the abandoned subway station, Hide immediately pointed his finger at a big red arrow on the wall of a walkway. ¡°If you follow that arrow, after around 500 meters you will arrive at subway station across Chikara Tower.

    If you don¡¯t bring car, just use this route but make sure no one is following you.¡±

    After pondering for a while Takeo asked, ¡°Is this walkway also connected to other station?¡±

    ¡°It is. This walkway is a shortcut for maintenance people who have to check the railway network by foot. Some had dim bulb to illuminate it, while some others are in total darkness.¡± Hide calmly explained. ¡°However, before I teach you how to use it, don¡¯t go explore this network by yourself. It¡¯s a tricky maze.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Takeo firmly replied while Shizuka nodded her head.

    Hide then turned his gaze to the cars on the railway. ¡°Before we clean it, let¡¯s move Black Zubaru and Black Tritton to first turn before the gate.¡±

    ¡°Wait,¡± Shizuka spontaneously responded, ¡°The first turn is only 600 meters from the gate, right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide casually replied.

    ¡°Then,¡± Shizuka worriedly said, ¡°You must be realized that even if the possibility is low, people, especially who hates following public order, can still freely enter this place. Who know what they will do if they find good cars are being left behind here.¡±

    Hide totally agreed with Shizuka¡¯s assessment, but he had his own reason. ¡°If we put the cars too close to the entry to the lift, it can lead into a bigger lost.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Seeing Shizuka dejectedly looked at Black Tritton, Hide immediately said, ¡°Remember, it¡¯s not our car in the first place.¡±

    ¡°I know, but it just¡­¡±

    ¡°In your first job with us, didn¡¯t I have warned you? Don¡¯t put attachment on our equipment.¡±

    ¡°You did, but burning nice clothes and losing car is two whole different matters,¡± Shizuka said in low voice.

    ¡°Equipment is just equipment. Other than our life, anything else is expendable.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    As Shizuka fell into silence Hide continued, ¡°Even if people don¡¯t find the cars, we still have to return or even burn it after using it a few times.¡±

    ¡°Seriously?¡±

    ¡°Very seriously. We have to avoid noticeable pattern and presence.¡±

    ¡°At our first job, other than our clothes, I and Hide also burned the car we used,¡± Takeo who so far was only listening, decided to added, ¡°It was a good S14, and it was also my first time driving such excellent car. Actually, it¡¯s pain me a lot to burn it, but we have to do what we have to.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Shizuka said in resignation.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Hide calmly said, ¡°When we are done with all the jobs we have to carry, we will have enough money to buy any car we want legally, but for now let¡¯s stay as low as possible.¡±

    Shizuka took a deep breath before replying, ¡°Understood.¡±

    Takeo then asked Hide, ¡°Do you have other plan for the Black Van?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, after using it to take you home, I will find a quiet place to burn it.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Takeo calmly replied.

    Wasting no time, the three then moved the Black Zubaru and Black Tritton to the first turn before the gate at main entry.

    *****

 HA2 6.1 â€“ Kaede Senseiâ€™s Phobia

    HA2 6.1 ¨C Kaede Sensei¡¯s Phobia

    Friday afternoon, after completing his training in Uruba Hill, Hide went to meet Takeo and Shizuka. The two usually exchanged sport massage in the rooftop of main building, so Hide went straight over there.

    At first, it worried Hide a lot when Takeo and Shizuka pick the rooftop as their massage spot. Even in the day the rooftop was empty, while at after school it became desolate place with zero visitors. In positive way, the rooftop would enabled Takeo and Shizuka to exchange sport massage undisturbed.

    However, young soul was unpredictable and full of vigor curiosity. No one knew what will happen if those two touched each other body in such quiet place. But then, after Hide saw how Takeo gave Shizuka the full sport massage for the first time, he immediately realized that Takeo was built differently from other boys in his age.

    For example, Hide had to admit that if he touched an attractive girl, even if it was only her snow white and smooth calf, when he was in Takeo¡¯s age, his hand would definitely tremble like hell. However, Takeo¡¯s hands were very firm when doing the sport massage. His expression was also dead serious as if he was carried the most serious task in his life.

    Takeo didn¡¯t show a sign of nervousness, joy, or other hilarious reaction that should be appeared on a normal boy in his age. In short, he did the sport massage like a cyborg. It was precise and emotionless, but delivered the best result possible. So, Hide threw away his worry and decided to trust their decision.

    When Hide arrived in the rooftop, he found Shizuka was sitting in her mat, widely smiling like a happy clam. Behind her, Takeo kneeled while attentively massaged her shoulder. As usual, Takeo had a dead serious expression all over his face. It was as if he was in the middle of physic national exam. However, his touch was delicate and gentle but with proper power.

    ¡°Hide, do you need us to massage you?¡± Shizuka happily asked as Hide came over in casual steps.

    ¡°No, only Hanna can do it for me,¡± Hide calmly replied.

    In an instant big question mark appeared in Shizuka¡¯s forehead. ¡°Is Hanna forbid you from receiving sport massage other than from her?¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s because my body need some kind of familiarization when someone massage me.¡±

    ¡°Seriously?¡±

    ¡°Seriously,¡± Hide firmly replied. ¡°When Hanna gave me sport massage for the first few times, she also complained a lot because I wrinkled a lot and made it harder for her to carry the massage.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Shizuka slightly nodded three times before asking, ¡°Then, do you need our help for other matters?¡±

    ¡°I come to tell you, we will begin the firearm course tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°¡°Tomorrow?¡±¡± Shizuka and Takeo asked at the same time, and it was clearly visible that they were very enthusiast about it.

    ¡°Yep, can you come to the workshop at seven in the morning?¡±

    ¡°¡±We can,¡±¡± Takeo and Shizuka replied simultaneously.

    ¡°Gun powder residue will dust your body, shoes, and clothes. We can¡¯t go home in such condition, so prepare some spare clothes, shoes, and bathroom miscellaneous to be use in the workshop.¡±

    ¡°¡°Okay.¡±¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s also not convenience to buy food from outside when we are in the workshop. We should stock some fresh ingredient and instant food over there. Can you two buy it?¡±

    ¡°¡°We can.¡±¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to buy everything in one go, just a batch at a time, and don¡¯t forget to keep the receipt for everything you buy. We will reimburse it with our operational money.¡±

    Shizuka nodded and then asked, ¡°Is it possible to start the firearm course tonight?¡±

    Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    ¡°No, I have to accompany Aizawa watch Yuko Mountain¡¯s match tonight. Also, it will be best if we do it after we get a good night rest.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Then, Takeo asked, ¡°Do I have to stop the driving course in Old Pier?¡±

    ¡°No, we will reschedule it. Let¡¯s talk about the detail tomorrow, after the firearm course.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°Do you have other question?¡±

    Takeo immediately asked, ¡°What clothes we should wear for the firearm course?¡±

    ¡°Track suit will do, or other clothes that suitable for physical work,¡± Hide calmly replied.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    After a moment of silence Hide then said, ¡°Well, this is just a suggestion. You can put a bet on Yuko Mountain¡¯s match to get some pocket money.¡±

    Shizuka immediately asked, ¡°Do you put a bet on it?¡±

    ¡°Yes, 200 thousand Ren for Yuko Mountain¡¯s win.¡±

    ¡°For a bet in a football match, 200 thousand Ren is too big,¡± Shizuka said as hesitation was clearly visible in her eyes.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind sparing 200 thousand Ren for a bet, as long as the chance is good,¡± Takeo calmly expressed his thought. ¡°I already gave almost all my money to my parent, but it¡¯s still far from enough to pay their debt. I will welcome every potential income.¡±

    Hide immediately replied, ¡°I got a good tips on it, but don¡¯t bet more than 200 thousand Ren to avoid unnecessary attention.¡±

    After pondering for a while Shizuka said, ¡°Twig, let¡¯s put the bet before we go shopping for groceries.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Well, see you tomorrow then.¡±

    As he already delivered the message Hide immediately left, and let Takeo and Shizuka to continue the sport massage exchange.

    ---

    Lately, Hide had a good progress on his long-range swimming. Now, he could circle the edge of the pool for 25 minutes in a medium speed, even though he did it after the Hike Run training in Uruba Hill.

    As soon as Hanna gave him a sign to stop, Hide immediately got out of the pool and laid his body on the mat that Hanna had prepared. Then, he enjoyed a pack of sugar-free jelly to replenish his strength while Hanna gave him sport massage.

    ¡°After another week, I think you can try to hit 30 minutes in one long circuit,¡± Hanna said as she massaging Hide foots.

    ¡°I will try to hit 35 minutes.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± Hanna seriously said. ¡°One perfect layer after another, remember?¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Hide obediently complied.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not rush it and faithfully stay in the long but best way possible.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡±

    Hide then calmly enjoyed the sport massage. Hide also used the sport massage as a resting time before going to watch Yuko Mountain¡¯s match.

    ---

    In one smooth movement, Hide took the Black Altiez to pull over before Kitaro¡¯s front gate. Hanna then got down and pressed the bell on the gate. A moment later, Kaede Sensei, Kana, and Aizawa came out. Hanna immediately opened the door to passenger seat for Kaede Sensei, before taking Kana and Aizawa to the back seat.

    As he looked back to the back seat, Hide slightly smiled. Other than wearing Yuko Mountain¡¯s black jet jacket like him, Aizawa and Kana also wore a headband. And as usual, they also tucked dozens of colorful straws into their headbands, circling their heads neatly

    ¡°Ready to go,¡± Hide asked the two kids.

    ¡°¡°¡°Yeah,¡±¡±¡± Aizawa, Kana, and somehow also Hanna, replied at the same time.

    After another smile, Hide then turned his gaze to Kaede Sensei. ¡°Sensei, thank you for accompany us.¡±

    ¡°The thanks is mine Hide,¡± Kaede Sensei took a glance at Kana who being sandwiched by Aizawa and Hanna as she continued, ¡°Because of you and Hanna, I can finally take Kana to watch Yuko Mountain¡¯s match.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s because Aunt Kaede is afraid of crowd.¡±

    Kana calmly explained, or to be precise she revealed Kaede Sensei¡¯s secret, and Hide had confirmed it after he saw Kaede Sensei gave Kana a glare.

    ¡°Kana, a child shouldn¡¯t interrupt a talk between two older people.¡±

    Kana calmly looked back at Kaede Sensei as she said, ¡°But we have to prepare Big Bro Hide and Big Sis Hanna for your phobia of crowd.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not to the level of phobia,¡± Kaede Sensei immediately gave Hide and Hanna explanation. ¡°It just I can¡¯t comfortably sit in the middle of big crowd.¡±

    ¡°Sensei, don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s not a big problem,¡± Hide confidently replied.

    When he was in the airborne ranger, Hide had a friend who also had excessive fear of a big crowd of strangers. Therefore, he fully grasped Kaede Sensei¡¯s unique circumstance and even knew how to handle it.

    ¡°Big Bro Hide,¡± Kana seriously said. ¡°You have truly preparing yourself. Bringing Aunt Kaede into a big crowd is like bringing a jumpy lamb into a nest of hungry wolf.¡±

    Seeing Kaede Sensei didn¡¯t deny Kana¡¯s words, it seemed what she said was true. However, as he already knew how to handle it, Hide calmly said, ¡°In that case, we all will protect Kaede Sensei from the crowd.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Kana obediently replied

    A moment later, Hide turned the engine on and started the journey to Niwa International Stadium. Along the way, Kaede Sensei sat silently. It seemed she tried to prepare herself before entering the big crowd that she so afraid of. So, Hide didn¡¯t disturb her.

    At the same time, the three in the back seat happily chatted and sometimes even giggled. It seemed their heart had clicked very well. If Hanna wore the Yuko Mountain¡¯s black jet jacket like Aizawa and Kana, it would definitely be very fit to the saying ¡®Toddlers with similar mind are flocking together.¡¯

    Hide almost offered his Yuko Mountain¡¯s black jet jacket to Hanna. However, after he remembered that the jacket was the first gift that Aizawa had bought for him, he immediately canceled his intention and focused his mind to drive the car.

    Around fifteen minutes later, the Black Altiez entered Seiya¡¯s parking lot, a family restaurant across the main gate of Niwa International Stadium.

    As she turned her gaze to Hide, Kaede Sensei asked, ¡°Hide, why do you park the car here?¡±

    ¡°The parking lot in Niwa will be too crowded. It¡¯s much more comfortable to park here.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Wasting no time, the group got off the car. Then, by using overhead crosswalk they crossed the busy street and arrived before the main gate of Niwa International Stadium.

    *****

 HA2 6.2 â€“ Enjoying the Match

    HA2 6.2 ¨C Enjoying the Match

    As this was the first time Hanna watching football match with two kids, Hide didn¡¯t dare to put Aizawa and Kana under her care. In such big crowd, kids could just disappear from your sight if you took your eyes from them even for a second. Therefore, Hide personally took Aizawa and Kana under his watch. He attentively held Aizawa and Kana, one in the left and the other on the right.

    Meanwhile, Hanna held Kaede Sensei, or to be precise it was Kaede Sensei who was heavily clinging on her. She was tightly holding Hanna¡¯s left arm with both hands, as soon as the group passed the main gate and merged with the flooding crowd. Her face also became as pale as white sheet and full of anxiousness.

    Hide had to admit. His respect for Kaede Sensei had increased several folds. She didn¡¯t have a heart to prevent Kana from watching Yuko Mountain¡¯s match with Aizawa, but at the same time she couldn¡¯t just let her only niece went to the match with someone she barely knew. So, she braced herself to face her biggest fear, the big crowd.

    ¡®I need to get the med for her,¡¯ Hide muttered before turning her gaze to Hanna, ¡°Let¡¯s get some snacks first.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡±

    Wasting no time the group walked to the rest and merchandise area. While Hanna and Kaede Sensei waited in a bench in a corner, Hide took Aizawa and Kana to buy a pack of soda, a pack of mineral water, two big cups of popcorn, and a can of light beer. Then, he took the two into a nearby pharmacy.

    Coincidently, there was an old doctor in the pharmacy. As soon as he heard the pill that Hide wanted to buy, he immediately came over and asked Hide some question with a serious tone, as if he was interrogating someone. However, after Hide calmly answered every question through fully, and even showing the beer he had bought, the doctor immediately took a few small tablets, ground it, carefully measured and mixed it, put the mixed into three red capsules, and sold one capsule to Hide.

    After the three exited the pharmacy, Aizawa immediately looked at Hide worriedly. ¡°Big Bro, are you not well?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m totally fine.¡± After a smile Hide continued, ¡°This med is for Kaede Sensei.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s for Aunt Kaede?¡± Kana curiously asked.

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s to calm her.¡±

    ¡°Big Bro Hide, do you want to put Aunt Kaede to sleep?¡±

    ¡°No, not to a sleep. It¡¯s just to calm her over anxiousness.¡±

    ¡°Kana will help you if Big Bro Hide wants to put Aunt Kaede to sleep,¡± Kana casually said before turning her gaze to Kaede Sensei in the distance, ¡°Her anguish is much worse compared to when we watch the match with Daddy and Mommy. Kana doesn¡¯t want to see Aunt Kaede suffer because of Kana.¡±

    It seemed Kana had a deep awareness of Kaede Sensei¡¯s circumstance. It was also clearly visible that she cared about her a lot. Hide also didn¡¯t know why Kana had such a deep trust on him, but he knew one thing for sure, he had to assured her that everything would be fine.

    ¡°Kana, don¡¯t worry, after Kaede Sensei take this capsule, her anxiousness will be gone without a trace.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Kana replied while slightly nodded.

    A moment later, the three arrived in the bench where Hanna and Kaede Sensei waiting for them. Kaede Sensei¡¯s complexion had become slightly better, but Hide knew for sure, as soon as she returned to the crowd, her complexion would got worsen again.

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    ¡°Sensei, please take this pill,¡± Hide calmly said as he handed over the red pill and a can of beer to Kaede Sensei.

    ¡°Hide, what medicine is this?¡±

    Kaede Sensei deeply looked at the pill in Hide¡¯s hand, and even if she tried to hide it, Hide still could felt her suspicion. Moreover, Hanna also had big question mark in her forehead as she looked at him. However, Hide had prepared a good explanation for the two so he didn¡¯t panic.

    It just that before he explained about the pill Kana casually said, ¡°Aunt, it¡¯s a med to calm your anxiousness. The old doctor in the pharmacy recommended it.¡±

    Hide inwardly gasped while admitting that Kana truly had a great talent as liar. The way she casually said it without blinking her eyes was truly remarkable.

    ¡®This kid will become deadly politician in the future,¡¯ Hide muttered as a chill run through on his nape.

    But for now, he had to be grateful for Kana¡¯s lie as it had eased Kaede Sensei¡¯s suspicion a lot. However, as she took the red pill and the beer, Kaede Sensei suddenly turned her gaze to Aizawa.

    ¡°Aizawa, did the doctor in the pharmacy really recommended this pill?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa casually replied while looking at Kaede Sensei with her clear and innocent eyes.

    ¡®It seemed Kana had infected Aizawa with her talent to lie.¡¯

    Hide instantly concluded, without having second thought that maybe it was Aizawa who infected Kana with the talent to lie without blinking. At the same time, Kaede Sensei smiled before using the beer to help her gulping down the red pill. After that, the group continued their journey.

    At first, as soon as they merged with the crowd, Kaede Sensei¡¯s complexion went downhill one more time. However, as time went on, she gradually became relax and her complexion returned to normal. And when they arrived at their seat, Kaede Sensei had totally returned like a normal person.

    She calmly sat in her seat. Her eyes was clearly showed her jubilant as she looked at Kana and Aizawa were happily admiring the colossal size of Niwa International Stadium, along with tens of thousands crowd who patiently waiting for the match to start.

    ¡°Hide, the med is truly working,¡± Kaede Sensei happily said. ¡°Thank you, if not for it, I will heavily trembling in my seat right now.¡±

    ¡°No problem, Sensei.¡±

    ¡°Do you still have the prescription?¡±

    ¡°I have recorded it in my smartphone, but the doctor sternly warns me, you can only consume it once every two months.¡±

    Kaede Sensei widely smiled before saying, ¡°No problem, watching Yuko Mountain¡¯s match with Kana and you guys every two months is plenty enough for someone like me who have phobia of crowd.¡±

    A moment later, the crowd heavily cheered as the players entering the field. Their cheers were so domineering and would shake anyone with fainted hearted. However, Kaede Sensei calmly seeping her remaining beer as if her phobia was never exist.

    ---

    Hide and the rest were sat exactly in the middle of Yuko Mountain¡¯s supporter, and there was a Yuko Mountain¡¯s diehard supporter who organized the cheer. As Yuko Mountain¡¯s players took their position, with a help of a cone the cheer organizer yelled to other Yuko Mountain¡¯s supporter.

    ¡°HEY YO¡­  LET ME HEAR YOU SAY YEAH!!¡±

    ¡°¡±¡±YEAAAAAHHHHH!!!!¡±

    ¡°SAY YEEAAH!!¡±

    ¡°¡±¡±YEA-YEA-YEAAA-YEAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!¡±¡±¡±

    ¡°ONE MORE TIME!!¡±

    ¡°¡±¡±YEA-YEA-YEA-YEAAA-YEAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!¡±¡±¡±

    Yuko Mountain¡¯s supporter responded to the cheer organizer in unison. Their domineering and fervent cheer echoed through every corner of the stadium. Hide was not surprised that a cheer from a football supporter could become very intimidating and thundering to all direction. When he served in 1st SFG and there was international match, he was often tasked to become security element that blended with the crowd, so it was not a new thing for him.

    Hide also didn¡¯t surprise that Aizawa and Kana would stand up like other supporters and cheered as loud as they could. The two were Yuko Mountain¡¯s diehard supporters so it was natural that they tried to support their beloved team as best as they could.

    However, never did Hide imagine that Hanna would also cheer as loud as she could like Aizawa and Kana. Moreover, he knew for sure that Hanna was not Yuko Mountain¡¯s supporter. She even came to this match wearing Manchester City¡¯s jacket.

    ¡®Well, toddlers with similar mind flocks together,¡¯ Hide muttered before opening a can of soda.

    At the same time, Kaede Sensei looked at Kana with her jubilant eyes. Then, amid the thundering cheers, she said to Hide, ¡°Hide, I know Kana is a zealot fan of Yuko Mountain, but honestly, I never thought it go this deep.¡±

    ¡°Sensei, I also never thought Aizawa can become a zealot fan like this.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Kaede Sensei nodded before continuing, ¡°I¡¯m so glad we brought them to this match.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Hide took a sip of his soda before continued in whisper, ¡°But maybe, next time we shouldn¡¯t bring the Wild Chick who suddenly behaves like them.¡±

    Kaede Sensei slightly smiled as she stole a glance at Hanna, who was fervently cheered on Yuko Mountain like Aizawa and Kana. Then, she said, ¡°I think it¡¯s also a good thing that we bring her along.¡±

    Hide didn¡¯t argue and just took another sip of his soda. All this time, he always got impression that Hanna was a mature and calm woman, but it seemed she also had her toddler side. However, he didn¡¯t consider it as a big problem. He would continue his intention to snare Hanna into a marriage.

    Then, Yuko¡¯s Mountain suddenly scored its first goal. In an instant, Yuko Mountain¡¯s supporters, especially the three toddlers who sat next to him, yelled their cheer as loud as they could.

    *****

 HA2 6.3 â€“ Small World

    HA2 6.3 ¨C Small World

    Just before the end of first half, Yuko Mountain managed to score another goal. Yuko Mountain¡¯s supporter immediately celebrated it by launching their thundering cheer. After that, the referee blew the whistle to end the first half and marked the start of half-time break.

    The three toddlers who sat next to Hide also used the half-time break to replenish their strength. Kaede Sensei immediately gave them one of the popcorn cups while Hide helped them opened their soda.

    After that, Kaede Sensei and Hide calmly observed the three toddlers. The two couldn¡¯t hide their amusement as the three toddlers were happily enjoying their soda and sharing popcorn.

    ¡°Hide, thank you for bringing Aizawa to Kitaro,¡± Kaede Sensei sincerely said. ¡°Kana didn¡¯t have friend before Aizawa came to Kitaro.¡±

    ¡°Sensei, Aizawa also didn¡¯t have friend before she move to Kitaro.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I have heard about it,¡± Kaede Sensei calmly said. ¡°However, I believe that wherever school that Aizawa go to, she will make a lot of friend. As for Kana, she has a difficulty to fit herself into a group.

    Actually, Aizawa has given up her chance to become a core part in some groups because she chose to hang around with Kana.¡±

    Hide calmly said, ¡°Sensei, I never measure friendship based on how many friend I have, but from how deep the relation. Even if it¡¯s only one or two friends, it¡¯s more than enough as long as they are my true friend.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°I learn it hard way,¡± Hide said as he recalled his experience in 1st SFG, where the bond with his teammates was thicker than blood. ¡°But fortunately, Aizawa doesn¡¯t make the same mistake like me.¡±

    ¡°Hide.¡± Kaede Sensei looked at Hide as big question mark filled her eyes to the brim. ¡°Sometimes, I get impression you are far more mature than your actual age.¡±

    Hide smiled before saying, ¡°I will take it as a compliment.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a compliment,¡± Kaede Sensei happily said. ¡°Maybe you wouldn¡¯t believe it, but some parents of my students actually tell their kids that having a large number of friends is more important than the deep of the friendship itself.¡±

    ¡°They are definitely the worst parent a child can get.¡±

    ¡°True.¡±

    ¡°Also, after Kana hanging around with Aizawa, her rascal level is going nosedive and now she is behaving more like a sweet kid.¡±

    Hide instantly turned his gaze to Kana and said, ¡°Kana is just a kid and it¡¯s very normal for her to cause some troubles.¡±

    Hide was truly believed that it was very normal for a kid to cause some trouble. Rather than suppressed it with a strict rule and discipline, Hide believed it would way much better for a child to expressed their feeling, emotion, and rascal side when the parent were still have lot of room to guide, nurture, control their environment, and even punish them if they had to.

    This kind of interaction maybe would give any parent headache and frustration. However, for Hide who had huge regret because in his previous life he had stupidly created lot of negative emotion in Aizawa¡¯s childhood, and then losing her in the most painful way possible, parental headache and frustration were not a big deal. He would gladly let Aizawa grew in a flexible environment, even if it would also gave her a room to made mistake or broke some common rule and giving him a headache.

    ¡°Hide,¡± Kaede Sensei took a deep breath before frustratingly said, ¡°I don¡¯t mind Kana become a cheeky kid, but sometimes she goes too far.¡±

    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

    Hide immediately asked, ¡°Sensei, how far a six year old kid can go causing some trouble?¡±

    ¡°Very very very far,¡± Kaede Sensei firmly replied.

    After seeing Hide gave her a curious look, Kaede Sensei immediately told him a story about the latest Kana¡¯s rascal act. It was took place a day after Yuko Mountain beat Nakamura Ocean. At that time, Kana started her first day of football course and she came to the training center wearing Yuko Mountain¡¯s jersey.

    Coincidently, her instructor was Nakamura Ocean¡¯s diehard supporter and she was still sour about Nakamura Ocean¡¯s lost in the previous day. As soon as she realized that Kana was wearing Yuko Mountain¡¯s jersey and looked at her with her big smile and brimming face, the instructor immediately dumped her pent up on her. She was also trash talk Yuko Mountain right in front of Kana¡¯s face.

    When Kana didn¡¯t talk back or refute her trash talk, the instructor became more fervent and even forbade Kana wore Yuko Mountain¡¯s jersey when she came to her class in the future. Then, the training was started, and in the middle of it, when the female instructor had her guard down, Kana silently sneaked into her rear and pulled her shorts all the way down to her ankles.

    The female instructor instantly gasped and froze in her place, while the other kids exploded into laughter. Even some parents in the edge of the practice field couldn¡¯t hold back their laugh. In the end, the female instructor could only pull up her shorts while putting her life on the line to contain her sky-high embarrassment.

    ¡°As for Kana, she casually walked to the bench, took her bag, and then asked her driver to take her home. She just left as if nothing had happened.¡±

    Kaede Sensei closed her story while looking at Kana with a complicated gaze. At the other side, while munching a handful of popcorn, Kana calmly looked back at Kaede Sensei with her crystal clear eyes, as if the story about her rascal act was someone else story.

    At the same time, Hide who already couldn¡¯t hold back his laugh when he heard Kana had pulled her instructor shorts down to her ankles, finally burst into a laughter, and it made Kaede Sensei wanted to cry but no tears had come out.

    ¡°Hide, please don¡¯t laugh,¡± Kaede Sensei bitterly pleaded. ¡°At that time, I thought I had to carry a seppuku to redeem this rascal¡¯s unforgivable act.¡±

    ¡°Sensei,¡± Hide took a deep breath a few times to calm his amusement before continuing, ¡°Kana¡¯s act is definitely wrong, but her instructor also deserve it. I mean¡­ an adult, not to mention an instructor, shouldn¡¯t dumped her pent up to her six-year-old student.¡±

    ¡°Even so,¡± Kaede Sensei frustratingly said, ¡°What kind of six-year-old little girl who had an idea to pull down her teacher shorts as a payback?¡±

    ¡°A genius six-year-old little girl.¡±

    Kana smugly praised herself before putting another handful of popcorn into her mouth, and when Hide gave her a big thumb, she responded it by showing her own thumb. Seeing this exchange, Kaede Sensei could only lament inwardly.

    ¡°Hide, don¡¯t encourage this rascal to carry another crazy act. It will kill me this time.¡±

    Hide didn¡¯t reply and only lightly smiled. Meanwhile, Hanna whispered something to Kana, and Kana nodded a few times before turning her gaze to Kaede Sensei

    ¡°Aunt Kaede, please have no worry,¡± Kana assuredly said. ¡°Kana have already learnt from her mistake.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Really.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡±

    Kaede Sensei sensed something was wrong because it¡¯s not normal occurrence for Kana to easily back down. Even still, she chose to trust her and treat her words seriously.

    ¡°Kana, I will hold your words as a sacred vow.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Kana nodded before adding, ¡°Next time, Kana will do it more carefully and ensure nobody know about it.¡±

    In an instant, Kaede Sensei rolled her eyes, while Hide amusingly laughed. As for Hanna and Aizawa, it was clear that the two were fully supported Kana. In the end, Kaede Sensei chose not to talk about it anymore.

    A moment later, the second half of the match was started and the three toddlers returned to their cheering mode. Together with other Yuko Mountain¡¯s supporters, they yelled as loud as they could. When Yuko Mountain scored another goal they even took their jacket off and swirled it above their head.

    At the same time, Hide stole a glance at Aizawa. To be fair, Aizawa also had her rascal side and it was wilder than Kana. Last time she snapped, she had beaten the boy who triggered her. Well, Hide couldn¡¯t go back to the past to prevent it, so he would do his best to ensure it would remain as a child¡¯s over reaction and not develop into a long life dark emotion.

    ---

    Prr-rrri-iiitttttttt¡­¡­!!¡±

    The cheer and scream from Yuko Mountain¡¯s supporter was thundering to every corner of the stadium as the referee blew the final whistle. Yuko Mountain had bagged the game with score 4-1, so their supporters celebrated it as loud as they could.

    At the same time, Yuko Mountain¡¯s players deeply bowed to their supporter in all direction before leaving the field. People then started leaving their seat. As for Hide and his group, they calmly sat in their seat, waiting for the crowd to become slightly sparse before taking their leave.

    In the distance, Hide noticed Isamu Sensei walked among the crowd with some members of Hiking Club. Sayaka, Tenma, Hiroki, and Tsugiyama were wearing Nakamura Ocean¡¯s jacket, while the other four wore various sport jackets.

    Sayaka had also accidentally noticed Hide, but she only gave him a glance before continuing her walk with her sour face. It seemed the second defeat of Nakamura Ocean from Yuko Mountain was truly crushed her heart, but Hide didn¡¯t give a damn.

    Hide then calmly proposed to the group, ¡°Let¡¯s have some meal in Seiya before we go home.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Hanna instantly agreed to the idea.

    ¡°It¡¯s a great idea,¡± Kaede Sensei happily said after Kana gave her an expectant gaze. ¡°It¡¯s a rare chance for me, to be able eating outside without having over anxiousness about the crowd.¡±

    The group then left their seat and went straight to Seiya. However, Hide never imagined that Isamu Sensei¡¯s group also went to Seiya. Not to mention, the only vacant table they could use was right next to their table, but it was too late to go to other place. Aizawa and Kana had looked to every corner of the restaurant with their brimming eyes, and Hide didn¡¯t want to ruin their excitement.

    ¡®What a small world,¡¯ Hide muttered as he took Aizawa and Kana to the only vacant table.

    *****

 HA2 7.1 â€“ Big Dinner

    HA2 7.1 ¨C Big Dinner

    ¡°Isamu Sensei and everyone, good evening,¡± Hide calmly said as his group arrived on the table next to Isamu Sensei¡¯s group. ¡°It seems Sensei and the others had just watched the match.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Isamu Sensei smiled and politely nodded at Kaede Sensei and Hanna. Then, he turned his gaze to Aizawa and Kana. ¡°Are they your little sisters?¡±

    ¡°This one is Aizawa, my little sister.¡± Hide said as he helped Aizawa pulled her chair. Then, he continued as he helped Kana pulled her chair. ¡°This one is Kana, my little sister¡¯s best friend.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After looking at their jacket Isamu Sensei said, ¡°They must be very happy right now.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, we are. Yuko Mountain crushed Nakamura Ocean one more time,¡± Kana smugly said while Aizawa and Hanna nodded in agreement.

    And somehow, it triggered some irritation from Sayaka. ¡°Hide, why you and your group don¡¯t go to rest and merchandise area, and celebrating it with the rest of Yuko Mountain¡¯s supporter?¡±

    ¡°We park our car here,¡± Hide casually replied as he handed over the menu book to Aizawa and Kana.

    ¡°What a coincidence,¡± Sayaka sourly said but after she looked at Aizawa for a moment, the irritation on her eyes for some reason subsided and gone without a trace.

    At the same time, Hanna took a glance on Sayaka before giving Hide a gaze as if she said, ¡®You have a fierce friend¡¯, and Hide replied it with a light smile.

    After that, as he sat next to Aizawa and Kana, Hide said, ¡°Please order whatever you want. It¡¯s on me.¡±

    In an instant Kaede Sensei said, ¡°Hide, please, let me have the bill. You already brought me and Kana to the match.¡±

    Before Hide said anything, Hanna explained, ¡°Sensei, don¡¯t worry. Hide just won a big and fat jackpot.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Kaede Sensei asked as a question mark appeared in her forehead.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hanna firmly replied without mentioning that Hide put a bet of 200 thousand ren and won 80 thousand ren. ¡°Today also his cheating day, so let¡¯s accompany him enjoying the feast.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    In the end Kaede Sensei chose to comply with Hanna¡¯s suggestion, and followed the flow as Hanna took the menu book and shared it with her.

    A moment later, the group ordered a family package of skillet chicken cheese pasta, skillet chicken corn cheese, along with onion soup and big serving of potato chips. As for the drink, everyone had their own preference.

    But from the beginning, Hide had guessed that Aizawa would order mint and strawberry milk. Basically, it was rough chopped strawberry and mint leave being sweetened using honey, and then was added into a glass of cold soy milk. Emily made it once when the whole family celebrated Aizawa¡¯s second birthday, and it seemed Aizawa clearly remembered it.

    A moment later, as Hide and the rest started eating their meal, three Hiking Club¡¯s members from first year arrived and joint Isamu Sensei¡¯s group. However, their table had already full while other tables had been occupied.

    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    At the same time, Hide instantly realized. Isamu Sensei actually preserved the table he took for the new arriving Hiking Club¡¯s members. It was also clearly visible that Isamu Sensei didn¡¯t have the heart to ask the first year kids to leave.

    Wasting no time Hide made an offer, ¡°Sensei, we still have some empty seats here. If they don¡¯t mind, they can join us.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Hide.¡±

    Without second thought Isamu Sensei accepted the offer, but he also didn¡¯t want to cause discomfort for Hide¡¯s groups. So, he took two second years he deemed the most polite compared to the rest to move to Hide¡¯s table with him. In short, Isamu Sensei chose Sayaka and Tenma. He sat next to Hide while Sayaka and Tenma sat next to Hanna and Kaede Sensei.

    ¡°Hide, you are truly a savior.¡± After took a glance at Kaede Sensei, Isamu Sensei then said, ¡°Can you introduce me to your¡­ um¡­.. young aunt?¡±

    After a light smile Kaede Sensei immediately said, ¡°Sensei, I¡¯m not Hide¡¯s aunt, but her little sister¡¯s teacher.¡±

    ¡°Aahhh¡­ I¡¯m sorry, Sensei.¡± Even if he said sorry, Isamu Sensei¡¯s face didn¡¯t show it a bit. Instead, his face was brimming with happiness as he continued, ¡°Let me buy something for this table as an apology.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t, as you can see, the family package we ordered turned out to be very huge.¡± Kaede Sensei took an empty plate and put a slice of chicken cheese pasta on it before handed it over to Isamu Sensei, ¡°Instead, please help us enjoy it.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Isamu Sensei happily received the chicken cheese pasta and immediately took a bite.

    With a glance, it was easy to tell that Isamu Sensei had a very good interpersonal skill. It seemed traveling to lot of place and interacting with countless people when he was an active climber, had taught him how to be connected with someone he had just met for the first time. He could even smoothly make an offer to buy Kaede Sensei a drink in the mini-bar, and Kaede Sensei happily accepted the invitation.

    As he looked at Isamu Sensei and Kaede Sensei happily walked to the mini-bar, Hide said, ¡°It seems we will see new couple here.¡±

    ¡°It has been an age since Aunt Kaede had a date,¡± Kana casually said before taking a big bite of chicken corn cheese.

    After slightly nodding her head Hanna said, ¡°Let¡¯s not disturb her then, and hopefully Kaede Sensei find some happy moment.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kana obediently replied.

    Hanna then turned her gaze to Hide ¡°Hide, introduce me to your friends.¡±

    ¡°This is Sayaka, a classmate and leader of Hiking Club. This is Tenma, my senior in Hiking Club,¡± Hide calmly introduced the two. ¡°Sayaka, Tenma, this is Hanna.¡±

    ¡°Nice to meet you,¡± Hanna happily said.

    ¡°Nice to meet you too,¡± Sayaka replied.

    Meanwhile, after looking at Hanna for a moment Tenma asked, ¡°Hanna, are you from Central Nichiko High?¡±

    Hanna happily smiled before replying, ¡°No, I have graduated from high school.¡±

    ¡°¡±You have graduated from high school?¡±¡± Tenma and Sayaka asked at the same time, and surprise was clearly visible in their eyes.

    ¡°Yup,¡± Still in her cheerful tone Hanna replied.

    ¡°Seriously.¡± After giving Hanna an assessment gaze Sayaka asked her one more time, ¡°Hanna, are you truly a high school graduate?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m, and now I work at Beauty & the Beast. Ask Hide if you don¡¯t believe me. He exercises in Beauty & the Beast under my program.¡±

    Tenma and Sayaka immediately turned their gaze to Hide, and he casually gave the two a nod. At the same time, Hide realized that when she didn¡¯t wore her office suit, Hanna was truly had appearance like a high school girl. It was the opposite of Hide who would look more mature compared to his actual age when he didn¡¯t wear high school uniform.

    ¡°So, how is Hide at school?¡±

    ¡°No friends, very quiet and gloomy, but his daily score spike significantly in the recent days, to the point the teachers keep talking it in front of student from other class,¡± Sayaka bluntly replied.

    ¡°I see,¡± Hanna took a glance at Hide and mischievously smiled before saying, ¡°I thought he is popular in school.¡±

    ¡°No, he isn¡¯t,¡± Tenma firmly replied.

    ¡°Does he have girl friend or such?¡±

    ¡°As far as I know he doesn¡¯t,¡± Sayaka replied before taking a sip of her lemon tea.

    ¡°Actually, he have confessed to Sayaka last year,¡± Tenma added. ¡°But Sayaka rejected him.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Hanna curiously asked.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Tenma ignored Sayaka¡¯s sharp glare as he continued, ¡°He cried after that and the whole school knew about it.¡±

    ¡°You know, Hide once told me that he will cry if someone he love dump him,¡± Hanna smiled before continuing, ¡°Never did I imagine it¡¯s true.¡±

    ¡°Well, it was really painful at that time, as if my whole world was being crushed into pieces.¡±

    Hide openly admitted as he helped Kana and Aizawa took another slice of chicken corn cheese, and when his gaze accidentally met with Hanna¡¯s gaze, he was instantly taken back. For some reasons, Hanna¡¯s gaze was so clear, captivating, and full of passion. It was as if through her gaze she gently conveyed her feeling.

    Without delay, Hide took two big gulps of his lemonade to calm his jumping heart. At the same time, Hanna amusingly smiled and enjoyed to the fullest how Hide losing his composure because of her passionate gaze.

    After that, Sayaka and Tenma were eagerly chatting with Hana. The two asked Hanna a lot of advices about body development. Meanwhile, Hide attentively helped Kana and Aizawa enjoying their dinner. Actually, taking Aizawa to have a meal in Seiya was one of top priority in Hide¡¯s list.

    *****

 HA2 7.2 â€“ Going Home

    HA2 7.2 ¨C Going Home

    In his previous life, Seiya was the place where Hide met Aizawa for the first time after their long separation. Ten years had passed at that time. Aizawa was already sixteen-year-old, while he already became a senior Staff Sergeant in 1st SFG. They met right after Yuko Mountain¡¯s match, or to be precise Hide was tailing Aizawa since before the match until she entered Seiya and sat in a corner.

    In the match, when she saw Aizawa cheerfully screamed to support Yuko Mountain, Hide couldn¡¯t help but smile and made a promised he would preserve Aizawa¡¯s happiness at all cost. And as Aizawa was very happy because Yuko Mountain won the match with a landslide score, Hide thought it would help him to talk heart to heart with Aizawa.

    Unfortunately, Hide¡¯s wish didn¡¯t come true. As soon as she saw him, Aizawa immediately recognized Hide, but then she instantly and openly showed her hatred to him. After giving Hide a warning not to send her letter, text message, call, or looking for her ever again, Aizawa then left.

    From the waitress in Seiya, Hide then dug out a lot of info about Aizawa. She always came to Seiya after every Yuko Mountain¡¯s match, wearing a Yuko Mountain¡¯s jet black jacket. She would sit in a corner, ordered mint strawberry milk, and then enjoyed it alone while looking at the distance.

    No one knew what Aizawa had in mind, but Hide had a guess. She must be hoping and imagining that Emily was still alive, and watched Yuko Mountain¡¯s match together with her, and then the two would had a good nice meal afterward.

    A week after their first meeting, Hide went to Aizawa¡¯s orphanage, and for the first time he knew that Aizawa always burned his letter and gave the money and other things he sent to her to other kids in the orphanage. Worst of all, Aizawa was not live in the orphanage anymore.

    Just before her sixteen birthdays, she ran from the orphanage and lived together with her damnable boyfriend. By faking her age, she then worked as a waitress in a billiard caf¨¦. After that, Hide had a lot of fight and bickering with her. However, Hide never imagined that four years later he would lose Aizawa forever.

    Therefore, in this life Hide wouldn¡¯t waste his second opportunity. As he strengthened his resolve, Hide gently looked at Aizawa who taking a big gulp of her strawberry milk. Coincidently, Aizawa turned her gaze to him and made a big smile.

    ¡°Do you like the strawberry milk?¡± Hide happily asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Aizawa happily replied. ¡°Big Bro, can we go here again?¡±

    ¡°We will go here after watching every Yuko Mountain¡¯s home match.¡±

    Aizawa eyes instantly gleamed with happiness. ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Really.¡±

    ¡°Big Bro Hide, can Kana come along?¡± Kana asked as she gave Hide an expectant look.

    After a smile Hide firmly replied, ¡°Of course you can.¡±

    Even if he couldn¡¯t bring Emily to accompany Aizawa, but at least Hide would definitely bring Aizawa¡¯s best friend to accompany her.

    A moment later, Kaede Sensei and Isamu Sensei returned to the table. They openly said that they had exchanged their contact number and even planned a dinner in a few days. It was lightning speed development and Hide was very happy for them. After that, they finished the dinner and went home.

    Stolen novel; please report.

    ---

    ¡°Muuuaaaahhh¡­¡± Aizawa kissed Hide¡¯s cheek from behind before saying, ¡°Big Bro, good night.¡±

    ¡°Have a nice sleep, okay?¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Aizawa happily replied.

    ¡°Muuuaaaahh¡­¡± Kana also kissed Hide¡¯s cheek from behind before saying, ¡°Big Bro Hide is the best.¡±

    ¡°Of course I¡¯m,¡± Hide happily replied. ¡°Have a nice sleep, okay?¡±

    ¡°Roger.¡± Kana happily replied.

    Then, Kaede Sensei said, ¡°Hide, Hanna, thank you for taking us to the match.¡±

    After a smile Hanna replied, ¡°Sensei, it¡¯s not a big deal. I also have a lot of fun tonight.¡±

    ¡°Next time, let me pay the ticket and the dinner.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Hanna happily accepted the offer.

    After that, Kaede Sensei took Aizawa and Kana got off the Black Altiez, and Hide waited until the three entered Kitaro and locked the gate before gently stepping on the gas.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have some drink before returning to my apartment,¡± Hanna cheerfully proposed an idea.

    ¡°Can¡¯t do that,¡± Hide gently replied. ¡°I have to wake up early tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Do you have school tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°No, but I have to meet Takeo at 7:00.¡±

    ¡°Is it meeting for your part time job or hiking training?¡±

    ¡°Both, and it will became regular meeting. Currently, I and Takeo are trying to establish a meeting schedule for our part time job and hiking training. I will tell you the detail once I have it.¡±

    After nodding her head Hanna asked, ¡°So, you and Takeo will go out at night in regular basis.¡±

    ¡°Not at night, but at morning before we go to school. We plan to have it three times a week at least.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After a moment of silence Hanna then said, ¡°Let¡¯s go home then.¡±

    ¡°Roger.¡±

    After a moment of silence Hanna asked, ¡°Can I come along with you tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Hide firmly replied.

    ¡°Why?¡± Hanna asked before pouting her lips like a kids.

    ¡°Well,¡± Hide forced his brain to work in full rotation to find good excuse, but nothing crossed into his mind. In the end, he could only said, ¡°When we are going to have some fun, I will take you along, but not when we meet to finish some jobs.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Hanna was clearly disappointed, but she didn¡¯t argue and chose to change the subject. ¡°Hide, why you didn¡¯t introduce me to your friend as your girlfriend?¡±

    ¡°Because it would sound as if I was bragging to Sayaka and Tenma.¡±

    After a smile Hanna teasingly said, ¡°Isn¡¯t that a great chance to brag that you have a smoking hot babe as a girl friend?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but it don¡¯t sit right with me. Not to mention, our meeting with Tenma and Sayaka is just a coincidence. I don¡¯t think we will meet with them again.¡±

    ¡°What if Tenma try to hook on me because he thinks I¡¯m a single?¡±

    ¡°I will explain to him that we are in a deep relationship. If he ignores it, I will sabotage his attempt to hook on you.¡±

    ¡°What kind of sabotage you will use?¡± Hanna curiously asked.

    After a grin Hide replied, ¡°In war and love everything is fair and square, that kind of sabotage.¡±

    Hide¡¯s reply in an instant made Hanna chuckled. After that, the journey to Hanna¡¯s apartment continued in calm and light atmosphere.

    ---

    Exactly at 6:35, Hide exited the lift on Chikara Tower¡¯s rooftop. After ensuring no one was hanging around in the rooftop, Hide went to one of air duct¡¯s entry. With ease he unlocked the padlock and entered the air duct system.

    He had to crawl for a dozen meters before arriving at first turn, and then opened a secret entry in the tunnel wall by shifting it to side. After that, with ease he scaled down a steel ladder embedded in the wall and connected directly to the living room in the workshop.

    Hide didn¡¯t surprise when he found Takeo and Shizuka already arrived in the workshop. The two were busy arrange various grocery in the kitchen as Hide hopped off from the steel ladder. After putting his sport bag next to the sofa, Hide walked over to them.

    ¡°You two came early,¡± Hide calmly said.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Shizuka replied cheerfully. ¡°And thanks for the tip. We got fat free lunch because of it.¡±

    After a smile Hide asked, ¡°How much did you get?¡±

    ¡°We got 80 thousand ren each,¡± Takeo happily replied.

    ¡°Well, good for you.¡± Hide took one of grocery bags as he continued, ¡°Let¡¯s arrange this thing and then we can start the firearm course.¡±

    ¡°¡°Okay,¡±¡± Takeo and Shizuka replied at the same time.

    *****

 HA2 8.1 â€“ Firearm Course

    HA2 8.1 ¨C Firearm Course

    After moving the last pallet from Thursday work to armory, Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka made the preparation for firearm course. The first menu would be handgun, so they took all available handguns, two pieces for each type, along with several spare magazines, one ammo can of 9 mm round, and other things they needed and brought it to shooting range

    The shooting range was brand new, so Hide also used their first training to put some set up on it. Then, after everything was ready, Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka gathered next to the creamy wall where the lift¡¯s door located.

    In a calm tone Hide opened the course, ¡°This range had measurement 205x25 meters, but the area we can use for shooting practice is only 200x20 meters. We call this area as shooting area.

    At behind each black wall and black ceiling in the shooting area, laid a bullet trap system. Meaning, it¡¯s totally safe to put a target in front of those wall or ceiling and shoot it.¡±

    Shizuka suddenly raised her hand, and after Hide gave her a nod, she pointed at creamy wall next to where the three stood. ¡°Do you mean we can¡¯t shoot at this wall?¡±

    ¡°Correct,¡± Hide firmly replied. ¡°And we call the area up to five meters from this creamy wall as back area. It was an area we use to rest, talk, or anything else that not involving of firing a gun.¡±

    ¡°Hide, can you explain why we can¡¯t shoot this creamy wall?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    Hide immediately pointed at 30x20 cm touch screen planted to the creamy wall next to him. ¡°If we shoot this digital smart control panel, we will have serious technical problem.

    While if we hit this solid and hardened creamy wall, in some scenario the ricochet can badly hurt or even kill us.¡±

    Takeo nodded and said, ¡°I see.¡±

    Shizuka raised her arm one more time and asked another question, ¡°That control panel, is that not the switch for the lighting and air conditioner?¡±

    ¡°Correct, but it¡¯s also the system that generate the holographic target. If we broke it, we can only use paper target for the practice then, and losing the chance to practice on some complex menu.¡± Hide paused for a moment before asking, ¡°Other question?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°No question? Let¡¯s enter the serious part then.¡± After clearing his throat Hide continued, ¡°Bear in mind that every time you hold a firearm, it means you have the power to take someone life in your very own hand, intentionally or unintentionally.

    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    In short, anything you do when you are holding a firearm is inherently freaking dangerous.

    So, no matter where you are, be it inside or outside shooting range, as long as you have firearm in your hand, you have to strictly follow the basic rules for firearm safety handling.

    Got it?¡±

    After Takeo and Shizuka firmly nodded their head, Hide walked over to the whiteboard next to the digital smart control panel and wrote the basic rule for firearm safety.

    ¡°First rule. Treat all guns the same way you treat a loaded gun.

    Second rule. Always keep the gun in your hand pointed in a safe direction. Meaning, if you accidentally fire it, it would not damage something or kill someone you can¡¯t afford to replace.

    Third rule. Keep your finger away from trigger until you are ready to shoot.

    Fourth rule. Know what you are shooting at and what is behind it.

    Other than shaping your marksmanship, I will also drill these rules into your head to reduce the possibility you accidentally killing yourself or someone else around you. Got that?¡±

    ¡°¡°We do.¡±¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Hide then took Takeo and Shizuka to folding table where he previously arranged all handguns available for the training, and pointed at each handgun as he said, ¡°Glox 17, Haka USP, Haka VP9, and Beretta M92. Pick the gun you want to use.¡±

    ¡°Do you have some tips?¡± Takeo asked. ¡°You know, we are pretty much new in this field.¡±

    Hide nodded and explained, ¡°Every hand has different size and touch, so the best way to find the most suitable handgun for you is by putting it in your grip and feels it.¡±

    ¡°Feels it?¡± Takeo asked as big question mark appeared in his forehead.

    ¡°Yes, feels it,¡± Hide firmly replied. ¡°Is your grip can melt and become one with the gun? Can your finger easily reach the trigger, mag release button, slide stop lever, and other external mechanism?

    Then, you fire a few rounds to make final confirmation to your initial feeling. Once you find your most suitable handgun, use it to build your marksmanship foundation.¡±

    As she put one of Haka VP9 into her grip Shizuka asked, ¡°Hide, why this gun is smaller than the other three?¡±

    ¡°Haka USP, Beretta M92, and Glox 17,¡± Hide calmly said, ¡°are full-size service handgun, while Haka VP9 is a compact. Its size is comparable to Haka USP Compact or Glox 19.¡±

    ¡°Between full-size and compact handgun, which one is better?¡±

    ¡°The two have its own pro and cons.¡±

    ¡°Such as?¡± Shizuka curiously asked another question.

    ¡°Even a slightly longer barrel can give a significant additional stopping power in a close quarter fight. This is one of the advantages of full-size handgun. Its magazine also has higher capacity.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°Meanwhile, compact handgun is lighter. When you are hurt, tired, and your adrenalin completely dry, every gram of your handgun would be felt like a 10 gram, and every 10 gram would be felt like a 100 gram, and so on. This is when lighter handgun will increase your chance of survival.¡±

    Shizuka nodded and said, ¡°I see.¡±

    Takeo then asked another question, ¡°Hide, how about you? What handgun wills you chose?

    ¡°I don¡¯t have preference,¡± Hide briefly replied. ¡°But for you, the first handgun has to be the most suitable for your hand to accelerate your basic course.¡±

    ¡°If we pick one of the handguns now, can we learn how to fire the other model later?¡±

    ¡°You can. To be precise, I will teach you how to use every firearm in our disposal after you finished the basic training.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After putting the last Haka VP9 on the table into his grip and felt it for a while, Takeo firmly decided, ¡°I choose this one.¡±

    ¡°I will choose it too,¡± Shizuka said as she tightened her grip on Haka VP9 in her hand.

    ¡°I will teach Shizuka first,¡± Hide turned his gaze to Takeo as he continued. ¡°But as you choose a same model, you can also listen to my explanation.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Takeo firmly replied.

    Hide then put another folding table at a spot 20 meters in front of closest black wall. After that, he gave an example how to carry handgun from the back area to the table in the shooting area. In short, he held it with his right hand closed to his chest pointed down to the floor, while his left hand carried a small basked filled with extra magazines, ammo, and other things he needed for the drill.

    When putting the gun to the table, Hide also ensured its muzzle was pointed to the spot where the target would be placed. As for the other things, he arranged them in a certain pattern and explained to Shizuka the reason behind that arrangement.

    After that, he asked Shizuka to repeat his example for several times. Then, he taught Shizuka how to properly put on ear protection system and eye safety glasses before explaining some technical details of HK VP9.

    *****

 HA2 8.2 â€“ Firing Stance

    HA2 8.2 ¨C Firing Stance

    In casual tone, Hide explained the trigger system and safety mechanism on Haka VP9. As a striker fired handgun, HK VP9 didn¡¯t have external safety lever, while its internal safety was being integrated with trigger mechanism. To fire it, shooter only had to squeeze the center bar until it parallel with the trigger, and then continued squeeze it along the way to the back together with the trigger.

    This kind of mechanism enabled a quick deploy or pull and fire action, but compared to other mechanism it would require more pressure to pull the trigger. Of course, shooters could spend some money to modify the trigger take-up into their preference.

    However, unlike other striker fired handgun that had punchy trigger take-up, HK VP9 had a very smooth and crisp trigger mechanism. The trigger reset was also very short and enabled a lightning speed follow up shot.

    Under the rear sight, just above the grip, it had an indicator to show if the gun was cocked. Once shooter cocked the gun, the indicator would turn red. It also had chamber indicator to tell the shooter that the firing chamber was loaded or unloaded. Therefore, shooter didn¡¯t need to slightly pull the slide when they wanted to check the firing chamber.

    Most of all, Haka VP9 was ambidextrous. Shooter could fire it using either right or left hand and with ease could reach the magazine release button or slide-stop lever no matter which hand they used. It would help Shizuka a lot in case she had to shot using her left hand when riding a motorbike.

    After ensuring that Shizuka understood the basic function on Haka VP9, and smoothly executed every example he showed, Hide then explained about some procedure in shooting range. After that, the shooting practice began.

    ¡°Before every shooting session, you have to ensure your gun is empty. Even if you are sure it¡¯s unloaded, you still have to re-check it and develop this step as your second nature,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°I do,¡± Shizuka firmly replied.

    ¡°Are you ready for the practice?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m.¡±

    ¡°Execute my instruction then.¡± After a moment of paused Hide continued, ¡°Shooter, take the gun!¡±

    Shizuka immediately took Haka VP9 on the table, hold it close to her chest with both hands, pointed it to the side down to the floor, and then she said, ¡°Shooter have the gun.¡±

    ¡°Clear it.¡±

    In a swift movement, Shizuka took the magazine out and put it into table. Then, she pulled back the slide a few times using full power. Hide had told her that she had to do it that way to ensure the firing chamber was totally clear, and didn¡¯t have to worry it would break the Haka VP9 as it was specifically made to receive hard abuse.

    After she sure that the chamber was clear, Shizuka deployed the slide-stop lever to hold the slide, peeked into firing chamber and then she showed it to Hide.

    ¡°Gun is clear.¡±

    ¡°Load the magazines.¡±

    Shizuka immediately put the gun back to the table and swiftly loaded 9 mm round to the first magazine. Before long, she already fully loaded all three magazines on the table and arranged them next to Haka VP9.

    ¡°All magazines are loaded.¡±

    ¡®So far so good,¡¯ Hide calmly muttered before saying, ¡°Ready the gun.¡±

    After inserting the magazine, Shizuka put the slide-stop lever back into its position and the slide instantly drive back forward and loaded one round into firing chamber. Then, she held the gun close to her chest with both hand, and as always the muzzle was pointing to the side down to the floor.

    ¡°Gun is ready.¡±

    ¡°Stand by for instinctive counter terrorist stance.¡±

    Hide then took the tablet on the table. It was connected to digital smart control panel, and Hide used it to generate a holographic target 3 meter in front of Shizuka. The holographic target was 20 cm in diameter, red in color, and it floated 165 cm above the floor. In short, it was target practice that mimics human¡¯s head in size and position.

    After looking at Shizuka for a moment Hide said, ¡°Target!¡±

    In a smooth motion, Shizuka opened her right leg to the side at shoulder wide, lower her knees a little and slightly bent her upper body forward. At the same time, both her arms pushed Haka VP9 forward until it formed a triangle. Then, she made a line alignment to the target without using iron sight. In short, she took an aim by relying on her feeling and stance. After that, she lowered her finger to the trigger and gently pulling it.

    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    Bang!

    The first shot was missed by a land slide, but Shizuka stayed calm and made an adjustment before pulling the trigger one more time.

    Bang!

    It was another miss. Shizuka immediately made another adjustment before firing again, and hit the holographic target in her third attempt. As the holographic target disappeared, Shizuka pulled her Haka VP9 close to her chest and returned to standby position.

    Without delay, Hide put another holographic target. This time, it was 5 meter in front of Shizuka.

    ¡°Target!¡±

    After Hide signaled her to hit the target, Shizuka immediately take the shoot. This time, she only needed two attempts to hit it. After that, Hide put the third target at 7 meter in front of Shizuka, and the shooting drill continued until Shizuka managed to hit a holographic target at a distance 19 meter in front of her.

    ¡°3 meter, 5 meter, 7 meter, up to 19 meter,¡± Hide calmly calculated Shizuka¡¯s statistic. ¡°You spent 37 rounds to hit nine targets, not too bad for a first timer.¡±

    ¡°Hide, what¡¯s next?¡± Shizuka eagerly asked.

    ¡°Let¡¯s repeat the drill,¡± Hide calmly replied.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Wasting no time, Hide put a holographic target 3 meter in front Shizuka and signaled her to hit it. This time, Shizuka nailed at first attempt. Hide then put the second holographic target, the third, the fourth, and so on, until finally it reached the last target at 19 meter distance.

    However, before Shizuka pulled the trigger to hit the last target Hide suddenly shouted. ¡°Hold fire! Hold fire! Hold fire!!¡±

    Shizuka immediately canceled her intention to fire, but maintain her firing stance and calmly waiting for further instruction.

    ¡°Shooter, answer my question,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°Who can become range officer in shooting range?¡±

    Without turning away her eyes from holographic target in the distance Shizuka replied, ¡°Everyone in the shooting range can become range officer for other shooter. They can give warning to stop the practice if they see unwanted circumstance arise in the firing range.¡±

    ¡°Give me an example of unwanted circumstance where a range officer should shout a warning?¡±

    ¡°A puppy enters the firing area.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the example I previously gave you,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°Be creative and give me other example."

    After furrowed her brow for a whole 30 seconds Shizuka said, ¡°A kitty enters the firing area.¡±

    ¡°Not so creative, but it will do for now.¡± Hide paused for a moment before asking another question, ¡°What does shooter should do when they hear ¡®Cease fire!¡¯?¡±

    ¡°Clear the gun, put it back to the table pointed to safe direction, step back three steps from the table, and wait for further instruction.¡±

    ¡°What does shooter should do when they hear ¡®Hold fire!¡¯?¡±

    ¡°Stop firing their gun, but maintain their stance and wait for further instruction.¡±

    After taking a glance at Shizuka¡¯s grip, Hide walked over to her side. ¡°Your grip is good and solid, but your posture is correct in form only.¡±

    ¡°Tell me what I did wrong,¡± Shizuka said expectantly.

    ¡°Your neck, shoulder, and waist are too stiff, and stiff stance is mortal enemy of a shooter,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°It will drain your energy and focus. Most of all, it slow you down when you have to hit multiple targets.

    Always remember that firm and stiff are two totally different things.¡±

    ¡°How I correct my stance?¡±

    ¡°Take a deep breath, feel your posture, and slowly relax your muscle.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°Also, the reason why you bend your upper body slightly forward is to help you made the line alignment to the target. While you put both arms in a triangle form is to help you suppress the recoil and muzzle raise. Every time you took this stance, always remember this two fundamental principal.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°Question?¡±

    ¡°If I take aim without sight, is it possible to hit the target at first shot constantly?¡±

    ¡°It is. However, it need around 3000 rounds before you start getting the correct feeling on how to aim without sight. And it will need another 3000 rounds until you fully master it. Then, you have to spend no less than 1500 rounds each month to maintain your sharpness.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Well, tell me what do you remember about contra terrorist stance?¡±

    Shizuka firmly replied, ¡°It¡¯s the most effective stance when you have to hit multiple targets. Shooter also has to develop a habit of aiming at the head when using this stance.¡±

    ¡°Very good.¡± Hide made a satisfied smiled before continuing, ¡°What will you do if your target hide behind a hostage and have a knife at hostage¡¯s throats?¡±

    ¡°Switch into conventional stance?¡±

    ¡°What is the cardinal sequence in conventional stance?¡±

    ¡°Aim with sight, get clear line alignment, take the shoot.¡±

    ¡°Where do you place your shoot if your target has knife¡¯s point at hostage¡¯s throat?¡±

    ¡°Clean headshot through the eye or cheek,¡± Shizuka paused for a moment, and thinking so hard before continued, ¡°Or at upper arm just below the shoulder. I forget the name of the nerve that I have to destroy, but I definitely remember its exact location.¡±

    ¡°What will happen if you shot at this nerve that you forget the name but definitely remember its exact location?¡±

    ¡°Target will lose the ability to grip or lift up his or her arm, and this is a permanent damage.¡±

    ¡°Is there any other place that can give similar result?¡±

    ¡°Lower arm around the wrist, but there is a possibility the bullet will hit the hostage if I shoot at it.¡±

    ¡°In a close quarter fight, is it possible to destroy the nerve that you forget its name but definitely remember its exact location by using a knife?¡±

    ¡°It is. A stab and screw movement will definitely destroy it.¡±

    ¡°You know,¡± Hide cheerfully said. ¡°You have a good brain actually. If you use it on your study, you will definitely get good score.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    As Shizuka remained silence while pouting her lips, Hide continued, ¡°Unfortunately, all this time, you make a fatal mistake without realizing it.¡±

    Then, as puzzlement filled Shizuka¡¯s face, without warning Hide used his finger to poke her at her slender waist.

    ¡°Aww!!¡±

    Bang!

    In an instant, Shizuka turned her head to Hide and gave him a furious gaze. ¡°Hide, that¡¯s fucking dangerous.¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡± Hide calmly replied, ¡°Tell me the basic rule for firearm safety that you violated?¡±

    After tilting her head for a moment Shizuka replied in low voice, ¡°Third rule, keep your finger away from the trigger until you are ready to shoot.¡±

    ¡°Yep.¡±

    ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°No worry, but next time you violate it again, I will give you a severe punishment.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°Now, how is it? Do you find some discomfort with your grip, recoil, or such, and want to try the other gun?¡±

    ¡°No, I will go with this one.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s continue then.¡± After taking a deep breath Hide calmly said, ¡°Shooter, stand by for conventional stance.¡±

    Without delay Shizuka pulled the Haka VP9 close to her chest, and changed her posture into a ramrod straight stance.

    ¡°Target!¡±

    Shizuka immediately moved her left leg a half-step forward and slightly bent her knees. At the same time, she pushed her right hand until it was as straight as possible, while her left hand slightly bending downward as it supported the gun. In summary, she pushed her firing hand forward while pulling her supporting hand backward.

    Then, she took aim through the iron sight before lowering her finger to the trigger and gently pulled it.

    Bang!

    Shizuka missed again, but she stayed calm and took another aim. However, before she pulled the trigger Hide once again shouted. ¡°Hold fire! Hold fire! Hold fire!!¡±

    After moving her finger from the trigger Shizuka asked, ¡°What mistake I did this time?¡±

    ¡°You miss horizontally to the left because you pull the trigger too hard,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°Remember, don¡¯t pull the trigger but gently squeeze it. Just do it slowly but correctly, as time goes on, your speed will increase on its own, and after doing it for a few thousand times it will become second nature.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s continue then.¡±

    Without delay the drill continued. This time, other than ensuring Shizuka followed the correct procedure, Hide didn¡¯t give her any advice. He let Shizuka firing Haka VP9 without pause other than when she changed or reloaded the magazine. However, Hide carefully made a note each time he found something worth to remember.

    In total, Shizuka fired 100 rounds using two stances, and hit the target 24 times. After that, it was Takeo¡¯s turn. As Hide suspected, Takeo had absorbed almost all information he need to know. He also fired 100 rounds using two stances, and hit the target 27 times.

    After that, Hide carried a solo training. He fired 100 rounds using contra-terrorist stance and hit the target sixty five times. Then, he cleared the gun before joining Takeo and Shizuka in the back area.

    *****

 HA2 8.3 â€“ Training Schedule and Job Share

    HA2 8.3 ¨C Training Schedule and Job Share

    After downing a mouthful of mineral water Hide asked, ¡°Any question?¡±

    ¡°Do military personnel have to pass handgun training before going to bigger gun?¡± Shizuka curiously asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Hide casually answered. ¡°They use assault rifle or carbine for basic training. After that, only elite unit, military police, sniper unit, or specific unit will receive training for handgun and submachine gun, to some extent base on their budget.

    As for 1st SFG, cadets who survive the hell week will start the firearm phase with handgun. Firing a few thousand rounds for two weeks before submachine gun is being introduced, along with increase of ammo quota. It¡¯s about 8-10 solid hours in the shooting range, each day for the whole month.

    Then, for the remaining weeks of firearm phase, they will practice various raid scenarios using handgun, submachine gun, assault rifle, carbine, or the classic combination of primary weapon and sidearm.

    That¡¯s what I know about firearm training for our military.¡±

    ¡°Wait a second,¡± Shizuka¡¯s eyes widened as she asked, ¡°Do you mean that not all military personnel in our country know how to use handgun?¡±

    Hide calmly explained, ¡°Some don¡¯t even have experience firing it when they are in the military, while some others only received basic introduction without further training. But made no mistake, most of our military personnel are very proficient at using carbine or assault rifle.¡±

    ¡°Damn. I thought handgun is vital equipment for mil personnel.¡±

    ¡°Well,¡± Hide calmly said, ¡°Without proper training handgun is useless, while to master it until it becomes useful tool take lot of resource and time. If I¡¯m an infantryman and carrying regular infantry ops, good carbine with lot of extra ammo will be my first pick.¡±

    Shizuka nodded and said, ¡°I see.¡±

    Then, after taking a bite of milk bun Takeo turned his gaze to Hide. ¡°What handgun our military use?¡±

    ¡°Until three years ago, Nikko¡¯s armed force adopted the domestically build Sieg Sauer P220, while army special force used Haka USP.¡± Hide took a milk bun from the plastic bag as he continued, ¡°After that, the government adopted one sidearm system and they bought the license to domestically produce Haka VP9.

    Meaning, military unit including special force, intelligence service, and law enforcement tactical unit have to adopt Haka VP9 as their sidearm.¡±

    Shizuka tilted her head as she asked, ¡°Hide, do you mean our special force is using Haka VP9?¡±

    ¡°Yup, and they were the one who conducted the selection for one sidearm system.¡±

    ¡°What about the firing stance?¡± Shizuka eagerly asked another question. ¡°Does our military adopt conventional stance or contra terrorist stance?¡±

    Hide calmly explained, ¡°Be it military, intelligence service, or law enforcement, only contra-terrorist unit adopt both conventional and contra terrorist stance, the other unit only train in conventional stance.

    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    Shizuka nodded and said, ¡°I see.¡±

    Hide then enjoyed his milk bun on three big bites before asking, ¡°Other question?¡±

    Takeo immediately turned his gaze to the digital control panel next to him. ¡°Do our military or national police use this device in their training?¡±

    ¡°Nope, they only use paper target or steel plate in their firearm training?¡±

    ¡°Then, who use it?¡± Shizuka curiously asked.

    ¡°Nichiko Marui.¡±

    Takeo and Shizuka immediately dropped their jaw while Hide took another milk bun and casually enjoyed it.

    ¡°They use this sophisticated device for airsoft game?¡± Takeo asked as he gave Hide a dumbfounded look.

    ¡°Yup, at Marui Training Center in downtown Nichiko, every floor other than the lobby has this digital smart control panel to generate various target and scenario.¡± Hide gulping a mouthful of mineral water before continuing, ¡°It¡¯s Nichiko Marui who invented this device by the way.¡±

    ¡°Why does our military not use it?¡± Shizuka asked.

    ¡°Too expensive to maintain,¡± Hide calmly replied. ¡°Beside, when special force wants to use it, they can rent it from Marui Training Center.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Other question?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    After Takeo and Shizuka shook their head, Hide immediately said, ¡°Let¡¯s talk about our training schedule and job share then.¡±

    Wasting no time Hide wrote some list in the electric whiteboard:

    Workshop Regular Schedule:

    Tuesday, Friday, Saturday.

    04:20 ¨C 05:45 Firearm Course

    05:45 ¨C 06:45 Martial arts / Physical Exercise

    06:45 ¨C 08:05 One person making breakfast, two persons clean the gym, taking bath, breakfast, go to school

    Basic Job Share:

    Orange: Primary Driver, Car Manager / Coms, Covert Online Shopping, Intel Gathering / Base Manager.

    Pear: Logistic & Finance Manager / Living Room and Kitchen Manager / Martial Art Instructor and Martial Gym Manager / Primary Motorbike Rider.

    Apple: Firearm Instructor, Armory Manager, Shooting Range Manager / Paramedic Instructor, Explosive Instructor, Lab Manager / Ammo production and Firearm Workshop Manager / Target selection.

    As he stepped back from the electric whiteboard Hide asked, ¡°Question?¡±

    Takeo immediately asked, ¡°Do we have to really schedule our training at morning before the school?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I know you have to drop your sisters at their kindergarten every morning, but we have no other option then schedule it at morning because we have hiking training after school.¡± Hide took a deep breath before continuing, ¡°I hope you can talk it with your parent and figure it out.¡±

    ¡°I will try,¡± Takeo replied in unsure tone, ¡°However, if I can¡¯t figure it out, do I have to skip the morning training at Tuesday and Friday?¡±

    ¡°Sort of, until Shizuka is qualified to accompany you and can spare her time at night at least¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Takeo dejectedly said.

    Then, it was Shizuka¡¯s turn to asked, ¡°Hide, what do you means by Martial Gym Manager?¡±

    ¡°It means you have responsibility to ensure the martial gym is always in best condition to be use by us.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean I have to clean it?¡±

    ¡°Yes, cleaning and the other things, however, as the manager you can ask us to help you. In fact, you are the boss as long as you are the manager in that area.¡±

    After silence for a while Takeo asked another question, ¡°Do we have nothing in Monday, Thursday, and Wednesday?¡±

    ¡°I have martial art class in Beauty & the Beast on those days,¡± Hide casually explained. ¡°As for you, if you can spare your time in the morning, use it to polish your driving technique in Old Pier.¡±

    ¡°And how about me?¡± Shizuka asked.

    ¡°You can carry your motorbike course.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Shizuka nodded and asked, ¡°As an Operational and Finance Manager, what should I do?¡±

    ¡°One of your tasks as Operation and Finance Manager is to keep the operational fund, keep a tab on operational expenditure for a job, and erase it after the job being done. I will teach you how to do it.¡±

    ¡°Do we really need to make a tab on our operational expenditure?¡±

    ¡°This tab will give us the clear picture of projection cash flow for a job. It will help us develop a proper planning while prevent unintentional over spending.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¡°One more thing, we can leave whatever we have to leave here, but don¡¯t leave anything that can reveal your identity.¡±

    ¡°¡°Okay.¡±¡± Takeo and Shizuka replied at the same time.

    ¡°Well, now, let¡¯s tidy up the range, and then tidy up the armory and the lab. After that, we can take a bath in turn, go home, and enjoy our weekend.¡±

    Without delay, the three started the work.

    *****

 HA2 9.1 â€“ Family Circumstances

    HA2 9.1 ¨C Family Circumstances

    Saturday night, after dinner Hide went straight to the bed. He was laying down flat, enjoying the warm and the softness of his bed. Then, heavy rain suddenly hit the roof very hard, but Hide didn¡¯t get up and went to Aizawa¡¯s room. He decided that he would wait for ten minutes before going to Aizawa¡¯s room.

    However, he didn¡¯t need to wait for that long. Two minutes after the heavy downpour, the door to his room was slowly being opened by Aizawa.

    While poking her little head inside the room Aizawa hesitantly asked, ¡°Big Bro, can Aizawa wait here until the rain stop?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide casually replied, but inwardly he was very happy. ¡°Come here and sit in the bed.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Wasting no time, Aizawa walked over to the bed. She happily crawled up to the bed, and sat next to Hide, leaning her back to the wall.

    ¡°Big Bro, are you very tired?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, Big Bro had part time job with Takeo this morning.¡±

    ¡°Do you want Aizawa to massage you?¡±

    ¡°Ummm¡­ Do you know how to give a massage?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa eagerly replied. ¡°When Kaede Sensei was tired, she will ask Kana to massage her back, and Aizawa sometimes will help her.¡±

    ¡®Kaede Sensei, that¡¯s child exploitation,¡¯ Hide inwardly protested before gently saying, ¡°No, need. Big Bro just need some rest.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Aizawa nodded and then asked, ¡°Big Bro, when Aizawa was still a baby, was Aizawa fussy or quiet?¡±

    After giving a quick ponder Hide asked, ¡°Why do you want to know about it?¡±

    ¡°There is a music that when Aizawa play it, Aizawa have to imagine Aizawa¡¯s image when Aizawa is still a baby.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡± To be honest, Hide was too busy study and didn¡¯t give Aizawa much attention when she was a baby, but fortunately there was a time when he looked at her. ¡°When you still a baby, you loved to lift your leg, slammed it to the bed, and then giggle. You did it a lot to amuse yourself.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Aizawa asked as her eyes brimming with happiness and curiosity.

    ¡°Yeah, when Big Bro warned you that if you kept doing it you would break the baby box, you would look at Big Bro with your clear eyes, and it was the most clear and beautiful eyes that Big Bro had ever seen.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, Big Bro then would give you a strict gaze, but you would respond it by laughing breathlessly.¡±

    As Aizawa happily smiled, Hide was also smiling widely, but inwardly he tried so hard to hide the truth. At that time he actually was truly angry to Aizawa who made a lot of noise and disrupted his study. There was even a time when he scolded her, but Aizawa treated his angry face as an attempt to amuse her, and she would laugh breathlessly on it.

    As he suppressed the dark truth in his heart Hide honestly added, ¡°Even right now, you still have the most clear eyes and sweetest smile that Big Bro has ever seen.¡±

    ¡°Kaede Sensei also always said that Kana and Aizawa have a very sweet smile.¡±

    ¡°She is not wrong.¡± Hide smiled and continued, ¡°Well, it seems the rain will remain all night. You can just sleep here.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Without delay Aizawa sneaked into under the blanket. After pecking Hide¡¯s cheek, she then laid her head in Hide¡¯s shoulder. As for Hide, he gave Aizawa a big rub on her back before hugged her gently. It was pretty much the position when Aizawa slept with Emily.

    This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

    Well, even when he was nine years old, Hide was often sleeping with her father and Emily. So, it was natural that Aizawa who still six years old would happily sleep with him, and Hide considered himself as replacement for Emily and his father because now Aizawa couldn¡¯t sleep with them anymore.

    In short, for Aizawa¡¯s sake, Hide would gladly become her father, her mother, her brother, her best friend, and supported her until she was 20 years old and could live independently.

    A moment later, Aizawa was already fast asleep. Hide then gently put her to his side and then hugged her from behind.

    ---

    Sunday morning, Takeo had no school so he had a lot of time to cook. After taking morning bath, he went straight making chicken stew using high-pressure stock pot and steaming white rice using rice cooker. Then, he bathed Rei and Kei who had just woke up, while letting the chicken stew to simmer.  After that, it was breakfast under the refreshing morning air.

    A few minutes later, Takeo had just helped Rei and Kei took their second serving when his mother came out of her room. While tying her sleeping robe, she walked straight to dining table and sat across Rei and Kei. A smiled instantly bloomed on her lips as she saw Rei and Kei heartily enjoyed their breakfast.

    ¡°That smell nice,¡± Takeo¡¯s mother happily said.

    ¡°Do you want some?¡± Takeo asked as he poured a glass of warm tea for his mother.

    After a smile Takeo¡¯s mother replied, ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Wasting no time, Takeo served his mother a plate of white rice topped with a ton of chicken stew. Then, as her mother happily enjoyed it, Takeo started a conversation about his morning training.

    ¡°Mom, I and Hide are trying to spare some of our time in the morning, just before we go to school, to carry our part time project. So, can we use shuttle pick-up to drop Rei and Kei to their kindergarten? I will pay the bill.

    And in the afternoon, I will pick them up as usual.¡±

    Takeo¡¯s mother took a sip of her tea before replying, ¡°Let me take care of Rei and Kei in the morning. You do what you have to do. I will also pick them up from their kindergarten in the afternoon.¡±

    ¡°And the restaurant?¡± Takeo curiously asked. ¡°Can Dad handle the morning rush without you?¡±

    ¡°He will easily handle it.¡± Takeo¡¯s mother confidently replied. ¡°Your money gives us a lot of breathing room. So we hire two additional workers and now our restaurant is in full force just like when we don¡¯t have to pay the debt.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Takeo said as relieved filled his face. ¡°Thanks Mom.¡±

    ¡°You are one of bread winner for this family now. So, I shouldn¡¯t burden you with my responsibility,¡± Takeo¡¯s mother proudly said. ¡°However, your father will still need my assistance to handle evening rush, just before and after the dinner time.

    So you have to be at home at 18:00 and accompany Rei and Kei as usual until their bed time.¡±

    ¡°No problem,¡± Takeo firmly replied.

    ¡°Do we really can¡¯t go to school with Big Bro Takeo anymore?¡± Rei dejectedly asked.

    ¡°Your brother has a serious job now. We can¡¯t disturb him.¡±

    Takeo¡¯s Mother gently¡¯ said, but Rei and Kei responded it by pouted their lips.

    ¡°But going to school with Mommy is not fun,¡± Kei said.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Rei eagerly added, ¡°Mommy always make a stop here and there to dig some gossips.¡±

    ¡°We call it social interaction,¡± Takeo¡¯s Mother firmly defended her old hobby of gossiping with her friends. ¡°And it¡¯s a very important aspect of daily life.¡±

    Seeing her twin little sisters giving their mother a palmed face as a protest Takeo immediately said, ¡°Rei, Kei, don¡¯t be fussy. Big Bro will still accompany you at evening and read you bed time story.¡±

    ¡°But a few days ago Big Bro looked very tired. Your face was also very pale.¡± Kei worriedly said. ¡°Big Bro should directly go to the bed after dinner.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t exaggerate it,¡± Takeo calmly said. ¡°Big Bro had a cold at that time, but now I¡¯m fine, totally fine.¡±

    ¡°But Big Bro Hide also goes directly to the bed after dinner,¡± Rei added, ¡°Because the part-time job makes him very tired.¡±

    Big question mark in an instant popped up on Takeo¡¯s forehead, ¡°Rei, how do you know Hide directly goes to the bed after dinner?¡±

    ¡°Big Sis Aizawa told us,¡± Rei innocently replied.

    And Kei happily added, ¡°We make a chatting group with her.¡±

    ¡°You make a group chat with Aizawa?¡± Takeo¡¯s mother asked as she gave Rei and Kei dumbfounded look. ¡°Isn¡¯t that another means of gossiping?¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not,¡± Kei firmly replied. ¡°We call it social interaction.¡±

    ¡°And it¡¯s a very important aspect of daily life,¡± Rei firmly supported Kei.

    ¡°Kids this day¡­.¡± Takeo¡¯s mother looked at Rei and Kei with a complicated gaze as she muttered, ¡®They grow too fast.¡¯

    Takeo¡¯s mother had to put her attention to help her husband for the last sixteen months. Slowly but surely, as time went on she changed from a happy go lucky housewife into a serious restaurant manager. She also fully realized that her decision to help her husband will make her miss some of growing moment of Rei and Kei, but never did she imagine that she would miss such huge gap on their growth.

    ¡°You two listen to Mom carefully,¡± Takeo¡¯s mother gently said, and she unconsciously mixed a bit of her sadness and regret in her tone. ¡°Mom will try not to gossip too much, so let¡¯s give your Big Brother some room to do his job. Okay?¡±

    As they sensed the trace of sadness and regret in their mother¡¯s tone, Rei and Kei immediately replied, ¡°¡°Okay.¡±¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Takeo¡¯s mother happily said, without realizing that she had just caused some worry on her daughters.

    Meanwhile, Takeo inwardly was letting out a sigh. He was so glad that he could help his parent paid their debt, but at the same time he felt a slight of guilt because he didn¡¯t tell them the truth.

    Takeo believed his mother would get a heart attack if she knew that he put his life on the line to get the money. So, as he looked at his mother silently, he made a promise that he would stay alive at all cost until he got enough money to help his parent.

    His father had said that one million Dillar was more than enough to give them a breathing room until they got enough money to pay their debt. So, Takeo would stop the job with Hide and Shizuka once he got one million Dillar for his parents and one hundred thousand Dillar for himself.

    Then, Takeo¡¯s mother suddenly put her empty plate forward. ¡°Son, stop daydreaming and give me another serving. Your chicken stew is incredibly delicious.¡±

    Takeo instantly woke up from his contemplation, and after a big smile he said, ¡°Right away.¡±

    A moment later, as she cheerfully looked at Takeo, Takeo¡¯s mother said, ¡°You know, your father never brag about your achievement in programming competition. But now, he can¡¯t stop himself from bragging left and right about your part time job to our customer.¡±

    ¡®What the¡­¡¯ Takeo gave her mother dumbfounded look as he recalled that Elven Robotic¡¯s fake site had a lot of traffic and incoming query recently. ¡°Mom, can you ask Dad to stop doing it? It¡¯s embarrassing.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not embarrassing at all,¡± Takeo¡¯s mother proudly said. ¡°And I will not stop him.¡±

    One glance at her mother¡¯s sparkling eyes and Takeo realized it was useless to argue further. So, he could only purse his lips while handed over the second serving of chicken stew and white rice to her.

    *****

 HA2 9.2 â€“ Physical Exercise

    HA2 9.2 ¨C Physical Exercise

    Tuesday, the second day of firearm training, it went like the first training. Takeo and Shizuka had the drill in turn Hide supervised them. The two spent 150 rounds each, and then Hide had his drill and also spent 150 rounds.

    After that, the three were collecting the used cartridge case that scattered on the floor. As he put a bunch of cartridge case to a 2-liter polymer box, Takeo opened conversation.

    ¡°Hide, why do we use 20-cm red circle as our target? Can we use square-shaped target?¡±

    ¡°I want to shape you to always shot at the head, both with or without sight, and 20-cm red circle is replication of human head.¡±

    ¡°Any specific reason on why we should always shot at the head?¡±

    ¡°Sometimes, shot at the body doesn¡¯t work as you expected, and it can get you killed,¡± Hide calmly replied. ¡°On the other hand, if you good at shot at the head, you will also good at shot at the torso or limb.¡±

    ¡°Hide,¡± Puzzlement filled Takeo¡¯s face to the brim as he continued, ¡°What do you mean that shot at the body sometimes doesn¡¯t work as we expected and can get us killed?¡±

    ¡°I will give you an example,¡± Hide calmly said and then started a story about a botched arrest attempt by Americ FBI.

    The target of the arrest was an ex-Americ force recon that turned into bad dude. He just finished his breakfast in a small diner, and was enjoying his cigar, when two FBI senior agents and two FBI HRT officers came to his table.

    Seeing the ex-force recon had a M1911 in his waist, one of the senior agents immediately asked him to disarm himself while his partner and HRT Officers pointed their ready to fire sidearm to his chest.

    After a smile, the ex-force recon tried to pull his M1911, and the HRT Officers immediately opened fire, added six fresh holes in his chest. Even so, it didn¡¯t stop the ex-force recon. He managed to pull his M1911 and shot back at the FBI agents and FBI HRT officers in front of him at the head. Then, he took last puff from his cigar before tumbling down to the floor.

    One suspect and four FBI dudes lost their life in this short exchange. FBI then tried to switch to more powerful handgun caliber. They considered 10 mm and .40 S&W, but cancel this plan after Hornady and Federal managed to invent 9 mm Para that satisfy their threshold for stopping power.

    Unfortunately, Hornady and Federal refused to sell the super duper lethal 9 mm Para other than to law enforcement unit with good reputation.

    ¡°Moral of the story,¡± Hide casually ended his explanation, ¡°If you are capable of swift headshot and have the chance, don¡¯t have second thought.¡±

    Takeo nodded and said, ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°You know,¡± Shizuka who so far only listened to the conversation, said as she tilted her head. ¡°Now I got impression that contra terrorist unit is more like a killer unit.¡±

    ¡°Well,¡± Hide put a piece of cartridge case into polymer box as he continued, ¡°They are basically effective pesticide for bad dudes.¡±

    ¡°So, they are truly a killer unit?¡± Shizuka looked at Hide as she tried to confirm her thought.

    ¡°Yeah, when they are on our side we call them contra terrorist unit. When they are on the opposing side, they basically are professional killer. We can even call them terrorist in uniform, because they shoot to kill most of the time.¡±

    Takeo turned his gaze to Hide as he asked another question, ¡°Does contra terrorist unit use handgun a lot?¡±

    ¡°No, before 2000s contra terrorist unit rely heavily on sub-machine gun. After 2000s, when bad guys can easily access body armor, most of contra terrorist unit switch into sub-carbine or PDW.

    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    But made no mistake, in a close quarter fight, a handgun in the hand of contra terrorist personnel can be deadlier than bigger weapon.¡±

    ¡°What about elite unit in our military?¡± Shizuka curiously asked.

    ¡°Their doctrine dictates them to treat handgun as a sidearm. Meaning, they use it only until they can get back into their rifle, in case their rifle jammed, run out of ammo, they need to clear a tight space, or such. Even so, special force¡¯s personnel in QRF duty can put a double-tap on adult center-mass from 20 meters with ease.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Takeo replied and nodded.

    The three then went to firearm workshop. After putting the polymer boxes full of used cartridge case on a corner, they went straight to martial gym.

    ---

    HOWLING IS ACCEPTABLE

    PUKING IS ACCEPTABLE

    FALLING IS ACCEPTABLE

    CRYING IS ACCEPTABLE

    CURSING IS ACCEPTABLE

    PAIN IS ACCEPTABLE

    Shizuka proudly looked at a pep line she had just pinned to the wall. Then, she turned her gaze to Takeo and Hide in turn.

    ¡°How is it?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s pumping my mood,¡± Hide calmly replied.

    ¡°I knew it,¡± Shizuka happily replied. ¡°It took me the whole night before I came up with it.¡±

    ¡®She must really loved her job as martial gym manager,¡¯ Hide casually muttered.

    As the manager of martial gym, Shizuka had every right to decorate it to her preference. So, Hide happily expressed his support. Then, he calmly asked, ¡°Can I see the menu you have prepared for Takeo?¡±

    ¡°Here.¡± Shizuka said as she handed over a list of training menu. ¡°I have sent it to Twig two days ago and he already remembered it to smallest detail.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Wasting no time Hide checked the list. He had to admit it was a good menu that perfectly fit to Takeo¡¯s current level. Only someone who had trained their body since five-year-old like Shizuka would be able to arrange such a good menu.

    So, Hide only had to check a few things. ¡°For push-up and pull-up, does Takeo have to do it using normal stance or half-stance?¡±

    ¡°Half-stance?¡± Big question mark appeared on Shizuka¡¯s forehead as she turned her gaze to Hide.

    ¡°Yes, half-stance.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Shizuka continued as she tilted her head, ¡°He does it using normal stance.¡±

    ¡°Can I suggest him to use half-stance?¡±

    ¡°May I know the reason?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s to accelerate muscle grow in his arms, but without sacrificing its dexterity,¡± Hide calmly replied. ¡°It¡¯s rather difficult to explain it, but I can guarantee my method will make Takeo be able to do six consecutive pull-ups and 80 consecutive push-ups in five weeks, but he still can develop his arm into a boxer arms.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure your method will make him able to do six consecutive pull-ups and 80 consecutive push-ups in five weeks, and he still can possess arm dexterity like a boxer?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m, if he trained with it properly I mean.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind then. It¡¯s three weeks faster than my schedule.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Hide turned his gaze to Takeo and continued, ¡°Follow me, I will teach you how to do a half push-up and a half-pull up.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Wasting no time, Hide took Takeo to a pull-up bar and asked him to lay face up right under it. Then, he lowered the bar until Takeo could reach and gripped it with both hands as straight as possible.

    ¡°Now, do a pull-up until your chin touch the bar, while maintaining body line from your heel to the back of your head as straight as possible.¡±

    Without many words, Takeo carried Hide request and he easily did the pull up until his chin touched the crossbar.

    ¡°Congratulation, you just did a perfect half pull-up,¡± Hide calmly said.

    ¡°Yeah, but it¡¯s very light,¡± Takeo doubtfully said.

    ¡°It¡¯s very light because your heels support most of your body weight.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure this half pull-up can make me stronger?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m,¡± Hide firmly replied. ¡°It will help you build only specific muscle that you use in pull-up movement. And when you can do 20 half pull-ups without pause, your body will start be able to do regular pull-up.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Takeo said as a fighting spirit flash in his eyes.

    It seemed the possibility to be able to do a regular pull-up was deeply motivated him. However, Hide intended to ask Takeo to do more than just regular pull-up.

    ¡°But it¡¯s not good enough.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°I want you go further.¡±

    ¡°How I do it?¡±

    Takeo asked in determined tone and it made Hide widely smiled.

    ¡°When you can do 50 half pull-up in less than five minutes, starts mixing it with half pull-up using only one hand in your repetition.

    For example, one half pull-ups using one hand every ten repetitions, then you increased it to every nine repetitions and so on, until you can do full 50 half pull-ups using one hand alternately, in less than five minutes.¡±

    ¡°After that, do I have another target?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    ¡°When doing physical exercise, you will always have new target, pull-up is not exception to this rule,¡± Hide calmly replied. ¡°However, stay with this set up and limit it under 50 reps a day, if you want to be able to throw a lightning speed punch like a boxer.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Hide than turned his gaze to Shizuka, ¡°You also have to do the half pull-up.¡±

    ¡°I can do it with one hand without my heels touching the floor,¡± Shizuka confidently replied.

    ¡°I know, but I want you to do it with only two or three fingers.¡±

    Big question mark instantly appeared on Shizuka¡¯s forehead, ¡°With only two or three fingers?¡±

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s part of your training to become a good climber.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Shizuka happily complied with Hide¡¯s request.

    ¡°Now, let¡¯s move to push-up.¡± Hide said before asking Takeo to grip the crossbar from above in a push-up stance and did one push-up. ¡°Congratulation, you just did a half push-up.¡±

    While maintaining his push-ups stance Takeo asked, ¡°After I can do 50 half push-ups in less than five minutes, do I have to mix it with half push-ups with one hand in my repetitions?¡±

    ¡°Correct, and limit it under 100 reps a day.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Also, you have to correct your form.¡± As Takeo gave him questioning gaze, Hide continued, ¡°Do it until your chest touched the crossbar, maintain your body line from your toe to the back of your head as straight as possible, and when you lowered your body ensure your elbow always stick to your side.¡±

    Wasting no time Takeo did a half push-up and applying the correction from Hide. Then, he asked, ¡°Did I do it correctly?¡±

    ¡°You did.¡±

    After a smile Takeo asked another question, ¡°When I train in Hiking Club, do I have to do the push-up and pull-up using your method?¡±

    ¡°No, when you trains in Hiking Club, just follow their way and keep your training here as a secret.¡± After a short pause Hide continued in a drop dead serious tone, ¡°Don¡¯t we ever forget that this place and whatever we do here are not exists.¡±

    ¡°¡°Okay,¡±¡± Takeo and Shizuka firmly replied simultaneously.

    Training in the martial art gym then continued with a light heart but determined mind. Shizuka supervised Takeo, while Hide carried out his own menu. After that, Hide taught Takeo and Shizuka how to maintain their palm and finger.

    Firearm drill and handling cartridge case would leave a lot of trail in your finger and palm. Therefore, Hide ensured Takeo and Shizuka knew the treatment to minimize this trail.

    *****

 HA2 9.3 â€“ Go to School

    HA2 9.3 ¨C Go to School

    As Takeo had the first turn to prepare breakfast, he could wash his clothes and take a bath right away after the physical exercise. Meanwhile, Hide and Shizuka cleaned the martial gym so it could be used for the next training at its best condition. After that, Hide and Shizuka went to wash their clothes. Then, they take a bath using two different cubicle showers before going to kitchen for breakfast.

    Today, Takeo made chicken hot pot. The ingredients were skinless chicken breast, white tofu, white radish, scallion, Japanese spinach, oyster mushroom, shimeji mushroom, and rice noddle. Shizuka had proposed a strict diet that when the three ate at the workshop, the animal proteins they could eat were only egg, skinless chicken breast, and white flesh fish such as cat fish, tilapia, eel, kod, haddock, etc.

    Hide had agreed with her and added another rule of less sugar and less oil, so Takeo cooked a menu based on that rule. Actually, it was rather strange to eat hotpot as a breakfast, but Hide and Shizuka were starving so they had no complaint. Not to mention, the smell of the hotpot was so good. Wasting no time Hide and Shizuka took their seat.

    ¡°Thanks for the food.¡±

    As the one who prepared the breakfast, Takeo had the duty to lead the others to offer the gratitude for the food, and then Hide and Shizuka followed him.

    ¡°¡°Thanks for the food.¡±¡±

    After that the three started taking their favorite ingredient from the pot, put it into their bowl, and calmly enjoyed it.

    ¡°Hide,¡± Shizuka said after putting a piece of white tofu into his mouth. ¡°Do military personnel also eat with strict requirement, such as avoid red meat?¡±

    ¡°Nope.¡± It seemed Shizuka was very interested to know about military life after she started the firearm training, and so Hide shared his knowledge. ¡°Military personnel eat whatever food the kitchen prepares for them, and kitchen in our military has decent standard, especially for hot meal.¡±

    ¡°I thought military food is plain.¡±

    ¡°In our military, unless it¡¯s a simulation of field maneuver under severe condition, usually being carried out by elite unit and special force, the meal is pretty decent you know.¡±

    ¡°How bad the food in the simulation?¡± Shizuka curiously asked.

    ¡°You will have warm but unmilled rice, grilled salted fish, and pickled cucumber for breakfast. Turn the leftover into rice ball for the lunch, and having cold rice and cold miso soup for dinner.

    In the second day, for the whole day you will have two pieces of raw sweet potato, as big as adult fist each. And so on for the whole week, until you start to think that it¡¯s not a simulation but punishment.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s suck.¡±

    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°Yup.¡± After a pause Hide added, ¡°That¡¯s why, as soon as the soldier return to their base, after cleaning and returning their weapon and gear, they will go straight to nearby shop to get ramen, curry rice, yakitori, or Hamburg steak.¡±

    Shizuka nodded and said, ¡°I see.¡±

    Then, after a moment of silence Takeo suddenly asked, ¡°Hide, after I get enough money I need, can I leave the team?¡±

    ¡°You can,¡± Hide replied without second thought.

    Relief instantly filled Takeo¡¯s face, but he still tried to make another confirmation, ¡°Are you sure you won¡¯t be angry or blame me for disrupting your goal, especially after you invest a lot of effort to train me?¡±

    ¡°Why should I? Our team is not an evil cult that only dead can do us apart,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°In our line of work, it¡¯s not rare a member of team quit after they reach their target or because they wants to continue their live peacefully.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± This time Takeo truly took a breath full of relieve.

    ¡°May I know, how much is your target?¡± Hide asked as he casually looked at Takeo.

    ¡°My parents said a million Dillar is enough to get them a proper breathing room, while I plan to get a hundred thousand Dillar for myself.¡±

    Hide nodded and said, ¡°In that case, Knosses job will cover it and I will also stop after that.¡±

    Big question mark in an instant appeared in Shizuka¡¯s forehead, ¡°Is Knosses job truly can give us 1.1 million Dillar each? That will be 110 million Ren in our currency you know?¡±

    Hide never told Takeo how much money they could get from Knosses other than it was big money, so when Takeo explained Knosses job to Shizuka, he also never told her the exact number they could get.

    And now, Hide decided it was the correct time to explain it. ¡°It¡¯s more than enough. If the intel correct, Knosses job can give us 45 pieces of 5 kg gold bars. With the current rate, the total value is around 11.250.000 Dillar. After the cuts for our broker, we will get 3.2 million Dillar each.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    As Takeo and Shizuka dropped their jaw Hide added, ¡°But before that, we need to carry two small jobs.¡±

    ¡°What kind of small jobs?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s job that will prepare you for Knosses job.¡±

    After tilting her head Shizuka asked, ¡°Jobs to prepare us for Knosses job?¡±

    ¡°Yup. My first plan is, I will try to silently kill Knosses¡¯s guard and then take the gold. If I fail, I will make a quick retreat and avoid any contact with their QRF.¡± Hide pointed his chopstick to Shizuka as he calmly continued, ¡°However, after you joint in and we got enough equipment from Villa Tigera, I decided that if I fail to silently kill Knosses¡¯s guard, we will ambush their QRF, kill them all, and then take the gold.

    In addition, we will also kill Knosses¡¯s owner to eliminate future trouble.¡±

    ¡°¡°Understood.¡±¡±

    Takeo said in a super serious tone while determination flashed on Shizuka¡¯s eyes. After the job in Villa Tigera, the two were no longer alien to the concept of killing to the last man. Most of all, they could accept it as part of burden they had to live with for the rest of their life.

    ---

    With the help from flashlight, Hide led Takeo and Shizuka walked the underground walkway. They calmly followed the red arrow on the wall, until finally they arrived under an access hatch.

    ¡°I will take my exit here and then went to subway station on the next block,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°You two just continued follow the red arrow until you reach subway station next to Chikara Tower.¡±

    ¡°¡°Okay,¡±¡± Takeo and Shizuka replied simultaneously.

    Wasting no time, Hide climbed the iron ladder that was being embedded on the wall. Then, he opened the access hatch and went out to the surface.

    ¡°See you at school,¡± Hide casually said before closing the access hatch.

    Takeo then turned his gaze to Shizuka, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Shizuka briefly replied.

    Takeo and Shizuka then calmly continued their walk in silence. Hide had told them that when they were in the underground walkway, they shouldn¡¯t talk or make noise unless it was important. In short, Hide had asked them developing a habit of avoiding unnecessary attention, especially when they were at quiet, dark, and abandoned place. Fortunately, Takeo and Shizuka with ease could comply with it.

    A few minutes later Takeo and Shizuka saw a bright light at the end of the tunnel, and without any words they calmly approached it. When they exited the dark tunnel, a few people turned their gaze to them, but it was only for a moment before they put their attention to the arrival of a subway train.

    Along with the crowd, Shizuka and Takeo then boarded the train and they didn¡¯t give a damn that they didn¡¯t paid the ticket fee at the entrance gate. In the next subway station, they saw Hide sat in a bench while reading a school text book and didn¡¯t show any intention that he would board the train.

    ¡°It seems he will take the next train,¡± Takeo calmly said.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Shizuka gave a short reply before asking, ¡°Twig, what is your plan after high school?¡±

    ¡°University,¡± Takeo firmly replied.

    ¡°What major?¡±

    ¡°Anything that has software engineering as its main menu. I also consider the option to study overseas.¡±

    ¡°Will you go overseas alone?¡±

    ¡°Of course I go alone,¡± Takeo said as he looked at Shizuka as if she was a goof, and then he casually continued, ¡°I can¡¯t take my parent or my little sisters with me even if I want to.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Shizuka calmly said while inwardly she lamented, ¡®Good God, why in the world I fell for this idiot?¡¯

    The two then continued the journey in silence.

    *****

 HA2 10.1 â€“ Instant Sex

    HA2 10.1 ¨C Instant Sex

    Saturday morning, Hanna slowly opened her eyes and a shred of sunlight that entered through the small gap at window screen welcomed her. It did not surprise her when she found Hide didn¡¯t hug her and already got up from the bed. Even still, it made her let out a sigh inwardly.

    She never said it to Hide, but actually she liked it to spend his morning with Hide. Unfortunately, Hide had to leave early now. In a sense, it made her realized that her relationship with Hide didn¡¯t feel like a relationship with high school kid.

    It was more like a relationship with adult, as Hide¡¯s attitude and discipline for his part time job, school, and physical training was on a professional level.

    ¡®At least he brings me nice breakfast when he has morning exercise in Beauty & the Beast. It¡¯s also nice that we eat it together after our morning exercise.¡¯

    Hanna consoled herself while lightly stretched her body. Then, she almost got a heart attack when she found that Hide turned out was still in the room. He sat silently at the end of the bed, next to a big sport bag.

    After calming her jumping heart Hanna said, ¡°I thought you already left.¡±

    While gently looked at Hanna Hide replied, ¡°Today I and Takeo will start slightly late than usual.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Hanna said as she got up and leaned her back on the head of the bed. ¡°Do you want to use my car?¡±

    ¡°No, I will use subway as usual.¡± After a paused Hide continued, ¡°I made tuna mayo sandwich. It¡¯s in the fridge, just warm it using microwave before you eat it.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Hanna happily replied and then asked, ¡°Can I go with you today?¡±

    ¡°Nope. I will only take you along when we are going to have some fun.¡±

    After pouting her lips Hanna mischievously asked, ¡°Can we have an instant sex before you go?¡±

    Hide instantly widened his eyes, while a smile bloomed in Hanna¡¯s lips.

    ¡°Instant sex? Are we already in the schedule?¡±

    ¡°No, we are two days from the schedule.¡± Hanna paused for a moment before sensually continued, ¡°But I¡¯m hot and horny right now.¡±

    Hide nodded before happily saying, ¡°Let¡¯s do it then.¡±

    ¡°Let me take a bath first,¡± Hanna cheerfully said.

    ¡°No need,¡± Hide firmly said as he crawled up to the bed.

    ¡°At least let me brush my teeth. It won¡¯t be long.¡±

    ¡°No time for that,¡± Hide sat next to Hanna as he continued, ¡°Come, sit in front of me and let me hug you from behind.¡±

    ¡®Hug me from behind?¡¯ Somehow, Hanna sensed an imminent danger from how Hide eagerly complied with her request, and so she suspiciously asked, ¡°Hide, what are you planning?¡±

    ¡°Trust me. You won¡¯t be disappointed.¡±

    ¡°Okay, but if you do something weird, I will definitely beat you up.¡±

    Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

    ¡°Dear, yes Dear,¡± Hide happily replied.

    Without delay Hanna then sat in Hide¡¯s lap and put her back on Hide¡¯s chest. As Hide firmly hugged her from behind, Hanna happily smiled and took a deep breath. It was always felt so good when Hide hugged her from behind.

    ¡°Be as relax as possible, okay?¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Hide then gently pulled Hanna¡¯s forehead until she rested her head in his left shoulder, and after kissing her right cheek he asked, ¡°Ready?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s make you wet then.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Hanna happily replied.

    Without delay Hide¡¯s right fingers slipped in under Hanna¡¯s short and went straight to her private area. After a few rubs and gentle kneads, Hanna¡¯s breath started to rise and down. A few second later, she moaned while her lower body slightly convulsing. It did not surprise her that Hide always brought her into a minor orgasm only in matter of seconds.

    Then, after kissing Hanna¡¯s snow white neck and gave her some time to catch her breath, Hide started the fingering her private area one more time. A few seconds later, Hanna felt the incoming of another minor orgasm.

    However, while she prepared herself to enjoy it to the fullest, Hide suddenly put his left palm to cover her mouth, along with his left index finger to cover her nostrils. In short, Hide prevented Hanna from taking any breath.

    In an instant, Hanna¡¯s eyes widened. She immediately tried to peel Hide¡¯s palm from her mouth and nostril, but Hide tightened his hold. At the same time, Hide¡¯s fingering became more potent and lethal.

    Hanna instantly fell into a panic. However, as she lost her breath while trying to break free from Hide¡¯s hold, Hanna also felt that an extremely good sensation slowly blanketing her private area to the point it numb her thigh.

    As a consultant of body development, Hanna knew that when a muscle was being overloaded with a workout but didn¡¯t get enough oxygen, it would experience painful cramp. However, if the same principle was being applied to woman¡¯s private area with correct method, it would amplify the heavenly pleasure they felt when they reached the climax.

    The only drawback was that it also could lead into a fatality. It was not rare that woman who pursued extreme pleasure through choking their own neck when masturbating, accidentally killed themselves because they were too late in loosen up the choke.

    Therefore, even though the sensation she felt down there was so good, Hanna instinctively continued her attempt to break free. Unfortunately, her body didn¡¯t get enough oxygen while her heart working in full rotation, so she lost all her strength in no time. A few seconds later, Hanna¡¯s lower body started to convulsing, but Hide maintained his hold on Hanna¡¯s mouth and nostril while continued his work on Hanna¡¯s private area.

    Then, in the last second just before Hanna fully lost her conscious, intense climax suddenly hit her at full force, and Hide immediately released his hold.

    ¡°HEEEUUTTT!!¡±

    As her lung tried to suck air as many as she could, Hanna¡¯s chest rose while her back formed an arch. Then, while her gaze was locked on the ceiling, her lower body was uncontrollably convulsing.

    In a glance it looked as if Hanna was in mortal danger, but actually she was perfectly fine. She was just being overwhelming by intense pleasure that blew her mind and sent her into a trance.

    It required fully six seconds before Hanna¡¯s intense climax came into a stop. Her body then powerlessly slumped into Hide¡¯s embrace, and while she weakly tried to catch her breath, sweats were drenching her body like a flood.

    ¡°Hide, you are truly a pervert,¡± Hanna weakly complained.

    As he tightly hugged Hanna, Hide replied, ¡°A true couple will share their most pervert fetish.¡±

    ¡°Yes, but what you did is very dangerous. I almost arrived in afterlife for real.¡±

    ¡°No worry. You are in a good hand.¡± Hide kissed Hanna¡¯s snow white neck before continuing, ¡°Let¡¯s start the next round.¡±

    ¡°W-w-w-waaaaiit¡­... Let me catch my breath fir-mhmm¡­..¡±

    ¡°Dear Hanna, pleasures won¡¯t wait until you are ready,¡± Hide evilly whispered as he gagged Hanna¡¯s mouth and nostril. ¡°It¡¯s strike like a lightning.¡±

    ¡®Hide, you pervert bastard!!¡¯

    Hanna inwardly screamed as Hide rubbed and kneaded her private area one more time. She instinctively wanted to stop it, but she didn¡¯t even have strength to lift her finger. So, she could only let Hide had his way with her private area. He was skillfully rub it, knead it, and sometimes inserted two fingers before gently stirred or stretched it.

    However, no matter what Hide did, it was always felt so good. It was easy to tell from how Hanna¡¯s breath went up and down while her lower body slightly convulsing now and then. In the end, Hanna could only accept her fate. Then, the second intense climax finally hit her one more time. The duration was two seconds shorter than the first climax, but it was not less intense.

    ¡°Heaven in earth is truly exists,¡± Hanna mumbled before her body slumped to Hide¡¯s embrace, and then she passed out.

    Hide couldn¡¯t imagine what kind of pleasure that Hanna had experience, but seeing from her unconscious but happy expression, he bet it must be very very very good one.

    ¡°She blacked out right after her second. It seems she never experienced this kind of pleasure before,¡± Hide concluded as he gently put Hanna¡¯s body to the bed.

    Then, he stripped Hanna¡¯s clothes. Hanna only wore a t-shirt and shorts, so it was quick strip and Hide felt her dick became harder as he observed Hanna¡¯s sexy, snow white, and naked body.

    ¡°She is truly a smoking hot babe,¡± Hide said as he took his own clothes off, ¡°I become hard just from looking at her naked body.¡±

    After putting Hanna¡¯s hand above her head and spread over her legs in a half-bent position, Hide gently rubbed his dick on Hanna¡¯s lower lips and slowly pushed it all the way in. After that, he hugged Hanna from the top by holding her shoulder from bellow. Then, he moved his waist back and forth, up and down, leisurely screwing Hanna¡¯s private area, and the sensation was so good.

    Hanna was unconscious, so it was not as tight as it should be. Even still, the tightness and the heat were still there. In no time, Hide reached his climax and because he didn¡¯t need to hold it as long as possible, he immediately did it inside Hanna.

    Splurt Splurt Splu-uuuuuuuurrt!!!

    ¡°Pheeeww¡­¡± A satisfied smile bloomed in Hide¡¯s lips as the pleasure from cumming inside Hanna¡¯s private area come to an end. ¡°I can¡¯t get enough of this.¡±

    Then, while waiting for his dick to be ready for the second round, Hide was playing with Hanna¡¯s tits. He used his finger to tap it a few tips, and then gently pinched it.

    Somehow, Hanna weakly moaned as he pinched her tits, and it made Hide hard again in an instant. Wasting no time Hide started his second round. This time, he did it rather rough. ¡®Plok! Plok! Plok! Plok!!¡¯ sound was echoing to all corner of the room as Hide banged Hanna from top.

    However, Hanna didn¡¯t woke up and just lay unconsciously. Her head tilted to the side, her mouth slightly opened, and her body was constantly rocking as Hide did her. And doing it when Hanna was unconscious somehow had triggered Hide¡¯s primal instinct to dominate her. In short, Hide became very excited. So, after he finished his second round he did Hanna for another few rounds.

    *****

 HA2 10.2 â€“ Doctrine

    HA2 10.2 ¨C Doctrine

    In the back area, Shizuka double kneeled on the floor. Her left hand supported her body while her right hand held her throat, almost choking it.

    ¡°Garghhhhh¡­ Hide¡­garghhh¡­ you bastargghh!!¡± Shizuka complained while desperately gasping for air.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that.¡± Hide evilly grinned before adding, ¡°You seems enjoy it moment by moment.¡±

    Shizuka then looked at Takeo for a help, but Takeo just turned his eyes away.

    ¡°Twig, can¡¯t you see that Hide is going too far?¡±

    ¡°I can see Hide is enjoying your suffering,¡± Takeo flatly replied, ¡°but I don¡¯t think he is going too far.¡±

    ¡°Heartless bastard!¡±

    ¡°Hey, leave Takeo out of this. This is on your own, so suck it up and accept your fate.¡± Hide then kneeled next to Shizuka. ¡°And this is not over yet. Get ready for the second round.¡±

    ¡°Can we postponed it for tomorrow,¡± Shizuka genuinely pleaded, ¡°or change it to other penalty?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Without delay Hide put forward a tea spoon of chili oil to Shizuka¡¯s mouth. ¡°Stop whining and take your penalty.¡±

    ¡°Hide, you are a demon,¡± Shizuka tearfully said before opening her mouth and took the chili oil into her mouth.

    She spontaneously wanted to spit out the chili oil, but she remembered it would cost her another serving of chili oil if she did that so she immediately held it back.

    Then, while her left hand was drumming the floor, she painfully swallowed the chili oil. After that, with all her might she tried to survive from the chocking sensation in her throat.

    ¡°Garghhhhh¡­ I swear it will kill me if I have to go for another round,¡± Shizuka tearfully said.

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s the point of the penalty.¡± Hide closed the bottle of chili oil as he continued, ¡°It has to be painful enough to make your body and mind is traumatized by the consequence of your mistake. Therefore, you will consciously and unconsciously prevent yourself from repeating the mistake.¡±

    ¡°Hide,¡± Shizuka put her most pitiful expression as she asked, ¡°Next time I break the basic rule of firearm safety, can we change the penalty?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Hide firmly replied. ¡°Your choice is only two, don¡¯t violate it or drink two tea spoons of delicious chili oil.¡±

    ¡°What if it doesn¡¯t work and I kept breaking firearm basic safety?¡±

    ¡°We will increase the chili oil¡¯s dose to two table spoons.¡±

    ¡°That will fucking kill me,¡± Shizuka desperately protested.

    ¡°Then, put your life on the line to prevent yourself from breaking firearm basic safety.¡±

    ¡°Fuck! Why it¡¯s only me who broke it.¡±

    ¡°No worry, sooner or later Takeo will also break it, intentionally or unintentionally.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± As she vexingly looked at Takeo, Shizuka continued, ¡°I can¡¯t wait that day.¡±

    Stolen novel; please report.

    ¡°Well, that is for the later day, for now, get some rest and drink milk as many as you can.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Once Shizuka settled herself and calmly enjoyed a bottle of banana milk, Hide then supervised Takeo¡¯s training. It was the second Saturday of firearm training. In total Takeo had spent around 500 rounds, and his accuracy experienced steady improvement. His session also went pretty smooth and he didn¡¯t violate the firearm basic safety at all.

    Once Takeo fired his 100 rounds quota Hide immediately said, ¡°Shooter, clear the weapon.¡±

    Without delay Takeo carried out the instruction. He swiftly took the magazine out, pulling the slide a few times, and then visually checked the firing chamber.

    ¡°Gun is clear,¡± Takeo said before showing the empty firing chamber to Hide.

    ¡°Weapon is clear,¡± Hide said after he confirmed that the firing chamber was truly empty. ¡°Let¡¯s rest for a bit before we clean the range."

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Hide and Takeo then tidied up the gun, extra magazines, and the folding table before returning to back area. Then, after the two took a mouthful of mineral water Takeo turned his gaze to Hide.

    ¡°Can I ask a question?¡±

    ¡°You can,¡± Hide casually replied.

    ¡°Do we always fire double tap when using counter terrorist stance?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡±

    ¡°Last night, I saw a promo of firearm course in YouTube. The guys who ran the place are former special force, and their technique is double taps in the chest followed by single in the head,¡± Takeo said as big question mark appeared in his forehead. ¡°Which technique is the best, theirs or ours?¡±

    ¡°First, double tap at everything, double tap at center mass followed by head shot, or other firing sequence are not a technique, but a doctrine. Second, which doctrine is the best fully depend on how much effort, time, and resource you put on it.¡±

    ¡°Wait.¡± Takeo tilted his head to the side as question mark in his forehead thickened. ¡°Those firing sequences are a doctrine and not a technique?¡±

    ¡°Yup.¡±

    ¡°Hide, I don¡¯t get it,¡± Takeo honestly admitted.

    ¡°I don¡¯t get it too,¡± Shizuka added.

    ¡°Basically, doctrine is something we drill into our mind and body until it becomes our second nature, including the way we shoot.¡±

    ¡°Is there any unit that adopts doctrine of double tap at anything?¡±

    ¡°Britiss SBS, FBI HRT, and CIA paramilitary. Other than shoot to disarm they will just double taps at vitals.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Takeo nodded before continuing, ¡°Can I have another question?¡±

    ¡°You can.¡±

    ¡°In the promotional video, I see the instructors use counter terrorist stance for both when he took aim with and without sight. Can we do it like that too?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not wrong approach, but we have valid reason why we adopt two stances.¡± Hide turned his gaze at Shizuka asked her, ¡°Do you still remember it?¡±

    Shizuka nodded and replied, ¡°Instinctive counter terrorist stance work with emphasize in speed and wide field of view. Shoot and kill all targets as fast as possible indiscriminately.

    While conventional stance greatly put emphasize on highest possible accuracy for specific target, with a goal to disarm or perfect instant kill one target at a time.¡±

    ¡°I worry the chili oil has done damage more than necessary, but it seems you are alright.¡±

    ¡°Thanks for worrying me, but fuck you Hide,¡± Shizuka sulkily replied.

    ¡°Someday you will thank me because I work so hard to drill firearm basic safety to your body and mind.¡± After a smile Hide then continued, ¡°Now, back to the reason why we adopt two stances. Other than a mean to maximize best result in specific situation, it will also enable us to carry our job as if we are two different teams.¡±

    Big question mark in an instant appeared in Takeo¡¯s forehead. ¡°Carry our job as two different teams?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Is that also the reason why contra terrorist unit adopt two stances?¡± Shizuka curiously asked.

    ¡°Sort of.¡± After a moment of pause Hide continued, ¡°Not all their mission is legal. Even when they are preventing a terrorist attack, sometimes they have to carry it without leaving clue that they are member of well-trained contra terrorist unit.

    Using firing stance and weapon adopted by regular law enforcement is one of their means to cover their true identity. In other situation, they can also make an impression that their job is the work of an amateur. They call this modus operandi as ¡®Paint it pink¡¯.¡±

    ¡°Are you saying it¡¯s like some kind of misdirection?¡± Takeo concluded.

    ¡°Correct.¡± Hide nodded before explaining further, ¡°As for us, we are just a bunch of amateurs. So, to cover our trail we will make an impression that our job is the work of professional from ex-military or ex-law enforcement tactical unit. We call this modus operandi as ¡®Paint it black¡¯.¡±

    Takeo nodded and concluded, ¡°Therefore, metro police will never think that their suspects are three high school kids.¡±

    ¡°Yup, and luckily, I know how to do it so just follow my plan and training.¡±

    ¡°¡°Understood,¡±¡± Takeo and Shizuka firmly replied.

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s clean the range before going to the gym.¡±

    *****

 HA2 10.3 â€“ Ammo Recycling

    HA2 10.3 ¨C Ammo Recycling

    Residue of gun powder and dust from the lead were very dangerous when accumulating to certain level, especially if the accumulation took place in a closed space. Therefore, routinely cleaning indoor shooting range was a must even if the range was equipped with the best air conditioner money could buy.

    Hide scheduled that shooting range in the workshop had to be cleaned every Saturday, and he would carry the first cleaning this Saturday. After teaching Takeo and Shizuka how to set the air conditioner to maximum level, Hide then gave them a quick explanation.

    The black wall was consisted of bullet proof steel plate and 6 cm thick high-density black rubber. The steel plate would stop the projectile while the black rubber would trap and prevent it from bouncing back. In summary, Hide, Takeo and Shizuka had to use small tweezers to take the projectiles out of the black rubber. Then, they would use portable metal detector to check if they miss some projectiles.

    After that, they would use leaf blower to ensure all lead dust was blown away to the air and then being sucked and expelled by air conditioner.

    ¡°Remember,¡± Hide calmly said, ¡°Dust lead has strong poisonous attribute. If you inhale it or let it touches your skin, the poison will seep into blood vessel and reach your internal organ.

    It will not kill you instantly. However, if it keeps accumulating, slowly but surely your internal organ will deteriorates. So, wear your safety suit, full-face mask, and rubber glove all the time.¡±

    ¡°¡°Understood,¡±¡± Takeo and Shizuka replied at the same time.

    ¡°Let¡¯s start then.¡±

    Without delay, the three carried out the work. So far they only used a small portion of the black wall, so it was not a big work. After collecting a few projectiles that were grouping and overlapping at one area, Shizuka observed it for a moment before bringing it to Hide.

    ¡°Hide, which one is the lead?¡±

    ¡°The piece with grey color.¡±

    ¡°What about the shiny part that bloomed like a flower petal?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the projectile jacket, made of brass like the cartridge for premium round, and made of cheaper alloy for military standard round.¡±

    ¡°Projectile jacket?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Hide casually replied, ¡°The ammo we use is full metal jacket round. Basically, it¡¯s a lead core that being wrapped around by projectile jacket.¡±

    ¡°I thought projectile is made only of lead,¡± Takeo said as he observed remains of a projectile in his palm.

    ¡°First generation projectile is made only of lead alloy, usually by casting it into a mold, while modern projectiles have its lead core being wrapped by jacket made of brass or other material. There is also some latest model that doesn¡¯t use lead to ensure the projectile is environment friendly. This leadless projectile is being referred as green ammo.¡±

    ¡°What is the different between jacketed and non-jacketed projectile?¡± Shizuka curiously asked.

    ¡°Jacketed projectile is more lethal. You can design it to expand, split, or fragment when it hit its target. The basic idea is to create a bigger shock, bigger wound cavity and speed up the blood lost.¡±

    Shizuka nodded and said, ¡°I see.¡±

    Around thirty minutes later, the three had collected all trapped projectiles in the black wall and blew away the remains of dust lead. Then, Hide took some kind of black flour from storage room and mixed it with hot water until it turned into thick black glue.

    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    ¡°Hide, what is it?¡± Takeo asked while curiously observed the black glue.

    ¡°It¡¯s the compound that formed the black rubber on the wall,¡± Hide calmly replied.

    ¡°How do we apply it?¡±

    ¡°Patch it to the area we want to fix, until it becomes smooth and free of holes.¡± Hide turned his gaze to Takeo before asking, ¡°Can you do it?¡±

    ¡°I can.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± After he handed over a spatula to Takeo, Hide turned his gaze to Shizuka, ¡°Let¡¯s mop the floor.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean this entire freaking huge floor?¡±

    ¡°Yes, this entire freaking huge floor.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Without delay Hide and Shizuka took mopping equipment from kitchen and started their work in silence. When Takeo finished applied the black glue to the wall, without many words he joined the work of mopping the freaking huge floor.

    Once everything was done, Hide set the shooting range¡¯s temperature to 32 degree Celsius for eight hours. It was to make the black glued dried faster. Then, he took Shizuka and Takeo to firearm workshop. It¡¯s time to introduce them to ammo recycling class.

    ---

    In the firearm workshop, Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka gathered in a small space at a corner. Hide stood next to a whiteboard while Takeo and Shizuka sat in front of him.

    Without further ado Hide opened the class, ¡°As I have told you two days ago, today I will teach you how to recycle remains of ammo we use.¡±

    ¡°Wait a second,¡± Shizuka raised her hand before nervously asked, ¡°Hide, are you sure you want to teach me too? I¡¯m sucks at technical stuff.¡±

    ¡°No worry. Ammo recycling is not rocket surgery. You will do just fine.¡±

    ¡°Okay. If you say so,¡± Shizuka obediently said.

    Hide then calmly continued, ¡°Actually, knowing how to clean the shooting range is the first menu in ammo recycling. So, you have already started your journey as ammo recycler when we clean the range.¡±

    While Takeo and Shizuka nodded their head, Hide put a big picture of main components that formed a 9x19 mm Para on the whiteboard. Then, he pointed it one by one.

    ¡°Cartridge, primer, gun powder, and projectile. Put it together and you will have a piece of ammunition. If you put it together automatically using machine, we call it factory-load ammo. If you put it together manually using loading equipment, we call it hand-load ammo.

    Now, give me your best guess, which component is the most expensive to produce?¡±

    ¡°The projectile,¡± Takeo calmly replied.

    ¡°Nope, other than armor piercing round, projectile is not the most expensive component.¡±

    ¡°The cartridge,¡± Shizuka hesitantly guessed.

    ¡°Correct,¡± Hide calmly said, ¡°Producing cartridge manually is very time consuming, while to mass produce it using machine requires cutting edge technology. Also, the basic material is expensive so produce it in a small batch is economically not feasible.

    However, if we have used-cartridge, all we have to do is re-sizing, annealing, and cleaning it, and we will have shiny and ready-to-use cartridge. This type of recycling will cut the production cost for more than a half.¡±

    ¡°So, the first step is to re-size the cartridge?¡± Takeo asked.

    ¡°Yep,¡± Hide then took three pieces of used-cartridge and arranged it in his palm before continuing, ¡°As you can see, each cartridge has different length. Its lips also slightly deformed, and even if you can¡¯t see it with naked eye, the main body actually also has slightly different diameter. This expansion is the result from heavy pressure when the ammo is being fired.¡±

    ¡°Is every cartridge always expanded after being fired?¡± Shizuka curiously asked.

    ¡°Yeah, the manufacture makes it that way.¡±

    ¡°Why do they do that?¡±

    ¡°Cartridge is the component that seals the firing chamber when the gun is fired. Its expansion will maximize this purpose,¡± Hide calmly explained. ¡°If it is not for the amazing resilience of the cartridge case, you will get a blast of hot gas in your face every time you pull the trigger.

    ¡°I see,¡± Shizuka said while nodded her head.

    ¡°For the 9 mm round we use, the expansion can go up to 0.04 mm before it return closely to its original diameter. Actually, even if you don¡¯t re-size its diameter, it will still fit to the firing chamber that fired it. However, there is a high possibility it will not fit to firing chamber of other gun. That¡¯s why we have to re-size it back to its original diameter.¡±

    ¡°¡°Okay,¡±¡± Takeo and Shizuka replied at the same time.

    ¡°Now, before we re-size it, we have to take the primer cup out.¡±

    Without delay Hide then showed the method to take primer cup out. It was pretty simple. He used a handheld device that would hold the cartridge, and when he squeezed the handle a small rod would enter the cartridge until it pushed the primer cup out of primer pocket.

    ¡°Store the primer cup properly before you continue with the next step,¡± Hide said as he put the primer cup into a container.

    Then, Hide lubed the lower half of the cartridge before putting it into sizing die. After that he pulled the lever until it reached the lowest position. This process would put the cartridge¡¯s diameter from the neck, shoulder, and down to its base back to its original size. However, the neck would still be slightly longer than its original size. It also would become slightly thicker.

    Therefore, the cartridge¡¯s neck would need a touch of turning and trimming. Hide used a device called case trimmer to carry this work. It¡¯s an electric-powered device where the user could set how deep the trimming should be done, so Hide finished the work in matter of seconds.

    ¡°That¡¯s how we do the re-size step,¡± Hide said as he showed the result of his work to Takeo and Shizuka.

    As he took the cartridge from Hide¡¯s hand and checked it with his finger Takeo said, ¡°It¡¯s a pretty smooth.¡±

    ¡°Yup.¡±

    ¡°How many times we can re-size a cartridge?¡± Takeo asked without turning his eyes from cartridge in his hand.

    ¡°Generally,¡± Hide calmly explained, ¡°A cartridge is no longer serviceable because of two main reasons. First, its neck becomes too thin from repeated sizing and trimming. You can detect it by simply looking and touching it. Your accumulated experience will tell you that the cartridge is not ¡®right¡¯, and it¡¯s time to melt and remanufacturing it from scratch.

    Second, you find a split on its neck. Usually, you will spot the split when you collect the cartridge after firearm training. If you find this kind of cartridge, just threw it straight to remanufacture procedure.

    As for how many times we can re-size a cartridge, it entirely depends on its quality. For our 9 mm round, as far as I know we can re-size it 6-8 times.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Takeo calmly said.

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s divide the task.¡± Hide paused for a moment before continuing, ¡°Shizuka, your share is to take the primer cup out of the primer pocket.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Takeo, uses the sizing die to squeeze the cartridge back into its original dimension.¡±

    ¡°Roger.¡±

    ¡°As for me, I will do the trimming.¡±

    ¡°¡°Okay.¡±¡±

    Wasting no time Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka started the work to.

    *****

 HA2 11.1 â€“ Heretic Way of Annealing

    HA2 11.1 ¨C Heretic Way of Annealing

    Once they managed to re-size 500 pieces of used-cartridge, Hide took Takeo and Shizuka to annealing step. He opened the class by taking a piece of 1 mm thick steel wire and held it with both hands in front of Takeo and Shizuka.

    ¡°Watch this,¡± Hide said as he bent and then straightening the steel wire repeatedly. ¡°Tell me what will happen if I keep bending and straightening this steel wire.¡±

    ¡°You will break it,¡± Shizuka hesitantly replied. ¡°I think.¡±

    ¡°And why is that happened?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s because the motion from bending and straightening change the molecular structure of the steel wire, and the steel wire becomes brittle,¡± Takeo firmly replied.

    ¡°Correct,¡± Hide stopped his hand as he continued his explanation, ¡°And one of the methods to put the molecular structure of metal back into its original form, free of stress, is by giving it a heat treatment, and we call this heat treatment annealing.¡±

    ¡°So, after we re-size it, we will give the cartridge annealing,¡± Shizuka asked.

    ¡°Correct,¡± Hide firmly replied.

    ¡°How many times we can anneal a used-cartridge?¡± Shizuka asked another question.

    ¡°Similar to how many we can re-size a cartridge, it depends on the cartridge¡¯s quality. For example, Joe Entrekin, one of best score shooter on earth, he has 40 plus reloads on his regularly-annealed brass. In short, as long as a cartridge passes the re-size step, we can anneal it.¡±

    As question mark appeared in his forehead Takeo asked, ¡°Don¡¯t the manufactures worry their sales will drop if people can reload their cartridge?¡±

    ¡°Well, every ammo manufacture follows its own philosophy. Some will treat the reloading as unforgivable heresy, while some other will support it as a healthy hobby.¡±

    ¡°Wait a second,¡± Takeo¡¯s eyes widened as he continued, ¡°some ammo manufacture actually supports it?¡±

    ¡°Like I said, they have their own philosophy. For example is Norma, they love to repeat a quote from Rudyard Kipling, ¡®A man can¡¯t never have too much red wine, too many books, or too much ammo.¡¯

    And so, they produce cartridge that strong enough to withstand high pressure, but flexible enough to be re-drawn to its original size so the reloader can fire it as many as possible.¡±

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    ¡°That¡¯s really a weird business conduct,¡± Takeo said in puzzlement.

    ¡°Norma even takes the pride that reloader can expect more reloading from their cartridge compare to equivalent product from other manufacture.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Takeo calmly said.

    ¡°Well,¡± Hide casually said, ¡°Let¡¯s start the annealing.¡±

    When annealing used-cartridges, people usually used a combination of blow torch and holder that had a shape like revolver. The holder would rotate clock wise and put the cartridge right under the blow torch for certain amount of time. The user then took the cartridge that had been exposed to the heat and replaced it with other cartridge. This method was very popular because it was affordable.

    In the firearm workshop, Hide also found this type of annealing equipment. However, he chose to use fancier equipment. It was electric furnace that could be used to anneal used-cartridge in bigger number for each batch.

    Swiftly, Hide arranged the used-cartridge into an annealing tray. It had 100 slots and he put the used-cartridge into each slot standing upward facing the heating element. After pre-heating the furnace, he then inserted the annealing tray and ensured so the tip of the cartridges only 0.5 cm below the heating element.

    ¡°Any question?¡± Hide asked as he closed the furnace¡¯s door.

    Takeo immediately lifted his right arm before asking, ¡°How high the temperature we use and for how long?¡±

    ¡°It depends on the alloy that being used to produce the cartridge. As far as I know, it ranges from 150 to 800 degree Celsius, with minimum duration of three seconds. To know the correct temperature and duration, we have to look the reloading manual and do some trial and error.

    Fortunately, this workshop has reloading manual issued by Norma, Remington, Hornady, Lapua, and some other manufacture. Other than that, lot of reloader in Americ shares their experience in internet.

    For our 9 mm round, I find a reference that 200 degree Celsius for 3-4 seconds is the best recipe.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Takeo calmly said.

    ¡°There is also an old school annealing that doesn¡¯t employ technical approach. It only suggests the re-loader to expose the cartridges until its neck slightly glowing red before taking it out of the fire.¡±

    ¡°Is it okay to use such method?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    ¡°When we don¡¯t have equipment capable of highly-precise measurement, we will use that old school method. In my experience I find it work good enough. Lot of seasoned gunsmith in Americ also employs this method.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s set the temperature and duration.¡±

    Without delay Hide set the electric furnace at 200 degree Celsius for 3.5 seconds. A moment later the heating element on the furnace¡¯s ceiling turned into glowing red, and just as the tip of the cartridges slightly turned red, the heating element suddenly dimmed before returning into its original gray color.

    ¡°Is it done?¡± Shizuka curiously asked.

    ¡°Yup,¡± Hide calmly replied as he opened the furnace¡¯s doors.

    ¡°Is it okay to only harden the cartridge¡¯s neck to the heating element? Don¡¯t we should flip it?¡±

    ¡°First, we are not cooking the cartridge,¡± Hide calmly replied. ¡°Second, the neck and the shoulder is the part that received the most stress both when the ammo is being fired and when the cartridge being re-sized. Therefore, those two sections become the area with highest brittle level.

    Also, the main purpose of brass annealing is not to harden its molecular structure. Unlike steel, brass is not hard but elastic metal. We use the heat to melt the brittleness and put the molecular structure back to its original form and elasticity level.¡±

    ¡°Wait a second!¡± Shizuka said as puzzlement filled her eyes. ¡°In short, the annealing is not to re-harden the brass?¡±

    ¡°Yup,¡± Hide casually replied, ¡°and actually you can¡¯t produce a cartridge that too hard. If a cartridge is too hard it will definitely split or crack when being hit by high pressure. What you need is a cartridge that resilient enough to withstand high pressure as high as 60.000 pounds per square inch at minimum, and high heat that can melt most steel.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Shizuka said as if she just received enlightenment.

    Hide then calmly took out the annealing tray and moved the cartridges into a stainless steel tray to allow it cooling down. After that, he turned his gaze to Takeo and Shizuka.

    ¡°Give it a try. Wear your heat-proof gloves. It will protect your hand and ensure you don¡¯t leave your fingerprints,¡± Hide calmly said

    ¡°Okay,¡± Takeo confidently replied.

    At the same time, Shizuka dejectedly looked at Hide while taking a deep breath. ¡°Hide, honestly, I don¡¯t fully understand your explanation, but I think I can repeat the annealing step you just show me.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s more than enough and have no worry,¡± Hide assuredly said, ¡°I will prevent you go astray from the Heretic Way of Annealing.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Shizuka replied in tone full of relief.

    Without delay Takeo and Shizuka then repeat the annealing step for the rest of the cartridge.

    *****

 HA2 11.2 â€“ Tumbling

    HA2 11.2 ¨C Tumbling

    After Shizuka and Takeo annealed the cartridges perfectly, Hide started the cleaning step using the first batch of cartridge that was already cooling down.

    ¡°Now, let¡¯s clean the cartridges,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°To do it, we will need citric acid, stainless steel pins, laundry detergent, and car wax. Put everything into rotary tumbler along with hot water, and set it at medium speed for two hours.

    After that, rinse the cartridges using warm water, pat it dry using clean towel to avoid water mark on the outside, put it into dehydrator for two hours to dry the inside, and bingo you have nice and shiny ready to use cartridge.¡±

    ¡°Is there any old school method for this step?¡± Shizuka curiously asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s not old school trick, but I know an Americ dude who developed a cheap but effective means for this step.¡± As he recalled his best friends from his previous life Hide continued, ¡°He will use office stainless clips instead of stainless steel pins. As for the citric acid, he will replace the 25 Dillar Lemi Shine with his 2 Dillar vitamin C tablet.

    And because he doesn¡¯t have rotary tumbler, he will just use biscuit box made of food grade melamine, and shake it manually using his hands, take a rest every four minutes, and then shake it again until the water cold.

    To get the maximum result he repeat the tumbling two times, but this method is cheap as dirt so it won¡¯t trigger his wife¡¯s wrath because he spent too much money on his hobby.¡±

    ¡°Is it safe to replace citric acid with vitamin C tablet?¡± Shizuka curiously asked.

    Hide took a bottle of Lemi Shine, one of the most popular dishwasher boosters in the market, and then explained, ¡°This thing and vitamin C, both are containing citric acid without toxic residue. The only different is the concentration level and some additional compound that make Lemi Shine inedible.

    So, as long as we adjust the water¡¯s temperature correctly, the vitamin C tablet will deliver pretty much similar result.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Shizuka replied as she nodded her head a few times.

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    ¡°Other question?¡±

    Takeo immediately raised his hand. ¡°Who is the dude who developed the cheap tumbling method?¡±

    ¡°Carlson Martinelli, a former Delta dude. He is a funny guy who loved to re-branding Navy Seal as Meal Time Six because their bulky body. Carlson had to take early retirement because of a spine injury.¡± After a pause Hide added, ¡°If I remember it correctly, right now he works as a clerk in a public library, in his wife hometown.¡±

    ¡°How do you know him?¡± Takeo asked another question.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know him.¡±

    A lie smoothly slipped through Hide¡¯s teeth, but it was clearly visible that Takeo didn¡¯t buy it.

    ¡°But you mentioned him as if you knew him well.¡±

    ¡°Did I?¡±

    Takeo firmly nodded. ¡°You did.¡±

    ¡®What a sharp kid,¡¯ Hide muttered before saying, ¡°People who train me are the ones who know him.¡±

    Takeo nodded and said, ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Well, we don¡¯t have lot of time so let¡¯s get it done,¡± Hide calmly said, ¡°and because we have the correct material and equipment, we will do it the proper way and avoid any improvisation until you master the basic.¡±

    ¡°¡°Okay,¡±¡± Takeo and Shizuka replied at the same time.

    Wasting no time the three started the work. Hide had wrote the ratio for the cartridge, hot water, stainless pin, nitric acid, and other material so Shizuka and Takeo only had to follow it. After putting 100 pieces of cartridge and everything else into rotary tumbler, Hide taught Takeo and Shizuka how to set it. A few moments later, the drum on the rotary tumbler started rotating and tumbling around the cartridges and other material.

    ¡°Hide, why is this tumbler very similar to laundry machine?¡± Shizuka asked.

    ¡°The two are descendant from the great cement mixer. That¡¯s why they have some similarities,¡± Hide calmly replied.

    ¡°I see,¡± Shizuka nodded before turning her gaze to a piece of equipment that had a shape like a bird cage, but had a stack of racks inside it. ¡°What about that food dehydrator?¡±

    ¡°We call it brass dehydrator, but actually it¡¯s just a re-label and re-branding from famous food dehydrator.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Takeo nodded his head before asking another question, ¡°In case we want to carry a tumbling in big batch, can we use cement mixer?¡±

    ¡°We can. When doing a large batch tumbling, lot of gunsmith will use cement mixer actually.¡± After pausing for a moment Hide continued, ¡°Well, it will take some time before the tumbler finish its job, so let¡¯s use our time to recycle the projectile.¡±

    ¡°¡°Okay,¡±¡± Takeo and Shizuka replied at the same time.

    ¡°First, we will clean it.¡±

    As soon as he finished his words, Hide immediately took a bucket full of projectile¡¯s remains, put it into the sink and rinsed it using hot water and stainless steel spatula. Unlike projectile¡¯s remains from open range where the bullet trap usually was made of soil or sand, projectile¡¯s remains from indoor range were pretty clean. It also had no contact with water or humid air, so it was free of corrosion. Therefore, Hide could rinse it clean with ease.

    After that, he dropped two table spoons laundry detergent and a tea spoon Lemi Shine to the bucket, followed by adding warm water and stirred everything through fully.

    ¡°Now, let it rest for 20 minutes before you rinse it clean using warm water. Then, it¡¯s ready for the next processing step,¡± Hide said before turning his eyes to Shizuka and Takeo in turn, ¡°Can you do it?¡±

    ¡°¡°We can,¡±¡± Takeo and Shizuka replied almost at the same time.

    ¡°Good, and be careful because a deform projectile¡¯s jackets is very sharp. Always use the spatula when you rinse or stir it.¡±

    After nodding their head, Takeo and Shizuka started the work while Hide calmly observed them. However, it was easy to tell that Takeo and Shizuka could carry their work without his supervising. So, after the two finished processing their first bucket, Hide immediately went to prepare the equipment to melt the projectile¡¯s remains.

    It was not complicated preparation so Hide finished it in matter of minutes. Then, his smartphone rang.

    ¡®Why does she call me?¡¯ Hide muttered after he found that it was Hanna who called him.

    He then told Takeo and Shizuka that he had to take a call, and left the workshop.

    *****

 HA2 11.3 â€“ Next Level Intimacy

    HA2 11.3 ¨C Next Level Intimacy

    As she softly groaned, Hanna opened her eyes. Then, a smile bloomed in her lips as her eyes met with a glass of highball. It stood seductively on top of small table next to her bed. Wasting no time Hanna took the highball and enjoyed it. The ice cubes already fully melted, but it¡¯s still sweet and refreshing. Most of all, it re-energized her tired body.

    As her blood sugar slowly rose to normal level, Hanna¡¯s mood became brighter. Then, she put her attention to the small note that Hide left behind next to the highball.

    The message was:

    ¡®Dear Hanna, when you are sleeping, I cum inside you a few times and it felt so wonderful.¡¯

    and Hanna could only widened her eyes as she read it.

    ¡®Darn pervert!¡¯ He used me as cum dump when I was unconscious.¡¯

    Hanna muttered as she felt some aches form her private area, but she didn¡¯t truly angry. Even so, she had to talk it to Hide and used it to extort him a good lunch. Wasting no time she reached out for her smartphone.

    As soon as the call connected Hanna asked, ¡°Hide, do you have time for a moment?¡±

    [I do. Do you want to talk?]

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    [What is it?]

    ¡°Hide, you can¡¯t cum inside me without my permission.¡±

    [Do you want me to cum outside? In your lovely belly maybe?]

    ¡°No.¡±

    [In your beautiful breast?]

    ¡°No!¡±

    [In your cheek?]

    ¡°Noooo¡­ That¡¯s super gross!¡± Hanna said in a half scream.

    [What do you mean it is super gross? I have already done it in your mouth once.]

    ¡°Yeah, but at that time I gave you the permission, and I was fully ready.¡±

    [Then, with your permission, where do I drop my load next time I do it when you are unconscious?]

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    ¡°No drop at all when I¡¯m unconscious,¡± Hanna strictly said.

    [That¡¯s not fair. You have a huge good time until you black out, but then I can¡¯t have mine.]

    ¡°You have to wait until I wake up or wake me up before you do me.¡±

    [I tried waking you up by licking and sucking your tits, but it didn¡¯t work.]

    In an instant Hanna checked her tits, and even if she didn¡¯t found any bite mark, she still concluded that Hide must be heavily toying with her tits using his tongue and teeth.

    ¡°So, you dared toying with my tits when I was unconscious?¡±

    [Honestly, I also licked your clits and pussy.]

    ¡°You also licked me down there?!¡± Hanna asked as her eyes were widened.

    [Yeah.]

    ¡°Hide, don¡¯t do something pervert to my body when I was unconscious,¡± Hanna sternly said. ¡°It gives me a goose bump.¡±

    [But you enjoyed it.]

    ¡°What do you mean I enjoyed it?¡±

    [When I licked your tits you softly mumbled ¡®There, there, there¡­o-ooouuhh ye-eeees¡­ Over there¡­¡¯. You also had a big lewd smile in your face.]

    ¡°Did I really have lewd smile when you licked my tits?¡± Hanna asked as her face turned red and hot.

    [Yup, you have. It was the most lewd but also happiest smile I had ever seen.]

    ¡°Well¡­¡±

    Hanna didn¡¯t know what to say as she ran out of words. At the same time, it encouraged Hide to spit another lie.

    [You know, when I lick you down there, just before you have a climax you suddenly held my head and then rubbed your clit and pussy up and down to my face. It shocked me to the core, but from your moan I could tell that you were very very very enjoying it, so I just played along.]

    ¡°D-d-did I really do that?¡±

    [You did.]

    ¡®Oh my God, am I really that lewd?¡¯ Hanna muttered as her face became hotter and hotter. Then, she weakly said, ¡°Hide, honestly, I don¡¯t remember any of that. I also don¡¯t blame you but¡­ it seemed your fingering messed my mind and body, and triggering my lewd side.¡±

    [Did you enjoy my fingering?]

    After a moment of silence Hanna replied, ¡°If I say I super enjoy it, will you think of me as a slut?¡±

    [No, and it make me very happy that I can deliver a super good time to you. Actually, it also makes me very hard when I see your happy and lewd face.

    Most of all, I don¡¯t think becoming lewd in front of someone you like when you are in intimate moment is a sin. It¡¯s just natural and biological thing.]

    ¡°In that case, let¡¯s treat our intimate moment that way then.¡±

    [So, can I do you in case you black out again?]

    ¡°You can,¡± Hanna calmly replied, ¡°but do me gently, okay?¡±

    [Dear, yes Dear.]

    After taking a deep breathe full of relief Hanna then asked, ¡°Can we have lunch together and then watch movie? We can also take Aizawa along?¡±

    [I can¡¯t]

    ¡°Why?¡±

    [My part time job is robbing my time until tomorrow afternoon.]

    ¡°What about Aizawa? Do you plan to leave her alone at home?¡±

    [Two days ago I already told her that she have to stay at Kitaro until tomorrow afternoon.]

    ¡°I see.¡± After a long pause Hanna then said, ¡°For a part-timer, you work really hard.¡±

    [Yeah, but the pay is good and I need it.]

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Hanna took a deep breath before continuing, ¡°Make sure they pay you properly, and take care of your health, rest when you need it, and don¡¯t skip your meal.¡±

    [Dear, yes Dear.]

    ¡°Bye then.¡±

    [Bye.]

    After ending the call Hanna then just silently sat in the bed. She was very disappointed, but she also didn¡¯t want to disrupt Hide¡¯s work like a spoiled bitch. In the end, she could only heave a deep sigh before finishing her highball, and then went to take a bath.

    ---

    Initially, Hide spitted lies about some licking and sucking because he just wanted to tease Hanna. Never did he imagine Hanna would take it seriously. Fortunately it led into a positive outcome. He and Hanna unintentionally had established another level of intimacy for their relationship.

    And so, as his face was brimming with happiness Hide returned to firearm workshop. Then, a satisfied smiled bloomed as he found five buckets full of bubble and projectile¡¯s remain lay silently in the sink.

    ¡°Let¡¯s move to the next step,¡± Hide happily said.

    ¡°Is it okay to move to the next step?¡± Takeo asked. ¡°It¡¯s still eight minutes before the first bucket complete its resting time.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. The projectile¡¯s remains are not too grimy,¡± Hide calmly replied. ¡°Let¡¯s use the first bucket to show you how the next step is done.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Takeo calmly replied.

    ¡°Well then, rinse it until the water is clear, and then drain the water completely before you bring it to me.¡±

    ¡°Do we have to pat it dry?¡± Shizuka asked.

    ¡°No, just drain the water is enough.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Shizuka firmly replied.

    Wasting no time, Shizuka and Takeo rinsed the projectile¡¯s remains in the first bucket, and then drained it, and handed it over to Hide. After that Hide poured the projectile¡¯s remains into a thick skillet before putting it into a top of electric stove.

    Then, Shizuka tilted her head before asking, ¡°Is it okay to just pour everything into a skillet like that?¡±

    ¡°No worry. The water will evaporate far before the lead starts to melt. As for the projectile¡¯s jacket, we will move it into electric pot when the lead completely melted.¡±

    Shizuka nodded and replied, ¡°Okay.¡±

    *****

 HA2 11.4 â€“ Lead Wire and Brass Strip

    HA2 11.4 ¨C Lead Wire and Brass Strip

    Slowly but surely, the lead melted into a shiny sup. Hide then scooped the jacket¡¯s remains using a spider web ladle. Some melted lead also got scooped into spider web ladle, but it was not a big deal. Hide only had to wait until the melted lead fall back to the skillet to the last drop, and then he moved the jacket¡¯s remains to a thick cup.

    The thick cup had a lip and Hide had preheated it previously. By using a tweezers he moved the jacket¡¯s remains into the cup one by one. After that, he put the cup into electric furnace and continued to melt it using extra-high temperature.

    ¡°Now, let¡¯s process the lead,¡± Hide said as he turned his gaze to Shizuka, ¡°This will be your task so watch the process carefully.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Shizuka nervously replied.

    Without further ado Hide took some kind of wax and put it straight to the melting lead. Two seconds after the wax made a contact with the melted lead, big flame suddenly was engulfed the skilled, but Hide casually stirred the melted led using a long spatula.

    ¡°The wax was specifically being designed to draw and bind the impurity in the melted lead. All you have to do is stir it until the flame gone. After that, let the melted lead sit for a few seconds and the impurity will clump in the bottom of skillet.

    But you have to make sure no water or sweat fall to the melted lead, or it will trigger dangerous splash to all direction. So, always wipe clean the sweats in your brow and face if you have any.¡±

    Shizuka nodded and said, ¡°Understood.¡±

    After that, Hide put together a mold. It had cylinder shape and as big as child arm. After preheating the mold Hide then poured the melted lead into it. In matter of seconds the melted lead had solidified, so Hide could open the mold and then put the freshly made lead cylinder into a rack.

    ¡°You have to wait until the lead completely cooling down before taking it to next process,¡± Hide said as he scrapped the wax on the bottom of skillet and put it into a bin made of thick metal. ¡°You also have to burn this wax until it fully turned into ash before you can safely disposing it.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°Now, can you repeat my step for the rest of projectiles¡¯ remains?¡±

    ¡°I can.¡±

    Hide nodded and then said, ¡°I will teach Takeo how to process the jacket¡¯s remains then?¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Wasting no time Shizuka processed the next batch of projectile¡¯s remains. As Hide expected, she could do it almost flawlessly.

    ¡®Well, she has accumulated lot of experience working with stove, heat, and skillet from her part time job in Yumi Resto,¡¯ Hide muttered before taking Takeo to electric furnace.

    The jacket¡¯s remains in the cup had fully melted, so wasting no time Hide assembly a mold. It had a shape and size like a pieces of chocolate bar. To preheat the mold, he just put it inside the electric furnace next to the cup. After that, by using a clamp with long handle he held the cup and poured the melted brass into the mold. Then, to speed up the cooling process, he put the brass bar into a container full of cold water.

    ¡°Can you repeat it?¡± Hide calmly asked.

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    ¡°I can,¡± Takeo confidently replied.

    ¡°Good, I will leave it to you then,¡± Hide calmly said.

    Without delay Takeo started the job. Meanwhile, Hide would supervise Takeo and Shizuka in turn, and an hour later the three had produce a few pieces of lead cylinder and brass bar.

    As he observed the pile of brass bar and lead cylinder on the table Hide happily said, ¡°For newbies, you truly produce a nice semi processed material.¡±

    After proudly smiled Shizuka asked, ¡°What is the next step?¡±

    As he pointed at a mechanical roller as big as car¡¯s wheel, not far from where he stood, Hide said, ¡°We will use that thing to turn the brass bar into brass strip, and the lead cylinder into lead wire.¡±

    ¡°I will start with the lead cylinder.¡± Hide then pointed at Shizuka¡¯s nose as he continued, ¡°And this will be your job.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Shizuka firmly replied. It seemed she was on fire after the good result she had from previous job.

    Wasting no time Hide taught Shizuka how to use the mechanical roller. One by one, Shizuka then turned the lead cylinder into wire as thick as baby¡¯s finger and coiled it into a cable roller. After that, Hide taught her how to cut it into small pieces using heavy mechanical cutter.

    ¡°Any question?¡± Hide calmly asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Shizuka replied as she deeply looked at the mechanical cutter. ¡°It¡¯s just that, the more I look at this device, the more it looks like a mini guillotine.¡±

    ¡°Yup,¡± Hide casually replied, ¡°and always remembers, this mini guillotine is powerful enough to cut your finger cleanly. So, even if it has cover that will prevent you from accidentally putting your finger in the cutting line, you still have to be very careful when using it.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°Now, let¡¯s see how good you absorb my explanation and example.¡±

    ¡°Roger.¡±

    Wasting no time Shizuka put a cable roller full of lead wire into a holder on the left side of mechanical cutter. Then, she inserted the end of lead wire into the lane and pushed it until it touched the stopper plate. After that she set the stopper plate so that every cut would produce the length she wanted.

    ¡°Did I set it correctly?¡± Shizuka asked while maintaining her eyes on the stopper plate.

    ¡°You did,¡± Hide firmly replied.

    After a smile Shizuka held the lead wire using her left hand while her right hand reached out for the lever that controlled the thick and heavy blade and pulled it down.

    Baam!

    With ease the blade cut the lead wire and the first lead core fell into a polymer container below. Wasting no time, Shizuka repeated the cutting process. She swiftly put the lever back into its original position, pushed the lead wire until it touched the stopper plate, and then brought down the heavy blade again.

    Shizuka didn¡¯t have to use lot of power. The blade was not only heavy, but was also hydraulic powered, so in matter of minutes she had cut the whole lead wire into lead cores. Then, she turned her gaze to Hide.

    ¡°What¡¯s the next step?¡±

    ¡°Measurement control,¡± Hide said as he pointed at digital caliper and portable digital scale on the table.

    ¡°Do you mean I have to weight and measure the lead cores one by one?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Shizuka replied as she checked the portable digital scale. Then, she curiously asked, ¡°What is the meaning of 0.00 labels on this digital scale?¡±

    ¡°It means the digital scale is capable to tell us if the lead core is too heavy or too light up to 0.01 gr precision.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Hide then took the digital caliper and pointed at 0.00 labels on it. ¡°What about this digital caliper?¡±

    ¡°It means the caliper can tell us if the lead core is too long or too short down to 0.01 mm precision,¡± Shizuka smugly replied.

    ¡°Correct.¡±

    Hide then taught Shizuka how to use the digital scale and digital caliper. It was user-friendly devices so Shizuka mastered the trick after a few tries. She then put the ready to use lead core into a green container box. As for the lead core that required a trimming to reach the desired measurement, she put it into a red container box.

    Once Hide was sure Shizuka could do the rest of the job by herself, he went to teach Takeo how to process the brass bar.

    ---

    Similar to Shizuka, with ease Takeo mastered the trick to use the mechanical roller. In eight minutes he turned the brass bar into a brass strip.

    ¡°This is a good brass strip,¡± Hide said after inspecting the brass strip.

    ¡°What¡¯s next?¡± Takeo eagerly said.

    ¡°Watch this,¡± Hide said as he put the brass strip under a punching die and then lowered the lever.

    Baam!!

    With ease the die produced a small coin, and leaved a perfect round hole on the brass strip. Hide then put the small coin into pressing die and turned it into a small cup.

    ¡°This is what we call brass cup,¡± Hide calmly said.

    Takeo nodded before saying, ¡°It looks like a primer cup.¡±

    ¡°Yup, make it smaller, and after you anneal and tumble it you will have a nice primer cup. But if what you want is a projectile jacket, you have to draw the cup a few times.¡±

    ¡°Draw the brass cup?¡± Takeo asked as big question mark appeared in his forehead.

    ¡°Drawing is pushing the brass cup into a tube with a slightly smaller diameter. The pushing motion will then expand it into a tube. You do it a few times until you get a tube that slightly longer than what you want. After that you adjust the final length by trimming it.¡± Hide calmly explained. ¡°Also, you have to anneal the tube between each draw.¡±

    ¡°Based on your experience,¡± Takeo said as he took the brass cup in Hide¡¯s hand, ¡°How many times we have to draw and anneal the brass cup until we get the desired length?¡±

    ¡°Three times.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Wasting no time Hide then taught Takeo how to carry the whole process to produce projectile jacket.

    Even if Takeo processed only a piece of brass strip, it¡¯s enough to produce 56 piece of brass cup. Then, he drew it one by one three times each. So, it took almost an hour before he finished the drawing and annealing sequence. After that, Hide trimmed the brass tube into projectile jackets before putting it into rotary tumbler.

    After observing the tumbler for a moment, Takeo then took the remains of brass strip that now was full of holes and put it in his hand. ¡°What do we do with this leftover?¡±

    ¡°Store it and then melt it when the amount is enough to produce a brass bar.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡±

    After checking and founding that Shizuka was also about to finish her job, Hide immediately said, ¡°It¡¯s already one hour past lunch time. Let¡¯s eat before we continue.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Takeo calmly replied.

    *****

 HA2 11.5 â€“ Lead Core and Brass Jacket

    HA2 11.5 ¨C Lead Core and Brass Jacket

    Lunch went in casual atmosphere. The menu was noddle soup prepared by Takeo. He use rice noddle and combined it with chicken stock. As for the topping, he used soft-boiled egg, fried tofu, shitake mushroom, enoki mushroom, slices of chicken breast, and lot of kimchi. It¡¯s simple but very delicious and filling menu. Not to mention the three were starving.

    Then, a moment after the three started their lunch Shizuka opened a conversation, ¡°Hide, do our military personnel collects cartridge from their firearm training because they want to reload it?¡±

    Hide calmly replied, ¡°Special force and clandestine unit will use some of it for ammo recycling class, and send the rest to ammo manufacture the military has contract with.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean they don¡¯t recycle every single cartridge they used?¡±

    ¡°No, and they also select the people who will attend the recycling class with a super strict criteria.¡±

    ¡°Why do they employ a strict selection?¡±

    ¡°To prevent uncontrolled circulation of firearm and its ammunition to the smallest potential.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Shizuka put a slice of fried tofu into her mouth before asking another question, ¡°How do they carry the class?¡±

    ¡°They will give a 4-man recycling team about 2-3 tons used-cartridge, and asks them to reload or re-manufacture it into ready-to-use ammo in one month.

    They took the syllabus from similar class in Americ JFK Special Warfare Center and School. It¡¯s just that in JFK SWCS everyone can attend the class as long as they pass the screening test, and each student has to produce only a few hundreds improvised rounds.¡±

    After nodding her head Shizuka said, ¡°2-3 tons of cartridges will produce ten thousands of ammo.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but they will use it only in training and can¡¯t store it for more than six months.¡±

    ¡°They use it only in training?¡± Shizuka asked as she curiously looked at Hide.

    Hide nodded a few times before explaining, ¡°There is mandatory law that demands our military to use only standard issued weapon, ammo, and equipment in their operation. They can slightly bend this law in firearm training for special force and elite infantry unit, but breach it in a regular operation will send someone to martial court.¡±

    ¡°So, it¡¯s only to increase the amount of firearm training.¡±

    ¡°Yes, but the main reason is actually,¡± Hide gulped down a piece of chicken meat he just chewed before continuing, ¡°to prepare our country in case we have to conduct guerrilla warfare against invading force that defeats our military conventionally.

    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    In this kind of environment, improvised ammo, improvised weapon, improvised explosive and even improvised soldier will be vital to keep the fighting goes on.¡±

    ¡°Does our country really have a possibility where we have to carry guerrilla warfare against invading force? Isn¡¯t our country has lot of powerful allies who will help us in case a war break out?¡±

    ¡°Well, who know if one day alien invade our country and our allies have some more important things to do. It¡¯s better to be prepared rather than to regret later.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Shizuka calmly said.

    Takeo who so far was only listening to the conversation decided to ask, ¡°Hide, if we can recycle our ammo, then can we say we don¡¯t need to buy ammo again?¡±

    ¡°You are partially correct,¡± Hide calmly replied. ¡°It¡¯s true that ammo recycling will enable us to train our marksmanship as much as we need without burning too much money, or leaving distinct trails from too many ammo transactions.

    However, the amount of our ammo is still too small. We will need another big purchase to ensure we have enough. We will also include some barrels and kits in this purchase, and the main goal from our first small job is to fund this purchase.¡±

    Takeo nodded and calmly said, ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°I will explain the detail for our first small job later. For now, let¡¯s focus on ammo recycling.¡±

    ¡°¡°Understood,¡±¡± Takeo and Shizuka replied at the same time.

    ---

    After the lunch, Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka took their time to relax their mind for around 20 minutes. After that, they returned to firearm workshop to put together the lead core and the jacket into a projectile.

    Setting the pressing machine to produce the desired projectile was still too complicated for Takeo and Shizuka. Not to mention, some type of projectile required the use of different dies in turn.

    For now, Hide just wanted to produce the simplest projectile, 9 mm Para round nose, flat base, and full metal jacket. Even so, he had to sacrifice five pieces of jacket and lead core in the process. Some had the jacket split or cracked because the pressure was too strong, while some other had the lead core didn¡¯t bounding properly with the jacket because the pressure was too weak. But in the end, he managed to find the correct set up.

    After inspecting the sixth projectile he had just produced and didn¡¯t found any defect, Hide handed it over to Takeo. ¡°This is 9 mm Para round nose, flat base, and full metal jacket projectile.¡±

    Takeo inspected the bullet for a moment, and when he found that he could see the lead in the base of the projectile he immediately asked, ¡°Why the jacket doesn¡¯t wrapped around the lead at the base of the projectile?¡±

    ¡°Because it¡¯s the true form of full metal jacket projectile,¡± Hide calmly replied. ¡°The jacket will fully wrap around the top and side part of the lead core, but let the base open. The purpose is to enhance the possibility for the projectile to split, expand, or fragment when it hit the target.¡±

    Shizuka tilted her head before asking, ¡°Do you mean the projectile that totally being wrapping around by its jacket, like the one we see in movie is not full metal jacket round?¡±

    ¡°That kind of projectile is total metal jacket round, usually is being used in .45 ACP or bigger caliber that emphasizes penetrating aspect.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Shizuka nodding her head before asking. ¡°By using this firearm workshop, can we make total metal jacket projectile?¡±

    ¡°This firearm workshop is not just ordinary workshop. It can enable us to reverse engineer any existing projectile,¡± Hide happily replied. ¡°Flat base, boat tail, concave base¡­ Full metal jacket, total metal jacket, non-jacketed¡­ round nose, hollow point, plastic tipped, open tip, spoon tip¡­. Lead core, leadless, steel core, tungsten core, depleted uranium core.

    Heck, we can even reverse engineer the damnable projectile invented by Carlos the Jackal, but for now let¡¯s stick to the basic.¡±

    ¡°Hide, I don¡¯t fully get your point,¡± Shizuka weakly said, ¡°but I get it that this firearm workshop is amazing.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s more than enough. Now, it¡¯s your turn to put the lead core and the jacket together,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°Let¡¯s start from Takeo.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Without delay Takeo sat in front of pressing machine. Hide then taught him the trick. Once the pressing machine was being setting properly, it would be very easy to seat the lead core into the jacket. The only thing that Takeo had to watch out was that he couldn¡¯t apply too much lube on the jacket¡¯s surface. A bit of touch using the tip of his finger was more than enough.

    At the same time, he had to ensure the jacket interior and the lead core had no lube on it, or the lead would spin when he pressed it, and as a result the lead wouldn¡¯t properly bonded with the jacket.

    ¡°Any question?¡± Hide casually asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Takeo calmly replied.

    ¡°You can start then.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    After taking a deep breath Takeo immediately put a lead core into a brass jacket. After carefully applying the lube on the lower half of the jacket surface, he then put it into pressing die before pulling the lever all the way down until its lowest position. Hide then checked the result and he found that it was a good projectile without defect.

    ¡°Makes another fourteen projectiles before switching with Shizuka.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    One by one Takeo then produced the projectile before switching with Shizuka. Pretty similar to Takeo, Shizuka didn¡¯t find any difficulty and finished her share in no time. After that, Hide took the two to recycle the primer cups they previously collected from the cartridge.

    *****

 HA2 11.6 â€“ Recycling Primer

    HA2 11.6 ¨C Recycling Primer

    ¡°When recycling cartridge you can skip the first tumbling and start it with re-sizing,¡± Hide calmly started his explanation. ¡°But when recycling primer, you have to start the process with the cleaning because the sign of defect is easier to spot in a clean primer.

    Most of all, primer is safer to handle after you remove the toxic lead, salts, and ash on it.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Shizuka eagerly said. ¡°Let¡¯s get started.¡±

    ¡°Hold on, let me finish my explanation.¡±

    ¡°What explanation?¡± Shizuka looked at Hide with puzzle eyes as she continued, ¡°You already teaches us how to clean brass.¡±

    ¡°Yes, wet tumbling using rotary tumbler.¡± Hide pointed at a thick square tub as he continued, ¡°But now we will use ultrasonic cleaner.¡±

    ¡°Ultrasonic cleaner?¡± Shizuka asked as she looked at the square tub that in a glance looked like a deep frying tub.

    ¡°Yep, ultrasonic cleaner. People in jewelry industry use it to clean both material and final product. Usually they use the model with 3 liter capacity.¡± Hide carefully put a batch of used-primer cup to the ultrasonic cleaner as he continued, ¡°As for us, we are lucky that this workshop has the 20 liter model.¡±

    Then, by pressing a knob Hide filled the ultrasonic cleaner with cold water. After that he turned on the ultrasonic buzz. No sound was heard. There was also no vibration on the surface of the water. However, slowly but surely the water became murky. Hide then pressed another knob to dispose the murky water.

    Hide washed the primer cup three times before putting two squirt of dish detergent and a table spoon of Lemi Shine, and then washed it for the fourth time. This time he let the ultrasonic buzz did the job for around 10 minutes. After that he rinsed the primer cup and patted it dry using a towel.

    ¡°That was much faster compare to rotary tumbler,¡± Shizuka said.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide calmly replied, ¡°Next time you do a tumbling, feel free to use rotary tumbler or ultrasonic cleaner. All I want is, you clean the brass through fully.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Shizuka replied.

    Then, Takeo asked, ¡°What¡¯s next?¡±

    ¡°Take the anvil out of the primer cup, and then carry the inspection before re-sizing the cup.¡±

    After making sure the three properly wore their safety glasses, Hide then taught Shizuka how to remove the anvil from primer cup. The method was simple. Shizuka only had to insert a pick under the anvil¡¯s legs and pry it out, while holding the cup with pliers.

    At the first few attempts, Shizuka crushed and distorted the cup because she held it too hard, while in another attempts she sent the anvil flew into unknown. However, once she got the right feeling, she could do the job with ease in a rapid pace.

    Under the anvil Shizuka would also found the remains of paper foil, and she had to take it out and discarded it to waste bin. Then, she separated the primer cup and the anvil in two containers.

    The next step was inspection and sorting. Hide carried it personally because some features of bad primer would be obvious while some others may not be. Even for experienced reloader with 20:20 vision, they would still need lighted magnifier glass to reach the best possible primer inspection. In short, this step was too challenging for a beginner.

    As for Hide, he already knew what he should be looking for. The best primers for reuse were those with light to moderate firing pin strike that was mostly centered on the base of the cup. Unfortunately, these kinds of primers were rare. Even so, without hesitation Hide discarded cups and anvils he did not feel confident reusing. In the end, Hide got more anvils than the cups, but it was natural as anvil was rarely damaged even when the primer cup was distorted and unacceptable for reuse.

    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    Then, Hide taught Takeo how to re-size primer cup. This re-sizing would also knock back the dimple on the base of the cup without damaging it. With ease Takeo carried the re-sizing and then annealed and tumbled all primer cups he managed to resize.

    After that, while the three looked at the first batch of primer cups and anvils the they managed to recycle Hide said, ¡°Now, after recharging the primer cup and closing it with the anvil, we will have ready-to-use primer.¡±

    ¡°How do we recharge the primer cup?¡± Shizuka curiously asked.

    ¡°By filling it with primer mix, and there are several ways we can use to acquire primer mix.¡±

    After taking a deep breath Hide gave Takeo and Shizuka a short explanation on how to get primer mix.

    The simplest method was by using toy caps revolver. The best ones were manufactured by Germani or Nikko and could be found under various brand names in toy store or general store. As for the caps gun manufactured by China, they were the worst so Hide strictly suggested not to waste money on it when they had to use caps revolver.

    This method was not only easy and safe, but would also prevent their name from appearing on the federal watch list. However, the resulting primer was not very energetic and may fail to reliably ignite certain type of gun powder.

    The other simple method was by using primer mix made of strike-anywhere match stick. Usually it would require 3-4 pieces of match stick to fill a single primer cup. This was the method that most military unit taught to its personnel to produce basic improvised ammunition.

    The final result was more energetic than caps primers, but still significantly less than commercial primers. For some countries, it was also rather hard to find high quality strike-anywhere match stick.

    The next method was by using H48, the same primer mix used by Americ military in World War I. The resulting primer would be as energetic as commercial primer and very reliable to ignite all type of gun powders. In Americ and other countries with strong hunting culture, H48 was available for personal purchase.

    While in countries with stricter regulation, reloader and unlicensed firework craftsman would make it by themselves.

    ¡°Wait a second,¡± Shizuka said as she raised her hand, ¡°Hide, don¡¯t tell me you know how to produce H48.¡±

    ¡°I can, and even Takeo can also make it as long as he has the manual.¡±

    ¡°Twig also can make it?¡± Shizuka asked in disbelief.

    ¡°It only requires second year of high school chemistry to produce H48. Any high school kid who got average score 8.5 for chemist will be able to make it.¡±

    As question mark in her forehead thickened Shizuka asked another question, ¡°What about the material and tools to produce it?¡±

    ¡°Potassium chlorate powder, antimony sulfide powder, sulfur powder, finely grounded glass preferably Pyrex with consistency of flour or grit, sodium bicarbonate powder or the mighty baking soda, dilute shellac solution in denatured ethyl alcohol with 1 part shellac in 10 parts of alcohol, aluminum powder between 60-100 mesh, tiny paper disk that will fit inside the primer cup and made of carbon copy paper.

    Scale that weight in grains or gram, plastic weighing boats, stainless steel or plastic spatula for transferring the chemicals, plastic spoon, bamboo skewer with flat end, needle nose pliers, small rod or tiny screwdriver with diameter of shaft 1/16¡± or smaller.

    This workshop has it all.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Shizuka replied while nodding her head.

    After pausing for a moment Hide added, ¡°Without proper storing system it¡¯s very dangerous to produce H48 in large batch. However, 30 grams of H48 is enough to recharge more than a thousand primers.¡±

    ¡°So, we will make H48 to recharge our primer?¡± Takeo eagerly asked.

    ¡°No.¡± After a smile Hide replied, ¡°We got some super good compound from Otsu¡¯s lab, so I will make something far more sophisticated than H48. It¡¯s so sophisticated to the point that only buying some of its ingredient would put you on the laundry list of Nikko Federal Police.

    Then, their agent will visit you and politely ask you to explain the purpose of your purchase before deciding the further laundry procedure.¡±

    ¡°Can you lie to them?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    ¡°You can, but when you are under federal watch, it means federal agents have the legal permission to tap your phone, email, and the rest of your communication means. If you get caught manufacturing sophisticated primer mix, they will offer you two options.¡± Hide took a deep breath before continuing, ¡°A, 15 years of fulfilling life in a huge house with a high wall, along with free meal, free bed, lot of friends, and 24/7 dedicated security.

    B, becomes master gunsmith for Army 1st SFG or Federal Police Special Attack Team. Other than low pay, this option will also get you long working hour, lot of stressful overtime, endless unreasonable demand from a bunch of shooters with acute perfectionist syndrome, and other nice bonus.

    In short, I will avoid both options at any cost.¡±

    After looking at Hide for a while Shizuka asked, ¡°Why do federal bureau take such precaution for anyone who know how to manufacture sophisticated primer mix?¡±

    ¡°Because anyone who knew how to manufacture it would also know how to manufacture mil-grade explosive and its primer. If these kind of people joint the dark side, it¡¯s very likely lot of innocent people will die or badly hurt.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Shizuka nodded before continuing in a super serious tone, ¡°Hide, no matter how bitter your life is, please don¡¯t ever become Darth Vader and destroy the world.¡±

    ¡®This chick, of all villains she know, why the fuck she lump me together with that creepy Darth Vader?¡¯ Hide muttered as he gave Shizuka a palmed face, and then he sourly said, ¡°My life is not bitter.¡±

    ¡°I know that,¡± Shizuka seriously replied. ¡°But sometimes you gave me impressions that deep down in your heart, you hold huge bitterness that enough to drive you black and destroy the whole world.

    I know it sound very silly, but my father also give me the same impression after my mother left us. However, he doesn¡¯t know how to manufacture explosive, handle firearms, or courage to harm other people. So, in the end he can only use booze to ease his bitterness.¡±

    ¡®Well, as long as I don¡¯t lose Aizawa for the second time, I¡¯ll be fine.¡¯ After taking a deep breath Hide then turned his gaze to Shizuka and gently said, ¡°Thanks for worrying me, but other than the lack of money I have no other issue.¡±

    Shizuka nodded and replied, ¡°Okay.¡±

    Hide then continued his explanation. After that, he went to manufacture primer mix and gunpowder while Takeo and Shizuka worked together to recycle the rest of used-cartridge and projectile remains they had.

    Around four hours later, Hide taught Shizuka and Takeo how to put together projectile, primer, gun powder, and cartridge into nice 9 mm Para. The two made 10 round each, and Hide asked them to test it personally. Once they found that their first homemade ammo worked perfectly, a big satisfied smile immediately appeared in their face. Hide then closed today ammo recycling class.

    *****

 HA2 12.1 â€“ Endurance Training

    HA2 12.1 ¨C Endurance Training

    After the busy day in the firearm workshop, Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka took their time to rest in the living room. They spread out three sheets of camping mat on a corner and then laid down their body on it.

    Working in the firearm workshop was boring and exhausting actually. Only people with good amount of determination or having lot of love for firearm would persist and do the job wholeheartedly. Therefore, after seeing Takeo and Shizuka gave their best and now they slept like a log, Hide couldn¡¯t help but smiled.

    ¡®Glad to have them around,¡¯ Hide muttered before closing his eyes and fell asleep too.

    For around two hours, the three was sleeping next to each other like a row of mackerel in a can. Then, they took afternoon bath before having dinner. After that, it was free time and Shizuka in an instant widened her eyes when she saw Hide and Takeo took out their text book and silently studied in the dining table.

    Wasting no time Shizuka cancel her intention to watch anime and walked over to dining table, ¡°You two bring your schoolwork here?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide calmly replied. ¡°I plan to take acceleration exam and graduate as fast as possible, so I have to use my free time to study as many as I can.¡±

    Shizuka nodded before turning her gaze to Takeo. ¡°What about you?¡±

    ¡°I also plan to graduate as fast as possible,¡± Takeo casually replied.

    ¡°What the¡­¡± Panic instantly filled Shizuka¡¯s face to the brim. ¡°You two will leave me alone in the school.¡±

    ¡°Technically,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°After completing Knosses job we will walk on our own path.¡±

    ¡®Fuck!¡¯ Shizuka inwardly cursed before asking in pleading tone, ¡°Twig, help me with my study.¡±

    ¡°Nope, I don¡¯t even have enough time for my own study.¡±

    ¡°Hide,¡± After Takeo¡¯s flat rejection, Shizuka instantly shifted her hope to Hide. ¡°Help me with my study.¡±

    ¡°Sorry, my hands are also already too full with my own study.¡±

    ¡°The fuck¡­¡± Shizuka cursed before resolutely pressing forward. ¡°Hide, as team leader, you have the responsibility to ensure everyone in your team achieve good academic result.¡±

    ¡°As if,¡± Hide refuted without turning his eyes from his laptop.

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    ¡°What an irresponsible team leader,¡± Shizuka complained.

    ¡°As your team leader,¡± Hide calmly said, ¡°I will kick you out of the team if you keep bothering me with your nonsense.¡±

    ¡°You, you,¡± Shizuka said as she pointed her finger at Takeo and Hide in turn, ¡°are truly heartless jerks.¡±

    After heaving a deep sigh Hide turned his gaze to Shizuka. ¡°After graduating from high school, what is your plan?¡±

    ¡°Working in a restaurant while polishing my culinary skill through weekend course.¡±

    ¡°No plan for university then?¡±

    ¡°Nope,¡± Shizuka firmly replied.

    ¡°In that case, I and Takeo have no time to babysit you with your study.¡± Hide deeply looked at Shizuka eyes to eyes as he continued, ¡°I and Takeo don¡¯t plan to only graduate early, but also with the best possible score to ease our path to enter the university we aim for.

    So, please spare us some consideration. I beg you.¡±

    ¡°I see. Good luck with your study,¡± Shizuka sulkily said before returning to living room and resuming her intention to watch evening anime.

    At the same time, Hide heaved another deep sigh before putting his attention back to his study. As for Takeo, from the beginning, he never shifted his attention from his laptop and text book.

    ---

    Exactly at 9 pm, Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka gathered in the shooting range to carry endurance training. In casual tone Hide explained, ¡°As we agreed on, we will use the shooting range to carry some march while it¡¯s still clear of lead dust or gun powder residue.¡±

    ¡°Carry some march,¡± A question mark appeared in Takeo forehead as he continued, ¡°do you mean the enduring training we will do is a march?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Hide firmly replied. ¡°It¡¯s a 90 minutes of 16 km march, two water stops without pausing the timer, 10 kg kits and assault rifle.¡±

    ¡°Is it an exercise you adopt from military?¡± Shizuka curiously asked.

    ¡°Yes, the original set up is 90 minutes of 9 miles or 14.5 km march, 10 kg kit and assault rifle, multi-terrain, multi-weather, two water stop without pausing the timer, and still fit enough to fight.¡± Hide calmly explained. ¡°But because we don¡¯t do it in a multi-terrain, I add the distance we have to cover.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Shizuka replied while nodding her head.

    ¡°Other question in mind?¡± Hide waited for a moment and made sure Takeo and Shizuka had nothing that bothered their expressions before continuing, ¡°Well then, let¡¯s get it done.¡±

    ¡°¡°Okay,¡±¡± Takeo and Shizuka replied simultaneously.

    Without delay the three prepared the march. They used hanging scale to weigh the kit they had to carry. Other than personal kit such as tactical vest, water canteen, extra magazines, flash bang, radio, and combat knife, the three also included a few pieces of claymore, small ice-bag, medic pouch, and some other things.

    As for the weapon, the three would carry M4. After dividing everything so they would carry a same amount of weigh, the three then put everything on.

    ¡°Fortunately, we already washed and cleaned the vest,¡± Shizuka said as relieved filled her face.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Takeo expressed his agreement. ¡°I don¡¯t mind we use looting equipment, but the smell from tactical vest was really unbearable. Even to this moment, I still wonder how it can have a very strong rotten smell. ¡±

    ¡°Well,¡± Hide took a deep breath before adding, ¡°That¡¯s because the bastards who wore it never cleaned it. As a result, the accumulation of sweat and blood on it root into worst possible level.¡±

    ¡°No wonder,¡± Takeo weakly said. ¡°Glad we put the job to wash and clean it as our first priority along with the firearm course.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Hide nodded while inwardly he dejectedly complained, ¡®And you two didn¡¯t have to wear it to infiltrate those bastards¡¯ formation. Not to mention, I also had to wear their smelly balaclava and hand gloves at that time.¡¯

    A moment later, the three already put their equipment on. Then, Hide killed all the lighting except the one small light bulb in the middle of the range.

    ¡°Are you ready?¡± Hide calmly asked while looking at Takeo and Shizuka in turn.

    ¡°¡°We are,¡±¡± Takeo and Shizuka firmly replied.

    ¡°Let¡¯s start the march then.¡±

    Without further ado Hide hit the start button on his watch and started the timer. Under the almost total darkness the three then walked in a single file, following the yellow line in the edge of the shooting range.

    Then, Takeo suddenly asked, ¡°Hide, can we talk along the way?¡±

    ¡°Of course we can,¡± Hide casually replied. ¡°This is not an infil simulation.¡±

    As he looked at the small bulb in the middle of shooting range Takeo asked, ¡°Can you tell us, why we only use one small light bulb as lighting?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s to help us deepen our intimacy as teammates.¡±

    ¡°How so?¡± Shizuka curiously asked.

    ¡°Well¡­¡±

    After pausing for a moment, Hide give Takeo and Shizuka a short explanation about how a family member who lived together under one roof for many years, could recognize each other even from the smallest detail they captured with their five senses.

    *****

 HA2 12.2 â€“ Takeo Pulls a Muscle

    HA2 12.2 ¨C Takeo Pulls a Muscle

    It was pretty normal occurrence that a member of a family could recognize family member who returned home at night, even if they didn¡¯t get up from their bed to check who had just entered the house.

    In many case, they identified the incoming person by the sound of their footsteps or the way they unlocked and opened the door. This identifying capability was the result of hearing the same sound and unique pattern for many years, both consciously and unconsciously.

    In the Band of Brothers written by Stephen E. Ambrose, it was told that similar to those family member, members of Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st US Airborne Division was also capable of identify their squad member even if they had no clear visibility on them.

    When they were under the darkness and couldn¡¯t see a face or insignia of someone who was more than ten meters away from theirs position, the original member of Easy Company could still recognize each other from the sound of their footsteps, the way they walked or jogged, the way they cleared their throat, kneeled or leaned on the wall, scratched their butt, or even from the silhouette of their still shoulder. This was the result from the long march and combat simulation at night that they had gone through together for countless time.

    However, with the birth and rapid development of NVG, this simple but effective identifying capability had disappeared. Even among the modern infantry unit who specialized themselves in night combat or night hunting, it mostly had ceased to exist.

    Overall it was not bad trade off, as NVG would enable even regular infantry to fight effectively at night. Even so, some tier-one unit and special force were still put a great deal of effort to maintain the old school identifying capability. This was also one of the reasons why they adopted the doctrine of small squad. It was to increase the level of intimacy and familiarization among its member.

    After taking a deep breath Hide calmly closed his explanation, ¡°Lack of intimacy and familiarization among its member, was the main reason why I could infiltrate the security formation in Villa Tigera.¡±

    After slightly nodding his head Takeo asked, ¡°Do you mean they totally didn¡¯t recognize you?¡±

    ¡°Nope,¡± Hide firmly replied. ¡°I walked among them, but no one realized that I was bogey. One of them even casually kneeled right next to me and presented his throat into my reach.¡±

    Shizuka who so far was only listening decided to join the conversation. ¡°In short, good equipment and excellent skill are not enough to produce an effective team.¡±

    ¡°Correct,¡± Hide firmly replied. ¡°The tactical unit that guarded Villa Tigera had better skill set and equipment compared to regular infantry, but a single bogey wiped them out to the last man because they had no cohesive means to recognize their own teammates without seeing their face or hearing their voice.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Shizuka firmly replied.

    After a moment of silence Hide then said, ¡°Well, we already got enough warm up. Let¡¯s increase the pace.¡±

    A question mark instantly appeared in Takeo¡¯s forehead. ¡°Increase our pace? Don¡¯t we already walk fast enough?¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t.¡± Hide turned his gaze to Shizuka as he asked, ¡°You got it, right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Shizuka casually replied. ¡°Average speed of jogging in flat terrain is 6.4 ¨C 9.6 km/h. To cover 16 km in 90 minutes, we have to run.¡±

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    ¡°Damn!¡± Takeo softly cursed while panic filled his face. ¡°Hide, I don¡¯t think I can do it.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s too late to stop now,¡± Hide calmly replied. ¡°Just do your best. We will adjust our pace with yours.¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t be able to finish the march in time if you adjust your pace with mine,¡± Takeo said in complicated tone.

    ¡°Well, this is not just endurance training, but also a means to shape us as teammates.¡± After a moment of pause Hide continued in a serious tone, ¡°So, run or we will drag you.¡±

    Takeo still wanted to argue, but he swallowed back his words at the last second. Then, steel determination filled his face. A second later, he started his run while Shizuka and Hide closely tailed him.

    ---

    After pushing himself beyond his limit, to the point that he silently put his life on the line, Takeo managed to reach second water stop while still standing on his own. However, from his pale face, heavy breath, and shaking leg, it was easy to tell that he would drop ¡®dead¡¯ to the floor at any second. Even breathing looked very painful from him.

    Prior to tonight exercise, Takeo always thought that his initial day in Hiking Club was the most painful physical exercise he had throughout his whole life, and he was really proud of it because he didn¡¯t give up halfway. However, compared to tonight endurance training, that exercise was nothing but a joke.

    After taking another gulp of mineral water from dispenser in the water stop, Takeo stole a glance at Hide and Shizuka. Other than slightly heavy breath and huge amount of sweats that drenched him from head to toe, Hide had no other issue. As for Shizuka, she was perfectly fine and only had light sweats in her forehead and cheeks.

    ¡®These two are not human,¡¯ Takeo muttered before turning his gaze to Hide. ¡°How far do we get?¡±

    Hide immediately checked hand-tally counter in his hand before replying, ¡°12 laps of 400 meters track, so it¡¯s 4800 meter.¡±

    ¡°Not even a third of the total distance, and only 30 minutes left,¡± Takeo dejectedly said.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Hide slightly nodded before asking, ¡°How is your body?¡±

    ¡°My heart, my lung, and my legs are hurt like hell.¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not endurance training if it¡¯s not hurt like hell.¡±

    Takeo nodded and said, ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¡°Tell me honestly, can you continue?¡±

    ¡°I can,¡± Takeo weakly replied, but his eyes were full of determination.

    And so Hide firmly said, ¡°Very good.¡±

    ¡°But we will fail to complete this training, if we stick with my pace.¡±

    ¡°If we fail, then we fail,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°Nothing wrong with that, as long as you already put everything you have on the line.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m also cool with that.¡± Shizuka casually looked at Takeo as she continued, ¡°As long as you didn¡¯t give up halfway.¡±

    ¡°Well, enough for the water stop.¡± Hide took a deep breath before continuing, ¡°Let¡¯s continue the laps.¡±

    Wasting no time the three resumed the endurance training. The formation was still the same as before. Takeo was in the leading position, while Hide and Shizuka tightly tailed him. Everything went smoothly for the first few minutes, until suddenly Takeo fell to the floor.

    ¡°My leg!!¡± Takeo painfully screamed as he rolled on the floor while trying to reach his left calf.

    Without delay Hide approached Takeo and strengthened his left leg. ¡°It seems you pull a muscle on your left calf.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, and it hurt like hell,¡± Takeo said before gritting his teeth.

    From Takeo¡¯s savage expression Hide could tell that he was in hellish pain, but he played it cool as if it was nothing.

    ¡°No worry. It won¡¯t kill you,¡± Hide calmly said.

    At the same time anxiety was clearly visible on Shizuka¡¯s eyes as she kneeled next to Takeo. ¡°Do we have pain killer here?¡±

    ¡°We do,¡± Hide said, ¡°but we won¡¯t need it.¡±

    ¡°Hide, it¡¯s a major muscle pull,¡± Shizuka said in a drop dead serious tone. ¡°It needs professional treatment. We have to lessen Takeo¡¯s pain before bringing him into nearby hospital.¡±

    ¡°I will handle it. Help me hold his shoulder down. We have to straighten his body before I can treat him,¡± Hide calmly said, and when Shizuka only responded by giving him a puzzle look he immediately rebuked her, ¡°We have to hurry.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Shizuka still had some doubt, but she moved fast enough to comply with Hide request. She swiftly positioned herself behind Takeo before pulling his shoulder down and then held it against the floor. Takeo tried to resist with everything he had, but actually it was not his intention. It was because t the pain in his left calf was so unbearable and his body tried trashing around on its own, as desperate measure to lessen the pain.

    Fortunately, Hide and Shizuka were far stronger than Takeo, so the two could put him under control in no time. Hide then used his left knee to hold Takeo¡¯s right ankle, while putting Takeo¡¯s left leg into his right thigh and held it with both hands as straight as possible.

    Then, as Hide put his finger at a spot behind Takeo¡¯s left knee and pressed it hard, Takeo felt that the muscle knot in his left calf slowly loosen up. The pain was also gradually dissipated. Slowly but surely, Takeo¡¯s expression became relax.

    ¡°Hide, it is fine now. You can release the pressure behind my left knee,¡± Takeo calmly said.

    ¡°Nope,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°If I release the pressure now, your muscle will knot back. I have to give your leg some treatment before releasing the pressure.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Takeo didn¡¯t fully understand what Hide wanted to do, but he fully believed him. ¡°I¡¯m ready.¡±

    ¡°Very well, but before that I need to confirm something,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°Before we joint Hiking Club, I told you to change your shocks every day. Do you do it?¡±

    ¡°I do.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡±

    Wasting no time Hide used his right hand to take Takeo¡¯s left shoes off and then gently gave his left foot a gentle massage. As Hide did that, Takeo felt that the muscle in his left calf was slightly moving, and it was also feel so good.

    In total, Hide was massaging Takeo¡¯s left leg for 10 minutes. He went from sole, heel, calf, and all the way up to his thigh. After that he asked Takeo to just lie down lazily in the floor.

    *****

 HA2 12.3 â€“ Good Breakfast

    HA2 12.3 ¨C Good Breakfast

    After the failed endurance training, Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka carried out a simulation on how to take a nap when they were in the middle of infil. It was pretty simple simulation. Hide used chairs as imitation of trees and then taught Takeo and Shizuka how to set up the combination of trip wire and flare, along with how to carry a night watch. After that, Hide took the first watch.

    Overall it was a calm and quiet night watch.  Hide calmly sat, slightly bent forward, and crossed his leg while hugging his M4 close to his chest. Next to him, Takeo and Shizuka laid down on their camping mat. Shizuka already fell asleep since twenty minutes ago and as usual she slept like a log in her favorite starfish style. It was easy to tell that she used to sleep in hard floor a lot.

    Meanwhile, Takeo silently watched the ceiling, but now and then he would heave a deep sigh. At first, Hide just ignored Takeo¡¯s repeated sigh. However, slowly but surely it annoyed him, so he decided to put an end to it.

    ¡°In a calm night in the middle of wilderness, a well-trained ear will hear your sigh from 30 meters away,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°You should sleep and put away the expression as if you are a king who just lost his kingdom.¡±

    ¡°Hide,¡± Takeo weakly said. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Because of me we failed to clear the endurance training.¡±

    ¡°As I said, don¡¯t worry about it too much.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but it sucks to become the sole reason of failed objective.¡±

    ¡°I get it.¡± Hide took a deep breath before continuing, ¡°But we are just a bunch of amateur robber, not commandos. We will do our best to get good harvest, but when the job is fucked we will let it go and get over it.

    Stays alive, fixes the problem, and then starts over another job. That¡¯s how I run our team. So, you better adjust your mindset if you want to stay around.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Even if Takeo obediently replied, Hide could feel that he was still holding out lot of foul mood in his heart. However, Hide had nothing else to say and chose to change the direction of their conversation.

    ¡°Now, you should sleep. Proper resting is also vital in our training,¡± Hide calmly said

    ¡°I know that, but somehow it¡¯s very difficult for me to fall asleep,¡± Takeo then sat up and turned his gaze to Shizuka. ¡°I wonder. How the fuck does this chick fell asleep so easily?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because she is a natural sleeper.¡±

    Hide then slung his M4 to his shoulder before kneeling next to Shizuka, and casually pinched her left cheek. When Shizuka gave no reaction, Hide immediately clamped her cheeks using both hands, and then happily kneaded or pulled it.

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    At first, Takeo just dropped his jaw as Hide pinched Shizuka¡¯s cheek. Then, chill ran through on his spine as Hide was mischievously toying with Shizuka¡¯s cheek.

    ¡°Hide, if she wakes up she will fucking murders you,¡± Takeo warily said.

    ¡°Nope, natural sleepers will sleep like a log once they closed their eyes,¡± Hide confidently said.

    ¡°How do you know?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    ¡°I watch it in some documentary about sleeping habit,¡± Hide calmly lied.

    Actually, Hide recognized Shizuka¡¯s sleeping talent based on his experience when he was still an active duty in Airborne Ranger. In his platoon, there was unwritten rule that someone who was able to slept like a log when the whole company was in a long range combat maneuver, would had his face became subject of prank from others.

    Unfortunately, Hide was one of regular victims for this unwritten rule. Therefore, he was very happy when he could take it out on someone else. At the same time, it was also a good means to distract Takeo from his foul mood.

    A few minutes later, after he satisfied his desire to toying around with Shizuka¡¯s cheek, Hide put Shizuka¡¯s leg together and folded her arms in front of her chest, and then he turned his gaze to Takeo.

    ¡°Now, I will teach you how to put your body and mind into a asleep.¡±

    ¡°Wait a second,¡± Takeo said as he gave Hide a puzzle look, ¡°There is such method?¡±

    ¡°Yup,¡± Hide calmly replied. ¡°Lay down your body and be relaxed as best as you can.¡±

    ¡°Hide,¡± Takeo said as he warily looked at Hide. ¡°You won¡¯t be toying around with my cheek after I fall asleep, right?¡±

    After heaving a deep sigh Hide immediately said, ¡°Don¡¯t think too high of your cheeks.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± As relieved filled his heart to the brim Takeo relaxed his body.

    Then, Hide said, ¡°Close your eyes, relax your body, and don¡¯t move other than for taking natural breathing. If you remain in this state for twenty minutes, your will fall asleep by default, like a computer.¡±

    Takeo didn¡¯t gave Hide any reply, but it was clearly visible that he carried his instruction. As a result, around twenty minutes later he fell asleep like a log.

    ¡®Finally, a peaceful night,¡¯ Hide muttered as he continued his first watch in silence.

    ---

    When Hide woke up in the morning, Takeo was still sleeping peacefully while Shizuka carried the last watch accompanied by a small bag of pumpkin seed.

    ¡°Morning,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°How is your sleep?¡±

    ¡°I could sleep pretty well.¡± Shizuka gently massaged her cheek before continuing, ¡°But somehow, I feel some stiffness in my cheek and jaw. It¡¯s not hurt, but it¡¯s annoying as hell.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Hide casually replied as he tidied up his camping mat, and ignoring the fact that he was the culprit behind the stiffness in Shizuka¡¯s cheek and jaw. ¡°Are you hungry?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m starving,¡± Shizuka replied as she turned her eyes to her empty belly.

    ¡°Got it. I will fix something for our breakfast.¡±

    Without delay Hide set up a portable camping burner, along with foldable tripod. Then, he hung a single 750 ml aluminum nesting pan on top of the burner, filled it with water, and turned on the flame into maximum output.

    ¡°Hide.¡± Shizuka looked at the burner as big question mark appeared in her forehead. ¡°In real operation, does the team cook their food?¡±

    ¡°No, in an infil, it¡¯s impossible to eat hot food unless you have Americ-styled MRE.¡±

    Shizuka slightly nodded before asking another question, ¡°Are you making instant ramen? I don¡¯t remember we bring any.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Hide replied as he prepared three aluminum cups and three sachets of instant chocolate. ¡°The water is for hot Choco.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Shizuka nodded one more time while the water in the nesting box started to boil.

    Two minutes later, she already happily sat while holding a cup of hot chocolate, and it made Hide grinned widely as the way she enjoyed her hot chocolate was like a happy toddler who went on a camping for the first time.

    ¡®Glad she enjoyed it,¡¯ Hide muttered while preparing the breakfast.

    In a swift manner Hide cut a whole bag of bacon into small pieces, put it all into his shovel, added a small cube of butter, and stir fried it. Then, as the bacon produced nice smell he added frozen pea, carrot, and sweet corn. Thirty second before the stir fry done, Hide put a whole bag of BBQ sauce as the last touch.

    Other than the BBQ stir fry, Hide also used two big sachets of powdered-egg to make three piece of omelet. After that, he divided everything into three shovels evenly, and the breakfast began shortly after Shizuka woke up Takeo.

    ¡°Damn this is so good,¡± Takeo happily said before wolfing down a spoonful of BBQ stir fry.

    ¡°Yep.¡± Hide calmly put a piece of omelet into his mouth before adding, ¡°It¡¯s a blessing that the three of us know how to cook well.¡±

    After nodding her head a few times Shizuka said, ¡°Will we have another endurance training next Saturday?¡±

    ¡°We will,¡± Hide firmly replied. ¡°And after Takeo is able to clear it, we will switch into night navigation in open terrain.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    It was clearly visible that Shizuka was really happy with the training they gone through together, while at the same time steel determination flashed in Takeo¡¯s eyes. As for Hide, he just calmly enjoyed his breakfast.

    A few minutes later, the three cleaned and tidied up the equipment, took a morning bath, and then went home in a good mood even though last night they failed the endurance training.

    *****

 HA2 13.1 â€“ Small World, Again

    HA2 13.1 ¨C Small World, Again

    After picking up Aizawa from Kitaro, Hide spent his Sunday as usual. Cleaning the house together with Aizawa and then went for a lunch in Tohru Ramen. Then, while waiting for their order, Hide opened a conversation.

    ¡°Aizawa,¡± Hide gently said. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Because of my part-time job, Big Bro had to leave you in Kitaro yesterday.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Aizawa happily said. ¡°Kei and Rei were also very sad because Big Bro Takeo couldn¡¯t read them bed time story, but they didn¡¯t make a fuss.¡±

    ¡°Wait a second¡­¡± Hide¡¯s eyes widened as he continued, ¡°How do you know Takeo didn¡¯t read bed time story for Rei and Kei yesterday?¡±

    ¡°Aizawa make a chatting group with Rei and Kei, and they told Aizawa that Big Bro Takeo had to carry some part-time work with Big Bro yesterday.¡±

    ¡®A chatting group?¡¯ Hide muttered and then curiously asked, ¡°May Big Bro know, who else is in your chatting group?¡±

    Aizawa happily nodded and replied, ¡°Big Sis Hanna, Mrs. Ishida, Kaede Sensei, Kana, Rei, and Kei.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Big Sis Hanna was also sad because she couldn¡¯t come along to help Big Bro with your part-time,¡± Aizawa added.

    ¡°Hanna said that in the chatting group?¡± Hide asked as surprise was visible in his eyes.

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa replied while giving Hide a small nod.

    ¡®What a loose lips,¡¯ Hide complaining inwardly before asking. ¡°Did Hanna say other things related to Big Bro?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Aizawa firmly shook her head. ¡°And last night Big Sis Hanna slept in Kitaro.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Question mark in an instant appeared in Hide¡¯s forehead. ¡°Hanna slept in Kitaro yesterday.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Aizawa eagerly nodded. ¡°Kaede Sensei invited her. We then used one of small auditorium as karaoke cubicle, and sang a lot of songs. It was super fun, and next Saturday Rei, Kei, and their mother will come too.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Hide could only nod repeatedly as Aizawa told him about her first karaoke experience with a brimming face. At the same time, he was slightly taken back because intentionally or unintentionally, Aizawa had established a social connection with people around him.

    He had canceled his intention to limit the interaction between his family and Takeo¡¯s family, so Hide had no problem if Aizawa developed a closer relationship with them. Now, he considered the interaction was a good thing for her.

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    ¡®It seems Aizawa¡¯s social skill is far above mine,¡¯ Hide muttered while a smile bloomed in his lips.

    Of course, Hide realized that in return for the interaction between his family and Takeo¡¯s family, he had to double the effort to prevent the exposure of his illegal job with Takeo and Shizuka.

    Then, their order finally came. As usual, Aizawa ordered curry rice. The curry paste was not as thick as regular curry, but it was still thicker compared to ramen soup. The curry also had chashu, ramen egg, nori, and some other ramen topping.

    At a glance the combination of ramen topping, curry paste, and rice were looked very weird. However, everything went together very well and incredibly delicious. It was also very popular among children who loved curry rice but didn¡¯t fond of carrot and leek.

    While Aizawa enjoyed her curry heartily, Hide couldn¡¯t help but widely smiled. He would never get enough seeing Aizawa happily wolfing down her food. Then, after moving his own chashu to Aizawa¡¯s plate, he also started wolfing down his ramen.

    ---

    Yesterday, Hide and Aizawa couldn¡¯t run the weekly grocery shopping. Therefore, they carried it today right after the lunch in Tohru Ramen. While holding each other hands, Hide and Aizawa happily walked over to Sakura Shopping District. It was only about hundreds meter from Tohru Ramen so the two arrived in the front entrance in no time.

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s buy some seasoning first.¡±

    Hide calmly said and waited for Aizawa¡¯s reply. However, the reply didn¡¯t immediately come. Aizawa who usually would instantly expressed her agreement while nodding her head, turned her head to Hide and gave him a hesitant look.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Hide gently asked. ¡°Do you want to buy something else first?¡±

    ¡°Ummm¡­. Big Bro, can we go shopping in convenient store?¡± Aizawa hesitantly asked.

    ¡°We can,¡± Hide calmly replied while inwardly a question mark filled his mind.

    In his previous life, Aizawa did indeed ask Hide a few times to take her along when he went to nearby convenience store, but he always turned down her request. Therefore, in his current life Hide remedied it by taking Aizawa to shop at Sakura Shopping District every Saturday.

    And as far as he knew, going for a shopping in shopping district was more fun compared to shop in convenience store. A shopping district had around two thousand shops at least, so it could offer more complex variety of grocery and daily necessity with cheaper price. Shopping district also had merriness that convenience store couldn¡¯t offer.

    Most of all, Aizawa always had her face brimming with happiness every time she went to Sakura Shopping District. She also understood that people went to convenience store because they had no intention or time to enjoy their shopping and just wanted to finish it as fast as possible. Therefore, Hide really wanted to know why Aizawa wanted to switch their shopping to convenience store.

    And so, he gently asked, ¡°Can you tell Big Bro, why you want to shop in convenience store?¡±

    ¡°In the whole class, it¡¯s only Aizawa who never went to convenient store.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    Aizawa firmly nodded. ¡°Really.¡±

    ¡°In that case,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°Let¡¯s go to Blue Sora.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa eagerly nodded while a big smile bloomed in her lips.

    ---

    It was not common practice to have weekly grocery shopping in convenience store, considering that the store offered fresh ingredient in very limited varieties. But at least, a lot of kitchen and daily necessity were available in convenience store. Therefore, Hide still could buy more than half of the item in his shopping list. As for the fresh ingredient, he would buy it tomorrow on his way from school.

    And so, Hide and Aizawa happily entered Blue Sora, the closest convenience store from their house. While Hide was taking a shopping basket, Aizawa looked to all direction with curious eyes. Without delay Hide exploited Aizawa¡¯s curiosity.

    ¡°Aizawa, can you help Big Bro find the item in this list?¡± Hide said as he tore apart the shopping list into two pieces.

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa replied while eagerly nodded.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Hide happily said while handed over one of the shopping list to Aizawa.

    The two then separated. However, Hide made sure that Aizawa would be always under his field of view. Fortunately, the store was also rather empty so Hide and Aizawa could carry their shopping leisurely.

    Every time she found an item in her shopping list, Aizawa would return to Hide with a brimming face. She would confirm it with Hide that she took the correct item, happily put it into shopping basket in Hide¡¯s hand, and then went to search the next item with big smile in her face.

    Overall, it was happy and leisure shopping. Hide also super enjoyed it. But then, without any warning Sayaka suddenly entered the store. She wore creamy shorts that expose her beautiful leg, along with grey T-shirt that showed her snow white neck, firm shoulder, and slim waist. She also tied her long and black jet hair into a low pony tail. In short, Sayaka was beautiful and lovely as usual.

    Hide¡¯s old self would definitely be mesmerized by Sayaka¡¯s charming appearance. But now, dark cloud instantly filled his forehead as soon as Sayaka entered his field of view.

    ¡®What a small world,¡¯ Hide muttered as he decided it would be the best to ignore Sayaka¡¯s presence and continued his happy shopping with Aizawa.

    *****

 HA2 13.2 â€“ Conversation with Sayaka

    HA2 13.2 ¨C Conversation with Sayaka

    With a brimming face Aizawa carried a pack of 1 liter soy oil, closed to her chest. Other than made her super happy, helping his big brother finding the item he wanted to buy also made Aizawa super proud. As soon as she arrived in front of Hide, Aizawa immediately showed the soy oil she carried.

    ¡°Big Bro, is this the correct soy oil?¡±

    ¡°Yup,¡± Hide happily replied while putting forward shopping basket in his hand.

    Without delay Aizawa put the soy oil into shopping basket, and then went to search the next item. At the same time, Hide heard a series of footsteps approaching him from behind. In reflex he checked the incoming person through observation mirrors in one corner, and he instantly frowned as he found it was Sayaka.

    Blue Sora was located in the middle of Sayaka¡¯s neighborhood and his neighborhood, so Hide couldn¡¯t just say ¡®Why the fuck you don¡¯t shop at convenience store in your neighborhood¡¯. Not to mention, until just a couple months ago he would shop at Blue Sora with a great hope he would meet Sayaka and strike a conversation with her. He would even record Sayaka¡¯s shopping pattern in Blue Sora, and translated it into a prediction to increase his chance to meet her.

    Unfortunately, even though his prediction quite accurate, Sayaka deliberately avoided any conversation with him. In some encounters, Sayaka even canceled her shopping as soon as she saw Hide was already inside Blue Sora. Ironically, now when he had already lost interest on her, she actually took initiative to approach him.

    ¡®This is my karmic retribution for bothering her.¡¯

    Hide tried his best to calm his annoyance, while Sayaka stopped two steps behind him. Then, she casually opened a conversation.

    ¡°It has been an age since you shop here.¡±

    Hide immediately turned around to face Sayaka and gave her a brief reply, ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°You know,¡± Sayaka said, still in her casual tone. ¡°There was a time I suspected that you were stalking me because we always met every time I went to buy something here, and honestly, it pissed me off greatly.¡±

    ¡°It was pure coincident.¡± Hide then took deep breath before genuinely adding, ¡°But I¡¯m sorry if it had inconvenienced you.¡±

    ¡°I also taught that you join Hiking Club because of your feeling for me,¡±

    ¡®What a conceited chick.¡¯ In an instant huge irritation grew in Hide¡¯s heart, but he managed to hold it back while calmly saying. ¡°Believe me, it has nothing to do with you.¡±

    ¡°I believe you,¡± Sayaka calmly said. ¡°I check your training record and I find you are truly serious about it. As long as you don¡¯t treat Hiking Club lightly, I will happily welcome you.¡±

    As he took a bottle of sesame oil from the shelve Hide replied, ¡°It align with my effort to increase my physical fitness, so I give my all.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Sayaka nodded before checking Hide¡¯s shopping basket, ¡°It seems you have lot of grocery shopping.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°You also bring Aizawa along,¡± Sayaka said as she looked at Aizawa in the end of corridor.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nice to have a cute little sister.¡±

    ¡°Yep, definitely.¡±

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    ¡°I truly hope I have a little sister like Aizawa.¡± Sayaka let out a sigh before continuing, ¡°But all I got is a rascal little brother who is also super fussy eater, and give my mother headache all the time.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°What about Aizawa, is she picky about her food?¡±

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Hide casually replied. ¡°Lately Aizawa develops her own eating style, like using chopstick when eating spaghetti, but using fork and spoon when eating ramen. She also loves to use chopstick when eating shortcake or potato chips. But overall, she would eat anything in her plate.¡±

    After a smile Sayaka added, ¡°Hide, it seems you put a great attention on Aizawa.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Even if his face didn¡¯t show it, Hide actually wanted to end the conversation with Sayaka as soon as he could. However, Sayaka kept tailing him showed no sign she would start her own shopping. Until finally, Hide realized that it was impossible for Sayaka to stick with him without any reason.

    In a calm tone Hide then asked, ¡°Do you need something from me?¡±

    ¡°Eh?¡±

    Sayaka in an instant was taken back. A few months ago, she was sure Hide would get a happy convulsion just because she took initiative to talk to him. But now, even though Hide maintained a decent politeness, she could feel that he held an urge to shoo her away, especially after he just went straight asking her intention.

    ¡®He is definitely not the gloomy clumsy I remember.¡¯ After taking a deep breath Sayaka said, ¡°The thing is, I want to ask you a few things about Shizuka?¡±

    ¡°What kind of things?¡±

    ¡°Private things.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t ask the wrong person? Other than some small talk, I have no interaction with Shizuka.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but recently I gets an impression that you are actually rather close with her.¡±

    Hide creased his brows as he asked, ¡°How do you get that impression?¡±

    ¡°Every time your name appears in our conversation, Shizuka shows a great deal of respect for you. It¡¯s subtle and we only mentioned your name as passing by, but I definitely feel her respect for you.¡±

    ¡®Why there are so many sharp chicks in East Nichiko High,¡± Hide inwardly lamented before taking a deep breath. ¡°You are over thinking it, but I will try my best to answer your question.¡±

    Sayaka instantly nodded and asked, ¡°Do you know that recently, in our school there is a rumor saying Shizuka sell intimate service to earn money?¡±

    ¡°Never heard it,¡± Hide said as question mark appeared in his forehead. ¡°Can you tell me the baseline that initiates that rumor?¡±

    ¡°A week ago, Shizuka gave a kid from East Nichiko Middle School 450 thousand Ren in cash.¡±

    ¡°Only that?¡±

    ¡°My friend in other class also knows that Shizuka works in Kenzo Bowling at night shift, and it¡¯s no secret that bowling girl in that place gets additional money by offering sex service to the regulars over there.¡±

    ¡°Shizuka didn¡¯t work in Kenzo anymore. She quit after a regular almost raped her,¡± Hide firmly said.

    Sayaka instantly furrowed her brows. ¡°How do you know about it?¡±

    ¡°An acquaintance who regularly visited Kenzo told me.¡±

    ¡°What kind of acquaintance?¡± Sayaka asked as thick curiosity flashed in her eyes.

    ¡°Gym acquaintance. We attend same MMA Class in Beauty & the Beast.¡± Hide was sure Sayaka wouldn¡¯t be able to confirm his lie, so he confidently said it.

    ¡°I see.¡± Sayaka paused for a moment before asking, ¡°But then, how does she have the money? 450 thousand Ren is not small amount for a high school kid.¡±

    ¡°She borrowed it from me and Takeo,¡± Hide calmly spitted out another lie.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Sayaka¡¯s eyes widened as she turned her gaze to Hide. ¡°I know it¡¯s rude, but may I know how you and Takeo got the money?¡±

    ¡°We have part-time job with excellent pay.¡±

    Sayaka nodded her head, but it was clearly visible that she didn¡¯t fully bought Hide¡¯s explanation. Even so, Hide didn¡¯t consider it as a serious problem and just took it easy.

    ¡°One more thing,¡± Sayaka took another deep breath before continuing, ¡°Did Takeo and Shizuka already did it?¡±

    ¡°Did what?¡±

    ¡°S-sex,¡± Sayaka said as her face reddened.

    ¡®They do it a lot like a pair of horny gorilla, almost every day.¡¯ That¡¯s what Hide wanted to say, but he canceled it in the last second. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I never put my attention on someone else private life.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Sayaka nodded a few times, and then she looked at Hide straight in the eyes. ¡°Hide, thank you for answering my questions.¡±

    ¡°No problem.¡±

    ¡°And I¡¯m sorry if I have hurt your feeling before.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Please, don¡¯t be concerned about it anymore,¡± Hide casually replied.

    After a gentle smile Sayaka said, ¡°I have my own shopping. So, bye and have a nice shopping with Aizawa.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Hide calmly waiting until Sayaka disappeared from behind a corner. Then, he immediately sent a message to Takeo and Shizuka. He told the two about his conversation with Sayaka, and scheduled a meeting to talk it further along with the preparation for their first small job.

    After that, Hide happily continued his shopping with Aizawa and ignored Sayaka the whole time. On their way to home, Aizawa curiously asked Hide if Sayaka was his close friend in school. Hide firmly replied, ¡®No.¡¯, and he clearly saw that his reply for some reason made Aizawa looks very happy.

    *****

 HA2 13.3 â€“ New Prey

    HA2 13.3 ¨C New Prey

    Like every Monday morning, Hide would train in Beauty & the Beast. Takeo would train in Old Pier, while Shizuka would polish her skill to ride motor bike. It¡¯s just that today they had to end their training earlier than usual because Hide wanted to hold a talk.

    The three arrived in East Nichiko High almost at the same time. Then, they went to the rooftop and while enjoying their breakfast they start the talk.

    ¡°I have decided the target for our first job,¡± Hide calmly said, and then he turned his gaze to Shizuka as he continued. ¡°But before that, I need to know why you give a middle school kid 450 thousand Ren.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t do that. Right?¡± Shizuka hesitantly asked.

    ¡°Nope, you can,¡± Hide replied before putting a piece of omelet roll into his mouth. ¡°It¡¯s your money. You can use it for whatever you want as long as you don¡¯t spend 500 thousand Ren in one transaction.

    I¡¯m just curious about the reason. Nothing else and else.¡±

    ¡°Do you still remember Kanako, my friend who was killed by Takeshi?¡±

    ¡°I do.¡±

    ¡°The middle school kid is her sister. Her name is Reiko, a third year in East Nichiko Middle School.¡± After taking a bite of her mackerel rice ball Shizuka added, ¡°Her uncle try to sell Reiko to pay his debt to a loan shark, so I step in.¡±

    ¡°Wait a second,¡± Hide creased his brows as he continued, ¡°You didn¡¯t give the money to Reiko, but to the loan shark.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, and I didn¡¯t pay 450 thousand Ren in one go, but three separate payments 150 thousand Ren each.¡± After heaving a deep sigh Shizuka continued, ¡°That¡¯s why I don¡¯t get it. How the fuck a rumor of I give 450 thousand Ren to Reiko suddenly circulates in our school.

    Moreover, it mentions that I spoil Reiko like a rotten parent, and sell my body to old jerks to earn the money.¡±

    As a bad hunch filled his mind Hide asked, ¡°Tell me the name of the loan shark?¡±

    ¡°Kamui Finance.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s Kamui Finance?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I came to their office personally,¡± Shizuka casually added. ¡°Coincidently, it¡¯s in Chikara Tower, 7th floor, first door from elevator.¡±

    ¡°Damn,¡± Hide weakly cursed before heaving a deep sigh. ¡°You have appeared on the radar of nasty thug.¡±

    In an instant big question mark appeared in Shizuka¡¯s forehead, ¡°How so? I don¡¯t cause any trouble for them.¡±

    After putting another piece of omelet roll in his mouth Hide explained. ¡°When they have borrower with nice appearance, Kamui will put it so this unfortunate person have to work in nightlife industry under their management. Spreading nasty rumor about their victim is the first step in their MO.¡±

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    ¡°What a rotten trash.¡± Shizuka clenched her fist as cold gleam flash in her eyes.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Hide nodded before adding, ¡°Unfortunately, Kamui has strong connection with every underworld group in Nichiko. When there is a huge deal in Nichiko, Kamui always broker it.

    This is the reason why they dare to act so brazenly and nastily, even though they have only about 20s thugs.¡±

    ¡°I will report it to metro police,¡± Shizuka firmly said.

    ¡°It¡¯s no use. Kamui is sly enough to operate without breaking the law.¡±

    Takeo who so far only listened to the conversation, turned his gaze to Hide and asked, ¡°If Shizuka fully pay the debt, Kamui will no longer have reason to bother her, won¡¯t they?¡±

    Shizuka nodded and said, ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s only 3 million Ren. I can pay it with ease.¡±

    ¡°Not that simple. Kamui will even go as far as robbing their victims to ensure they fail in paying their debt.¡±

    ¡°So¡­¡± Worry filled Shizuka¡¯s face as she continued, ¡°What should I do?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not what you should do, but what we should do,¡± Takeo calmly said.

    ¡°We are a band of robber. Let¡¯s act like one,¡± Hide calmly suggested.

    Shizuka instantly turned her gaze to Hide. ¡°Do you mean we should rob them?¡±

    ¡°Correct. Let¡¯s kill them all and robe their safe dry.¡±

    ¡°What about our first job?¡± Shizuka pausing for a moment before continuing, ¡°Do we postpone it?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s replace it with Kamui job,¡± Hide casually replied. ¡°Initially, I just want to secure a few millions Ren from a small and low profile job. But now, let¡¯s get mid-size harvest from Kamui.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure we can target Kamui?¡± Shizuka hesitantly asked.

    ¡°If we do it properly, we¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s do it then,¡± Without second thought Takeo expressed his agreement.

    As for Shizuka, with a complicated tone she said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I cause another trouble.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault,¡± Hide firmly said. ¡°And I believe you will do the same for us.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Shizuka said as huge gratitude and happiness filled her face to the brim.

    ¡°However,¡± Hide sipped of his tea before continuing, ¡°Eliminating Kamui is one thing, while Reiko¡¯s uncle is another problem.¡±

    ¡°Since a week ago Reiko lives in my place,¡± Shizuka happily said. ¡°Her uncle won¡¯t be a problem anymore.¡±

    ¡°How far your father knows about this matter?¡±

    ¡°He only knows that Reiko lost her parent two years ago and her big sister passed away recently, and now we will treat her like our own.¡±

    ¡°In that case, we won¡¯t have other issue after we eliminate Kamui,¡± Takeo calmly concluded.

    ¡°Yup,¡± Hide expressed his agreement, while inwardly he planned to eliminate Keiko¡¯s uncle silently. ¡®It¡¯s vital to clean the root of the problem through fully, or it will grow another trouble in the future.¡¯

    Once they finished their breakfast, Hide gave Takeo the manual for the radio and other encrypted-equipment from Villa Tigera. Other than the coms manual, Hide also gave Takeo the manual on how to gather intelligence and compiled it into a target package, and Hide gave him ten days to complete the target package for Kamui.

    As for Shizuka, Hide gave her two shopping lists. The first list was rock climbing and mountaineering kits that she had to buy online covertly, while the second list consisted of lead ingot, brass sheet, steel sheet, titanium block, spray paint mixture, and tungsten pin she had to buy in local King¡¯s Hardware covertly.

    After putting great emphasize that to carry the intelligence gathering and the shopping, Takeo and Shizuka had to assist each other, Hide ended the meeting. Then, they went to their class separately. Hide leaved first, while Takeo and Shizuka stayed in the rooftop for another fifteen minutes.

    ---

    While waiting in the rooftop, Shizuka recalled a suggestion from Takeo. Back then when the nasty rumor about her started circulating, Takeo suggested her to talk about it to Hide. It didn¡¯t matter if she just talked it as a small talk. The point was to let Hide knew her situation directly from her.

    However, Shizuka refused it. She thought that Hide already knew, and if he didn¡¯t ask her about it, it meant he didn¡¯t have a time to be concerned or he thought it¡¯s none of his business. Whatever it was, Shizuka decided it would be the best if she took care of it by herself. But now, she realized that Hide didn¡¯t ask her because he was truly clueless about it.

    ¡°You are right,¡± Shizuka weakly said. ¡°Hide seems doesn¡¯t know about the rumor.¡±

    ¡°I told you,¡± Takeo calmly said. ¡°Hide always avoids making conversation with other kids if it has no specific purpose. He also has no interest in listening to their conversation. Therefore, he is always oblivious to information that had nothing to do with the school, his study, Hiking Club, or our job.¡±

    ¡°I guess I underestimate Hide¡¯s anti-social level too much.¡±

    ¡°You did.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me he also doesn¡¯t know that the brat who made Aizawa snap is Sayaka¡¯s little brother.¡±

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t know.¡± After heaving a deep sigh Takeo added, ¡°I had told him the overall situation on why and how Aizawa had snapped and then was alienated by her friends, but Hide didn¡¯t dig deeper after that.¡±

    At that time, Takeo had a hope that after Hide did his own digging, he would found that it was Sayaka¡¯s little brother who unintentionally triggered Aizawa. Then, he would also found that the brat was only repeated Sayaka¡¯s words when he said to Aizawa that Hide didn¡¯t give a damn about her.

    And finally, Hide would find out that Sayaka rejected him because she believed he had treated Aizawa poorly, along with the fact that Sayaka confessed to Takeo because she always had soft spot for older brother who cherished his younger sibling.

    ¡°That¡¯s why,¡± After heaving another deep sigh Takeo added, ¡°To this moment, I still try finding a way to tell him the whole story about the incident with Aizawa, along with Sayaka¡¯s confession to me.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Shizuka firmly said. ¡°I will help you as best as I can.¡±

    After a smile Takeo said, ¡°Thanks. I definitely need your help.¡±

    *****

 HA2 14.1 â€“ Borrowing Money

    HA2 14.1 ¨C Borrowing Money

    The lobby of Chikara Tower was divided into three sections. Reception desk near the front entry, waiting area near the elevator and rest room, and a caf¨¦ called Mango Terrace near the side entrance.

    A few days after the meeting in the school rooftop, Takeo calmly entered Mango Terrace. Like any other evening in weekday, it was full of office worker who took their time to enjoy drink, snack, and conversation before going home. Even so, Takeo managed to get a table in corner. His back was facing the wall so no one could sneak-peek at him from behind.

    After the waitress delivered his order, he checked the connection between his laptop with CCTV network in Chikara Tower, followed by the connection with internal CCTV inside Kamui¡¯s office. Once he was sure that the connection was solid, Takeo instantly smiled.

    After that, while he was waiting for Shizuka to arrive Takeo took his time to disassemble a Mottolola walkie-talkie. It was a commercial model from 2025. Other than additional wireless ear bud and wireless microphone, in a glance it was no different than a common walkie-talkie. However, once he opened the frame Takeo found that its motherboard and the core component were anything but common.

    Then, as Takeo attentively studied the walkie-talkie using the manual he received from Hide, Shizuka finally arrived.

    As he looked up to Shizuka, Takeo asked, ¡°How is Reiko?¡±

    ¡°She was super nervous when I introduced her to Yumi¡¯s boss, but I¡¯m sure she will be fine,¡± Shizuka replied as she took the seat in front of Takeo. ¡°Moreover, my father will also take care of her.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure Yumi¡¯s boss doesn¡¯t mind a middle school kid works in his place? It can bring her a legal trouble you know.¡±

    ¡°It is totally fine,¡± Shizuka firmly replied. ¡°When I was in middle school, she also offered me to become part-timer in Yumi.¡±

    Takeo instantly nodded. ¡°I see.¡±

    Shizuka then turned her gaze to the walkie-talkie on the table. ¡°Is this our old walkie-talkie?¡±

    ¡°It is.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t we already have something better from Villa Tigera?¡± Shizuka turned her gaze to Takeo¡¯s laptop as she added, ¡°Like this encrypted-laptop.¡±

    ¡°We can use this encrypted laptop for both intel gathering and the raid. But for the coms, we will use the stuff from Villa Tigera only in a raid.¡±

    ¡°Does Hide establish this rule?¡±

    ¡°He writes it in the manual to compile a target package.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After nodding her head Shizuka curiously asked, ¡°So, what make you have such serious face when mutilating this walkie-talkie?¡±

    With a brimming face Takeo replied, ¡°I just admire it.¡±

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    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Customized-encryption on ordinary communication device requires a lot of effort,¡± Takeo explained. ¡°But if you manage to do it, no one will realize the existence of your encrypted-device, and if no one knows its existence, no one will have a thought to counter it.¡±

    ¡°Is that the reason why Hide wants us to use it when we gather the intel?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Takeo firmly confirmed.

    ¡°Even so, how good is this walkie-talkie compare to individual radio we looted from Villa Tigera?¡±

    ¡°Good enough,¡± Takeo firmly replied. ¡°Even though it was only basic encryption and wouldn¡¯t work in a jamming rich environment, it was 100% guaranteed that no one would be able to eaves drop the traffic.

    The only drawback is that if the opposing side got their hand on it, other than monitoring the traffic they can also physically connect it to a net-centric terminal and tracked the location of other walkie-talkie in the network up to 30 meters precision.¡±

    ¡°No wonder,¡± Shizuka calmly said. ¡°In the raid on Villa Tigera, Hide sternly warned us that if he was captured, we had to throw away our coms before retreating as fast as we could.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Before we get started,¡± Shizuka asked as she looked at the untouched beef fried rice in front of Takeo. ¡°Can I have my dinner first?¡±

    ¡°You can.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡± Without further ado Shizuka took Takeo¡¯s fried rice and put the first spoon into her mouth. ¡°This fried rice is superb.¡±

    ¡°Glad you like it,¡± Takeo said before calling a waitress to put new order.

    ---

    The layout in 7th Floor of Chikara Tower was pretty simple. Emergency exit connected to the stairs was located in the end of the corridor next to the rest room, while the elevator located in the other end. Between the two ends, lied four offices. Two were in the right and two other were in the left.

    Usually, Shizuka would use elevator to get straight to 7th Floor, but today she chose to stop at 6th Floor and then continued by using stairs. She calmly opened the door with big and bright green ¡®Emergency Exit¡¯ sign on top of it, and then walked through the corridor.

    The first three offices were a legal consultant, a web developer, and a private detective. The three offices had big glass door, and judging from the bright light in its empty and locked reception room, it seemed some of its staffs were staying for overtime inside the office.

    Soon, Shizuka arrived at the door to the fourth office, the nearest one to the elevator. Unlike the other offices in 7th Floor, it had a steel door with a big sign ¡®Kamui Finance¡¯ written on it. A lonely CCTV was also being installed above the steel door.

    After stating her visit through an intercom planted on the wall next to the steel door, a middle-aged man welcomed Shizuka and took her to the sofa in the reception room.

    ¡°Mr. Katayama,¡± Shizuka politely said. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, for coming here after the working hour.¡±

    ¡°Actually, you can come here at any time.¡± After a smile Katayama continued, ¡°Basically, this office operates 24/7. There are always some boys who stay over to provide service.

    Experience told us that there are many people who needed emergency money outside the working hour of most financial company. So, we try our best to accommodate them.¡±

    After a smile Shizuka replied, ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°So, what I can do for you?¡±

    ¡°I come to pay the installment for Reiko¡¯s uncle debt,¡± Shizuka said as she put forward an envelope.

    After making a quick check to the envelope Katayama turned his gaze to Shizuka, ¡°I will make the receipt, please wait for a moment.¡±

    ¡°Yes, and ummm¡­.¡± After taking a deep breath Shizuka shyly said, ¡°If it¡¯s possible, may I open a loan for myself?¡±

    ¡°Of course you can, but you are just a high school kid. So, I need to know the amount and why you need it before I can decide the loan.¡±

    Deep concern was clearly visible in Katayama¡¯s face, but Shizuka was fully aware it was fake concern. Hide had told her, that among the bastards in Kamui Finance, Katayama was the worst. He was the one who responsible to turn a female borrower with nice appearance into an obedient sex worker.

    Worst of all, he would record the training for those unfortunate female debtor and then sold it to specific customer, and yesterday Takeo had found the compilation of the video. Even to this moment, Shizuka still could hear the cry and beg for mercy from the unfortunate female debtor in the video.

    Fortunately, Shizuka had an extremely good self-control. Therefore, her rage was well hidden in her heart and she could perfectly continue her act.

    ¡°I need eight million Ren.¡± Shizuka then took out his father medical record and handed it over to Katayama, ¡°I need it to pay my father¡¯s medical fee.¡±

    ¡°Lung cancer huh?¡± Katayama said after making a quick read on the medical record.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Shizuka weakly replied, almost like a whisper and she didn¡¯t need to fake her sad eyes.

    After faking a deep sigh Katayama said, ¡°This medical record clearly stated that the success rate for you father medical treatment is only 30%, are you sure you want to try it?¡±

    ¡°I do,¡± Shizuka firmly replied. ¡°I¡¯ll do everything to get the money, including working in adult entertainment industry if I have to. But for now, I will try conventional means as best as I can.¡±

    ¡°I get it.¡± Katayama nodded before adding, ¡°I will prepare the money and the document.¡±

    Shizuka instantly got up and gave Katayama a deep bow as she said, ¡°Mr. Katayama, I will never forget this kindness.¡±

    ¡°I know you won¡¯t,¡± Katayama happily replied.

    A few minutes later, Shizuka leaved Kamui Finance while carrying eight million Ren in her bag, along with Katayama¡¯s business card and an offer to enter an agency that managed high class lady-escort for crazy rich both domestic and international.

    Of course, Shizuka happily received the offer, for now at least.

    *****

 HA2 14.2 â€“ Shopping Time

    HA2 14.2 ¨C Shopping Time

    In Nikko, almost everyone had heard the story of King¡¯s Hardware. It started its business as supplier of equipment and material for welding company. Then, slowly it evolved into a nationwide chain that supplied almost all manufacture related to metal, plastic, and wood, with the scope of market ranging from home level to huge company in top of pecking order.

    Now, every big city in Nikko would have two or three King¡¯s Hardware, and each store was as big as mid-size department store. And accordingly to their plan, after getting free money from Kamui, Takeo and Shizuka went straight to nearest King¡¯s Hardware.

    To ensure they won¡¯t leave trail, the two changed their appearance using the technique they got from Hide. Takeo changed his appearance into a fat office worker with thick glasses and black broccoli hair.

    As for Shizuka, she changed her appearance into a blonde office lady. Other than wearing elegant glasses, she also added a layer of thick pad to her breast. She had westerner blood from her mother, so dark blond hair matched her skin perfectly. In short, Shizuka new appearance was too good to be ignored, attracted a lot of intention, and made her super nervous.

    Fortunately, Hide wrote the catalog number for each item in the shopping list along with the section to find it. Takeo and Shizuka also already recognized the appearance of some items they had to buy. For example the lead ingot, even if there were several types of lead ingots on the shelf, its shape was pretty similar with the lead cylinder that Hide casted. So, Takeo and Shizuka immediately found it and only had to check the catalog number to find the one that Hide wanted.

    The appearance of the brass strip was also pretty similar with the one that Hide made in the workshop. The only different was it was far longer and being packed by rolling it until it was as big as small wheel.

    As for the item that they had never seen, Takeo and Shizuka looked for it by its name and catalogue number. In short, it took only about 90 minutes before the two went to the cashier, pushing a fully loaded shopping cart each.

    Overall, the cashier was like regular cashier in supermarket. The cashier lady would scan the barcode on each item, and registered it into cash machine. Meanwhile, her assistant swiftly packed the items. However, when it was Takeo and Shizuka turn to pay, the cashier lady didn¡¯t immediately calculate their shopping. She made a quick check on some items that Takeo put forward to her station before turning her gaze to Takeo and Shizuka in turn.

    ¡°Sir, and Ma¡¯am,¡± The cashier lady politely said. ¡°I need to see your ID to complete the transaction.¡±

    ¡°Can you tell me the specific reason why you need it?¡± Shizuka nervously asked, even though Hide had told her that the cashier in King¡¯s Hardware would ask for her ID.

    ¡°Lead ingot, brass sheet, spray paint mixture, and titanium block are commodity that commonly being used in firearm workshop,¡± The cashier lady replied. ¡°For the example is the 100x10x10 cm titanium blocks you buy. You can use it to make hand guard, receiver, pistol grip, vertical foregrip, and butt stock.

    When the purchase quota for those items hit certain amount, we have to carry ID check to complete the transaction.¡±

    ¡°But our company is just a small welding and casting company,¡± Shizuka nervously blurted out the explanation that Hide had prepared. ¡°We have only six workers and our products mainly are steel frame and bolt for windows, custom fishing reel, sinker, and hook.¡±

    As she calmly looked at Shizuka the cashier lady asked, ¡°Then, why do you look so nervous?¡±

    ¡°Um¡­ That is because¡­.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because she is a NERD,¡± Seeing Shizuka was at loss of words, Takeo immediately jumped in to the conversation. It was improvisation in the spur of moment, but Takeo did it perfectly. ¡°Usually, she spends her working hour in the corner of administration cubicle, assist me in general administration and accounting.

    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    And this is our first time doing a direct purchasing. That¡¯s why she is super uneasy and clumsy.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± The cashier lady nodded before continuing, ¡°May I know your previous working place?¡±

    ¡°I was a purchasing manager in an electronic store for eight years.¡± Takeo calmly explained, and then he turned his gaze to Shizuka as he added, ¡°While she was an accountant in an auto-workshop.

    A good friend from college invites us to help him with his new welding and casting company, and so here we are.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± The cashier lady nodded as she added, ¡°Newbie in the field.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, and please pardon us for our ignorance.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± The cashier lady smiled before continuing, ¡°And for your information, in the last few years the regulation have become easier for the customer actually.

    A few years back, you have to carry official purchase order to buy certain item if the quota passes the minimum amount for personal use. But now, showing personal ID is enough.¡±

    After slightly nodded Takeo replied, ¡°I see.¡±

    Without delay Takeo and Shizuka handed over the fake ID that Hide had prepared for them. After scanning the ID cards and entering the name and the number to the invoice, the cashier lady processed the transaction. A few minutes later Takeo and Shizuka were already in the loading dock, swiftly loaded the item they bought to Black Tritton.

    Meanwhile, at the other side of Nichiko Hide carried his own shopping. His objective was to get a huge amount of simmunition and some other stuff. To enable this purchase, he made a contact with Paolo Tomoya, a half-Italica and half-Nikko, and also a former communication specialist in signal squadron for Italica tier-one unit.

    Actually, Hide already had online transaction with Paolo a few times. The key component he used to customize the Mottolola walkie-talkie into encrypted device was actually Paolo¡¯s home-made product that he sold through e-bay.

    Paolo spent his retirement day in Nichiko by opening a pasta shop. It was only small shop located in west Nichiko. Paolo treated it as a side job for his hobby of making pasta initially. However, the shop turned into a huge success and became Paolo¡¯s pride.

    After taking a glance at Paolo¡¯s pasta shop, Hide entered a Britiss pub next to it, went straight to the counter, ordered a bottle of peach beer, and then carried it to a coin telephone in a corner.

    ¡®Shopping time,¡¯ Hide muttered as he reached out for the receiver and put a voice-alteration device on it.

    ---

    Tomoya Pasta was always at peak of busy hour at evening, and as usual Paolo would personally orchestrate the kitchen at this hour. Therefore, when one of his staff told him that he had a telephone call, dark lines immediately appeared in his forehead.

    ¡°Can¡¯t you see? I can¡¯t receive a phone call right now,¡± Paolo sharply rebuked his staff.

    ¡°But he said he will crash his truck to this shop if you don¡¯t receive his call,¡± The staff calmly said.

    ¡°Then, it just a nonsense call,¡± Paolo firmly concluded.

    ¡°Yeah, I think so, but I still have to inform you before I hanging it up,¡± The staff said. ¡°I guess.¡±

    After a moment of silence Paolo asked, ¡°What else did he say?¡±

    ¡°He said you are a former moron in Sofa Team Six.¡±

    ¡°Fuck,¡± Paolo weakly cursed as dark lines in his forehead deepened.

    ¡°Is that a problem, Boss?¡±

    ¡°Probably, probably not, who know.¡± Paolo then turned his gaze to his daughter. ¡°Clara, take my place for a few minutes.¡±

    Clara Tomoya, Paolo¡¯s daughter and his sous chef swiftly nodded and replied, ¡°Got it.¡±

    Without delay Paolo then went to take the call.

    ¡°Paolo here, who is this?¡±

    [You can call me Jack.]

    In an instant Paolo concluded that the man on the other side was a local young man, with Nikko¡¯s accent.

    ¡°What do you want Jack? I¡¯m freaking busy right now.¡±

    [60.000 rounds of 5.56 mm simmunition. 150.000 rounds of 9 mm Para simmunition. Simmunition adapter kit for M4, MP5PDW, VP9, six sets each. Six pieces of 9¡± barrel for 5.56 mm, along with conversion kits from direct impingement to gas piston. You deliver it personally.]

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you just buy airsoft?¡± Paolo calmly asked. ¡°It¡¯s cheaper and legal, also less painful.¡±

    [I¡¯m tired of playing soldier with airsoft. I want to go to the next level.]

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± After taking a deep breath Paolo continued, ¡°I don¡¯t do a face-to-face transaction.¡±

    [You can bring an escort and a driver if you worry about your safety, but I will blow your shop up to the cloud if I sniff a shooter or two lurking in the darkness while we talk peacefully.]

    ¡°If I refuse this transaction you will blow my shop up, correct?¡±

    [Correct.]

    After a long silence Paolo said, ¡°It will cost you lot of money.¡±

    [How much?]

    ¡°I need to make a call before knowing the exact number, but you have to prepare 40-50 thousand Dillar at least.¡±

    [If it¡¯s only that amount, I have it already. I can send the advance payment to your shop.]

    ¡°I don¡¯t need advance payment, but I need to know how to contact you when the goods are ready.¡±

    [Put a green flag on rooftop of your shop, big enough to be seen using CCTV from nearby high-rise building.]

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    [Have you noted down my order? Do I need to repeat it?]

    ¡°I don¡¯t need to write it. I can even remember my breakfast from six weeks ago.¡±

    [Good. Any question?]

    ¡°How do you know about my old job?¡±

    [Bar chat. A drunkard blurted it out and I happened to sat next to him.]

    Paolo massaged his forehead before asking another question, ¡°May I know why you choose me? I never made arms deal before, and I¡¯m sure you know how to contact every arms dealer in Nichiko.¡±

    [I don¡¯t like the other dealers. They can¡¯t make anchovy pasta as good as yours.]

    ¡°Seriously?¡±

    [Seriously.]

    ¡°What a troublesome fellow, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    [Yeah.]

    After heaving a deep sigh Paolo said, ¡°I will put the flag as soon as the goods are ready.¡±

    [Okay. Have a nice busy hour then.]

    Click!

    After contemplating for a few minutes, Paolo then made a call to his old friend in Nichiko.

    *****

 HA2 15.1 â€“ Setting the Network Terminal

    HA2 15.1 ¨C Setting the Network Terminal

    If you looked at it from above, The Jazz had a U-shaped. In total, this mid-class lodging house had 27 floors, 20 rooms each. The next day after the shopping, Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka skipped their morning exercise and gathered at The Jazz¡¯ rooftop. The three were meticulously setting up a portable net-centric tower as sun slowly arose in the east.

    The portable tower had cylinder shape, as big as adult thigh, one and half meter long, and pitched black in color. So, with ease the three camouflaged it as a chimney and planted it in a spot that was hard to reach. They did it with a help of a few kg of cement and sand, a few liters of water, plastic bucket, steel spatula, steel-frame, along with portable concentrate drill to make a hole.

    After that, they placed decoy in the ceiling of empty room in each floor, along with micro-camera in each corridor. The job required lot of effort, but they managed to complete it swiftly and silently.

    Then, as the three returned to Room 2101 Shizuka asked, ¡°Hide, why do we put decoy in each floor and micro-camera in each corridor?¡±

    ¡°If when carrying network infiltration we unintentionally offend wrong dude, and this dude has correct people with correct equipment, it will be just a matter of time before they locate our network terminal,¡± Hide calmly explained. ¡°And that¡¯s when the decoy comes to handy. It will force them to sweep the whole building, floor by floor, and give us some warning.¡±

    Shizuka nodded and concluded, ¡°Do you mean someone can locate our base through our network?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide replied briefly.

    Big question mark instantly appeared in Shizuka¡¯s forehead. ¡°Isn¡¯t our network is encrypted and untraceable?¡±

    ¡°There is no such thing as untraceable network,¡± Hide calmly replied.

    ¡°Is that why we don¡¯t establish our network terminal in the workshop?¡±

    ¡°Sort of,¡± Hide paused for a moment before continuing, ¡°Losing this base and the network terminal is acceptable, but losing the workshop and the shooting range before we complete Knosses job is fatal.¡±

    Shizuka nodded and said, ¡°I see.¡±

    A moment later, the three arrived in Room 2101. This morning was Shizuka¡¯s turn to prepare food so she immediately went to kitchen. Meanwhile, Hide and Takeo put together the router, hard drives, and other devices they took from Villa Tigera and connected it to portable tower in the rooftop. After making sure the newly established network terminal worked properly, the two then sat in dining table.

    Coincidently, Shizuka had finished preparing the breakfast. As she arranged it on the table she asked, ¡°So, how does our network terminal operate?¡±

    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    ¡°It¡¯s long and complicated, but I will make it as simple as possible,¡± Takeo took a sip of his tea before continuing, ¡°Including but not limited to radio spectrum and cable network with open terminal or server. Including but not limited to hacking, jamming, isolating, intercepting, relaying, and long-range drone operation.¡±

    After pouting her left cheek Shizuka said, ¡°It¡¯s simple, but I still don¡¯t get it.¡±

    ¡°Let me give you an example of relaying,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°Our Mottolola walkie-talkie has operating radius only 2 km, but if we integrate it to the network terminal, its operating radius will expand up to 200 km to all direction from this place.¡±

    ¡°How about the individual radio we got from Villa Tigera?¡±

    ¡°AN/PRC-126V1 can operate up to radius of 200 km without relay tower. We integrated it to net-centric terminal mainly is to increase its capability in dealing with jamming, man-made obscureness, or natural disturbance.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Shizuka happily replied.

    Without further ado the three then ate their breakfast, and took morning bath in turn afterward.

    ---

    Before the three went to school, Hide decided to carry a small meeting. As he looked at Takeo, Hide opened the meeting.

    ¡°One encrypted-laptop for network terminal, stay in this base permanently. Another one for public network and our own network, stay with you all the time.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Takeo firmly replied. ¡°We also won¡¯t put our network terminal on the air for 24/7. We will use it only for the most important task that needs absolute secrecy.¡±

    ¡°Correct.¡± Hide nodded before continuing, ¡°How is the intel gathering going?¡±

    ¡°Smoothly enough,¡± Takeo calmly replied. ¡°CCTV in Kamui¡¯s office is connected to an online storage service and their boss¡¯ smartphone. The rest also connected their smartphone to Wi-Fi network in Kamui every time they are staying over there.

    And those connections have no security protocol or precaution. It¡¯s very easy to fish out information from them.¡±

    ¡°Then, we will have no problem to build mock-up of corridor at 7th floor, along with Kamui¡¯s office internal lay out.¡±

    ¡°Generally, yes, we have the blueprint and visual image,¡± Takeo firmly replied. ¡°But there is one room in Kamui¡¯s office that doesn¡¯t have CCTV, so we have no idea about its layout.¡±

    ¡°One blind room is not a big problem. A toss of flashbang will give us lot of advantage in case we have to clear it hard way.¡±

    After a moment of pause Hide asked another question, ¡°What else?¡±

    ¡°The blind room is the boss room where the safe is located. Based on their monthly financial report, I estimate they keep 25-30 million Ren in their safe each day, along with debt notes worth a few billion Ren.¡±

    After nodding his head a few times Hide said, ¡°Other than Shizuka¡¯s debt note, the rest is useless for us, but 25-30 million Ren is still a good harvest.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Takeo happily expressed his agreement. ¡°But how will we open the safe?¡±

    ¡°Get me the brand, model, and specification. It will give me necessary info on how much explosive I need and how I should plant it.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡± After a paused Takeo continued, ¡°I have found the rest of their sex training video. I checked some of it and like the one we found before, each girl was humiliated to the lowest esteem possible.

    I don¡¯t know what kind of people enjoying such sickening video, but they must be lower than animal.¡±

    ¡°They are indeed lower than animal,¡± Hide calmly said.

    ¡°If we wipe out Kamui to the last man, it will stop the production such video, won¡¯t it?¡± Shizuka asked in a drop dead serious tone.

    It was clearly visible that Shizuka had deep concern regarding the sex training tape, but Hide had no intention to hide the hard and ugly truth from her.

    ¡°It will stop only for temporary.¡±

    ¡°Only for temporary, really?¡± Shizuka dejectedly said.

    Hide instantly nodded. ¡°As long as there is a demand, other group will replace Kamui in satisfying it.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡± After a deep breath Hide decided to change the topic. ¡°What about the mountaineering and rock climbing kits?¡±

    Shizuka instantly woke up from her pondering and turned her gaze to Hide, ¡°Everything already arrived in the delivery company, and the manager agrees to deliver it to the address you gave me tonight.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± After taking a deep breath Hide expression suddenly became serious. ¡°As Shizuka already showed an interest to enter adult entertainment industry, based on Katayama¡¯s MO, in three weeks he will forcefully set Shizuka into her debut, and then put her to the nasty sex training under his watch.

    We have to complete the job before that or Shizuka is fucked. Got it?¡±

    ¡°¡°Got it,¡±¡± Takeo and Shizuka replied almost at the same time, while steel determination flashed in their eyes.

    A few minutes later, the three went to school in separate routes. Hide took a bus while Takeo and Shizuka took subway.

    *****

 HA2 15.2 â€“ Uncommon Delivery

    HA2 15.2 ¨C Uncommon Delivery

    Yohei had worked as courier for 23 years, so he knew every part of Nichiko like his own palm. He also had met with countless customers with unusual request. Therefore, he had no worry when his manager asked him to deliver a huge amount of package, to an abandoned factory in west of Nichiko. He just calmly sat in the passenger seat, waiting for the delivery recipient to show up and take their package.

    Yohei¡¯s calm and collected mood was stark contrast to Ryosuke, a young driver who joint the company just a week ago. In a glance, it was easy to tell that Ryosuke was jumpy and nervous as hell.

    Initially, Ryosuke thought that there was no harm to work a little harder for overtime money. Therefore, he happily accepted Yohei¡¯s offer to become his driver for tonight delivery. But now, after arriving at the dark and disquieting dropping location, that was also located too far from the closest human¡¯s activity, Ryosuke was instantly regretting his decision.

    ¡°Senior Yohei, is this really the correct dropping point?¡± Ryosuke nervously asked.

    ¡°It is,¡± Yohei calmly replied before putting a butternut candy in his mouth.

    ¡°But this is an abandoned factory and we enter it without permission.¡±

    ¡°You are half correct. This place is indeed an abandoned factory, but we didn¡¯t trespass it.¡±

    ¡°How so?¡± Ryosuke curiously asked.

    ¡°I often pass this place on my morning jog and the front gate is always locked and tightly shut, but it¡¯s widely open when we arrive.¡±

    ¡°But no one here after we enter this place.¡±

    ¡°Be patient.¡± Yohei checked his watch and then continued, ¡°It¡¯s still 15 minutes before the appointment time. Certain people are very strict with their schedule, particularly people who avoid crowded meeting place.¡±

    ¡°Senior Yohei, criminal and murderer also avoid crowded meeting place.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but not all of them are criminal or murderer. Sometime they just people who couldn¡¯t stand crowed place.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure this is the case for our delivery?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s hope so and calmly wait.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Yohei could tell that Ryosuke was still nervous as hell, but he had no intention to calm him. He chose to let the experience taught him personally.

    While chewing the butternut candy Yohei then re-checked the electronic invoice. The package he had to deliver was coming from several mountaineering and hiking store, and each store made a small note that the item was highly likely being ordered by a small team of hardcore climber with deep knowledge and experience about their stuff.

    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    So, each store asked Yohei¡¯s manager to deliver their item as professional as possible because it directly connected to the reputation of each brand their store represented. That¡¯s why the manager picked Yohei, the best courier he had to carry the job.

    ---

    Unknowingly to Yohei and Ryosuke, just fifty meter away from the parking lot and right behind a big and long building, three people took position. With calm eyes Takeo used traffic CCTV to monitor the road in front of abandoned factory up to 5 km radius. Once he confirmed that there was no incoming traffic, Takeo immediately turned his gaze to Hide.

    ¡°We are good to go.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± After taking a last glance at two men on the delivery truck Hide whispered to Shizuka, ¡°Ready?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m,¡± Shizuka firmly replied.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get it done then.¡±

    Wasting no time, Hide and Shizuka lowered their balaclava down to their chin. Then, they carefully and silently flanked the delivery truck before approaching it from behind. After that, they crawled beneath the truck, silently pace by pace like a pair of big black cat.

    Right under the head of the truck, Hide stopped and took out the sleeping compound he made this afternoon, and then carefully dropped some of it to two thick handkerchiefs.

    Different people had different physical fitness, weight, and age. Therefore, each people required different dose of sleeping compound to knock them out effectively. Fortunately, Hide had no difficulty to calculate the correct dose of sleeping compound for people he had just met. And so, he confidently handed over the handkerchief to knock out the young driver to Shizuka.

    In the truck, Yohei and Ryosuke were oblivious to the presence of two stalkers under their butt. When they realized it, it was already too late. They could only widen their eyes as out of nowhere, strong hand suddenly gagged their mouth and nose with a thick handkerchief that had weird smell.

    Yohei and Ryosuke tried their best to break free, but it was futile. Their body became limp and losing its strength as their conscious rapidly evaporated. A moment later, the two fully fell unconscious.

    Hide immediately checked their vital, and once he sure it was stable he immediately gave the signal to start the unloading. While he and Shizuka checked the goods, Takeo closed the front gate to prevent unwanted interference and then moved Black Zubaru and Black Tritton closer to the delivery truck.

    After that, the three moved the goods to Black Zubaru and Black Triton. They carried the work swiftly, almost without talking, but they could complement each other very well as if they were communicating without any words.

    ---

    Slowly but surely Yohei opened his eyes. After shaking his head to wash away the remains of sleepiness in his mind, he through fully checked his body. Fortunately, he didn¡¯t suffer any harm. He also didn¡¯t lose his wallet, watch, or other things.

    In the dashboard, Yohei saw two cans of coffee and two pieces of thick chicken sandwich, but he ignored it. Without delay he shook Ryosuke shoulder to wake him up, and he instantly took a breath full of relief as Ryosuke groaned while opening his eyes.

    ¡°Where are we?¡± Ryosuke weakly asked.

    ¡°We are still in the dropping point, the abandoned factory,¡± Yohei calmly replied.

    ¡°Are we still alive?¡± Ryosuke asked as he checked his body.

    ¡°We are.¡± Yohei replied as he checked the delivery tablet. Then, he suddenly furrowed his brows. ¡°Someone have left a hand signature on the electronic invoice.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Big question mark in instant appeared in Ryosuke forehead. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me someone took the package while we were unconscious.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s check it.¡±

    Yohei and Ryosuke immediately got off the truck and checked the container. They had a hunch that they wouldn¡¯t find the package they had to deliver. Even so, when they personally saw the container was empty they still dropped their jaw.

    ¡°Senior Yohei,¡± Ryosuke said in panic. ¡°What should we do?¡±

    ¡°Nothing. Let¡¯s get back to the office.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure we don¡¯t need to report it to the police?¡±

    ¡°Why do we report it to the police?¡± After taking a deep breath Yohei added, ¡°We arrive at the agreed dropping point, and someone left a hand signature after taking the package. So, even if it¡¯s rather uncommon procedure, it¡¯s still a complete delivery.¡±

    ¡°Can we really say this is a complete delivery?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡±

    Yohei didn¡¯t continue his words as his tablet suddenly received a message from his manager. It said the customer had text him to express his gratitude because the delivery company had sent their most professional courier.

    ¡°It is fine,¡± Yohei calmly said as he showed the message from their manager to Ryosuke. ¡°Let¡¯s go back.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Ryosuke firmly said after reading the message.

    A moment later, the delivery truck already exited the front gate of abandoned factory and drove away in moderate speed. Ryosuke calmly sat behind the wheel, while Yohei sat in the passenger seat and casually enjoyed the chicken sandwich and coffee.

    Unknowingly to Yohei and Ryosuke, in the dark corner of abandoned factory, a young man also enjoyed similar chicken sandwich and coffee. He leaned his back on the wall while eating his dinner without making any sound. This young man was Hide.

    He deliberately stayed behind to ensure the couriers from the delivery company didn¡¯t meet with unwanted mishap while they were unconscious. He genuinely didn¡¯t want something bad happen to them, because it would attract some attention from metro police.

    Once he finished his dinner, Hide then left the abandoned factory using Black Zubaru. Of course, before leaving he had ensured no traceable trail could be found. He also didn¡¯t just randomly locked and shut the front gate, but made sure it returned to its original state.

    *****

 HA2 16.1 â€“ Mikuâ€™s Cramps

    HA2 16.1 ¨C Miku¡¯s Cramps

    After completing their laps and other warm ups, Hide, Miku, and Nao went to a corner to carry a full body stretching. As she stretched her left arm Miku looked at a group of kids who still carried their 8 km jogs, and she focused her eyes on Takeo who ran in a good pace.

    ¡°Hide, it seems Takeo has a huge improvement on his run,¡± Miku casually said.

    ¡°It seems so,¡± Hide replied as he sat in the ground with straight legs, and then connected the tips of his finger with the tip of his toes.

    ¡°I heard from Sayaka that Takeo can also properly complete the 60 reps of pushups, squat, and sit-ups since two days ago,¡± Nao added as she stole a glance at Takeo. ¡°He is still out of breath after each set, but it¡¯s a great achievement for someone with average physical fitness.¡±

    ¡°Not to mention he achieve it only in two weeks after joining the club.¡± Miku then turned her gaze to Hide as she continued, ¡°I¡¯m sure someone secretly guide him.¡±

    ¡°I think it¡¯s Shizuka who help Takeo to improve so much in less than a month,¡± Hide casually said.

    ¡°He must also train super hard.¡± Miku paused for a moment before asking, ¡°What about you, Hide? Does someone help you to improve your physical fitness?¡±

    ¡°I just faithfully follow every advice from my trainer at Beauty & the Beast,¡± Hide calmly said, ¡°along with every advice from you two, Tenma, and Isamu Sensei for Hike Run.¡±

    Big question mark instantly appeared in Miku¡¯s forehead. ¡°Only that?¡±

    ¡°What else I can do?¡±

    Miku nodded and said, ¡°I see.¡±

    Actually, Miku really wanted to know how Hide could improve so much in matter of weeks, as his physical fitness improvement was too monstrous. Even Isamu Sensei acknowledged it, that he had underestimated Hide¡¯s potential.

    In summary, the record showed that Hide didn¡¯t only become stronger physically, but it was like he had a lot of experience in Hike Run. He knew how to choose the most suitable route for his condition, and that knowledge was far beyond from what Miku and Nao had taught him. Not to mention, he never fell or lost his balance when running in slippery ground covered by dead and wet leaves.

    No matter how good his talent, it was impossible for Hide to achieve his current result in Hike Run with zero experience. However, no matter how Miku dug it, she didn¡¯t found anything in Hide¡¯s history that had connection with hiking, rock climbing, or let alone Hike Run.

    ---

    Hide considered today training in Uruba Hill was no different than the training in other day. However, it was not the case for Miku and Nao. Inwardly, they dropped their jaw because today Hide completed his Hike Run in less than 18 minutes, three times in row.

    In short, only 15 days after he joint Hiking Club, or 6 days earlier than the schedule, Hide managed to clear his first task from Isamu Sensei. It was something that never happened before.

    Even Tenma, who had monstrous physical fitness and a lot of hiking experience, took 19 days before he could complete Hike Run in Uruba Hill in less than 18 minutes. And now, Hide who started from scratch beat his record. In short, Hide¡¯s potential in Hike Run was far bigger than Tenma.

    After looking at Hide from head to toe Miku sulkily said, ¡°Hide, how could you make me lost the bet?¡±

    ¡°What bet?¡± Hide curiously asked.

    ¡°She bet her monthly allowance, that you will need more than 19 days to clear the first task from Isamu Sensei.¡±

    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡°With who?¡±

    ¡°Tenma,¡± Nao added.

    ¡°Big Sis Miku, you should tell me about it,¡± Hide apologetically said. ¡°And I will gladly help you to rob Tenma.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s too late now,¡± Miku regretfully said. ¡°Let¡¯s have a match instead of console me.¡±

    Question mark instantly appeared in Hide¡¯s forehead, ¡°What match?¡±

    ¡°Hike Run of course,¡± Miku firmly replied.

    ¡°And I will become the referee,¡± Nao happily offered herself.

    Hide nodded and said, ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Give your all,¡± Miku said as her fighting spirit soared to the sky. ¡°I want to see your best effort.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Hide firmly replied.

    Hide was fully aware that in his current condition, he would never beat a seasoned hiker like Miku in a Hike Run, who could clear the track in Uruba Hill in less than 16 minutes. In a different circumstance, he would refuse the challenge and would just focus himself in polishing his potential with everything he got. However, he got the feeling that Miku would torture him if he refused her challenge.

    And so, Hide accepted the challenge and with a light heart he followed Miku back to the base of Uruba hill.

    ---

    After resetting her stopwatch to zero, Miku turned her gaze to Hide. ¡°Ready?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Miku happily said. ¡°Let¡¯s start in three, two, one, now!¡±

    Wasting no time, Hide and Miku took step forward. The two calmly ran in moderate speed until they reach the first slope. Then, slowly but surely Miku started to took the lead. Hide knew that he couldn¡¯t outpace Miku in normal slope.

    Hide could only hope Miku would get a slip of foothold when she tried to clear the wet and slippery area. Even some small slips would be enough to give him a chance to outpace Miku. Therefore, he conserved his energy and let the gap became wider but no bigger than 80 meters.

    Halfway through to finishing line, the gap finally reached 75 meters, and Hide starting to lose Miku sight who had entered the shady area, where sunlight couldn¡¯t reach the ground surface. However, Hide didn¡¯t panic. Instead, he lightly smiled as his chance to outpace Miku finally arrived.

    As soon as he entered the shady area, Hide immediately increased his pace with everything he got. He poured every drop of strength he had to propel his legs. Meanwhile, Miku¡¯s pace drastically dropped as she had difficulty to get a proper foothold on the slippery ground. She also often got a slip of foothold and in some occasion it almost made her fell.

    As the result, Hide closed the gap with Miku rapidly. Just before the two exited the shady area, the gap between them shrank from 75 meters to only 10 meters. Even so, Miku didn¡¯t panic and tried her best to maintain the gap. She knew very well that as long as she didn¡¯t let Hide outpace her when they were in the shady area, she would win the contest for sure.

    A smile instantly bloomed in Miku¡¯s lips as soon as she exited the shady area, and got back to the hard and dry ground.

    ¡®Finally,¡¯ Miku muttered as the finishing line entered her field of view while her foot got a firm foothold, ¡®Only 100 meters left.¡¯

    As her fighting spirit soared to the sky, Miku put whatever strength left in her legs to reach the finishing line. However, she felt the muscle in her left calf suddenly became tense.

    ¡®Shit!!¡¯

    Panic filled Miku¡¯s face as the tense muscle become tenser and tenser, and then turned into an unbearable pain.

    ¡°Aaarrgghh!!¡±

    Miku was screaming in pain as she fell to the ground. At the same time, Nao instantly run towards Miku in full speed. Panic was clearly visible in her eyes, and it grew darker as she saw Hide approaching Miku and tried to give her a treatment.

    ¡®Idiot!!¡¯ Nao swore inwardly. ¡®Miku¡¯s cramp is not regular cramp. A mistreatment will cause her a hell more of pain and if thing go south she will need a few weeks to recover.¡¯

    Without delay Nao increased her speed. However, Miku suddenly stopped screaming and wriggling. She just lay down calmly on the ground as Hide held her left leg. Even so, Nao didn¡¯t lower her speed, she increased it another notch instead.

    ¡°Hide, move a side,¡± Nao screamed. ¡°Let me handle Miku¡¯s cramp.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Hide casually asked. ¡°Her cramp will return if I release my hold.¡±

    ¡°Just do as I say damn it.¡± Nao said as she open her waist bag and took out a small painkiller spray. ¡°Miku¡¯s cramp is not regular cramp. We have to lessen her pain before taking her into infirmary to get her a shot to release the knotted muscle.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Hide casually said as he let go his hold, stood up, and stepped back two paces.

    As the result, dark lines slowly appeared in Miku¡¯s forehead once more. Then, she gritted her teeth as her expression become darker and darker. And finally, the intense pain hit her left calf one more time.

    ¡°Fuck!!¡± Miku cursed as she tried to reach her left calf. ¡°Hide you bastard!! Don¡¯t let it go if you know the cramp will come back.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Wasting no time Hide kneeled next to Miku and put back his hold. A moment later, Miku stopped gritting her teeth in pain while her complexion slowly returned to normal. It was the first time Nao saw such occurrence, so she instantly dropped her jaw while turned her gaze to Hide.

    ¡°Hide, what did you do?¡±

    ¡°Put Big Sis Miku¡¯s cramp at ease using acupressure,¡± Hide calmly replied. ¡°Do you want me to let my hold go?¡±

    ¡°¡°NOO!!¡±¡± Both Miku and Nao replied at the same time.

    ¡°Can you fully relieve Miku¡¯s cramp?¡± Nao expectantly asked.

    ¡°I can.¡±

    ¡°Does your method have side effect?¡± Nao curiously asked.

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°In that case, please help Miku.¡±

    Hide didn¡¯t immediately reply but turned his gaze to Miku.

    ¡°Big Sis Miku, do you change your socks every day?¡±

    After a small nod Miku replied, ¡°I do.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Hide happily said.

    Without further ado Hide then gently took Miku¡¯s shoes off before giving her the treatment. Around thirty minutes later, Miku already could walk as if her cramp never occurred.

    ¡°Hide, who taught you the technique to relief a cramp like a professional physiotherapist?¡± Nao curiously asked.

    ¡°I learn it by myself from online video and article, after the heavy cramps I experienced last year.¡±

    Hide couldn¡¯t say that he got the skill from an instructor at Advance Combat Medic Course for tier-one unit in JFK Special Warfare Center and School. Not to mention, he attended that medic course in his previous life. That¡¯s why he decided to replace the truth with a lie that much easier to digest.

    ¡°Seriously?¡± Miku asked as she deeply looked at Hide.

    ¡°Seriously,¡± Hide firmly replied. ¡°Now, can you tell me how often you experience the cramp?¡±

    After heaving a deep sigh Miku dejectedly replied, ¡°If I push myself beyond 80% of my physical capacity, I will definitely get a cramp on my left calf.¡±

    ¡°So, it¡¯s a habitual cramp?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Hide then checked the painkiller spray that Nao brought. After that, the three had some rest before returning to school backyard.

    *****

 HA2 16.2 â€“ Overcome Mikuâ€™s Cramps

    HA2 16.2 ¨C Overcome Miku¡¯s Cramps

    As soon as the class ended, Hide immediately left. On the hallway he met with Takeo and Shizuka. The three then went straight to the backyard, and only opened a conversation when they walked in an empty area.

    Without turning his gaze to Takeo, Hide asked him, ¡°Any update from Tomoya¡¯s rooftop?¡±

    Takeo slightly nodded. ¡°Paolo put a big green flag over there at noon.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s pick up our grocery tonight then.¡±

    ¡°Wait a second,¡± Shizuka said. ¡°Don¡¯t we supposedly take the grocery from Paolo after we complete Kamui job? I mean, after the shopping in King¡¯s Hardware we barely have operational fund right now.¡±

    ¡°Simmunition take a longer time to manufacture than conventional ammo. I estimate it would take 3-4 weeks to complete our order. However, if Paolo can find ready stock, we should take it immediately,¡± Hide casually explained. ¡°We can use my money to pay it first.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Shizuka then took out a small bag with pharmacy logo from her school bag and handed it over to Hide. ¡°Here, I bought it using our operational fund per your request.¡±

    After checking the bag and found that Shizuka bought the correct painkiller spray Hide said, ¡°Thanks.¡±

    Shizuka nodded and then asked, ¡°Are you hurt somewhere?¡±

    ¡°No, this pain killer is for Miku.¡±

    ¡°Are you pretending to be her errand boy,¡± Shizuka curiously asked, ¡°or Miku truly has a capability to bully you?¡±

    ¡°Neither both. Miku has a condition I can help with, and I want to help.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s weird,¡± Shizuka said as she tilted her head. ¡°Other than Aizawa and Hanna, I thought you don¡¯t give a damn about anyone who is not related to our job.¡±

    ¡°In most case that¡¯s true,¡± Hide honestly admitted his anti-social tendency. ¡°But from the first day I joint Hiking Club, Miku and Nao treat me nicely without any prejudice. Such people are rare and worth to be cherished with.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Shizuka nodded her head before turning her gaze to Hide. ¡°May I know the condition that need a freakily expensive pain killer to treat it?¡±

    ¡°Habitual cramps trauma at particular muscle due excessive training,¡± Hide calmly explained. ¡°I want to teach Miku how to overcome it.¡±

    Question mark in an instant appeared in Shizuka¡¯s forehead. ¡°Is there a method to overcome it? As far as I know you can heal habitual cramps trauma only by totally stop the training, take a full rest and recover, and then start over slowly without putting too much stress on the muscle that suffered the trauma.

    However, for an athlete, stopping their training is no different than a suicide.¡±

    ¡°At least, I¡¯m sure I can make Miku participate in Hakka Outdoor in her best condition. She trains so hard despite her cramp. I don¡¯t have a heart seeing her effort go unrewarded.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Shizuka nodded one more time while a slight smile bloomed in her lips. ¡°The next Hakka Outdoor is also Miku¡¯s last chance to participate, right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide calmly replied.

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    As the backyard entered their field of view, the three then continued their walk in silence. But even in a glance, anyone who saw them could tell that the three were very close.

    ---

    Like any other day, after completing the warm up and stretching, Hide, Nao, and Miku went to Uruba Hill. The only different was that today, as soon as they arrived at the base of Uruba Hill, Hide proposed to Nao and Miku to use today training session to help Miku overcame her cramp.

    As the result, big question mark appeared in Miku¡¯s forehead. ¡°Hide, what do you mean you want to teach me how to overcome my cramp so I can go at 100% in Hakka Outdoor?¡±

    ¡°Like I said,¡± Hide calmly replied. ¡°I will teach you the trick to overcome your cramp. It¡¯s hard to explain the detail, and much easier to experience it directly.¡±

    ¡°Does your method will put my training in temporary pause?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Hide firmly replied.

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°So, can we start?¡± Hide calmly asked. ¡°At least, try the first part before you decide?¡±

    Seeing Miku stayed silent, Nao immediately said, ¡°Hide, I don¡¯t doubt your good intension, but even professional physiotherapist that Miku visited had no solution for her situation, other than suggested her to avoid pushing herself too much.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Hide instantly realized that he unconsciously became forceful with his intention to help Miku, so he immediately dialed it down. ¡°How about this, just tells me whenever Big Sis Miku ready to try it.¡±

    Hide then prepared himself to carry his first Hike Run. However, Miku suddenly tucked his sleeved.

    ¡°Let¡¯s try it,¡± Miku said as resolved flashed in her eyes. ¡°But if your method turns out to be some weird shit, we will stop right away and I will beat the shit out of you.¡±

    ¡°Hide, I will break your arm, if turns out it¡¯s a weird shit,¡± Nao firmly added.

    ¡°Certainly,¡± Hide calmly replied.

    ---

    At the peak of Uruba Hill, an old shrine peacefully stood. Hide, Miku, and Nao usually used it as a resting spot after they completed their Hike Run. But today, Hide used it to treat Miku¡¯s habitual cramp.

    In the terrace that facing the hiking trail, Miku laid her back on the floor while her barefoot feet lightly pressed the wooden wall. Next to her, Hide and Nao kneeled on each side.

    After taking a deep breath Miku turned her gaze to Hide, ¡°Now what?¡±

    ¡°I will manipulate your left toe to get a cramp, and then I will teach you how to handle it by yourself.¡±

    ¡°You can manipulate my toe to get a cramp?¡± Miku asked as her eyes widened.

    ¡°Yep,¡± Hide calmly replied and then muttered in a flat tone, ¡®I can even manipulate your private area to get an intense orgasm. So, manipulate your toe to get a cramp is a child play.¡¯

    ¡°And how do I handle my cramp on my own?¡± Miku curiously asked while a big doubt was clearly visible in her eyes.

    ¡°It will be easier to experience it rather than to hear my explanation.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± After taking another deep breath Miku firmly said, ¡°Let¡¯s try it.¡±

    Without delay Hide put the painkiller spray he brought next to him. Then, he started massaging Miku¡¯s left toe. A moment later, Miku could sense that slowly but surely her left toe would get a cramp, until finally the cramp truly arrived.

    Wasting no time Hide then taught Miku to handle it. The basic idea was to use the wall to strengthen the leg and toe that got a cramp, while feeling the cramp and try to unknot it gently. Of course, explained it to Miku would get her to nowhere. Therefore, Hide assisted her by showed her the trick.

    By using both hands, Hide directed Miku¡¯s left leg touch the wall using the base of her heel, and then slowly put the rest of her left foot from the heel to toe on the wall, while applying a measured pressure to the wall. At first, Miku didn¡¯t get it all how that simple movement could subsiding her cramp. However, Hide didn¡¯t say a word and only repeated the process.

    And finally, after repeating the movement for a few times, Miku started to sense that they key was not going to fast, too slow, or too forceful. It was as if she asked the knotted muscle to gently unknot on its own, and she communicated with that knotted muscle by feeling its movement.

    That¡¯s why sometime she had to hold her movement for two second while in other time she had to hold it a little longer before pressing the wall using the tip of her toes. In short, she couldn¡¯t force her way, and had to give the knotted muscle enough time before it willing to follow her wish. And when Miku could do it by herself without guidance from Hide¡¯s hand, a smug smile instantly bloomed in her lips.

    ¡°Now we go to the hardest part,¡± Hide said before slightly grinned.

    In an instant Miku¡¯s smile was gone. ¡°Hide, don¡¯t scare me.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°The next part is how to overcome a cramp in the calf, and I believe Big Sis Miku know that it far more painful than a cramp in the toe.¡±

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s do it,¡± Miku said while inwardly she strengthen her resolve.

    And as Hide said, the cramp in the calf was several folds more painful than cramp in the toes. Miku had to grit her teeth while trying to unknot it. When she was at her limit, Hide immediately applied the painkiller spray he brought.

    Normally, painkiller spray would totally numb the affected area. However, Miku wouldn¡¯t be able to feel the movement of the knotted muscle if Hide used that type of pain killer. Therefore, he asked Shizuka to buy a pain killer spray that would only lessen the pain without totally numbed the muscle.

    In short, with the help of painkiller that Hide brought, Miku could continue the treatment while experienced a certain amount of pain, but at least the pain didn¡¯t go above her limit to tolerate it.

    And so, after around 30 minutes of painful hard work and tons of sweats, Miku finally could handle a cramp in the calf on her own. After that, it was her right leg to get the treatment. As she already knew the trick to do it, the treatment to her right leg went rather smoothly.

    Then, the final menu was to use the trick while standing. In short, Miku had to overcome her cramp with the help of the floor and not the wall. Fortunately, this menu also went smoothly and only took around 45 minutes for both legs.

    After taking two big gulps of mineral water Miku turned her gaze to Hide, ¡°Seriously Hide, who teach you the method to handle a cramp by yourself?¡±

    ¡®She is a sadist nurse at maternity hospital before becoming an instructor for Advance Combat Medic Course,¡¯ Hide muttered the truth, but of course he wouldn¡¯t spill it. ¡°As I said before, I learnt it myself and accidently discovered it when reading an old medical journal.

    It¡¯s a method that being developed to help pregnant women, as they will often have a cramp in their toe or calf as their belly become bigger and heavier.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Miku nodded and didn¡¯t pressing further even though her curiosity grew bigger.

    *****

 HA2 16.3 â€“ Visiting Paolo

    HA2 16.3 ¨C Visiting Paolo

    While she was happily looking at her legs Miku asked, ¡°So, now I have a chance to do Hike Run at 100%?¡±

    ¡°Yes, you do.¡± Hide firmly replied. ¡°Big Sis Miku will experience some cramps initially, but if you keep handling it using my method, the cramp will be gone eventually. The muscle that usually got a cramp will get used to it, and then adapt and evolve.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Miku nodded as genuine happiness fill her face to the brim.

    ¡°Starting tomorrow, let¡¯s increase your pace step by step, and I will escort you to ensure nothing go wrong.¡±

    Miku instantly turned her gaze to Hide and happily replied, ¡°Roger.¡±

    ¡°So, such thing does exist,¡± Nao softly said.

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s part of the amazing thing of human biology,¡± Hide casually explained. ¡°However, when Big Sis Nao someday got pregnant, the habitual cramp will come back. Fortunately, you still can use the method I taught you to overcome it, in case you are at home alone because your husband has overtime or business trip.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Miku replied and repeatedly nodded.

    However, a slight worry was still visible in Nao¡¯s eyes. ¡°Hide, are you sure Miku will not experience negative side effect?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m,¡± Hide firmly replied.

    ¡°I bet you must have read a lot of medical journal,¡± Nao said as she deeply looked at Hide.

    ¡°Yup, I want to become a surgeon actually.¡±

    Question mark instantly appeared in Nao¡¯s forehead. ¡°Don¡¯t you want to become a programmer? I heard that you and Takeo were fierce rival in lot of programing competition, when both of you were snooty brats in middle school.¡±

    ¡°I have a change of heart.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After contemplating for a moment Nao then asked, ¡°Can you check my left hip? For the last few days, it gives me some discomfort every time I sit.¡±

    ¡°What kind of discomfort? It¡¯s painful, or you just has an urge to stand after sitting for a while.¡±

    ¡°The second one, it¡¯s as if my left hip has a grudge on anything I use to sit.¡±

    After slightly nodding his head Hide said, ¡°I need to touch your left hip, left butt, and left thigh before I can make a conclusion.¡±

    ¡°O-okay.¡±

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    From her face that turned as red as tomato, it was easy to tell that Nao was nervous as hell. But Hide ignored it and calmly looked at her straight in the eyes, which made Nao become more nervous instead of calmed her down. At the same time, Miku tried her best to hold back her giggle.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get started.¡±

    ¡°Ye-yeah.¡±

    ¡°Please lie down on your belly,¡± Hide casually said.

    Nao immediately lied down on the floor while Hide kneeled next to her left thigh. By using the tips of his fingers, Hide then gently felt Nao¡¯s left hip, junction between her butt and thigh, and a spot just slightly above the back of her left knee. After that, Hide lifted and put Nao¡¯s left knee on his thigh before repeating the touches.

    After comparing the second touches with the first one, Hide immediately concluded, ¡°You have too much running routine and your left hips take it badly.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Question mark appeared in Nao¡¯s forehead as she turned her gaze to Hide. ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Really.¡± Hide firmly replied. ¡°You run more than 70 km a week, right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Nao nodded as she continued, ¡°12 km a day, five times a week at school backyard, and 20 km morning jog at Saturday.¡±

    ¡°You should limit your run no more than 10 km per session, if in a week you run more than 70 km.¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°The training regime you got from Isamu Sensei is specifically being designed to build a climber or hiker body, not marathoner.

    If you want to add some run to it, you should ask Isamu Sensei¡¯s permission first.¡±

    ¡°Actually,¡± Nao weakly said. ¡°I already consulted it with Isamu Sensei before I added the Saturday jog. He forbade it and asks me to replace it with casual swimming.¡±

    ¡°Big Sis Nao, you should listen to Isamu Sensei¡¯s instruction.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Nao obediently replied. ¡°But how do I treat the injury in my left hip?¡±

    ¡°At this point, the discomfort at your left hip can¡¯t be categorized as injury, not yet at least. Your body will heal it on its own if you stop your Saturday jog, and got proper food along with proper rest at night.

    Once the discomfort gone, you can add the casual swimming on your menu.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Nao obediently nodded one more time. ¡°Hide, please don¡¯t tell Isamu Sensei about this. He will kick me out from Hakka Outdoor to set an example so the other kids don¡¯t messing around with his instruction.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Without many words Hide agreed, and then he said, ¡°Now let me give you a sport massage for your lower back and thigh, it will speed up the recovery at your left hip.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Nao obediently nodded before lying back to the floor.

    Wasting no time Hide then started the sport massage. At the same time, Miku watched it front the side with curious eyes. Then, with ease she concluded that Hide was really good at sport massage.

    It was also clear that Hide carried the massage without intention to enjoy the sensation of touching a young girl¡¯s body. He just focused his mind and effort to the massage. And so, a big, happy, and comfortable smile slowly filled Nao¡¯s face to the brim.

    ¡°There, there, there¡­ Hide, you did a good job over there,¡± Nao happily said.

    At the same time, a steel resolve flashed in Miku¡¯s eyes. ¡®We should use Hide¡¯s sport massage and knowledge to the max.¡¯

    ---

    As person in charge for transportation, Takeo always ensured Black Tritton and Black Zubaru were in top condition. Twice a week he would come to the workshop 90 minutes earlier before the morning training to give both cars daily maintenance.

    Therefore, when tonight they would use it, the Black Tritton and Black Zubaru were fully ready to go. Both cars had shiny body, full tank, proper tire pressure, enough oil, perfectly working brake and clutch, and clean interior.

    After carrying the final check, Takeo then started the engine on both cars to warm it. A moment later, Shizuka and Hide arrived. The two were carrying three pieces of Haka VP9, along with three sound suppressors, three paddle holster, and 18 spare magazines. Not forgetting, they also brought three ballistic vests and other individual gears.

    ¡°What we want is peaceful and discreet transaction, but who know if shit hit the fan,¡± Hide calmly said as he divided the guns.

    ¡°¡°Understood,¡±¡± Takeo and Shizuka replied at the same time before taking their gun and gear.

    ¡°How is your condition?¡± Hide asked Takeo.

    ¡°Very fit,¡± Takeo calmly replied. ¡°This afternoon I didn¡¯t push myself beyond my limit when having exercise in the school backyard.¡±

    Hide nodded and then turned his gaze to Shizuka. ¡°What about you?¡±

    ¡°Live and kicking,¡± Shizuka casually replied.

    ¡°Good. Let¡¯s get tonight shop done.¡±

    ¡°¡°Roger.¡±¡±

    Wasting no time, the three carried their gun and equipment to their car. Tonight, Hide would drive Black Tritton alone, while Takeo would drove Black Zubaru with Shizuka, and the first thing they did before the journey was properly stored their gun and gear.

    In Nikko, carrying firearm in public could bring a serious legal consequences, and it was not rare occurrence where a night highway patrol would stop a car and do body check just because they had a slight suspicion. Therefore, Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka would put their gun and gear on their body only a moment before the action. On the journey to the target, they would store their gun and gear in the secret compartment.

    For the handgun, Hide and Takeo had modified the door on each car to have a small secret compartment. As for the other gears, the two had built a secret compartment in the trunk. Once the three stored their gun and gear, they then started the journey to visit Paolo.

    The Black Zubaru and the Black Tritton calmly exited the abandoned subway tunnel in turn, and then separated, and entered the highway through two different entries but maintained a tight communication.

    *****

 HA2 17.1 â€“ Unknown Crew

    HA2 17.1 ¨C Unknown Crew

    After dozens of combat deployment with Seal Team Two, Bill Vinod continued his military carrier at Naval Surface Warfare Center ¨C Crane Division or NSWC-Crane, the unit that invented Mk.12 SPR and Mk.18 CQBR. In NSWC-Crane, Bill maximized his talent as gunsmith. He invented a lot of improvement kit for small arms used by special operation unit under Americ navy, along with various ammunition that were designed for specific purpose.

    Bill loved his life as master gunsmith, but then his wife had to return to Nikko. As the only child in her family, she had to take over the company her father left behind after he passed away because of old age. And so, Bill went to Nikko and assisted his wife to carry her filial duty.

    The company that Bill¡¯s wife had to run was a small welding and casting company. Its main products were ornamental door knob or door handle made of cooper, brass, or titanium alloy. Therefore, Bill could adapt to his new job with ease because working with cooper, brass, or titanium was not a new field for him. He was very good at it instead.

    Bill then carried his civilian life peacefully. He even started to forget his hobby of improving firearm. However, around four years ago, some people recognized Bill¡¯s old job as master gunsmith. They then asked him to make one or two things for them. Bill didn¡¯t refuse the request, as long as it was only improvement kit, hunting rifle, or simmunition.

    And a few days ago, Bill received an order through Paolo, a friend he met not long after he started his new life in Nikko. The order included a huge amount of simmunition that would take considerable time to produce, but coincidently Bill had ready stock for it.

    And tonight, Bill had just finished his dinner with his family when Paolo texted him that his buyer wanted to close the deal in two hours. Bill instantly cursed, but he didn¡¯t reject the request and asked Paolo to come to his personal workshop.

    ---

    Bill¡¯s personal workshop was located only a block from his house. Initially, it was a small caf¨¦. When it went bankrupt, Bill bought the building and turned it into a high-tech firearm workshop. Bill always considered his firearm workshop was a secret workshop, but Paolo totally disagree because Bill¡¯s wife, son, and daughter knew its existence. Sometimes, Bill would even take his granddaughter to watch a baseball game from small living room in his workshop.

    Therefore, when Paolo arrived and found Bill was sitting in front of a TV, while his two-year-old granddaughter peacefully slept in his lap, it didn¡¯t surprise him at all.

    ¡°Let me guess, you won¡¯t come along to meet my buyer,¡± Paolo said as he sat next to Bill.

    ¡°Yup, it¡¯s direct order from my wife.¡± Bill then turned his gaze to his granddaughter as he continued, ¡°She even asked me to bring our granddaughter to make sure I don¡¯t go with you.¡±

    ¡°Well, if something happen to you because of me, your wife will chop me into pieces, so I have no intention to bring you along from the beginning,¡± Paolo casually said.

    After a smile Bill said, ¡°Thank you for your consideration.¡±

    ¡°No problem, but if something happen to me tonight, please helps my daughter get the right people with right skill to avenge my death.¡±

    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Bill firmly replied.

    Paolo then got up and went to kitchen to make a cup of instant coffee, and Bill calmly waited until he returned to living room before resuming their conversation.

    ¡°Be careful, your buyer is a bunch of troublesome people.¡±

    Paolo took a sip of his coffee before replying, ¡°What do you know about them?¡±

    ¡°Do you remember the raid on Villa Tigera?¡±

    ¡°I do.¡± Paolo paused for a moment before continuing, ¡°An unknown crew wiped out the whole tactical unit of Toruma Family, without firing a single bullet, and then set the villa on fire.¡±

    ¡°There is a possibility your buyer is the crew behind that complex and daring raid.¡±

    ¡°How so?¡± Paolo curiously asked.

    ¡°M4CQB, MP5PDW, and VP9 were the gun used by Toruma¡¯s tactical unit, and that crew looted all of them.¡±

    After contemplating for a moment Paolo said, ¡°That crew could have sold those loot to my buyer.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true. That¡¯s why I said it¡¯s only a possibility.¡±

    Paolo slightly nodded before asking another question, ¡°Let¡¯s say my buyer is the crew behind Villa Tigera raid, how dangerous these people?¡±

    ¡°Very dangerous. They are professional, and they have an extremely good pharmacist in their line up.¡±

    ¡°What so special about their pharmacist, to the point a perfectionist like you called him an extremely good one?¡±

    Bill calmly replied, ¡°He knows how to concoct exotic neurotoxin.¡±

    ¡°Seriously?¡± Paolo turned his gaze to Bill as question mark popped up in his forehead. ¡°Nikko has lot of pharmacist who knew how to concoct exotic neurotoxin as long as they have the ingredient. In this country, nothing special about this skill set.¡±

    ¡°It becomes special if the pharmacist or chemist can concoct it using non-restricted material and method that is not taught at any university on the planet.¡±

    ¡°Interesting.¡± Paolo nodded before enthusiastically said, ¡°Fill me in about this pharmacist.¡±

    Bill immediately nodded and started telling a story. In late 2000s, Ford Motor Company almost leaved this world due to automotive industry crisis in Americ. In the long history of car manufacture, such occurrence was not rare, so the world didn¡¯t really take it as a huge shock.

    However, for many people who had their work closely related to chemical engineering, the dire situation that Ford Motor Company encountered affected them directly. It was because some reagents that was vital for chemical engineering was produced using residue from Ford manufacturing line when they created the mainframe for their car.

    Therefore, when Ford Motor Company had to stop their manufacturing line because their sales dropped to the lowest point, the world of chemical engineering was also losing some of the most vital reagent they needed. As the result, thousands of medical, metallurgy, and environment research across the globe had to be stopped, including decade old research that almost bore its fruit.

    Top chemical manufacture from Americ, Britiss, Germani, and Nikko immediately started the project to produce the replacement reagents. It took four years before they invented the replacement reagents and capable of mass produce it in affordable price. After that, the world of chemical engineering returned to its normal life.

    However, unknown to public, on their journey to find the replacement reagent, a research team from Nikko accidentally invented a high-grade neurotoxin that could be produced using non-restricted material. It was like pesticide research and development at Imperial Chemical Industries in Britiss that ended up with the birth of Venomous agent X or VX agent, one of the best known and deathliest nerve agents.

    Nikko¡¯s central intelligence worked so hard to prevent the neurotoxin from being known and circulated. They even prevent the military from touching it. Their hard work seemed bear a good fruit, until out of nowhere someone used it to kill money collectors from Toruma Family.

    ¡°Is Nikko¡¯s central intelligence tracking this pharmacist right now?¡± Paolo asked as big curiosity filled his eyes to the brim.

    ¡°Yeah, and those spooks got stuck very badly,¡± Bill casually said. ¡°They already checked every pharmacist and chemist in Nikko, both local and foreigner, but they still found no clue about his identity. Right now, they don¡¯t even know from where they have to start their hunt.¡±

    After taking a deep breath Paolo said, ¡°Sometimes ago, Kiotto Caf¨¦ suddenly got a supply of exotic dope. Maybe this dope is also produced by this pharmacist.¡±

    ¡°Could be, could be not, who know?¡±

    After taking another sip of his coffee Paolo said, ¡°Actually, I have a way to track the crew behind Villa Tigera raid.¡±

    ¡°You do?¡± Bill curiously asked.

    ¡°Sort of, they also loot the net-centric tower I made for Toruma Family. If I put my mind on it, I can create a means to track it when they go online.¡±

    ¡°Will you track them?¡±

    ¡°Nope,¡± Paolo firmly replied. ¡°I don¡¯t develop a habit of digging viper nest.¡±

    Bill nodded and said, ¡°Wise move.¡±

    After a moment of silence Paolo asked, ¡°So, where is the merchandise?¡±

    As he pointed his thumb at the garage behind him Bill replied, ¡°In my car. I already change the license plate. The key and the paper are in the dashboard locker.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Wasting no time Paolo went to the garage. After making a quick check on the merchandise and the car, Paolo went back to living room, and he instantly frowned as he found Bill was unconscious while still holding his granddaughter. Bill¡¯s face was facing upward to the ceiling. His mouth slightly opened, and a black dart stuck at his right upper arm.

    Paolo immediately reached out for his Berretta at his waist. However, as he pulled it he felt a small sting in his back, and that was the last sensation he felt before he totally went dark.

    *****

 HA2 17.2 â€“ Troublesome People

    HA2 17.2 ¨C Troublesome People

    In his previous life, Hide knew that an excellent gunsmith was making improvement kit and simmunition for tactical unit under Nikko Central Intelligence. However, he had no personal information about this gunsmith. He only heard a rumor that Paolo got an excellent hunting rifle from him.

    Therefore, Hide placed an order through Paolo, and when the goods was ready, he would followed Paolo to his stash and ambushed him over there. He never expected that Paolo would take the goods from the gunsmith just before the appointment time. Not to mention, Hide actually knew the gunsmith.

    When armorer team for 1st SFG needed advice for specific set up, they would invite Bill Vinod to share his knowledge. Before Hide took advance gunsmith course in JFK Special Warfare Center and School, it was also Bill who prepared him for the course. However, Hide never learned that Bill was the one who made improvement kits and simmunition for Nikko Central Intelligence. Bill tightly guarded his connection with Nikko Intelligence Service.

    ¡®Damn, if I know the gunsmith is Bill, I will contact him directly,¡¯ Hide muttered before checking Bill and Paolo vitals in turn.

    Then, he made sure Bill lay comfortably on the sofa while hugging his granddaughter. Not forgetting, Hide also moved Paolo to the sofa. After that he went to the garage to check his grocery.

    The first item he checked was the barrels, and he couldn¡¯t help but smile after finding that Bill included new firing pin in the package. Normally, when people bought a new barrel they would also get new firing pin for free. However, illegal arm dealer didn¡¯t follow this practice and sold the firing pin separately to scoop more profit.

    ¡®Well, he has good business conduct as usual,¡¯ Hide muttered before checking the quality of the barrel.

    With ease he could tell it was heavy barrel that was produced using cold hammer forging process, featured a chrome-lined bore, and had durability of canon grade. The crown was smooth and was well protected by a four-prong open type flash hider. In short, it was pretty similar to the barrel used in the latest generation of Haka 416C.

    Next, Hide went to check the gas piston conversion kit. It was consisted of two parts, gas block assembly and bolt carrier assembly. Bill already installed the gas block assembly to the barrel. The extraordinary short barrel made him to place the gas block near the muzzle end, and reduced the length of gas piston operating rod.

    The set up was free floating barrel with sightless gas block. Meaning, the barrel didn¡¯t touch the hand guard, and the original triangle front sight couldn¡¯t be re-use on it. However, Bill had included rail-mounted detachable flip-up front and rear sight in his conversion kit. Hide only had to use flat top hand guard and he would have lot of space to place the optic and the flip-up iron sight as a back-up sight.

    As for the bolt carrier assembly, it was pretty standard assembly for piston driven rifle and Hide could directly install it to M4¡¯s upper receiver.

    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    One thing that made Hide grinned widely was that both gas block assembly and bolt carrier assembly were made under the consideration for heavy use and hard abuse. In summary, it would work fine even after firing a few thousands of consecutive rounds in full auto. The only drawback was that the polymer hand guard on M4 from Villa Tigera would melt in such a heavy use, and that¡¯s why Hide planned to replace it with titanium hand guard.

    As he put back the barrel and conversion kit to its box Hide muttered, ¡®Once I turn the titanium block from King¡¯s Hardware into a solid hand guard, I can put everything together and acquire a weapon system with weight and dimension of SMG, but possessing firepower of assault rifle.

    This sub-carbine is the most suitable stick for Knosses job. We have to be ready for high volume gun fight against opposing QRF in case shit hit the fan.¡¯

    Without delay Hide then checked the remaining items. Once he found everything he ordered was there and in a good shape, he immediately opened the garage halfway and asked Takeo to park their cars right in front of it.

    ---

    Bill developed a habit of neatly pack his merchandise in grocery cardboard, so it was very easy to move and transport it. In less than an hour, Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka had already moved everything to Black Zubaru and Black Tritton. The three then gathered together.

    After taking a big gulp of mineral water Hide said, ¡°Go back directly to our workshop, and avoid the highway.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Takeo firmly replied and then asked, ¡°Some passerby saw us when we moved the goods to the car. Will it become a problem?¡±

    ¡°We wear wig, glasses, and stuffed our belly with small pillow, they won¡¯t recognize our true appearance,¡± Hide calmly said.

    ¡°But they will recognize our car,¡± Takeo said as deep concern flashed in his eyes.

    ¡°Can¡¯t help it,¡± Hide turned his gaze to Black Zubaru and Black Tritton as he continued, ¡°Sooner or later people will recognize our cars, but at this point it¡¯s still not a problem. We can also dress our car with sticker or other ornament later.¡±

    ¡°Can we put additional cars to our inventory?¡± Shizuka eagerly asked. ¡°The more cars we have, the more variation we have. It will decrease the possibility people recognizing our covert activities.¡±

    ¡°Additional car variation is good thing,¡± Hide said, ¡°but it will increase Takeo¡¯s burden as the person in charge for transportation. Car maintenance needs huge effort and attention.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind,¡± Takeo firmly said.

    ¡°Twig and I also already found good prey,¡± Shizuka added. ¡°We only need your permission to snatch it.¡±

    Hearing the two had planned it beforehand Hide chose to allow it. ¡°Fine, but make sure it doesn¡¯t bring us unnecessary trouble.¡±

    ¡°¡°Got it,¡±¡± Takeo and Shizuka replied at unison.

    ¡°Have a safe drive then.¡±

    Wasting no time Takeo and Shizuka hopped up to Black Zubaru, and Hide waited until they entered the main road before entering the garage and closed it. After ensuring no trail was left behind, he went to living room. He checked Paolo and Bill vital one more time before putting the money for the goods on the table. Then, he silently left using the side door.

    ---

    As sun arose in the west, with a calm gaze Bill checked the payment that Paolo¡¯s customer had left behind. The money was slightly higher than the agreed amount, so Bill had no complaint. The customer also left a message on the envelope, ¡®Please consider tonight transaction never happened. Have a nice day¡¯, and Bill also had no problem with this message.

    Even so, Bill still had one big problem he couldn¡¯t swallow. After heaving a deep sigh, Bill shifted his gaze from the envelope to Paolo.

    ¡°You led those troublesome people to my place.¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Paolo regretfully said without any intention to defend his blunder.

    ¡°Fortunately,¡± Chill ran through on Bill¡¯s spine as he continued, ¡°They left peacefully.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± After pausing for a moment Paolo asked, ¡°Will you report tonight transaction to your contact in Central Intelligence?¡±

    ¡°Nope,¡± Bill firmly replied. ¡°I only agreed to make improvement kit and simmunition for them. I have no obligation to help them track the pharmacist on their laundry list. Not to mention, it can expose my family to retaliatory action from his crew.¡±

    ¡°Wise move,¡± Paolo firmly expressed his agreement. ¡°We are too old for young game. Let¡¯s just enjoy our remaining days peacefully.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    As he handed over Paolo¡¯s commission Bill said, ¡°Thanks for the hard work, and just a friendly reminder, you should take an extra precaution when dealing with troublesome people.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    ¡°Well,¡± Bill took a deep breath before continuing, ¡°Let¡¯s have a breakfast in my place before you go home.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, nice idea.¡±

    After gently waking up her granddaughter, Bill took Paolo to his house. Both Bill and Paolo knew that they could have lost their life last night. Even so, they managed to put a calm expression in their face, and ensured no one would sniff their close encounter with grim reaper.

    *****

 HA2 18.1 â€“ Raid Simulation

    HA2 18.1 ¨C Raid Simulation

    In a corner of shooting range Shizuka calmly stood while having breathing exercise. In her right waist she had silenced Haka VP9 neatly holstered in a paddle holster, while in her left waist she had a trash pouch. As for the spare magazines, she put it into magazine pouch in her belly, well attached to her tactical vest, eight spare magazines in total.

    The VP9 had its grip, slide, and magazines painted in bright blue. It was a mark that this weapon system had been converted to fire simmunition. Since a few days ago, while they built the mock-up corridor and mock-up Kamui Finance¡¯s office, Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka had upgrade their firearm training into basic raid drill using simmunition.

    And today was no different, while Shizuka was preparing herself, two steps behind her Hide was setting up the target practices using a tablet that was connected to shooting range control panel.

    A moment later Hide turned his gaze to Shizuka. ¡°Shooter, are you ready?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m,¡± Shizuka replied without turning her head.

    Hide slightly nodded and then said, ¡°Raid.¡±

    Wasting no time Shizuka pulled her silenced Haka VP9 and held it close to her chest, pointed sideway to the floor, and then calmly walked forward. A few seconds later Hide pressed a button in the tablet as he said, ¡°Target.¡±

    In an instant four holographic circles popped up in front of Shizuka, in various height and distance. Shizuka immediately bent her knee as she pushed the VP9 forward, took aim without sight, and then gently squeezed the trigger without stopping her steps.

    Be-beeb! Be-beeb! Be-beeb!

    A series of silenced double tap echoed as Shizuka nailed the target one by one. When she fully emptied a magazine, she immediately changed it. In a swift movement she put the empty magazine into trash pouch in her left waist, and then inserted new magazine into VP9.

    Once all targets were eliminated, Shizuka pulled back her VP9 close to her chest, but her eyes stayed vigilant. A few seconds later Hide gave her another series of bright red holographic circles.

    ¡°Target.¡±

    Without delay Shizuka gave her best to eliminate every holographic, and the sequence continued until she run out of ammo.

    ¡°Shooter, stand by.¡± Hide gave signal before making a small calculation. ¡°Nine magazines and 135 rounds in total, 19 hits out of 32 targets. You have some improvement, but it¡¯s still not swift enough for Kamui job.¡±

    ¡°How bad is my record?¡± Shizuka nervously asked.

    Hide calmly explained, ¡°Considering it¡¯s not even a whole month since you start the training, it¡¯s not bad and pretty good actually. Not to mention, for a target under six meters you always nail it at first shot.

    However, like I said, it¡¯s not swift enough for Kamui job.¡±

    ¡°Hide, explain it in detail?¡± Shizuka asked as big question mark appeared in her forehead.

    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°Unlike here in the shooting range, in a real situation your targets will not just stand still and do nothing when you miss. They will run or take cover. They can also shoot you back, or swarm you, arrive before you in matter of seconds and stab you to death.¡±

    ¡°I also won¡¯t stand still when they come at me,¡± Shizuka firmly refuted.

    ¡°Yeah, but they are seasoned street fighter, train hard regularly, physically far stronger than you, and when they have the chance they won¡¯t have second thought to kill you.¡±

    After heaving a deep sigh Shizuka dejectedly asked, ¡°Do you want to replace me with Twig?¡±

    ¡°Takeo¡¯s score is indeed better than yours, but you can¡¯t replace him to handle the surveillance and network infiltration.¡±

    ¡°So, how do we deal with this issue?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s pretty simple. In the Kamui job you just do double tap on the chest, and not in the head.¡±

    ¡°Double tap in the chest and not in the head?¡± Shizuka curiously asked.

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s perfect solution for your current level,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°Imagine the bright red holographic circle pop up on your targets¡¯ chest, and not on their head.¡±

    ¡°What if it doesn¡¯t enough to deliver instant kill at first shot?¡±

    ¡°Send second double tap, and so on, until your target fall and drop dead on the floor.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¡°Well, enough for basic raid drill. We have completed the mock up. Let¡¯s put it in use for the real simulation.¡±

    ¡°Roger,¡± Shizuka firmly replied.

    ---

    The raid on Kamui Finance would be started from the rest room, so Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka gathered in this section for strategy meeting.

    ¡°Let¡¯s review the update we have. Takeo, tell us what you got,¡± Hide casually opened the meeting.

    Takeo immediately turned on the projector and displayed a picture of a meeting inside Kamui¡¯s office. ¡°They hold weekly meeting every Saturday night. Important people who knew how to run the organization will gather in this meeting.

    Killing these people will disband Kamui Finance, and ensure they will never targeting Shizuka again.¡±

    ¡°How many opposition we have if we hit them when they have weekly meeting?¡± Hide asked.

    ¡°Last Saturday, 16 men attended the meeting. I guess that number will be the minimum opposition we have to clear,¡± Takeo replied.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t Kamui has more people than that?¡± Shizuka curiously asked.

    ¡°Yeah, but they always place four men to guard their brothel house,¡± Takeo said as he changed the picture in the whiteboard with a big and beautiful building. ¡°It¡¯s located in south Nichiko, being registered as private beach bungalow, but in reality this place is a brothel house that specifically provide S&M and other nasty services.¡±

    As she intensely looked at the beach bungalow on the whiteboard Shizuka asked, ¡°Will we hit this place too?¡±

    ¡°For now, let¡¯s put our focus on the main prize,¡± Hide casually replied. ¡°First, we need to think a way to enter Kamui¡¯s office without drawing attention, so a breach with explosive is no go.¡±

    ¡°The door has electric locking system. You need six digits password to open it,¡± Takeo made a rare grin before adding, ¡°Fortunately, I already got the password. Some Kamui member stores it in their smart phone.¡±

    ¡°Good, we have no issue with breaching then,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°Let¡¯s move to the gunfight. How good the room to contain it?¡±

    ¡°Good enough,¡± Takeo firmly replied. ¡°When they have meeting, they will completely lower the curtain to cover the windows, so people from other building around Chikara Tower won¡¯t see the muzzle flash.

    The room is also soundproof so no one will hear the gunshot while the windows are bulletproof. It won¡¯t break and cause unwanted intention when got hit by stray bullet.¡±

    After a smile Hide said, ¡°What an ideal place for a gunfight.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but I also have bad feeling about it,¡± Takeo said in super serious tone. ¡°Sound proof room and bullet proof windows can also be a sign that they have firearm in the room and ready to use it.¡±

    ¡°This possibility is under my expectation, and we will incorporate it to our training,¡± Hide firmly said.

    ¡°Understood,¡± Takeo said.

    ¡°Hide,¡± Shizuka said as she turned her gaze to Hide, ¡°What about the silencer? We won¡¯t need it if the room is sound proof, right?¡±

    ¡°No, we still need silencer,¡± Hide calmly replied. ¡°We can¡¯t dismiss the possibility of eliminating a target or two in the corridor.¡±

    Shizuka nodded and said, ¡°Okay.¡±

    After observing the whiteboard for a while Hide said in a serious tone, ¡°Takeo, you truly did a good job.¡±

    ¡°I just follow your manual,¡± Takeo casually replied, but from his expression it was clear that he was very happy.

    ¡°It¡¯s still an excellent job, be proud of it.¡± After a moment of pause Hide continued. ¡°We don¡¯t have enough time to chew the whole menu of CQB course, so let¡¯s focus the simulation to turn Shizuka into second door kicker.

    And in the raid simulation, we will use adult size silhouettes as target.¡±

    ¡°Wait a second,¡± Shizuka tilted her head to the side before asking, ¡°Did you two prepare adult size silhouettes without telling me?¡±

    ¡°No, this shooting range can generate it for us,¡± Hide calmly explained.

    And Takeo happily added, ¡°The array of micro projectors on the ceiling can generate almost any 2D or 3D image, and Hide had taught me how to operate it. I will be in charge to arrange the target for the simulation.

    And just so you know, the silhouettes won¡¯t disappear unless you hit it in the vital.¡±

    ¡°So, it¡¯s like simulation of shooting a real human?¡± Shizuka curiously asked.

    ¡°More or less,¡± Hide casually replied, and then he asked, ¡°Is our cover for the raid ready?¡±

    ¡°It is,¡± Shizuka replied as she pointed at two big sport bags in a corner.

    ¡°Let¡¯s put it on when we have the simulation,¡± Hide said. ¡°We train like how we fight.¡±

    Shizuka nodded and replied, ¡°Okay.¡±

    A few minutes later, Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka had begun the first raid simulation on Kamui¡¯s office.

    *****

 HA2 18.2 â€“ Realistic Simulation

    HA2 18.2 ¨C Realistic Simulation

    Even if the mock-up was made only of removable wall, it¡¯s still very useful. It would help Hide and Shizuka to grow familiarization to the layout of the target. In calm steps, Hide and Shizuka walked the mock-up corridor.

    In addition to the wig that hid their true hair style and color, the two were wearing ballistic vest under an ivory coverall, along with construction belt, blue construction helmet, safety glasses, flu mask, rubber boots, and personal radio with wired earphone and wired PTT button. They also had a big waist bag in their left waist, and big backpack in their back. In summary, it was standard outfit of maintenance personnel who on duty to check electricity network in Chikara Tower.

    Chikara Tower was long and fat building, so the walk from the restroom to Kamui¡¯s office was rather long. However, it¡¯s a good thing as it gave Hide an ample of time to drill some knowledge to Shizuka.

    ¡°When you walk in a long corridor like this, don¡¯t forget to constantly check your back, especially if you wear your tactical gear openly,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°Always remember that tactical gear is like an announcement of your tactical present.

    A harmless person you meet along the way can be opposing side¡¯s spotter, and once this rat report your position, there is a possibility the bad dudes will try to sneak on you.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Shizuka firmly replied.

    ¡°And,¡± Hide looked back to emergency exit before continuing, ¡°When you are clearing a room, just imagine you are entering a nest of deadly viper.¡±

    Goose bump instantly hit Shizuka, ¡°Hide, that¡¯s scary as fuck.¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°When you check every nook and cranny in the room, you will be very tense and jumpy. The picture of a viper will bite you from the direction you less expected will fill your mind to the brim.

    Maybe it will bite your ankle from behind, maybe it will fall into your shoulder from above, maybe it will jump at your face, maybe the room has more than one viper, and so on. Your worst case imagination will make your five senses very sharp, but it will also amplify your fear, and there is a possibility it will numb you at the most crucial moment.

    However, if you keep repeating the process, you will become very good at it. You know where the snake usually hides, its favorite sneak attack, or its other habit, and how to properly handle your fear.

    Got it?¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Shizuka calmly replied.

    After passing one lobby after another, Hide and Shizuka finally arrived in front of the supposedly Kamui¡¯s office steel door. Wasting no time Hide took a tablet from his right pocket and used it to peek into the room through CCTV that Takeo had taken over.

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

    After sharing the image with Shizuka, Hide asked, ¡°Are you ready?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m,¡± Shizuka firmly replied.

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget,¡± Hide said as he put the tablet back into his left pocket, ¡°Follow your assault line and adjust your pace with mine. Don¡¯t go too fast.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s get it done then.¡±

    Wasting no time, Hide and Shizuka opened their waist bag. Other than silenced Haka VP9, they also had 10 spare magazines in their waist bag. The calmly took the silenced Haka VP9, and then Hide put the password to open the steel door and entered the room.

    In a calm step Hide followed the blue line, while Shizuka followed the green line. The two vigilantly walked their own assault line, which lined up along each wall. After ensuring the reception counter and waiting room were empty, they moved to the deeper section.

    As soon as holographic picture of 16 people who gathered in the middle of office section entered their line of sight, Hide immediately launched shoot to kill at them, followed by Shizuka.

    Be-beeb Be-beeb Be-beeb Be-bebebebebeeeeeb!!!

    Muffled sound echoed as projectile made of plastic cup hit the holographic picture one by one, went through it before hitting table, floor, wall, or other hard objects and then popped up and scattered the compressed chalk powder.

    In less than 8 seconds, all human silhouettes in the middle of the room were annihilated. Hide and Shizuka then inserted new magazine into their VP9 before moving forward while checking every space in their way, including the space under the table, continued by checking other sections, until the two arrived in the safety room and clear it.

    After holstering his VP9, Hide turned his gaze to a corner where Takeo casually stood. ¡°How is it?¡±

    ¡°Shizuka missed one target,¡± Takeo briefly replied.

    ¡°Twig, all targets are eliminated,¡± Shizuka protested.

    ¡°Third table on your assault line, I put a target under it.¡± Takeo walked to the table he spoke of and moved it to the side before continuing, ¡°You checked the first two tables on your assault line, but ignored this one.¡±

    ¡°Damn!¡± Shizuka cursed as she gave the holographic picture of a crouching man under the table a vexing gaze.

    ¡°Thank you for killing us,¡± Hide sarcastically said.

    ¡°You¡¯re welcome,¡± Shizuka sourly replied.

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s bear in mind that the number of targets we peek through CCTV are only minimal estimation.¡± Hide took a snack bar from his pocket as he continued, ¡°It¡¯s not impossible that someone kneel or crouch in spot that is not being covered by CCTV.

    So, always stick to the basic, check and clear every nook and cranny along your assault line.¡±

    Shizuka nodded and replied, ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s step up the game then,¡± Hide said before taking a bite of his snack bar. ¡°Takeo will take the role as opposing shooter. He can freely shot the door kicker from front until all holographic pictures are eliminated, but the door kicker can only shoot the holographic picture.

    That way, we will make the simulation as realistic as possible. And just a friendly warning, even if simmunition projectile is made of plastic cup, it¡¯s still hurt a lot when it hit you. So, it¡¯s not shameful if you cry after getting hit by it.¡±

    ¡°Hide,¡± Shizuka said as she gave Hide curious eyes. ¡°Compare to airsoft bb bullet, how much the pain difference between the two?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s night and day difference. Let me show you.¡±

    Wasting no time Hide pulled his VP9 and shot his left arm, and then rolled his sleeve and showed the dark bluish mark that was left behind by the simmunition projectile.

    ¡°That looks painful as fuck, but you didn¡¯t even flinch.¡±

    Doubt slowly filled Shizuka¡¯s eyes. Then, she pulled her VP9 and pointed its muzzle at her left arm before gently squeezing the trigger.

    Beeb!

    As soon as the simmunition hit her left arm, Shizuka instantly gritted her teeth so hard until Hide and Takeo heard it, and then tears started streaming down for corner of her eyes.

    ¡°FUUUUUUUUCCCKKK!!!¡± Shizuka cursed as loud as she could before rubbing the dark bluish mark in her left arm. ¡°Damn!! It¡¯s hurt as hell.¡±

    ¡°No one asks you to try it,¡± Hide nonchalantly said as he put the last piece of snack bar into his mouth.

    Then, Shizuka turned her gaze to Takeo. ¡°Twig, your turn.¡±

    ¡°No thanks,¡± Takeo firmly said, while inwardly he got a chill every time he looked at the bruise mark at Shizuka¡¯s snow white arm.

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s continue the simulation,¡± Hide casually said.

    After wearing full-face protection helmet, lower arm pad, protection glove, and protection vest that covered the neck, torso, and crotch, the raid simulation was being continued, and Hide was super-duper happy because they carried it out using simmunition.

    Why?

    Because no matter how strict you tried to ingrain finger discipline and muzzle awareness to newbies, it still took time before it became their second nature. Simply said, one of the scariest things when you had CQB drill with newbies was that there was a very high possibility that one of the Noobs would accidentally shoot you in the butt or crotch.

    *****

 HA2 18.3 â€“ State of the Mind

    HA2 18.3 ¨C State of the Mind

    Unlike paintball or bb bullet, simmunition was specifically being designed to work in real firearms with certain modification. The projectile was made of plastic cup that contained compressed chalk powder or paint. It was relativity light so the velocity and energy low enough to enable the shooter to shot other people with minimum protection gear without killing them.

    In summary, simmunition could give a shooter a highly realistic CQB drill, such as the experience of getting shot back at, clearing jammed weapon in middle of fight, or unintentional friendly fire due to combat stress and pressure.

    And so, in the simulation to raid Kamui¡¯s office, Hide and Shizuka could have their fun to the fullest. Hide also didn¡¯t flood Shizuka with theory or knowledge about CQB. He only gave her advice when she made basic mistake that got her ¡®killed¡¯ by Takeo. This training method was called ¡®Practice first, theory later¡¯.

    The method would cost Shizuka a lot of pain, but it was the fastest way to ensure she understood and remembered the reasoning behind every action she had to take, in order to survive and win a close quarter fight.

    Unfortunately, Shizuka took too many ¡®killing¡¯ from Takeo. Therefore, Hide decided to stop the simulation thirty minutes earlier than the schedule, and used the remaining time to teach Takeo and Shizuka how to disassemble, clean, and reassemble Haka VP9.

    ¡°Have you watched the video I gave you?¡± Hide asked as he pulled out his Haka VP9 from holster.

    ¡°I have watched it dozens times,¡± Takeo replied.

    ¡°Me too,¡± Shizuka added.

    ¡°Good. Now, watch how I do it.¡± Wasting no time Hide started the disassembly procedure. ¡°Take out the mag, double check the firing chamber, make sure the gun is unloaded. Pull the slide into rear position and hold it with slide-stop lever.

    Put the take down lever into six o¡¯clock position, and then release the slide back into front position. Pull the trigger once, and you can separate the slide from the gun.¡±

    ¡°Wait a second.¡± Takeo raised his hand as question mark appeared in his forehead. ¡°In the video you gave me, the shooter can directly separate the slide release after putting the take down lever into six o¡¯clock position. He doesn¡¯t need to pull the trigger first.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I have checked the manual from Haka website too, and it¡¯s as you said,¡± Hide casually replied. ¡°But it doesn¡¯t work that way on our VP9. That¡¯s why I can only teach you the disassembly procedure right now.

    Because only yesterday, I figured out that after putting the take down lever into six o¡¯clock position, I still have to pull the trigger once before I can separate the slide.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean the construction of our VP9 and the real Haka VP9 is not exactly the same?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    ¡°Yep, but it¡¯s not rare occurrence for untraceable gun.¡± Hide paused for a second before added, ¡°It¡¯s open secret that small arms manufacture or its subsidiary participate in the production of untraceable gun to some extent. It¡¯s a good source of profit after all.

    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    Other than make sure the components have no mark that can be linked back to them, they usually will also modify the construction or the material of the gun. And even if it¡¯s only minor difference, it will still help them a lot in case they have to say ¡®It¡¯s not our product¡¯ in the court.¡±

    Takeo nodded and said, ¡°I see.¡±

    Shizuka who so far was only listening decided to ask, ¡°How about the quality of our VP9?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s pretty decent,¡± Hide firmly replied. ¡°Full size Picatinny MIL-STD-1913 rail, perfectly molded into solid polymer frame. Cold hammered forged and canon grade steel barrel with modified browning-style cam-locked action.

    These two components alone are already a testimony of how high the quality of our VP9.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Shizuka said and slightly nodded two times.

    ¡°Now,¡± Hide said as he continued the disassembly procedure, ¡°Take out the spring recoil and the barrel from the slide. Then, clean everything through fully, and applying proper amount of oil, not too much, not too little.

    Got it?¡±

    ¡°¡°Got it,¡±¡± Takeo and Shizuka replied at the same time.

    After a smile Hide said, ¡°Try it then.¡±

    Wasting no time Takeo and Shizuka disassembled their VP9. After they cleaned every component and properly applied the oil, Hide then showed them how to reassemble everything.

    Takeo and Shizuka didn¡¯t satisfy to disassemble and reassemble only one gun, so they repeated the procedure using other Haka VP9 in the armory. After that the three went to the martial gym for martial art training.

    ---

    Even if Coach Kotaro didn¡¯t supervise him, Hide carried the training regime he received from him through fully and diligently. He didn¡¯t slack off, but also didn¡¯t overdo it. He was fully aware he couldn¡¯t rush his progress. And so, after he completed the warm up and basic exercise, he continued his martial art exercise with his regular water bag.

    Meanwhile, in other corner Shizuka supervised and trained Takeo. She fully understood that she didn¡¯t have enough time to make Takeo mastered fancy technique. Therefore, she focused her training to ensure Takeo had flexibility, agility, and endurance, along with the basic method to defend himself.

    In short, other than full body stretching, push up, sit up, pull up, jumping rope, and other basic exercise, she asked Takeo to have shadow kick boxing or mitt hitting with her. Usually, Shizuka would focus her attention solely on Takeo, but today something distracted her mind.

    The sound when Hide palm, fist, elbow, knee, or feet made a contact with water bag was louder than usual. She knew that Hide was on a correct track and his explosive power would take a shape sooner or later. However, never did she imagined it would start to appear far sooner than her estimation.

    ¡®He is like an experienced fighter with solid skill and technique,¡¯ Shizuka took a deep breath before continuing her mutter, ¡®Right now he is not there yet, but in a year or two he will definitely break even with me in speed and power.¡¯

    After taking another deep breath Shizuka said to Takeo, ¡°Let¡¯s propose to Hide to add sparring to our morning routine.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Takeo immediately canceled his preparation to kick the mitt. He didn¡¯t fully grasp the reason why Shizuka suddenly wanted to add sparring session to their routine, but he decided it would be the best to just trust her. He then followed Shizuka walked over to a corner where Hide had his water bag.

    ¡°Hide,¡± Shizuka said as she arrived next to Hide. ¡°Can we have sparring in our morning routine, twice a week at least?¡±

    Hide didn¡¯t immediately reply even though he stopped his water bag training. He took two big gulps of mineral water before turning his gaze to Shizuka.

    ¡°How is Takeo progress?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s time for him to learn how to take a beating and hit back with everything he has?¡± Shizuka blatantly said.

    Hide nodded and then turned his gaze to Takeo, ¡°Are you ready to take some beating with your current condition?¡±

    Takeo looked at Shizuka as he said, ¡°I trust her judgment.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s have morning sparring then, twice a week, starting tomorrow.¡± After taking a glance at the fighting cage in one corner of the gym, Hide looked back at Shizuka. ¡°What style do you want to use?¡±

    ¡°MMA,¡± Shizuka replied.

    ¡°Are you sure you want us to spar under MMA rules?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Shizuka firmly replied. ¡°When we have sparring against non-karate user, member of Ryusen Dojo will use MMA rules, so I¡¯m familiar with it.¡±

    ¡°In that case, let¡¯s use Pacific Rim¡¯s rule for entry level fighter, three rounds of two minutes each.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Shizuka happily replied, and then she turned her gaze to the dark bluish mark in Hide¡¯s left arm. ¡°Hide, may I know how you can have an insane level of pain tolerance, you didn¡¯t even flinch when simmunition hit your arm from point blank?

    ¡°It¡¯s a state of the mind,¡± Hide casually replied.

    ¡°A state of the mind?¡± Shizuka asked as big question mark filled her face to the brim.

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s your greatest weapon. It can overcome hunger. It can beat heat. It can eradicate pain. It can control anger. It can help you find your brothers and sisters. You learn how to use it. It¡¯s a state of the mind.¡±

    ¡°The fuck,¡± Shizuka said as she gave Hide a palmed face. ¡°Did you get those lines from Ninja Assassin?¡±

    ¡°No, those lines are from Britiss Royal Marines Commando recruitment ad. Maybe it sound ridiculous, but believe me, your mind is far more powerful than you can imagine.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll remember it,¡± Shizuka seriously said as she got an impression that Hide didn¡¯t joke around.

    ¡°Yeah, you should.¡±

    Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka then ended their morning exercise. After taking morning bath and ate their breakfast, they went to school as usual.

    *****

 HA2 19.1 â€“ Sparring

    HA2 19.1 ¨C Sparring

    As they had agreed yesterday, Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka carried out a sparring match today. Once they finished the raid simulation, they immediately rushed to martial gym. After some warm ups and basic exercise, they replace the water bag or mitt hitting with sparring.

    As she helped Takeo wore his protection gear Shizuka explained, ¡°Full-face reinforced head gear that is specifically designed to prevent blunt force trauma, mouthpiece, vest that cover torso and crotch, and sparring gloves, these three will prevent dangerous injury, but the sparring won¡¯t be pain free.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Takeo calmly replied.

    Shizuka then turned her gaze to Hide. ¡°I haven¡¯t teach Twig how to safely fall to the ground yet. So, don¡¯t use throwing or slamming on him.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Hide replied as he tightened his gloves.

    After making last check to ensure Hide and Takeo wore their protection gear properly, Shizuka brought the two into middle of the fighting cage.

    ¡°When I say start, you can start. When I said stop, stop right away,¡± Shizuka sternly said. ¡°Got it?¡±

    ¡°¡°Got it,¡±¡± Takeo and Hide replied at the same time.

    ¡°Good.¡± After Hide and Takeo put their mouth piece into their mouth Shizuka said, ¡°Start.¡±

    Shizuka then stepped back, while Hide and Takeo raised their guard. Then, never did Takeo imagine that Hide would launch a strike right away, and it came in a lightning speed.

    Baam!!

    Takeo was caught off guard and did nothing as a powerful right front kick perfectly landed on his gut, and sent him flying backward until his back hit the cage¡¯s wall.

    ¡°Urgh¡­ The fuck!!¡±

    Takeo groaned and cursed as he tightly held his gut. Then, his knees lost strength before falling to the floor. Even if the protection vest fully covered his gut, the pain from Hide¡¯s front kick was still hurt like hell.

    ¡°Stop.¡± Shizuka said as she came over to Takeo and checked his condition. ¡°I know it hurt like hell. Hide¡¯s front kick is as perfect as it can be, both in form and motion. If you don¡¯t wear protection vest and he aim at your ribs, we will have to bring you to hospital right now.¡±

    Dark cloud instantly filled Takeo¡¯s face to the brim as he took out his mouth piece. ¡°That¡¯s freaking dangerous.¡±

    ¡°Exactly, but this is what you need,¡± Shizuka calmly said. ¡°Out there, we will facing people who will try to kill us at first attempt, and they really good at it.

    That¡¯s why I and Hide agree that the essence of our sparring is not about learning martial arts, but how to survive a deadly fight, especially for you.¡±

    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    After a moment of silence Takeo said in determined tone, ¡°A team is only as strong as its weakest member.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s true, but our deepest concern actually is that, we don¡¯t want you to get killed because we don¡¯t prepare you good enough.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Takeo firmly replied.

    ¡°Now, take a deep breath, and learn how to overcome the pain while continue the sparring,¡± Shizuka said as she deeply looked at Takeo in the eyes. ¡°In this kind of situation, three rounds of two minutes each can be felt like forever, but you can¡¯t stop midway.

    If you give up the fight here, then, from here on, no matter how hard you train it won¡¯t do any good as your heart have already been defeated.¡±

    ¡°Who said I give up the fight?¡± Takeo said as he put his mouth piece back into his mouth and got up to his feet.

    ¡°Good,¡± Shizuka happily said.

    Wasting no time Hide and Takeo continued their sparring. It was fierce sparring. Takeo kept charging forward no matter how hard Hide hit or kick him. At the same time, here and there Hide would let Takeo to land a hit or kick to increase his confidence.

    Until finally, Hide gave Takeo a solid anaconda choke just before the last round ended. As the result, Takeo lied unconsciously on the floor with white eyes, right cheek on the floor, and saliva dripped down from his mouth.

    ¡°I admit. He has indomitable fighting spirit,¡± Hide said as he took a glance at Takeo.

    ¡°He is,¡± Shizuka happily said, but then her eyes became cold as she continued, ¡°But I think you are too harsh on him. You should put him into a sleep far earlier.¡±

    ¡°I have no intention to spoil him,¡± Hide casually replied.

    ¡°In that case, don¡¯t resent me if I treat you the same way,¡± Shizuka firmly said.

    After a smile Hide happily replied, ¡°Fair enough.¡±

    Without delay Hide and Shizuka moved Takeo out of the fighting cage. Hide held his shoulders while Shizuka held his feet. After that the two started their own sparring.

    ---

    In the middle of fighting cage, Shizuka calmly stood four steps in front of Hide. As she looked at Hide¡¯s casual expression, an amusement grew in her heart. In her entire life as karateka, she had tasted countless sparring matches against boys who were older and physically stronger than her, and she defeated almost all of them.

    After she entered middle school, no boys would stand casually in front of her when they had sparring match. Even Kuroki, a national level Karateka who won male individual 60-kg class kumite two times in row would take her super-duper serious when the two had sparring match.

    And yet, now, a boy in her age who also far weaker than her, stood casually when he had a sparring match against her.

    ¡®Can¡¯t blame him, he never saw how I beat a jerk sparring partner into a pulp,¡¯ Shizuka muttered as she inwardly smiled. Then, she cheerfully asked, ¡°Are you ready?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m,¡± Hide casually replied.

    ¡°Good, fight on then.¡±

    Wasting no time Shizuka and Hide put their mouth piece into their mouth and raised their guards. Then, without any warning the base of Shizuka¡¯s right toe already landed on Hide¡¯s gut. It was powerful front kick, perfect both in form and motion, and smoothly sent Hide flying backward until his back hit the cage¡¯s wall.

    Shizuka was very satisfied because her attempt to make Hide tasted his own medicine went as she expected. Even though it didn¡¯t enough to put Hide down to the floor, it made him groaned painfully at least.

    Most of all, no matter how high his pain tolerance, as long as he was still a human being, Hide would reach his limit. In summary, Shizuka believed she would be able to put Hide down to the floor sooner or later. Wasting no time Shizuka then walked over to Hide.

    ¡®Don¡¯t resent me, I just treats you using your own medicine,¡¯ Shizuka muttered before driving in her right fist into Hide¡¯s left side.

    Baam!!

    ¡°Keuk!!¡±

    Hide groaned as his complexion turned as pale as corps. Even so, his eyes were still full of fighting spirit, and it triggered wrong reaction from Shizuka. Without delay, Shizuka made a preparation to drive another body blow using her left fist.

    However, she suddenly felt a strong grip in her right wrist. When she checked it, she found Hide held her right wrist using his right hand tightly, but it was not a problem.

    While sweetly smiling, Shizuka lightly waved her left fist in front of Hide¡¯s face, to tell him that she could still torture him. However, Shizuka smiled instantly disappeared as she saw a motion from Hide¡¯s waist. It was a smooth motion when someone tried to throw a left hook.

    In reflex Shizuka tried to block the incoming left hook, but she couldn¡¯t raise her right hand as Hide held it.

    Baam!!

    A full force left hook landed on Shizuka¡¯s chin perfectly, followed by a right upper cut. The head gear had prevented a direct contact that could lead into fatal blunt force trauma. Even so, the two consecutive blows still made Shizuka dizzy as hell, and it considerably hindered her ability to react.

    In short, Shizuka couldn¡¯t prevent Hide from holding the back of her head and sending a series of full force elbow strike to her face. Worst of all, it went so fast and everything suddenly turned into total darkness.

    In short, when Hide let her go, Shizuka¡¯s body instantly fell to the floor. After making sure her vitals were stable and she just lost her conscious, Hide then took his protection gear off and checked his gut and left side. He had no dark bruises but the pain was still there and it hurt as hell.

    ¡®Fyuuuuhhh¡­..¡¯ After letting out a long and painful exhale Hide turned his gaze to the peacefully unconscious Shizuka on the floor. ¡°This fierce and brute chick must be Piccolo¡¯s descendant.¡±

    *****

 HA2 19.2 â€“ A Talk in the Morning

    HA2 19.2 ¨C A Talk in the Morning

    As soon as she opened her eyes, Shizuka immediately checked her surroundings. She was still inside the fighting cage. The lighting was already being turned off, and from the refreshing smell of floor detergent she concluded that the gym was already being cleaned.

    ¡®Those fuckers must have been deliberately didn¡¯t woke me up and left me here.¡¯

    Shizuka sourly muttered as she got up to her feet. Then, she felt a stiff sensation from her right cheek, but she found no bruise, swelling, or broken teeth. The pain was also already gone. All of that was thanks to the headgear that specifically designed to prevent blunt force trauma. Even though it couldn¡¯t stop the impact that could lead into temporary unbearable pain, dizziness, and even blackout, the headgear would spare her from fatal blunt force trauma at least.

    Even so, Shizuka couldn¡¯t forget the unpleasant memory when Hide¡¯s elbow hit her in the face repeatedly until she was knocked out cold.

    ¡®He got me there.¡¯ Bitterness filled Shizuka¡¯s heart, while steel determination flashed in her eyes. ¡®I will tear him apart into pieces in the next sparring.¡¯

    After taking her protection gear off and returned it to its place, Shizuka rushed to the kitchen. Over there, he found Takeo was working on something using his laptop.

    ¡°Where is Hide?¡± Shizuka asked.

    ¡°He went to school first,¡± Takeo casually replied. ¡°Isamu Sensei had texted him last night. He wants to have some talk.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Shizuka sourly replied as she sat in front of Takeo.

    Takeo then turned his gaze to Shizuka, ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Shizuka was silent for a while before adding, ¡°This is the first time someone at my age knocked me out. Not to mention he is weaker and slower. It makes me feel like a shit.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask about how you feel,¡± Takeo bluntly said. ¡°What I want to know is, do we have to bring you to hospital for medical checkup?¡±

    After pressing her lips Shizuka sourly said, ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Takeo looked at Shizuka straight in the eyes as he continued, ¡°I saw the footage from CCTV. Hide truly knocked you out very hard.¡±

    ¡°Twig, can we change our conversation into something that doesn¡¯t make me feel shittier than I already have?¡±

    Takeo instantly nodded. ¡°Go take morning shower to refresh yourself. I will warm your breakfast.¡±

    ¡°Let me eat my breakfast first. I¡¯m starving.¡±

    ¡°As you wish.¡±

    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    Without further ado Takeo got up and took a plate of omurice from the fridge. After warming it using microwave, he then served it to Shizuka along with kimchi and warm lemon tea.

    As she looked at ugly face made of tomato ketchup on top of the omelet before her, Shizuka said, ¡°Your drawing is still as ugly as ever.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Takeo openly admitted. ¡°But I remember it clearly. When we were little snooty brats, omurice never failed to cheer you up every time something makes you down to the rock bottom.

    So, after Hide showed me how he knocked you out, I decided to make omurice as our breakfast, and you always complained if I didn¡¯t draw that ugly face on your omelet.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Shizuka casually said without turning her gaze to Takeo, but it was clearly visible that a small smiled bloomed in her lips. Then, she heartily wolfed the omurice down. ¡°It¡¯s still as delicious as ever.¡±

    ¡°Glad you like it.¡±

    ¡°What are you working on?¡± Shizuka asked after putting a spoonful omurice into her mouth.

    ¡°Just simple checking on Kamui¡¯s overseas investment.¡±

    Question mark appeared in Shizuka¡¯s forehead as she asked, ¡°They have overseas investments?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, other than legit investment in Americ and Eurova, Kamui invest tons of money to paper companies in Chyna, but Hide said it¡¯s actually payment for illegal human organ.¡±

    ¡°What a nasty business,¡± Shizuka said as she furrowed her brows.

    ¡°It¡¯s. Hide also said Kamui has solid relationship with Cheat Cheat Party.¡±

    ¡°Cheat Cheat Party? That¡¯s the biggest crime syndicate in Chyna, right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, and I hears their influence reaches Chyna¡¯s officials at any level.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Shizuka nodded two times before putting another spoonful omurice into her mouth, and then continued the talk with Takeo in light mood. Her left jaw was slightly uncomfortable, but eating Takeo¡¯s omurice and talked with him truly cheered her up and erased her shitty moods.

    Of course, she would still take her revenge on Hide, but that¡¯s for another day. Right now, she just wanted to enjoy her moment with Takeo to the fullest.

    ---

    Actually, Isamu Sensei asked Hide to meet him after his daily training at Uruba Hill. However, Hide had to rush to Beauty and the Beast for endurance training at afternoon. So, he asked Isamu Sensei to put forward the meeting morning, before the class starts, and Isamu Sensei agreed.

    In casual steps Hide entered the front gate, and then went straight to the staff office. Over there, Isamu Sensei already waited him in the counseling cubicle.

    ¡°Sensei, good morning,¡± Hide said as soon as he arrived before Isamu Sensei.

    ¡°Morning,¡± Isamu Sensei replied as he looked at Hide from head to toe, and even if Hide already took morning bath and wore his school uniform, he still could tell that Hide just did some exercise. ¡°It seems you also train in the morning.¡±

    ¡°I do,¡± Hide calmly replied.

    ¡°In Beauty and the Beast?¡±

    ¡°No, I find stairs steps near my house that¡¯s good enough to strengthen my knee, calf, and ankle, so I use it.¡±

    Isamu Sensei lightly nodded before saying, ¡°Morning training, Uruba Hill training, and training at Beauty and the Beast, you are truly a hard working kid. No wonder you cleared the goal I gave you sooner than the schedule.¡±

    ¡°Somehow, I enjoy the physical exercise very much, including the training for Hike Run.¡±

    ¡°In that case,¡± Isamu Sensei asked Hide to sit in front of him as he continued, ¡°I guess I can give you your next target.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do as Sensei said,¡± Hide firmly replied.

    After a smile Isamu Sensei said, ¡°For the next three months clear the other six trails in Uruba Hill in less than 16 minutes.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°Just so you know, the trail you have cleared is the easiest trail. And normally, the time limit for this goal is four months. However, it seems you have unique and extraordinary talent for Hike Run, so I believe standard means won¡¯t be enough to draw out your best potential.¡±

    In a formal tone Hide said, ¡°Thank you for your thoughtfulness and consideration, Sensei.¡±

    ¡°Other kids will curse me if I push them beyond their limit, but it seems your disposition is far mature than your age,¡± Isamu Sensei happily said.

    ¡°Thank you for your complement, but I¡¯m just a brat.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be too humble, you deserve every compliment I can give you.¡± After a moment of silent Isamu Sensei then said, ¡°Now, let¡¯s talk about the sport massage you give to Miku and Nao.¡±

    In an instant question mark appeared in Hide¡¯s forehead. ¡°Is that a problem?¡±

    ¡°No, up to this moment at least.¡± Isamu Sensei took a deep breath before continuing, ¡°I mean, it help Nao and Miku improve their record, but it also has potential to go into unwanted outcome.

    The three of you are young, healthy, attractive, and in an age where you start to have interest in intimate relationship. In such circumstance, physical contact will easily trigger your curiosity or desire to go to another level. So, as your teacher I have an obligation to warn you. Don¡¯t do inappropriate things.

    At the minimum, if you want to do it, do it properly in proper place. Most of all, don¡¯t get your partner pregnant unless you are prepare to marry her and provide her a decent life.¡±

    ¡°Understood, Sensei,¡± Hide firmly replied.

    ¡°Good, you can go then.¡±

    After slightly bowing to Isamu Sensei, Hide left the counseling cubicle right away. He also put aside the warning from Isamu Sensei almost instantly. It was a warning brimming with good intention and Hide truly appreciated it.

    However, even without that warning, right now he had no time or mood to fooling around. It was only 15 days before the raid on Kamui¡¯s office, so he had to put his mind for the job as much as he could.

    *****

 HA2 20.1 â€“ Casting Lead Projectile

    HA2 20.1 ¨C Casting Lead Projectile

    Like any Saturday, exactly at seven in the morning, Hide arrived at the shooting range through the hidden lift, and went straight to the armory. Over there, he found Takeo was preparing guns, ammo, and equipment for today simulation.

    ¡°Morning,¡± Hide casually said before helping Takeo with the preparation.

    ¡°Morning,¡± Takeo replied. ¡°What is our plan today?¡±

    ¡°As usual, raid simulation, cleaning the shooting range, recycling ammo in the workshop, rest, and then endurance training at night.¡±

    ¡°What about Shizuka¡¯s request for second sparring match?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    ¡°We did our first sparring just yesterday. Let¡¯s do it again on Tuesday.¡±

    After slightly nodded two times Takeo said, ¡°It will upset her.¡±

    ¡°It will, but let her be.¡± Hide took a deep breath before continuing, ¡°And just between you and me, honestly, fighting Shizuka in a spar when she has a motive for revenge is scary.¡±

    A rare amusing smile instantly bloomed in Takeo lips. ¡°To be fair, I think the way you knocked her out at yesterday sparring is too brutal.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t plan it. It was instinctive reaction as soon as the pain kicked in,¡± Hide explained. ¡°My body just moved on its own.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Actually, Takeo wanted to know what kind of training that Hide had gone through, to the point he possessed such a sharp and swift instinctive reaction. However, in the end he decided to suppress his curiosity.

    Then, Shizuka arrived in the armory and she immediately walked over to Hide and Takeo with rush steps.

    ¡°The bastard Katayama just sent me a text,¡± Shizuka said as soon as she arrived in front of Hide and Takeo.

    ¡°What did he say?¡± Hide asked.

    ¡°He wants me to accompany some guests in a lunch tomorrow, and offer me a generous tip.¡± After heaving a deep sigh Shizuka added, ¡°He said I only have to pretend as a uni student, wear nice clothes, put sweet smiles all the time and no sex will be involved in this job.¡±

    ¡°I assure you. The job will definitely involve some nasty intercourse. They will drug you first, or they will just let their guest bang you with the help of his bodyguards to suppress you,¡± Hide firmly said. ¡°It¡¯s their main MO when they want to introduce the nasty side of adult industry to a new girl.¡±

    Dark cloud in an instant filled Shizuka¡¯s forehead to the brim. ¡°Fuck!! I already accepted it.¡±

    ¡°Hide,¡± Takeo said. ¡°Is it normal for Katayama to put forward the schedule on a girl he has interest with?¡±

    ¡°Nope, as far as I know he works like a clock, precise and methodical,¡± Hide replied.

    ¡°Can you guess why he put forward the schedule this time?¡± Takeo asked another question.

    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡°Maybe Kamui has super important guest that ask for fresh and inexperience beauty, but this guest only put his request in the last moments.¡±

    ¡°What should we do?¡± Shizuka worriedly asked. ¡°We have not completed our preparation yet.¡±

    ¡°No choice. We have to carry the job tonight.¡± After pausing for a moment Hide turned his gaze to Takeo, ¡°Will Kamui hold weekly meeting tonight?¡±

    ¡°They will, but they will hold it at 7:00 pm, an hour earlier than their usual weekly meeting.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s hit them tonight then,¡± Hide firmly said, and then he turned his gaze to Shizuka. ¡°However, I can¡¯t guarantee everything will go smoothly. If you are not ready, say it now. I don¡¯t mind to execute the raid alone while you support Takeo.¡±

    After heaving a deep sigh Shizuka said in determined tone, ¡°I will assist you to carry the raid. Kamui is a problem I bring to us.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s proceed as we planned,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°Carry the last simulation, cleaning the range, and then prepared the gun, ammo, and equipment for tonight.¡±

    ¡°¡°Got it,¡±¡± Takeo and Shizuka replied almost at the same time.

    ---

    In the raid simulation it was clearly visible that Shizuka was very tense, but she cleared out her workload smoothly. Her shooting score also experienced a drastic increase. And when cleaning the shooting range Shizuka started to become casual and relax.

    After that, along with Hide and Takeo, Shizuka went to the workshop with her usual happy-go-lucky attitude, and as the three entered the workshop Hide turned his gaze to her.

    ¡°How do you feel?¡±

    ¡°Alive and kicking like a goat,¡± Shizuka casually replied.

    ¡°Good, today your job will be casting lead projectile.¡±

    Question mark in an instant popped up in Shizuka¡¯s forehead, ¡°Do you mean I will not make lead core and brass jacket?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide firmly replied. ¡°Making jacketed projectile take a lot of time, while we need 4-5 hundreds untraceable rounds for tonight raid. So, we will use the cheap and easy to produce lead cast projectile to meet the amount.¡±

    ¡°What about the lethality level?¡± Shizuka curiously asked. ¡°Lead cast projectile is not as good as jacketed projectile, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s only for scenario at 10-15 meters, I can make cast projectile that pretty similar like our jacketed projectile both in trajectory and lethality, so we don¡¯t need to change the way we shot.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¡°What about me?¡± Takeo asked. ¡°What is my workload today?¡±

    ¡°We still have lot of fresh gunpowder and primer I made from scratch a few days ago, so I will make the untraceable cartridge case, while your job is putting everything together into ready to use ammo.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Takeo firmly replied.

    ¡°And because you still have some time until the lead cast projectile and cartridge case are ready, please clean through fully 5 VP9, 30 spare magazines, and 3 sound suppressor. Make sure no residue, sweats, or fingerprint on them.¡±

    ¡°What about the other equipment?¡±

    ¡°We will prepare it together once we finish our work here.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Wasting no time Takeo went to armory, while Hide took Shizuka to a workbench and prepared the casting kit. It was basic casting kit consisted of 10-pound electric pot, small ladle, bullet sizer/lubricant, three-cavity projectile mold, small hammer, and an 8 liter polymer bucket filled with cold water up to two-third.

    After that Hide took lead ingot, tin, antimony, and some other material that Takeo and Shizuka bought from King¡¯s Hardware. Then, while weighing everything and divided it into five polymer bowls evenly Hide explained the basic knowledge on how to properly casting lead projectile.

    ¡°Pure lead is too soft to face the high pressure from modern smokeless powder. You have to alloy it with a small amount of tin and antimony to produce the hardness you need.¡±

    ¡°What is the ratio?¡± Shizuka curiously asked.

    ¡°95.5% lead, 0.5% tin, and 4% antimony is good ratio for handgun round, but I have my own recipe.¡± Hide paused for a moment before adding. ¡°You don¡¯t need to remember the ratio right now.

    I have made sure each bowl have the correct ratio, you only have to use it bowl per bowl to produce the alloyed lead, and when you need more, I will prepare another bowl for you.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Wasting no time Hide then turned on the electric pot and warmed it to ensure it was totally dry. After that he poured the mix on one of the bowl into the pot. Slowly but surely, the mix melted and bonded together. After gently stirring the fully melted mix, Hide then showed an example how to cast the projectile.

    ¡°Shift the sprue plate on the projectile mold to close to cavity. Then, bring the mold just a few centimeters above the pot, warm it for a moment and keep in mind that if the mold is not warm enough the melted lead won¡¯t smoothly flow into the cavity.

    Then, you can use the ladle to scoop the melted lead and pour it into sprue plate to fill the cavities in the mold.

    Put a little excess of melted lead in the sprue plate, and when this excess dried up, it¡¯s a signal that you can use a small hammer to strike the sprue plate to cut the excess lead.¡±

    Clang!

    A low but sharp impact echoed to all direction as Hide stroke the sprue plate, made it shifted to the side, and exposed a smooth surface of projectile base. Then, Hide moved the mold right into above the polymer container before opening it and let the newly lead cast projectiles fell into cold water.

    ¡°Water quench the fresh lead cast projectile will increase its hardness. Some gunsmiths deem that this step is not necessary for handgun projectile, but it¡¯s a vital step for my recipe.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Lead cast projectile also age and my projectile has shorter shelf life compare to others. You can store it only up to two weeks. If you fire it after that, you will need extra hard work to clean the barrel.¡± Hide paused for a moment before adding, ¡°However, up to 15 meters, my lead projectile has more penetrating power and far deadlier than common lead projectile.¡±

    After nodding her head Shizuka asked, ¡°What about the lead excess? Do we throw it away?¡±

    ¡°No, you can put it back to the pot and melted it.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°If you have no other question, give it a try.¡±

    Without delay Shizuka repeated Hide¡¯s steps in casting lead projectile, and Hide supervised her until she used all mixed from the first bowl and poured in the second bowl to the pot. Once he was sure Shizuka had settled with her task, Hide went to carry his own workload.

    *****

 HA2 20.2 â€“ Infiltration

    HA2 20.2 ¨C Infiltration

    While Shizuka casting the projectile, Hide went to make cartridge case. From the storage room he took two rolls of brass sheet. If you unrolled it, the brass sheet was 10 cm wide and 1 meter long. It was made of 70:30 copper-zinc alloys and had been widely used to make fishing equipment, interior decoration, fashion ornament, and personal jewelry.

    Even though the catalog didn¡¯t mention it, cartridge case, primer cup, and projectile jacket were actually could be drawn out of certain brass sheet from King¡¯s Hardware. Not to mention, it would deliver a far better final product compare to its military grade counterpart.

    By using the punching die Hide turned the brass sheet into brass coin. In matter of minutes, small holes filled the brass sheet to the brim. After that, he turned the brass coin into brass cup before drawing and annealing it into brass tube, and in about two hours Hide had produced around 800s brass tubes.

    Then, Takeo entered the workshop and walked over straight to Hide. ¡°What can I do to help?¡±

    ¡°Have you finished your task?¡± Hide casually asked without turning his gaze from the last batch of brass tube he annealed using electric furnace.

    ¡°I have,¡± Takeo firmly replied.

    Hide nodded and then gulped down a mouthful of mineral waters before saying, ¡°Help me stamp the brass tube.¡±

    ¡°Roger.¡±

    ¡°Follow me.¡± Hide said as he took a box of brass tube and carried it to the stamp die. ¡°Normally, we do the stamp to make the primer pocket, and print the cartridge case¡¯s identity.

    But we are making ghost round, so we won¡¯t leave a mark or identity on our cartridge case.¡±

    Takeo nodded and said, ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¡°Now, watch and learn.¡±

    In swift manner Hide set the stamp die. He had to spend two brass tubes before achieving the result he wanted. Then, he put the fourth brass tube before pulling down the lever.

    After that, Hide took the freshly stamped brass tube, inspected it, and handed it over to Takeo. ¡°Can you do it?¡±

    ¡°Let me do it a few times,¡± Takeo firmly replied, ¡°and then you decide, can I continue or should I receive some corrections.¡±

    ¡°As you wish.¡±

    Wasting no time Takeo carried out the stamp work. For the first dozen stamps, Hide gave him some advice and input. After that, Takeo could do it on his own and achieving a good result.

    Once Takeo settled with his work, Hide took a batch of freshly stamped brass tube, and then turned its neck into a cartridge case. Currently, among the three, only Hide had the skill to neck-turned a freshly made brass tube. Fortunately, he was really good at it and could do it very fast. In a rapid pace he was neck-turning the brass tube one after another.

    Around twenty minutes later, Shizuka had finished the casting work and produced around 800s lead projectiles. Hide then asked her to give the freshly made cartridge case the final annealing.

    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    As for the final tumbling to make the cartridge clean and shiny without a speck of taint, Hide skipped this step as they didn¡¯t have enough time to do it. Not to mention, they didn¡¯t plan to collect and reused the cartridge case for tonight job.

    In a pleasant and comfortable silence, Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka worked together. Then, just before the lunch the three managed to produce 845 piece of ready to use cartridge case.

    After a simple lunch, they then hand-loaded the ammo they needed for tonight job. After that, they took a peaceful nap in the living room.

    ---

    Exactly at 16:30, Hide woke Takeo and Shizuka up. The three then went to load the spare magazines they would use. After that they prepared the rest of the equipment and put it in the shooting range.

    Then, while enjoying raisin bread and a cup of lightly sweetened coffee for their dinner, they gave the assault plan a final check.  Once they were sure they already did every preparation they could for the job, they took afternoon bath in turn.

    Exactly at 18:15, Takeo went down to Mango Terrace, his observation post for tonight job. Meanwhile, Hide and Shizuka stood by in the shooting range. The two stood in front of the equipment, wearing black boxer and T-shirt. A few minutes later Takeo sent a radio call.

    [Orange to Apple, over.]

    ¡°Apple, I hear you.¡±

    [I¡¯m in position and have a solid grip on CCTV.]

    ¡°Send me the CCTV access,¡± Hide asked as he took out an 8¡± tablet.

    [Roger.]

    Once he confirmed that he had access to the CCTV in 7th Floor corridor and inside Kamui¡¯s office, Hide immediately radioed Takeo, ¡°Orange be advise, Apple and Pear are on the way, party is a go.¡±

    [Received and understood, party is a go.]

    Without delay Hide and Shizuka put their equipment on. They put on the ballistic vest first, followed by ivory cover all, construction belt, rain boots, gloves, construction helmet, safety glass, and personal radio with wired PTT button, microphone, and ear piece.

    After that they put waist bag loaded with 10 spare magazines in their left waist, while in their right thigh they strapped a small bag connected to their construction belt. In a glance, the small bag was no different from a tool bag. However, Hide had converted its interior into a concealed holster that could safely hold a silenced sidearm.

    After gently cocking his silenced VP9 and inserted it into holster in his thigh bag, Hide turned his gaze to Shizuka.

    ¡°Ready?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m,¡± Shizuka nonchalantly replied.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m,¡± Shizuka firmly replied.

    ¡°Just a friendly reminder, this will be your first time killing someone intentionally.¡±

    ¡°This is not my first time. Doesn¡¯t matter it¡¯s intentionally or unintentionally. It doesn¡¯t change the fact that I have killed someone,¡± Shizuka rebutted.

    ¡°Killing someone in spontaneous self-defense is a whole universe different from an attempt to kill a group of people intentionally,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°For many years you lives in peaceful country, grow under a civilization which put emphasis that killing other human being is absolutely wrong.

    This moral conscience has deeply rooted in your heart and minds. When you try to break it, it will hit you very hard.

    We can handle it together if it hit you after we complete the job. However, if it hit you when we are in the middle of the job, we are fucked.¡±

    After heaving a deep sigh Shizuka said, ¡°Hide, you said it as if people from our country is weak as hell.¡±

    ¡°Believe me, people from our country is anything but weak,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°And just so you know, I put high regard in our education system or our way of life as a nation. I will even lay down my life to defend it.

    Turning a human being into a cruel demon is as easy as flicking a finger, but turning them into a good and kind hearted soul will required a lot of effort and time. Human is very nasty deep down in their soul.

    As for you, I have solid reason to doubt a first timer.¡±

    Shizuka said as determination flashed in her eyes. ¡°If we fail, I will literally be fucked beyond recognition. I will not let that happen by any means.¡±

    ¡°No hesitation in the middle of the job, like the one you had in Villa Tigera?¡± Hide asked in a drop dead serious tone.

    ¡°Not a bit,¡± Shizuka replied in determined tone.

    ¡°Good,¡± Hide firmly replied. ¡°Let¡¯s go then.¡±

    Wasting no time Hide and Shizuka grabbed the big sport bag where they put the rest of the equipment. Then, they went to the hidden elevator, climbed to its roof before entering the fake air duct.

    Shizuka had no idea about the route, as she had no time to study and memorize it. Fortunately, Hide already remembered it to the smallest detail. In swift but silent movement, he walked down the fake air duct while Shizuka tightly followed him.

    A moment later, the two arrived in the junction to enter the real air duct. From here onward, they had to crawled, before carefully climbing down to reach the air duct network at 7th floor, and then continued the silent crawl.

    Long short story, Hide and Shizuka finally arrived on the ventilator above the rest room at 7th floor, with body drenched by sweats from head to toe. After making sure the restroom was empty, Hide opened the ventilator and let it hanging freely.

    To help him descended from the ventilator, Hide used a short climbing rope. He knotted it to the thick pipe that ran along the air duct network. One end was only one meter long, while the other end reached the floor.

    With ease Hide and Shizuka then came down from the ventilator. To let loose the climbing rope from the pipe, Hide only had to pull the one meter long end. After that he used his arm to coil the rope before putting it back to the sport bag. Meanwhile, Shizuka swiftly put the ventilator back to its position.

    The two then gulped down a mouthful of mineral water before wearing a flu mask.

    ¡°Last check,¡± Hide asked as he took out his tablet. ¡°Are you truly ready?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m,¡± Shizuka firmly replied.

    After using the CCTV to check the situation in the corridor and inside Kamui¡¯s office, Hide then said, ¡°We are going in.¡±

    *****

 HA2 20.3 â€“ Cold Steel on the Throat

    HA2 20.3 ¨C Cold Steel on the Throat

    Chikara Tower was not only high, but also a fat and long building. The longest floor corridor was 260 meter, and each floor was being divided into 10-12 ready-to-use room. Other than restaurants or caf¨¦, most tenants in Chikara Tower rented only one room to be used as office.

    The exception was the 7th floor where the tenants were only four companies and each one of them rented 3-4 rooms and combined it together.

    ¡°Hide,¡± Shizuka said as she walked down the long corridor next to Hide. ¡°Do you know why only four companies rent this floor?¡±

    ¡°Legal consultant for international trading, a web developer who also manage server and network with specific requirement, and a private detective owned by a former high-ranking officer at national police.¡± Hide checked the emergency exit behind him before adding, ¡°Every single one of them is establishment at international level, and their work connected to Kamui to some extent.¡±

    ¡°Are they part of a crime syndicate?¡± Shizuka curiously asked.

    ¡°No, they are real conventional companies,¡± Hide casually replied, ¡°but they also provide their service for bad dudes, and it¡¯s not rare that those dudes are international wanted-criminal. Long short story, it will convenient them a lot if they rent the whole floor for themselves.

    Fortunately, they adopt five days working system so their worker won¡¯t meddle with our party tonight.¡±

    Shizuka nodded and said, ¡°I see.¡±

    As the two continued their walk, Hide took out his tablet from his sport bag and checked the situation inside Kamui¡¯s office. The weekly meeting was already started in the middle of the office quarter, led by Katayama. Other than him, Hide spotted Kamui¡¯s number three, Kamui¡¯s number four, and seven other goons. However, he didn¡¯t spot Kamui¡¯s number one.

    Hide then handed over his tablet to Shizuka and let her studied the situation inside Kamui¡¯s office, before pressing PTT button. ¡°Apple to Orange, do you have a clue for current location of our primary target?¡±

    [GPS tag from his smartphone show that he is in Royal Hotel right now. His driver and four other goons are also with him.]

    Royal Hotel was only two blocks from Chikara Tower so Hide immediately concluded, ¡°There is a possibility he will come over before we finish the job. Warn us as soon as he enter Chikara¡¯s proximity.¡±

    [Roger, but what will we do if he doesn¡¯t come?]

    ¡°Once we secure the prize, we will bait him to come and then ambush and kill him.¡±

    [And if he doesn¡¯t come even after we bait him?]

    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    ¡°All Kamui¡¯s top managements have to die tonight. If he doesn¡¯t come, I will give him a visit and make sure he has smooth trip to the next world.¡±

    [Understood.]

    ¡°Orange, keep watching our back, Apple over and out.¡±

    After passing three unlit, empty, and tightly locked reception rooms with big glass door, Hide and Shizuka finally arrived in front of the steel door with a big sign ¡®Kamui Finance¡¯ on it.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get it done,¡± Shizuka said as she returned Hide¡¯s tablet.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide used the tablet to peek inside Kamui Office for the last time before putting it back to his sport bag.

    He and Shizuka then pulled their silenced VP9. After checking the firing chamber was loaded, Hide turned his gaze to Shizuka. It was clearly visible that her expression suddenly became very tense, but Hide had no choice. They couldn¡¯t just back down and retreat. They had to carry the hit.

    And so, as soon as Shizuka lightly nodded her head, Hide entered the pin to open the steel door.

    Beeep¡­ Clack!

    After a light and short beep the steel door was unlocked and opened on its own. While holding his silenced VP9 close to the chest, tilted 45 degree to the side, and pointed forward, Hide lightly pushed the steel door and stepped in to the reception room.

    From the CCTV Hide and Shizuka already knew the reception room was empty. Even so, they still checked it through fully before putting their sport bag on the floor. Then, they entered the office section in swift turn, and immediately spread out accordingly to their assault line. Hide on the right, while Shizuka on the left.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Katayama asked as soon as he saw two construction workers with handgun entered the office section.

    At the same time, the other goons in the room also turned their gaze to the two uninvited guests, and their expression in an instant became very tense.

    ¡°I said who the fuck ar---¡°

    Be-beeb!!

    Katayama couldn¡¯t finish his words as without warning Hide gave him a double in the face. Katayama¡¯s head slightly yanked to the back before his body fell to the side.

    ¡°Don¡¯t move!!¡± Hide sternly said. ¡°And we won¡¯t kill you. We are here not for your life.¡±

    The basic idea for tonight raid was to ask the goons to surrender after Hide killed Katayama to intimidate them. After that, Hide would execute them with ease. It was sly and despicable tactic. However, if it worked as expected, the raid would go smoothly and happily.

    Unfortunately, the goons refused to follow the plan. After a moment of shock, rage and bloodlust instantly filled their face to the brim.

    ¡°Bastard!!!¡±

    ¡°We will skin y¡ª¡°

    Be-beeb! Be-beep!!

    Be-beeb! Be-beep!!

    Be-be-be-be-be-beep!!

    Without many words Hide responded the incoming rage with double tap in the head, while Shizuka distributed a tight double tap in the chest. Five angry goons rushed to Shizuka, while the other four rushed to Hide.

    Both Hide and Shizuka knew they couldn¡¯t hesitate in the slightest. They were fully aware that they were in a situation where they could die before they could even blink. So, they put every drop of effort they could muster to drop the incoming angry goons as fast as possible.

    From the simulation they carried for the last few days, Hide and Shizuka already knew how to cover each other blind spot, pincer their target under a well-concentrated fire power, and fought as effectively as possible like a single cell organism. However, shooting holographic target was a whole different beast compared to shooting a living and kicking human.

    First, human torso was like a box of tomato juice. When you shot at it with tight group, bloods would splash to all direction, and if you stood closely to them some of the blood would land on your face. Hide had told Shizuka about this, so she didn¡¯t flinch and stay focused when bloods from the goons landed on her face.

    Second, when a healthy, fit, and violent adult was in a rage, their adrenaline would spike to the sky and it would blind their ability to reason or feel pain, especially if those violent adults were people who used to experience a life and death situation.

    In short, a double tap in the chest wouldn¡¯t be enough to drop them. Shizuka would need at least two double tap in the chest to drop each goon. Worst of all, one of the goons who approached her, the one with bald head, threw a chair to her when she tried to reload her VP9. She managed to block the chair, but she lost the magazine she tried to insert to her VP9.

    Then, before she could reach out for another magazine in her waist bag, a cold metal suddenly touched her throat from behind. At the same time, a big and rough palm covered her eyes and then pulled her head backward and pressing it against a bulk shoulder.

    Cold sweat in an instant drenched Shizuka¡¯s forehead, as the image of her throat being slit and blood gushed out from it filled her mind to the brim. For the first time in her life, she felt the terror of facing an imminent death.

    Meanwhile, the bald goon who managed to capture Shizuka took a deep breath full of relief. Then, he turned his gaze to the other intruder who walked over to him while pointing his gun at him.

    After a nasty smile the bald goon said, ¡°Drop your gun or I will slit your friend¡¯s throat open!¡±

    However, the other intruder said nothing while calmly continued his walk, even though he could clearly saw the bald goon was dead serious with his words. And so, the bald goon furrowed his brows while tightening the grip to his sashimi knife.

    *****

 HA2 20.4 â€“ Incoming

    HA2 20.4 ¨C Incoming

    The sound suppressor helped Hide a lot in managing muzzle rise and recoil. Therefore, he could make a rapid transition from one target to another. Double tap in the face was never failed to put a man down to the ground, no matter how fit and violent the man was. In matter of seconds Hide eliminated four angry goons who approached him.

    However, Hide couldn¡¯t be at ease as Shizuka was struggling with her workload. Without delay he went to assist her even though there were only two remaining goons on her way. With ease Hide dropped the goon in the rear with double tap in the head. As for the bald goon in the front, Hide was sure Shizuka would drop him. Under six meter distance Shizuka would nail the bald goon in the head with ease, ended the fight, and then they could proceed to the next phase.

    Unfortunately, Shizuka¡¯s VP9 ran out of ammo and before she could insert new magazine, the bald goon threw a chair to her. After that, everything went so fast and Hide could only let out a sigh as the bald goon managed to seize Shizuka¡¯s throat before he could nail his head.

    ¡°Drop your gun or I will slit your friend¡¯s throat open!¡±

    The bald goon shouted intimidatingly, but Hide ignored it and continued walking forward. It was not that Hide had no care for Shizuka¡¯s life, but there was no guarantee the bald goon would release her even if he followed his request.

    And so, Hide had no other choice but to gamble. He stopped around four meters before the bald goon and immediately switched into conventional stance. His left foot stepped forward half step, his left arm slightly bent downward, while his right arm stayed as straight as possible. Then, he put his right eye behind the rear sight and sight in straight to the bald goon¡¯s right eye.

    Normally, human eyes need 1-2 second to sight in using iron sight. However, Hide¡¯s firearm training from both his previous and present life had shaped his body and mind into an instinctive habit. When he started the movement to switch into conventional stance, his brain would immediately prepare his right eye to adjust its focus. Therefore, as soon as his right eye was behind the rear sight, he would instantly get a clear pinpoint sight to anything he wanted to nail.

    Hide also knew he won¡¯t miss, but he won¡¯t get the second chance if he passed the exact moment of opportunity that present itself before him. The hunch was not the result of a line of thinking. On the contrary, Hide had no time to think. His mind and body was fully focused on one thing and one thing only, an effort to score a perfect single shot. And so, he gently squeezed the trigger.

    Beep!

    A perfect single shot nailed the bald goon at right his right eye, and then the projectile came out from the back of his head with a big splash of blood, brain bits, and skull pieces. Then, Hide lowered his aim as his body and mind left the state of super human concentration.

    And even though the bald goon already dead, Hide didn¡¯t just stood at his place. With swift steps he jogged forwards and took away the sashimi knife in the bald goon¡¯s right grip to make sure it didn¡¯t cut Shizuka in any way as the bald goon¡¯s body tumbled to the side.

    It required many words to explain it, but the event took place only a millisecond from the moment Hide stopped his step. In summary, everything went so fast and even the bald goon went to the afterlife while looking back and wondering what had killed him.

    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    ¡°Take a deep breath,¡± Hide said as he looked at Shizuka¡¯s pale face.

    Even though she already escaped the mortal danger, Shizuka was still greatly shaken by her first time death and life encounter. When Hide fired the headshot, Shizuka also flinched, a sign that she totally lost her calm. It was normal thing, but if she didn¡¯t recover immediately, it could lead into unwanted circumstance.

    ¡°Here, drink it slowly,¡± Hide said as he handed over a bottle of cold mineral water.

    Shizuka took the mineral bottle with shaking hands, and then she took a few big gulps before turning her gaze to Hide, ¡°We need to clear the safe room.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s empty,¡± Hide calmly said as he pointed to the widely open safe room. ¡°But still, we need to carry the comb to other room.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fully aware that you just got a rough shit, but you have to pull yourself together.¡±

    ¡°Hide,¡± Shizuka firmly said, ¡°I can still go on.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡±

    Even though he could see Shizuka was not yet completely recovered from her shock, Hide had no choice but to take her to continue the job. Wasting no time Hide and Shizuka started to clear every nook and cranny in Kamui¡¯s office room by room.

    Kamui¡¯s office was big. Other than reception room, safe room, and office section, it also had a lounge with minibar, martial gym, simple dormitory, kitchen, sauna quarter with soaking pool, and even a torture chamber with two small prison cells.

    It took times to ensure every room was clear of unwanted spoiler, but Hide and Shizuka did the job through fully without taking any short cut. After that the two went back to the reception room.

    ¡°Watch the entry point while I open the safe,¡± Hide said as he grabbed both sport bags.

    ¡°Got it,¡± Shizuka firmly replied.

    ¡°Do you still remember where you should take your position?¡±

    Shizuka firmly nodded. ¡°First corner of left side office section.¡±

    ¡°Why do you take position in this corner?¡±

    ¡°It gives me the visibility to the junction between the reception room and the office section in my front, and to the safe room in my flank.¡±

    ¡°Good. Let¡¯s proceed then¡±

    Without delay Shizuka took position on her over watch position, while Hide went to the safe room. After making sure he could clearly saw Shizuka from inside the safe room, Hide immediately started his work.

    The safe room was small and it was also the personal working room for Kamui¡¯s number one. Other than working table and PC, a set of sofa, and a filling cabinet, the room had two units 90-liter office steel safe.

    ¡®The heck,¡¯ Hide muttered as he put both sports bag on the floor. ¡®They had two safes here.¡¯

    Fortunately the safes were a same model, so the breaching preparation he made would work on both of them. Wasting no time Hide replaced his flu mask with industrial-standard respirator, and then he took out an oscillating saw and set the blade attachment.

    Some people maybe were wondering, could an oscillating saw cut through a thick steel plate that was being designed to build a safe box?

    The answer was yes it could, as long as the user used the right blade. You¡¯ll be astonished by the list of heavy metal that oscillating saw could cut through with the correct carbide tip blade. It could even cut through a thick bar made of tungsten carbide.

    After taking a deep breath, Hide then started the cutting process. His target was a small area around the safe¡¯s locking mechanism, and he would cut it in a rectangular shape. As soon as the carbide flush-cut blade made a contact with the surface of the safe¡¯s door, sharp noise immediately echoed to all direction followed by the spit of metal saw dust and smoke.

    Fortunately, the interior of Kamui¡¯s office was fully sound proof so Hide didn¡¯t have to worry people would hear the noise from his work. In a calm mood he carried the cutting process. The safe was made of thick and though steel plate, but the blade did its job as expected. It took some time, but in the end Hide managed to complete the rectangular cut.

    With a thumping heart he then pulled the safe¡¯s door, and it smoothly opened while the locking mechanism stayed still in its place. However, Hide didn¡¯t find the prize he was looking for. Inside the safe, he only found four AEK-74SU, four Mini Uzie, a dozen Glox 19, various grenades, silencer, spare magazines, and ammo can.

    ¡®The fuck!¡¯ Hide cursed inwardly. ¡°This is their firearm safe.¡±

    At the same time a radio call from Takeo came in, [Orange to Apple, be advise, Kamui¡¯s number one just entered 3rd basement parking lot.]

    After heaving a deep sigh Hide pressed PTT button in his collar, ¡°How many goons he has?¡±

    [His driver and four goons, but he also comes with another six men. I guess they were Kamui¡¯s guest with his body guards, and they look scary as hell.¡±

    ¡°I will check it through CCTV. Orange stays vigilant.¡±

    [Received and understood, Orange over and out.]

    Hide then turned his gaze to Shizuka and he found Shizuka was looking straight at him. He then gave her a hand signal to come over, and Shizuka immediately jogged to him.

    ¡°Help me loads these,¡± Hide said as he took three pieces of Mini Uzie¡¯s magazine from the safe.

    ¡°Do we change our ambush plans?¡± Shizuka asked as she received the magazines.

    ¡°No.¡± Hide then took a can of 9 mm round from the safe and put it on the table next to Shizuka as he added, ¡°But we will add some fire power on it.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Shizuka replied firmly.

    Then, while Shizuka loaded the magazines, Hide calmly checked the incoming prey through CCTV. After that, he took a Mini Uzie from the safe along with a sound suppressor.

    *****

 HA2 21.1 â€“ Ambush

    HA2 21.1 ¨C Ambush

    In CQB Advance Course, in the class that taught the procedure to assault a modern high-rise building, the student would be taught that elevator was a moving coffin unless you had secured both ends. Hide clearly remembered this lesson because his instructors showed it by ambushed his team when they just about to exit the elevator.

    They showered his team with simmunition like there was no tomorrow. Even to this moment, this shitty experience still gave him cold sweats every time he recalled it.

    Unfortunately, in tonight raid Hide couldn¡¯t adopt the tactic of elevator ambush and ended the fight easy way. He had to contain the fight inside Kamui¡¯s office to prevent unwanted attention. And so, he could only silently watch from his tablet as Kamui¡¯s number one, his goons, and his guests used the elevator. Before long, they arrived at 7th floor and Hide immediately put away his tablet.

    A moment later a radio call from Takeo came in, [Orang to Apple and Pear, be advise, target is a few steps from the steel door.]

    Hide immediately pressed PTT button, ¡°Receive and understood, and Orange, we will count on you to help us maintain situational awareness.¡±

    [Copy.]

    Hide then turned his gaze to Shizuka who took position in the left corner of the office section. He had switched off every light inside Kamui¡¯s office, and only a trace of outside light that entered through the small gaps in the window screen faintly illuminated the room. However, Hide¡¯s eyes already adjusted to the dark room. And so, from his position in the right corner, he could clearly saw Shizuka.

    ¡°Be ready,¡± Hide slowly whispered while giving Shizuka a hand signal to prepare her VP9.

    As a reply, Shizuka lightly nodded two times before giving her silenced VP9 a final check. A second later a light ¡®Beeeeb!¡¯ was heard, a sign that someone opened the steel door.

    ¡°Why did they turn the light off?¡±

    A complaint was heard, followed by a series of firm steps that entered the reception room. A moment later, someone turned the light in the reception room on, followed by the light on the office section. Then, a gasp was heard as someone realized the dead bodies that scattered in the floor.

    ¡°What the¡­.¡±

    ¡°Someone is asking for a war.¡±

    ¡°Boss, we have to extract our guests to safety.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kamui¡¯s number one replied with calm tone.

    ¡°Mr. Takamura, do we have a problem?¡± someone with broken English asked.

    ¡°No, my men will handle it,¡± Kamui¡¯s number one firmly replied.

    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    ¡°I sincerely hope no one is stupid enough to make an attempt on my life.¡±

    ¡°No one will be that stupid.¡± After a pause Kamui¡¯s number one added, ¡°Mr. Gua Be Go, rest assure, your safety is not compromised.¡±

    ¡°Good. Always remember that a war against people I represent is hell,¡± Mr. Gua Be Go said in a proud tone.

    Kamui¡¯s number one, Mr. Gua Be Go, and their goons were fully oblivious that the grim reapers who carried the massacre was still in the room and waited for a good opportunity to claim their dear life. Then, the opportunity they were waiting for finally arrived.

    [Apple, all goons are inside the gig, two goons with handgun stand guard in the reception room, and they just closed the steel door.]

    Without delay, Hide got up to his feet, tightly held the silenced Mini Uzie with both hands, low at his right waist, and as the people across his position looked at him with surprise eyes, he gently squeezed the trigger.

    BRRRRRRRRRRRRTTTTT!!!

    It was horizontal long burst from left to right, nailing anything in its path. The long burst would definitely fucked up the sound suppressor, but it worth the result. Five people became its victim while the rest fast enough to drop their body to the floor. The survivors then pulled their handgun and swiftly cocked it.

    Ba-Bang! Ba-Bang! Ba-Ba-ba-ba-bang!

    Two people dared themselves to get up and launched a retaliatory fire to Hide¡¯s position. It was a well placing fire and managed to pin Hide to stay still. He could only duck as low as possible behind a cover while wood chips rained him down.

    [Apple, you have two goons coming your way straight from front, another one is flanking you from your left.]

    Hide immediately took a deep breath before stretching out his silenced Mini Uzie to the small lane in front of him. Then, he launched a spray and pray without exposing his body. From their scream and thud as their body hit the floor, Hide knew he hit the incoming goons fatally.

    Meanwhile, the other goon who tried to flank Hide, didn¡¯t realize that there was another grim reaper he had to watch out. He fully put his focus on Hide, swiftly moving while his handgun and eyes were fixed on Hide¡¯s position. He was totally oblivious that through a small gap in the filling cabinet, a silenced VP9 was directly pointed at his head.

    Be-Beeb!

    With ease Shizuka hit the goon who tried to flank Hide with double tap at the head. Then, as the goon¡¯s body fell to the floor, she saw a man came out from his cover and sprinted to the reception room.

    Shizuka instantly recognized the man. He was Kamui¡¯s number one. In reflex she took aim at his chest and squeezed the trigger. However, she missed. Three double taps and all of them missed.

    Kamui¡¯s number one took a deep breath of relief as he managed to reach the reception room. Then, he said to one of his goon who guarded the steel door, ¡°Let¡¯s scram out of here.¡±

    ¡°What about Mr. Gua Be Go?¡± One of the goons worriedly asked.

    ¡°Do you want to safe him?¡±

    After taking a peek at Mr. Gua Be Go who was lying flat on the floor, facing down and trembling while covering his head with both hands, the goon replied, ¡°No Sir, let¡¯s leave.¡±

    ¡°Wise choice.¡±

    Kamui¡¯s number one then crawled to the steel door while his goons readied their hand gun. Then, he was about to reach out the door¡¯s handle when a ring tone suddenly was heard. The ring tone was so loud and sudden to the point Kamui¡¯s number one and his goons almost jumped at their place.

    While having big question mark all over their face, Kamui¡¯s number one and his goons turned their gaze to the corner next to them, or to be precise to waste bin where the ring tone that almost gave them heart attack came from.

    ¡°Is this bin always in this corner?¡± Kamui¡¯s number one asked as he intensely looked at the ringing waste bin. ¡°Isn¡¯t it should be at the reception desk?¡±

    BLAAAAARRRR!!

    A dazzling white light and loud explosion personally responded to Kamui¡¯s number one curiosity, along with 700 pieces of 3.2 mm steel balls that hit his face and body from a close range. His goons also didn¡¯t escape the heat wave, shockwave, and the deadly steel balls shower. In short, the three were thrown very hard to the wall, and arrived in afterlife even before their burnt, battered, and shredded body fell to the floor.

    From the first day he put Kamui Finance in his crosshair, Hide was fully aware that fire power from two people was too weak. Not to mention it was Shizuka¡¯s first gig as door kicker. That¡¯s why, from the beginning he had put claymore into his math.

    Initially, Hide wanted to use the claymore as precaution in case Kamui Finance had QRF he didn¡¯t aware of, or a group who were willing to send help with short notice. However, he changed his mind as soon as he knew there was a possibility he had to welcome Kamui¡¯s number one and his goons after he seized the office. And so, he didn¡¯t use the claymore as a welcome greeting, but as a means to block anyone who tried to escape his ambush.

    Hide had modified the claymore¡¯s firing device and electric blasting cap assembly into 2G cellphone command-detonated. Therefore, anyone could detonate the claymore as long as they knew the correct number they had to dial. Long short story, Takeo could also detonate the claymore from his position, and he did it perfectly.

    A moment after the blast, everything became very quiet. Wasting no time Hide pressed PTT button.

    ¡°Apple to Orange, actual.¡±

    [Everything is calm in other floors, and no movement from Chikara¡¯s security.]

    ¡°How is our gig?¡±

    [I count 12 bodies on the floor. One is trembling while covering his head. The rest are stay still.]

    ¡°Copy. I will check it and ensure we have no unwanted spoiler.¡±

    *****

 HA2 21.2 â€“ The Possibility of Being Hunted

    HA2 21.2 ¨C The Possibility of Being Hunted

    Slowly and vigilantly Hide and Shizuka came out from their cover. Then, they walked down their assault line and gave every lying body on the floor they encountered a head shot. A moment later, the two arrived next to a fat and trembling man, the only survivor of the ambush. Hide was about to take aim at his head when the trembling man suddenly sprung to his knee and put his hands behind his head.

    ¡°Don¡¯t kill me!¡± The man shouted while panic was all over his fatty face.

    ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t I?¡± Hide casually asked, even though actually he almost got cardiac arrest from the fat man sudden movement.

    Seeing Hide didn¡¯t go straight showering his face with projectiles the fat man instantly smiled. Then, he introduced himself, ¡°My name is Mr. Gua Be Go. I hold the third-highest seat at Cheat Cheat Party.¡±

    ¡°Cheat Cheat Party? The biggest and most despicable crime syndicate in Chyna?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but we are not that despicable actually. It is western propaganda that makes us sound like a crime syndicate.¡±

    ¡°Well, even if what you said is true,¡± Hide casually said, ¡°It doesn¡¯t mean you are truly a high ranking official of Cheat Cheat Party.¡±

    ¡°You can check my ID to confirm it,¡± Mr. Gua Be Go said as he slowly handed over his wallet to Hide.

    Without delay Hide searched the wallet, and he found Mr. Gua Be Go¡¯s ID card and his position in Cheat Cheat Party.

    ¡°Fuck me,¡± Hide weakly cursed. ¡°Why the fuck a big shot like you appear in this place when I hit it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m here to renew a huge deal with some big medical players in Nikko, but I can find other broker,¡± Mr. Gua Be Go calmly explained. ¡°Just let me leave silently and you can continue whatever business you have with Kamui or their remains.¡±

    ¡°Sorry Chubby, I can¡¯t leave a witness,¡± Hide casually said as he pointed the silenced Mini Uzie at Mr. Gua Be Go¡¯s face. ¡±But let¡¯s be a good mahjong buddy in the next life.¡±

    ¡°Young man! You dare?!¡± Mr. Gua Be Go said in a threatening tone.

    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I?¡±

    ¡°W-w-w-wait¡­.¡± After seeing Hide¡¯s determined eyes, panic instantly resurface in Mr. Gua Be Go¡¯s face. ¡°If you kill me, Cheat Cheat Party will send some people to hunt you and your crew, and these nasty people are really good at their job.¡±

    ¡°Well, leave no witness is still my best option I believe,¡± Hide casually replied.

    ¡°What about money?¡± Mr. Gua Be Go expectantly asked. ¡°I can offer you money enough to buy whatever heavenly life you have dreamed for, and no one will hunt you and your crew.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s an interesting offer,¡± Hide paused for a moment before adding, ¡°But past experience teach me that high ranking official from Cheat Cheat Party never kept their words.¡±

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    ¡°Good Brother, only older generation from Cheat Cheat Party never kept their words,¡± Mr. Gua Be Go firmly said. ¡°The current generation of Cheat Cheat Party accepts only honest people with great virtue. I swear.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡±

    Mr. Gua Be Go eagerly nodded his head. ¡°Heaven is my witness, and lightning will strike me nine times if I lie to you.¡±

    As he amusingly looked at the fat smile in Mr. Gua Be Go¡¯s face, Hide concluded, ¡°You must be a successful quack doctor before joint Cheat Cheat Party, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m,¡± Mr. Gua Be Go admitted in reflex.

    ¡°And now you try to coax me using your old trade.¡±

    ¡°No no no no no¡­No!!!!¡± Mr. Gua Be Go firmly denied Hide¡¯s accusation while shook his head. ¡°I have put behind that despicable ways of life, long long long long very long time ago.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Good Brother,¡± Mr. Gua Be Go firmly said. ¡°Right now, I¡¯m just an honest and simple politician.¡±

    After a smile Hide said, ¡°I can tell that.¡±

    ¡°So, Good Brother,¡± Mr. Gua Be Go happily smiled before continuing, ¡°Let¡¯s just let a big problem turn into small problem, small problem into no problem, and then you can enjoy a huge reward and live your life happily ever after.¡±

    Hide took a deep breath before answering, ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s do it that way.¡±

    ¡°Good Brother, you are truly a wise young man.¡± Mr. Gua Be Go then turned his gaze to Shizuka. ¡°Your Sister is also a wise young woman.¡±

    ¡°Even after becoming a big shot you still know how to flatter,¡± Hide casually said.

    ¡°Of course I do. I¡¯m just a simple and humble politician after all.¡±

    After a deep breath full of relief, Mr. Gua Be Go made a big smile, but his smile instantly froze as a series of bright flash suddenly came out of Mini Uzie¡¯s silencer, followed by a short burst that hit his face from point blank. Mr. Gua Be Go¡¯s body then tumbled to the side and hit the floor.

    ¡°Dead man tells no tale,¡± Hide calmly whispered as he changed Mini Uzie¡¯s magazine.

    At the same time, Shizuka who all the time just stood by in silence immediately turned her gaze to Hide.

    ¡°If what Gua Be Go said is true, then, did we just disrupt an important deal that can affect our country medical industry negatively?¡±

    ¡°You are overthinking it,¡± Hide casually replied. ¡°The huge medical deal he mentioned is a transaction for illegal drug and illegal human organs.¡±

    Shizuka slightly nodded a few times before asking another question, ¡°What about people who would avenge his death?¡±

    ¡°Like it or not, those nasty people are our problem now.¡±

    ¡°Maybe we shouldn¡¯t kill Gua Be Go.¡±

    ¡°If we didn¡¯t kill him, he would tell his new broker every piece of information he knew about us.¡±

    ¡°Hide, how can you so sure about it?¡± Shizuka curiously asked.

    ¡°It is standard MO of high butt official from Cheat Cheat Party, no matter the faction they comes from. I experienced it personally,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°But most of all, always remember that in our line of work, don¡¯t ever leave witness.¡±

    ¡°Dead man tells no tale, right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Wasting no time, Hide and Shizuka then went to the next phase.

    ---

    With ease Hide opened the second safe. Inside it he found: 35 million Ren in cash, 12 pieces of 1 kg gold bar, 5 bags of 2 kg cocaine, a stack of treasury bonds from Nikko, Americ, and Eurova, and a huge pile of debt note.

    After ditching the cocaine to the sink in the kitchen and flushed it clean, Hide packed everything else into two sport bags. He also packed the firearms and ammunition in the first safe into four sport bags he found in the martial gym. It was high quality and untraceable firearms, while the workshop had excellent armory, so Hide just couldn¡¯t leave them.

    After everything was ready to be moved, Hide called Shizuka. Then, while pointing his finger at the first two sport bags closest to the door he said, ¡°Start from these two.¡±

    ¡°Money and gold first?¡±

    Hide nodded and replied, ¡°Yup.¡±

    ¡°What do we have in other bags?¡± Shizuka curiously asked. ¡°Other than the debt note I mean.¡±

    ¡°Treasury bond from Americ, Nikko, and Eurova, and firearms.¡±

    ¡°Wait a second,¡± Shizuka said as she turned her gaze to Hide. ¡°If my memory serves, you have told me that we can¡¯t liquid Kamui¡¯s legit investment without leaving a trail. As for the firearms, right now we didn¡¯t lack any. We can carry out Knosses job without additional firearms.

    So, why do you suddenly decide to take the treasury bonds and the firearms?¡±

    ¡°An idea to safely use the treasury bond just popped up in my mind,¡± Hide casually replied. ¡°Soon, we will also have a group of nasty people in our six. Additional firearms are good thing in case they sniff us close enough.¡±

    ¡°Okay. I have nothing to say if you have solid plan.¡± After taking a deep breath Shizuka asked, ¡°The white flour you ditched to the sink earlier, was that drug?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, a highly pure one, in Nikko, its current market price is 145.000 Dillar per kg, almost three times higher than a piece of 1 kg gold bar.¡±

    ¡°Damn.¡± Shizuka paused for a moment before continuing, ¡°I never thought drug is far more expensive than gold.¡±

    ¡°Nikko is one of the countries with tightest drug control. Here, the price of illegal drug is two times higher than in Americ or Eurova.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Well,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°Let¡¯s get back to the work.¡±

    ¡°Roger.¡±

    Wasting no time, Shizuka took the first two bags she had to transport to the workshop. She had to carry it without meeting anyone on the way. Normally, it would be very hard for her to do it. Fortunately, on Saturday night Chikara Tower had almost zero activity. Not to mention, she also received a good assistance from Takeo.

    And so, Shizuka could carry out her work relatively easy. At the same time, Hide carried out the work to clean body trail and forensic trace.

    *****

 HA2 21.3 â€“ After Action Cleaning

    HA2 21.3 ¨C After Action Cleaning

    Ping!

    The elevator¡¯s door smoothly opened and with calm steps Shizuka stepped out. The rooftop was empty, but a CCTV from a building next to Chikara Tower had vantage point to the elevator¡¯s door and some part of the rooftop, so Shizuka had to act carefully.

    To escape the CCTV¡¯s field of view, she went to one of giant air ducks at the edge of the rooftop and disappeared behind it. Then, she crawled along the guard rail until reaching the air duck to enter the workshop, and entered it.

    Crawling while dragging two big and heavy sport bags required a load of hard work, but thanks to her physical fitness Shizuka could do it with ease. Once she put the loot exactly above the workshop¡¯s living room, she returned to the elevator at the rooftop with the exact way how she came.

    ¡®That¡¯s lot of hard work,¡¯ Shizuka muttered as she waited for the elevator to arrive, and let the CCTV from nearby building freely recorded her back.

    Being recorded when going back and forth to the rooftop was not a big deal. Chikara Tower was a sophisticated building that required regular maintenance, so a technician went back and forth to the rooftop was pretty common. It just that Shizuka had to make sure she didn¡¯t give away her gender, or being recorded walking to the direction of air duct that had secret access to the workshop.

    A moment later the elevator arrived and Shizuka immediately went in. Moving the loot to the temporary stashing point only by herself did indeed required load of hard work. But currently, Hide had his own share that not lighter than hers, so Shizuka had no complaint.

    ---

    In underworld, a raid or a kill usually would be followed by the work to erase body trail and forensic trace. This after action cleaning was no less important than the raid itself, and it had to be done by a crew of professionals with specialty from various field.

    Unfortunately, Hide couldn¡¯t hire cleaning crew even if he knew some of the good ones. Letting some people to clean the trail and trace from his job was equivalent to tell them some part of his MO, and he wanted to avoid that at all cost.

    Hide also couldn¡¯t burn Kamui¡¯s office to erase the trail and trace from tonight job. In summary, he had to carry the cleaning on his own and he couldn¡¯t take shortcut. Fortunately, Kamui¡¯s office had everything he need.

    In swift manner, Hide moved all dead bodies to the sauna quarter, and lined it up on the black floor in the middle of the room. Then, he striped it one by one. He put money and gold jewelry to his backpack. After that he put ID card, credit card, and other card into a thick metal bucket, poured in some alcohol, and set it on fire.

    As for cellphones, he stripped it down into some pieces, mixed it with wristwatches and non-gold jewelry, and then put it into a few paper bags before throwing them totrash shaft for non-organic material. Last but not the least, through control panel planted to the wall next to the sauna quarter¡¯s door, he set the sauna temperature at 1500 degrees Fahrenheit for five hours.

    When he studied its blueprint, Hide found that sauna quarter in Kamui¡¯s office was connected to torture chamber by a secret door. He then studied the sauna quarter deeper and discovered that it was actually a camouflage for huge furnace to erase body trail. And now, he happily used it on its owner.

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    ¡®Thank you for providing everything I need,¡¯ Hide happily muttered as the first part of the cleaning went smoothly.

    Then, with casual steps he went to kitchen. He wanted to enjoy some rest before carrying out the cleaning to erase forensic trail on each room, and he was about to take first sip of his coffee when a radio call from Takeo came in.

    [Orange to Apple, do you copy?]

    After taking a sip of his coffee Hide pressed PTT button. ¡°Loud and clear, go ahead.¡±

    [In the equipment room next to the office quarter, I spot a couple of long-range digital cameras and handycams we want to buy. Can we take it, along with hard drives from server room?

    We need a lot of space to store reconnaissance footage and picture. It will be nice if we can have two more mini-servers in the base, 6-8 hard drives each, without spending operational fund.]

    ¡°To be safe, we can only have two additional trips to temporary stashing point, or four sport bags in total. It¡¯s enough to pack everything you want, but the final call is up to Pear who will transport it.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind,¡± Shizuka who just came back from moving the last pair of sport bag said as she entered the kitchen.

    After nodding his head to Shizuka, Hide pressed PTT button one more time. ¡°Apple to Orange, Pear agrees. We will have two additional trips.¡±

    [Copy, Orange over and out.]

    ¡°Let¡¯s also take some food from this kitchen,¡± Shizuka casually suggested.

    ¡°Can¡¯t do that. We can only have two more trips.¡± Hide calmly said before taking another sip of his coffee.

    ¡°I can put it in my backpack,¡± Shizuka insisted.

    ¡°We are already too greedy tonight.¡±

    ¡°I can see that, very clearly¡± Shizuka calmly replied. ¡°But as you said, we can have two more trips, and my backpack is free.¡±

    After contemplating for a moment Hide said, ¡°Select only the lighter one. No canned food or canned drink.¡±

    After a small smile Shizuka said, ¡°Roger.¡±

    ¡°As for now, while I pack Takeo¡¯s request take your time to drink some coffee and eat snack bar. Conserve your energy and keep vigilant for unexpected till the last second.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Shizuka replied, still in cheerful tone.

    Wasting no time Hide then went to pack Takeo¡¯s request. Other than the long-range digital camera, he also found a few boxes of new memory card. Without second thought he packed it too.

    While from the server rooms, other than the hard drives Hide also took some cable connectors, PSU, and internal cooling devices. As for the rack and casing, he could build it from scratch using material and equipment in the workshop.

    ---

    Other than air duct network, emergency stairs, and elevator shaft as ventilation, Chikara Tower also had chimney network that specifically being design to vent hot air and smoke from restaurant or caf¨¦ in the building.

    Sauna quarter in Kamui¡¯s office was also connected to the chimney network, and for almost five hours straight a huge amount of hot air and vapor flowed through it. No one would think that this hot air and vapor were the result from 22 dead bodies that were being exposed to extreme heat.

    Normally, a piece of human body, a dead one of course, would turn into 1.4 - 4.1 kilograms of ash after being expose to extreme heat at 1700 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 hours. However, Hide had to drain moisture content from 22 adult bodies, so he set the timer for five hours. It was a long wait, but finally it came to an end.

    Beeeeb!

    A light ¡®Beeb!¡¯ was heard as soon as the timer hit zero. At the same time the heating elements went off automatically. Wasting no time Hide and Shizuka checked the huge pile of ash in the middle of sauna quarter through a small window on the door.

    ¡°So,¡± Shizuka curiously said. ¡°Human body, and their clothes and shoes will become ash if it gets exposed to extreme heat for certain duration.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide calmly replied. ¡°If we keep taking its moisture content until it goes below 0%, most materials will become ash or dust.¡±

    As a big question mark popped up on her forehead Shizuka asked, ¡°Doesn¡¯t a piece of paper have moister content below 0%?¡±

    ¡°A piece of paper has moisture content around 4.0-6.0%,¡± Hide casually replied while inwardly he muttered, ¡®Damn girl, you should listen to your chem teacher more.¡¯

    ¡°I see,¡± Shizuka who was oblivious to Hide¡¯s inner thought casually nodded, and then she asked, ¡°What¡¯s next?¡±

    Hide casually replied, ¡°Cooling the sauna quarter until it¡¯s safe for us to enter, flush clean the ash using water, put bone remains we find into paper bags, and then throw it to trash shaft for organic material.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Shizuka firmly replied.

    It took around twenty minutes before Hide and Shizuka could enter the sauna quarter, and another fifty minutes to clean the ash and bone remains. After that the two mixed a big batch of antiseptic, floor detergent, and some compound with water, and sprayed it to the ceiling, wall, floor, chair, table, and other furniture on every room, until everything looked like as if it was just being hit by heavy rain.

    In a glance the last cleaning seemed like an excessive measure, but it was important step to ensure the forensic team couldn¡¯t identify the blood, sweat, hair, or other body remains they may found and collected.

    A moment later, after changing the password for steel door, Hide and Shizuka left Kamui¡¯s office wearing rain boots that completely being wrapped by dry and clean towel. They went straight to the rest room, and used the air duct network to return to the workshop totally unrecorded by CCTV.

    *****

 HA2 22.1 â€“ Eat and Rest

    HA2 22.1 ¨C Eat and Rest

    In one corner of Mango Terrace, Takeo sat in front of his laptop. His back was facing the wall so no one could sneak-peek at what he did from behind. Other than black and curly wig, he also wore a thick neutral glasses and fake thin beard. While at his belly he attached a few layers of small towel to make it slightly bulging.

    In his table Takeo also put some latest research journals on software engineering, along with a thick programing dictionary. Therefore, people who saw him would think he was a software engineering student who worked on his final year paper.

    In Nichiko, it was not rare that university students wrote their final year paper in a 24-hour caf¨¦ with good Wi-Fi network. So, people fully ignored Takeo even though sometimes he softly mumbled by himself like someone with mental problem. In short, it was a circumstance that Takeo wanted. People leave him alone to carry his task.

    The people in Mango Terrace also won¡¯t recognize Takeo¡¯s laptop. After separating it from its shock-proof carrier, Takeo replaced its screen with ordinary LED screen and put huge Gundam Zero sticker to cover its back panel. In a glance it looked just like ordinary 10-inch Sonia Vaiyo netbook. No one would think it was an encrypted mil-grade netbook, and one of the most prized loots from Villa Tigera.

    As for the connection, Takeo connected his netbook to a virtual IP address and one-time use internet connection that the network terminal in the base had generated. Then, he established a looping connection to several servers overseas before making silent connection with security office at Chikara Tower and took it over unnoticed.

    For hours Takeo sat in his table undisturbed, enjoying coffee and light snack while carrying his task as spotter. From outside he looked just like a grumpy university student, but inwardly he was actually nervous as hell. Fortunately, the work in Kamui¡¯s office came to an end finally.

    ¡®Thanks God,¡¯ Takeo muttered as he confirmed that Hide and Shizuka have return to the workshop safely. ¡®Time to tie up the loose ends.¡¯

    All this time, Takeo had tricked the personnel in the control room by putting looping footage for 7th floor corridor and elevator that Shizuka used. However, the CCTV kept recording in real time and stored the footage in the server. Therefore, he had to destroy this file and he had to do it by destroying the hard drives through fully, or IT forensic would be able to reconstruct the file.

    Wasting no time he started the procedure to destroy the hard drives in server room. First, he turned off the cooling and maintenance system for the targeted server racks, and then sent the hard drives to go overheated by overwhelming it with massive high-speed data transfer. It took some time, but in the end he managed to completely burn every hard drive he had to destroy, along with all footages in Chikara Tower¡¯s CCTV network for the last 72 hours.

    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    When the maintenance team on duty realized the mishap, it was already too late. They wouldn¡¯t be able to reconstruct the data in the destroyed hard drives, no matter what magical method they used.

    As for the CCTV footage inside Kamui¡¯s office, Hide already took the hard drives that store the footage, so Takeo didn¡¯t need to do anything to erase it.

    ¡®Good night and thank you for your cooperation.¡¯

    Takeo muttered as he terminated the connection with security office at Chikara Tower. Then, he remotely put the network terminal in the base offline before calling a waiter.

    ¡°Do you need another cup of coffee?¡± The waitress happily asked as soon as she arrived in front of Takeo.

    ¡°No, but I need three take-out beef fried rice,¡± Takeo replied as he closed his netbook.

    ¡°Got it, three take-out beef fried rice,¡± The waitress said as she noted down Takeo¡¯s order.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    After a smile the waitress then left, while Takeo leaned his back on the chair and enjoyed the last few sips of his coffee.

    If Chikara Tower filed a report for cyber-attack they received to Metro Police, this incident would definitely draw a huge attention. Generating virtual IP address and an unregistered internet connection was not simple. In Nikko, only a handful of criminal syndicates possessed this sophisticated means, and they would never use it to attack a public building at all cost.

    Nikko Federal Police would likely also get involved in the investigation and put it as one of their top priorities. However, Takeo didn¡¯t worry at all. As long as he put the network terminal offline for the next several weeks and then didn¡¯t use it too often, everything would be fine.

    The hunt by Cyber Crime Unit would go only as far as the looping connection he established using overseas server before meeting with a dead end. The chance they would realize that the network terminal they looking for was stood silently in Nichiko, the city where the cyber-attack took place was also slim.

    At the same time Metro Police would also collect CCTV footage from nearby building and traffic CCTV, but they would find nothing. When entering Chikara Tower, Hide and Shizuka didn¡¯t get recorded by any nearby CCTV. They also reached and leaved the 7th floor without meeting anyone.

    Of course Metro Police would get the footage when Shizuka exited the elevator at Chikara Tower¡¯s rooftop, but that¡¯s all they could get, footage without useful clue.

    In total it took 45 minutes for Takeo to complete the job. After that, he saw some building securities carrying out a perimeter patrol, some also stood-by in some corners in pair. Takeo casually ignored them. A moment later, he received the take-out beef fried rice he ordered. Wasting no time he went to cashier to clear the bill, and then left Mango Terrace in casual steps.

    ---

    By using the hidden elevator Takeo arrived at the shooting range, and then went straight to the armory. On the long table in the middle of the room he found the ballistic vests and firearms that were used in tonight job, but he saw no one. He then went to living room and only found the loots had been moved from temporary stashing point and being piled up in a corner.

    ¡®Where are they?¡¯ Takeo muttered as he walked to the workshop

    A moment later, he took a deep breath full of relief as he found Hide and Shizuka stood in front of chemical fume hood, watching the acid gas dissolved the coveralls, rain boots, and other disposable equipment they used in tonight job.

    Both Hide and Shizuka already took a bath, and now they wore t-shirt and shorts. Wasting no time, Takeo walked over to them.

    ¡°Good job you two,¡± Takeo casually said.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide replied as he turned his gaze to take-out on Takeo¡¯s hand. ¡°That¡¯s smell nice.¡±

    ¡°Beef fried rice,¡± Takeo replied. ¡°You two only had coffee and milk bun for dinner, and then another coffee and energy bar. I guess you will crave for calorie after returning here.¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Shizuka happily replied.

    After a smile Hide asked, ¡°Have you completely destroy the CCTV footage?¡±

    ¡°I have,¡± Takeo firmly replied.

    ¡°Let¡¯s eat and then sleep,¡± Hide happily suggested.

    Without delay the three went to kitchen and wolfed down the beef fried rice. After that they spread out their camping mat in a corner, lay down their tired body on it, and in no time they fell asleep.

    *****

 HA2 22.2 â€“ Second ID

    HA2 22.2 ¨C Second ID

    Morning in the workshop went swiftly. After taking morning bath and ate breakfast, Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka went to process the loot from Kamui job. Firearms were stored in the armory, while the 12 pieces of 1-kg gold bar were placed in one of gun safe.

    As for the hard drives, PSU, internal cooling system, and cable connectors, the three packed it to cardboards. After Hide and Takeo made the server rack and casing for it, they would take it to the base and assembled it there.

    After that, they went to divide the money. First, Hide took the money he lent to buy simmunition and other things from Bill Vinod. After that he took 5 million Ren to refill the operational fund, and divided the rest evenly.

    ¡°Noice,¡± Shizuka happily said as she received additional 8.5 million Ren to her wealth.

    After observing Shizuka¡¯s happy face for a moment Hide said, ¡°We can save some of our money here in gun safe or in hidden spot in our house, but it will be better to have another stash or two.¡±

    ¡°Do you have suggestion?¡± Takeo asked.

    Hide nodded. ¡°Pack your money with some spare clothes in a mid-size backpack and then put it in public locker in subway station.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s safe to use public locker in subway station as money stash?¡± Shizuka asked

    ¡°Nowadays, public locker in subway station is one of the safest places to store things,¡± Hide firmly replied.

    ¡°I see. I will rent some to stash my money then,¡± Takeo said.

    ¡°Me too,¡± Shizuka added.

    ¡°Do it separately, and don¡¯t tell anyone the exact location of your stashes,¡± Hide sternly warned.

    ¡°¡°Understood.¡±¡± Takeo and Shizuka replied at the same time.

    After a small pause Hide said, ¡°Now, let¡¯s talk about our second job.¡±

    Big question mark instantly popped-up on Takeo¡¯s forehead, while Shizuka tilted her head to the side. The two were wondering why Hide wanted to talk about their second job when they had just finished the first. However, the two said nothing and let Hide to continue.

    ¡°Do you still remember the purpose of two small jobs before Knosses job?¡± Hide asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s to prepare us in case we have to face Knosses QRF team,¡± Takeo replied.

    ¡°To be precise, firearm training and gunfight experience is important,¡± Hide firmly said. ¡°And Kamui job has given us gunfight experience, for Shizuka at least, along with operational fund to support our training and some surplus money too.

    As for the second job, its main purpose is to get the money to buy second overseas identity. However, the gold bars we got from Kamui are more than enough to get us new identity.¡±

    ¡°In short,¡± Shizuka said as she fixed her eyes on Hide. ¡°We won¡¯t carry the second job.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide firmly replied. ¡°And so, until the day we execute Knosses job, we will focusing our time, energy, and resource for preparation and training.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind if we don¡¯t carry the second job. The current money I have is enough to assist my parent until we carry Knosses job,¡± Takeo casually said. ¡°But why do we need overseas identity?¡±

    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    ¡°We will use it to open bank account overseas,¡± Hide casually explained. ¡°Bear in mind that the money we will get from Knosses job is more than what we can accumulate in our lifetime as ordinary citizen. It will draw attention if we store it using our current identity.¡±

    ¡°Even if it¡¯s overseas bank, can¡¯t we use second domestic identity to open the account?¡± Shizuka curiously asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind if you want your second identity is domestic. Nikko has the second strongest passport on the planet after all. It will give you lot of advantage when you use it to go overseas,¡± Hide said. ¡°But for me, I will only be at ease if my second rabbit hole is fully overseas.¡±

    ¡°I will have it overseas too. I have a dream to live and work in Italica actually. I will have my second ID as Italican,¡± Takeo calmly said.

    ¡°Good choice,¡± Hide calmly expressed his agreement. ¡°We can ask Paolo to broker it.¡±

    ¡°Wait a second,¡± Shizuka said as she turned her gaze to Takeo, ¡°Can you speak Italican?¡±

    ¡°A little,¡± Takeo sheepishly said. ¡°I learn it at home since my second year of middle school, using online course.¡±

    ¡°I will help you polish your Italican through casual conversation,¡± Hide suggested.

    ¡°Do you speak Italican too?¡± Shizuka asked she turned her gaze to Hide.

    ¡°I speak Germane, Spaniez, Franciss, and Finn too,¡± Hide casually replied. ¡°And I choose Germane as my second ID.¡±

    ¡°You are not human,¡± Shizuka said as shock exploded in her eyes. Then, she took a deep breath before expectantly saying, ¡°I will also have Italican as my second ID, like Twig.¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t,¡± Hide firmly said.

    Dark cloud in an instant filled Shizuka¡¯s face to the brim. ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°For personal security, we have to choose different country, even though later both of you can live together using your second ID.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Shizuka dejectedly said but she didn¡¯t argue. ¡°Then, do you have suggestion which country I should pick?¡±

    ¡°Americ,¡± Hide firmly replied. ¡°You can go to Americ with pretext visiting your mother. Then, I¡¯ll arrange a meeting with ID maker who will help you get your second legit ID.¡±

    ¡°Damn,¡± Shizuka weakly cursed. ¡°Talking to that damn woman is the last thing I want to do in this life.¡±

    ¡°Once you have your second ID, you can live separately from her in case you have to leave Nikko,¡± Hide suggested. ¡°The other feasible option for you is Aussie.¡±

    ¡°I will think about it,¡± Shizuka weakly said.

    ¡°You have a week,¡± Hide said.

    Shizuka lightly nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±

    At the same time Takeo turned his gaze to the stack of treasury bonds on the table. ¡°What will we do with this thing?¡±

    ¡°We will put it as charity,¡± Hide casually replied. ¡°That way, we don¡¯t need to tell the broker about our identity.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean the broker won¡¯t ask our identity if we put the money into charity?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    ¡°Some brokers have that kind of policy, while the rest will absolutely want to know with whom they have a deal, along with the original owner of the bond. This information is essential to estimate the risk they have to face, and also the biggest factor to decide the price.¡±

    After a pause Takeo asked another question, ¡°When will we send the bond to the broker you have in mind?¡±

    ¡°Today,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°Coincidently, Paolo know her.¡±

    Takeo nodded and said, ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Well, for now, let¡¯s process the debt note,¡± Hide suggested.

    Wasting no time the three tore each debt note into four big pieces and took its picture using a small digital camera. There were a few thousand debt notes in total, but the three managed to complete the task in less than three hours.

    After that Takeo sent the picture of each tore debt notes to its owner via email, along with a short message saying that Kamui Finance had been cease to exist starting today. That way, they could safely mask the deletion of Shizuka¡¯s debt.

    Then, Shizuka turned her gaze to Hide while deep concern was visible on her face. ¡°What will we do if even after knowing their organization had cease to exist, the remains of Kamui¡¯s goon at their guest house don¡¯t release the girls under their control?

    Or they have soft copy for the debt note and use it to collect the payment?¡±

    After contemplating for a moment Hide replied, ¡°If they continue their operation, we will wipe them out and you will lead this raid. Use this opportunity to accumulate experience.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Shizuka calmly replied.

    Hide then said, ¡°I need to take Takeo to meet Paolo, so he won¡¯t walk you home.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Shizuka firmly replied.

    Wasting no time Hide took the security bond. Then, the three left the workshop through the hidden elevator before separating their ways.

    Before they went to Paolo¡¯s place, Hide and Takeo went to visit the cars first. They wouldn¡¯t use it for the next few weeks and maybe couldn¡¯t even visit it to carry maintenance, so they had to apply some procedures on those cars.

    *****

 HA2 23.1 â€“ Unexpected Call

    HA2 23.1 ¨C Unexpected Call

    As soon as the train arrived, Hide and Takeo immediately got in. It was Sunday so the whole train was almost empty. Hide and Takeo only found a mother and her kid in the train they entered.

    As soon as they sat in a corner, Takeo immediately started a conversation. ¡°Is it okay for both of us using same broker to get our second ID?¡±

    ¡°Paolo will find the connection between us even if he carries the background check only on one of us,¡± Hide calmly replied.

    Takeo instantly creased his left brow. ¡°How so?¡±

    ¡°Elven Robotics,¡± Hide calmly replied. ¡°He will also recognize it¡¯s only a paper company we create to make an impression that we are hired and get paid by it.¡±

    ¡°I almost forget about it and the digital trace it has.¡± Takeo taking a deep breath before asking another question, ¡°What will we tell him if Paolo ask why we need a second ID?¡±

    ¡®That¡¯s what I want to tell you before we meet him,¡¯ Hide muttered before explaining, ¡°You want to help your parent pay their debt. I want to have medical studies overseas. And so, we steal money from rich jerk¡¯s credit card, 5000 Dillar for each jerk to be precise.

    Then, we use the money to buy custom RC toys and sell it online through third party. But now, we decide to sell the toy and receive the payment through our second ID.¡±

    ¡°Will he believe this last minute made-up story?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter he believe it or not. As long as he¡¯s sure we don¡¯t bring any harm, he will arrange a meeting with ID maker,¡± Hide calmly replied. ¡°Paolo also won¡¯t know the detail of our second ID.¡±

    ¡°What if he asks about the third party we use to sell RC toys?¡±

    ¡°He won¡¯t ask it because we have no obligation to tell him the detail of our trade.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    After a moment of silence Hide added, ¡°If Paolo agrees to help us, he will ask us to wait for 2-3 weeks and use this time span to run a background check on us. He will also tail us a few times.

    Therefore, when we go to the workshop, we will go together, through subway maintenance network with entrance point 5-6 km from Chikara Tower, and fully turn off our cellphone.¡±

    ¡°Is Paolo very good at tailing people?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    Hide firmly replied, ¡°He is not only good at stalking people, but also very dangerous.¡±

    ¡°He is only a former IT guy. Isn¡¯t he?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that simple.¡±

    ¡°Tell me what I miss,¡± Takeo eagerly said.

    ¡°It¡¯s a long story.¡±

    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    ¡°We have lots of time and I really want to know.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± After pausing for a moment Hide started the story.

    Paolo got arrested for credit card manipulation when he was 19-year-old. At that time Italica military was about to start a program to form a signal squadron that could assist a team of tier one unit from close vicinity when this team was sent to carry black ops in hellhole. Paolo joint this program to avoid jail time.

    The first two years of hellish training turned Paolo into an expert of small arms, multiple language speaker, hand-to-hand combat, urban stalking, lock picking, and analog intelligence gathering, while the last two shaped his IT and hacking skill to accommodate the state of the art net-centric equipment he would operate.

    Out of 16 candidates, only Paolo and the other five completed the program. This team then received codename Sofa Team Six. It did excellent assist for countless black ops, and even performed several cover for high-risk retreats without losing its member.

    Unfortunately, a powerful figure in Italica administration secretly used Sofa Team Six to gather information that enabled him to have leverage in politics and business deal. Sometimes he would even send the team to carry out an assassination being masked as accident. It then led to the liquidation of Sofa Team Six dishonorably. Paolo entered private sector after that.

    After taking a deep breath Hide closed his explanation, ¡°Instead calling him a former IT guy, it¡¯s more fit to call Paolo a professional killer with hacking skill set and mindset.

    Back then, I managed to stalk him until he arrived at Bill¡¯s place, and then put him and Bill unconscious because I knew him and Bill well, while they knew nothing about me and fully unprepared.¡±

    Takeo nodded and said in solemn tone, ¡°I see.¡±

    Silence then envelope the two as they enjoyed the rest of the journey by contemplating in silence.

    ---

    Every week Paolo took his day off at Sunday. On this day, his daughter would handle the pasta shop for the whole day. Meanwhile, he would spend the first half of his day for high-speed walk. The route was simple. He would just circle the neighborhood around his pasta shop, but he would do it for four hours straight at 6 km/h.

    Paolo just made a turn at a corner when his cellphone suddenly rang. He didn¡¯t recognize the number but it was not new thing for him, so he stopped his walk and took the call.

    ¡°Paolo, here.¡±

    [Please check the plastic bag on your left.]

    Paolo instantly turned his gaze to the only plastic bag on his left. It¡¯s a normal plastic bag, stuffed to the brim, and lay motionlessly next to a garbage dump. However, he couldn¡¯t help but recalled a bad memory as his eyes was fixed on it.

    ¡°No thanks,¡± Paolo firmly replied. ¡°Last time I checked a plastic bag on a side of a road, it almost blew me into pieces.¡±

    [Dude, we are not in Suriya.]

    ¡°I know, but I offend lot of nasty people, who know if they want to settle some score.¡±

    [If I want to kill you, you will already lay motionlessly on the side of the road right now. Just checks the bag when I ask you nicely.]

    ¡®Fuck.¡¯ Paolo cursed before heaving of a deep sigh, and then he went to check the plastic bag.

    As his heart rate went faster, Paolo opened the plastic bag. He couldn¡¯t help but had presumption he would see an artillery shell with some cables, but all he found was only a stack of Treasury bond. Paolo instantly took a deep breath full of relief, and then resumed the conversation with the unknown caller.

    ¡°What do you want me to do with a stack of Treasury bond? I¡¯m just an owner of pasta shop.¡±

    [Let¡¯s cut the chit chat. Ask Morris Abram to liquid it, and tell her to use it for humanitarian effort in Avrika.]

    ¡°If you know my financial contact in Bermuda,¡± Paolo casually said. ¡°I presume you also know she will need your identity and the summary on how you get the bond.¡±

    [Normally, that¡¯s the case, but not when the money is used for humanitarian effort. She won¡¯t care who handed over the bond or who the original owner was. And just so you know, Morris is the only humanitarian organizer I can trust.]

    ¡°It seems you know her personally.¡±

    [Not personally, she hired me to escort humanitarian convoy a few times. So, I know her work is real deal. I also worked with you once even if we had not met until the operation end.]

    Big question mark instantly popped up on Paolo¡¯s forehead, ¡°When and where?¡±

    [2019, long highway that connected Lebunon and Suriya, my team was tasked to provide long range sniper over watch for humanitarian convoy that would pass this highway. We took position on the ridgeline.]

    Paolo instantly fell into reminiscent. He remembered the mission very clearly. It was his first mission after he entered private sector. That day, every party-with-interest had agreed to let the humanitarian convoy to pass through untouched.

    Until someone decided that it¡¯s a good day to break the agreement, and sending jamming and coordinated assault on both the convoy and sniper over watch. Fortunately, Paolo managed to recover the communication before it was too late.

    [If you didn¡¯t recover our coms, no one would know what had happened to us or provide counter battery to save our ass.]

    ¡°How many KIA we suffered from opposing mortar?¡±

    [Seven, including my team leader, a former Jarhead Scout Sniper, a stern but very reliable dude, especially in a life and death situation.]

    ¡°Seem you were really there.¡±

    [I was.]

    Paolo paused as he recalled that until this moment the detail of the incident had never been mention in any media. People only remembered it as one of many versus contact between local groups in the area.

    ¡°Can you come to my pasta shop?¡± Paolo asked with gentle tone. ¡°Allow me to treat you a nice meal.¡±

    [I want to, but in a few hours I have to carry a job in Golden Triangle.]

    ¡°Well, in that case please have no worry about the bond.¡± Paolo was very disappointed that he lost a chance to have a chat with someone he considered an old friend, but he tried his best to not show it. ¡°However, when you return to Nikko later, please come over to my place.¡±

    [I will, and thanks for the help.]

    ¡°It¡¯s my pleasure.¡±

    After he ended the call, Paolo immediately took the bond and went straight home to his pasta shop. All the way he was in good mood. He was even humming softly.

    *****

 HA2 23.2 â€“ A Talk with Paolo

    HA2 23.2 ¨C A Talk with Paolo

    In the middle of a bridge, two blocks from Tomoya Pasta, Hide casually stripped down the 2G cellphone and voice-alteration speaker he used to call Paolo a moment ago. Other than the battery, he dropped everything else to the river below him.

    Next to Hide, Takeo watched the cellphone¡¯s component hit the surface of the river one by one, and gone for good. Then, he turned his gaze to Hide, ¡°How do you know about the escort mission in Suriya?¡±

    ¡°Bar chat,¡± Hide casually replied. ¡°An acquaintance who directly participated told me about it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s really a nice mislead,¡± Takeo admirably said. ¡°Now, Paolo will never connect the treasury bond to us, two high school kids who milks money through credit card hack.¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡±

    ¡°What about Morris Abram?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    ¡°Do you want to hear the short version or the long one?¡±

    ¡°The long one,¡± Takeo firmly replied.

    ¡°As you wish.¡± Hide then took a deep breath before starting the story.

    Morris Abram was a Jewish American, a lawyer and civil right activist. He was best remembered as civil rights attorney who successfully waged a fourteen-year struggle from 1949 to 1963, to end the Georgia State electoral rule that effectively gave disproportionate weight in primary elections to the whites at the expense of the blacks.

    He also closely worked with Dr. Martin Luther King before he became famous. His works to defend the minority¡¯s interest had caused him lot of business lost. Rumor said he even almost lost his life when a small number of former Americ Special Force who devoted themselves to preserve white supremacy put him on their shit list.

    Morris was then focusing himself on humanitarian work while became an ardent supporter of Jewish cause. He also became opponent of many liberal civil rights advocates. Despite the heavy critics and cynicism for his stand to support Jewish cause, Morris¡¯ humanitarian work was fair, just, and indiscriminate.

    In mid 2000s, a woman used his name as codename every time she organized humanitarian work, mostly in Acia and Avrica. No one knew her real identity, but she was definitely a player in financial world, connected to Eisrel chamber of commerce, and cherished the value that Morris Abram had fought for throughout his life.

    In 2017, this particular woman announced that her daughter would take over her humanitarian work and her codename. The other thing that worth to note was that, lot of former seasoned mercenaries gathered under her wings, protected her, and was fully ready to die for her.

    Therefore, even though she offended lot of dangerous people to the point they tried to track and kill her with everything they had, no one managed to harm her. Her bodyguard killed them all instead.

    ¡°That¡¯s the long story,¡± Hide casually ended his explanation.

    ¡°She must be freakily rich if she can pay lot of mercenaries to die for her.¡±

    ¡°She doesn¡¯t pay them at all.¡±

    Huge question mark instantly popped up on Takeo¡¯s forehead, ¡°How is that possible?¡±

    ¡°She gives those dangerous, fucked up, and broken mercenaries a salvation. In return, they treat her as their messiah.¡±

    ¡°Is Paolo one of them?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    ¡°No, right now he is more like a part-time worker for Morris.¡± After a slight pause Hide added, ¡°He left the flock after his ex-wife passed away in a traffic accident and leaving behind their only daughter alone.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s meet Paolo as two young and beginner hackers who are in a pinch. He has soft spot for this kind of folk.¡±

    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Without delay Hide and Takeo left the bridge. The two went straight to Tomoya Pasta. On the way, Hide dumped the cellphone battery to a garbage bin for stuff that required specific disposal handling.

    ---

    After arriving at Tomoya Pasta, Paolo went straight to second floor through the backyard. When scaling the spiral stairs case he took a glimpse at Clara. She was busy orchestrating the bustling kitchen, but everything seemed fine so Paolo let her did her job undisturbed.

    After taking a bath, Paolo sent a text message to Morris¡¯s man in Nichiko. He told him that someone wanted to donate Treasury bonds with total worth around 5-6 million Dillar. A moment later, he received a reply that someone would pick it up in two hour.

    Then, Paolo went to a small greenhouse in a corner of second floor. It was a modest greenhouse, but more than enough to produce Italica herbs he needed for his cooking. After checking a few clusters of tomato that were almost ready for the harvest, he went to pick some fresh oregano. Paolo was about to make the third pick when one of his staff entered the green house with two boys.

    ¡°Boss, these two want to see you,¡± the staff said.

    ¡°Who are they?¡± Paolo asked while took a glance at his guests.

    ¡°Dunno, after Clara talked a bit with them, she asked me to bring them to you.¡±

    ¡°My name is Uesugi Hidetada, a sophomore at East Nichiko High,¡± The boy in the right respectfully introduce himself. ¡°Nice to meet you, Mr. Paolo.¡±

    ¡°My name is Takeo Ishida, also a sophomore at East Nichiko High,¡± The boy on the left added, also in a respectful tone. ¡°Nice to meet you, Mr. Paolo.¡±

    Paolo said nothing and only creased his brow. Then, he took his smartphone, and calmly took his time to check a few things before saying to his staff, ¡°You can go.¡±

    ¡°Roger,¡± The staff casually replied.

    As his staff left the green house, Paolo looked at Hide and Takeo before asking, ¡°A national champ and a prefectural runner-up for software engineering competition, what bring you two here?¡±

    ¡°We hear from a chat in dark web that you can help us to get second citizenship,¡± Hide said.

    ¡°For your information, Nikko prohibits its citizen from having second citizenship,¡± Paolo said.

    And Hide calmly replied, ¡°That¡¯s the very reason why we come to you. We want a second citizenship without losing Nikko citizenship.¡±

    ¡°Are you saying do you want another citizenship fully unrelated to your Nikko citizenship, a fresh one?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Hide firmly replied.

    ¡°May I know why you need it?¡±

    Without further ado Hide nodded and told Paolo the background story he had prepared beforehand.

    ---

    After hearing the reason why Hide and Takeo wanted a second citizenship, Paolo¡¯s expression when seeing the two became softer. It was pretty much as Hide predicted.

    ¡°That¡¯s smart,¡± Paolo said. ¡°Five thousand Dillar is small enough to be overlooked by most rich jerk. They have lots of credit card transactions around that amount.¡±

    ¡°We do a proper research before starting the milking,¡± Hide calmly said.

    After nodding his head Paolo asked another question, ¡°How many rich jerks do you milk right now?¡±

    ¡°Around 30s.¡±

    ¡°How often?¡±

    ¡°Once every two months.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s another smart move,¡± Paolo admirably said. ¡°I presume after you got your second citizenship and bank account, you will enlarge the operation.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but not too large. At most, we plan to maintain around 50 targets, with milking period around 2 years before we cut them lose from our list.¡±

    After contemplating for a while Paolo turned his gaze to Takeo, ¡°How did Hide coax you to jump into his plan?

    I mean, I can clearly see you have a great gift for software engineering, but you are too honest to plan such slick plan.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s true Hide plan everything,¡± Takeo calmly replied. ¡°But he didn¡¯t need to coax me. I jump in on the spot as soon as he showed me the plan.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± After a smile Paolo turned his gaze back to Hide. ¡°Can you tell me why you want to take medical school? I¡¯m sure you realize that with your skill you will have good future in software engineering.

    You ended up as prefectural runner-up because you enter the competition from the same city as Takeo. If you entered from other prefecture, you would become runner-up at national level.¡±

    ¡°I feel the calling to enter medical world, the surgery field to be precise,¡± Hide casually replied.

    ¡°And why do you choose Germane and not Americ?¡± Paolo curiously asked. ¡°Americ offer more job opportunity for international medical student with excellent grade.

    These medical students then can go back to their home country not only as fresh graduate, but also as experienced medical workers.¡±

    ¡®Well, first, it¡¯s because I have mastered Americ¡¯s advance medical procedure. No point to re-study the standard procedure in the medical school.

    Second, most of top-line hospital in Nikko uses Germane¡¯s medical procedure,¡¯ Hide muttered to himself. Then, he calmly expressed his third reason, ¡°Nichiko University has six-year medical program where in the last two year of the program, they will send some top students to study in Germane under full-scholarship, followed by two year of internship in Germane¡¯s best hospital.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After pondering for a while Paolo said, ¡°It will be expensive, but it worth every penny.¡±

    ¡°How much?¡± Hide firmly replied.

    ¡°72.000 Dillar per citizenship, not including the first deposit to open your bank account.¡±

    ¡°We have the money,¡± Hide casually said.

    ¡°Okay, let me give you the basic outline for the process then.¡±

    After taking a deep breath Paolo started the explanation. First, Hide had to go to Germane while Takeo went to Italica. It was unrecorded arrival so they would use cargo flight and bypass the immigration as goods in the box.

    After that they had to stay for 2 days and 3 nights. When everything was done, they would go back to Nikko using their new citizenship in business flight. The ID maker would take care of the visa and everything else, and also taught them how to extend the visa for their second citizenship.

    That way, whenever they wanted to go overseas from Nikko, they had the flexibility to use either Nikko¡¯s passport or their second one.

    ¡°That¡¯s the outline,¡± Paolo closed his explanation. ¡°As for the detail of your second citizenship, I know nothing about it.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Hide calmly said.

    Meanwhile, question mark popped-up on Takeo¡¯s forehead. Then, he asked, ¡°Mr. Paolo, I don¡¯t mind to go to Italica for a few days if I have to, but, can I skip this step? I can put additional fee if that¡¯s possible.¡±

    ¡°No, you can¡¯t,¡± Paolo firmly replied. ¡°In Eurova and Americ, no matter the citizenship you use to open international bank account, you have to be present in the bank personally. No ID maker can bypass this procedure.

    But have no worry, as long as the ID you use to open the account is legit, the process is easy and fast. You will complete it in less than one hour.

    The ID maker can also arrange a short-trip to Swizz if you want to open your bank account over there, free of additional charge.¡±

    Takeo nodded and said, ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°I have to run a background check on you, to ensure you are not part of dangerous movement or element. It will take 2-3 weeks. After that, if the ID maker agrees to help you, they will arrange the flight.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°We will wait for the good news then.¡±

    ¡°Just a friendly reminder,¡± Paolo said in a drop dead serious tone. ¡°Bear in your mind that no matter how small the crime a hacker does, if he or she is caught, it will end his or her future as programmer.¡±

    ¡°We know,¡± Hide firmly replied.

    ¡°Do you know the name for hacker who escapes the jail time by working for the government?¡±

    ¡°State¡¯s slave,¡± Hide gave Paolo another firm reply.

    After a smile Paolo said, ¡°It seems you really do the research and don¡¯t just enter the field blindly.¡±

    This time it¡¯s Takeo who gave Paolo a firm reply, ¡°We do.¡±

    After leaving their cellphone number, Hide and Takeo then left Paolo¡¯s place.

    *****

 HA2 24.1 â€“ Simple But Nice Dinner

    HA2 24.1 ¨C Simple But Nice Dinner

    From Paolo¡¯s place, Hide went straight to pick up Aizawa from Kitaro. As soon as the two arrived at their house, they then carried out the house cleaning as usual. They started it rather late so they couldn¡¯t finish it before lunch time, but it was not a problem. After a simple lunch they continued the cleaning.

    Hide couldn¡¯t help but smile every time he saw Aizawa cheerfully did the cleaning. Lately, she did not only become more nimble and stronger. It was clearly visible she also had better endurance.

    ¡®The morning exercise finally shows its result,¡¯ Hide happily muttered. Then, he walked over to Aizawa and helped her finishing her last task to wipe the terrace windows. ¡°Aizawa, I¡¯m sorry you have to help Big Bro clean the house every Sunday.¡±

    Aizawa instantly turned her gaze to Hide and made a big smile. ¡°It¡¯s okay. Helping Big Bro cleaning the house is fun.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Hide happily replying.

    The two then finishing today cleaning while having big smile in their face. After that they took a bath, and then enjoying an idle but comfortable atmosphere to slip by, before finally went to Blue Sora to buy groceries just before the sun fully set in the west.

    ---

    Even though Aizawa didn¡¯t mind it, Hide actually had a bit of regret to shift their weekly grocery shopping from Saturday to Sunday. It had considerably cut Aizawa¡¯s chance to relax on weekend, whereas it was the only time she could invite Kei and Rei to play with her.

    A few days ago, Rei and Kei also invited Aizawa to sleep at their house on Saturday night. Kei and Rei said that as their brother had part-time together at Saturday night, it was only proper if their little sisters were playing and sleeping together at the same schedule.

    It was silly excuse. It was also easy to tell that Kei and Rei just wanted to play with Aizawa. However, Hide had no heart to prevent it. Currently, he still tried to find the exact Saturday where he could accompany Aizawa to play with Rei and Kei and stayed overnight at their house.

    As for now, because at noon they couldn¡¯t visit Tohru Ramen for a good lunch, Hide planned to make it up by taking Aizawa to have a diner out after their shopping.

    As Aizawa arrived before him while carrying a pack of soy sauce Hide asked her, ¡°Aizawa, do you have particular food you want to eat for today dinner?¡±

    ¡°Mmmmm¡­.. No,¡± Aizawa happily replied while putting down the soy sauce she carry to shopping basket in Hide¡¯s hand. ¡°Everything that Big Bro cook is yummy. Aizawa love it so much.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Hide weakly said as Aizawa went to find next item in her list.

    Hide had never expected that Aizawa didn¡¯t have particular food she wanted to eat, so it fully caught him off the guard like a goof. However, it didn¡¯t enough to make Hide canceled his intention.

    As Aizawa returned to him while carrying a pack of butters, the last item in her list, Hide said, ¡°Today Big Bro is a little too tired to cook. Let¡¯s have dinner outside.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Aizawa replied without making a fuss, while putting the butter to the shopping basket.

    ¡°Any place or food do you want to try?¡±

    Aizawa instantly turned her gaze to the empty table and stool in front of Blue Sora. ¡°Can¡¯t we have our dinner over there?¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Hide got caught off the guard for the second time, but he didn¡¯t reject Aizawa¡¯s idea and chose to dig deeper. ¡°But can you tell Big Bro why do you want to eat our dinner over there?¡±

    ¡°When Aizawa was still in East Nichiko Elementary School, Aizawa¡¯s friend always had snacking time over there before going home from school. Only Aizawa went straight home. So, Aizawa want to try it.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Hide said in low voice.

    On her way home from school, Aizawa didn¡¯t buy snack with her friends because she had to save her money for Yuko Mountain match and jacket. Hide fully realized it, but he never thought that Aizawa had longing to hang out in Blue Sora¡¯s terrace.

    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    He thought that taking Aizawa to the match and had dinner in Seiya was enough to make up for his past mistake, but he was wrong. He still could do more for it.

    While gently looking at Aizawa, Hide then said, ¡°You decide the menu for today dinner then. Feel free to pick whatever you want.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Aizawa firmly nodded her head, and she also looked very happy.

    ¡®Well, as long as she is happy with it,¡¯ Hide calmly muttered as Aizawa went to pick their dinner.

    Initially, Hide deeply hoped Aizawa would ask him to take her to nearby caf¨¦ or at least bustling street stall they often passed by. However, it could wait. They still had lot of time to spend together. Sooner or later, they would visit various diners, from street stall to fine dining, and had a happy good dinner together.

    And so, while having big smile in her face Aizawa brought the menu for the dinner one by one. So far, she picked menchi katsu or minced-meat cutlet, dorayaki or sandwich pancake, tuna-mayo rice ball, apple pudding, and frozen mikan or domestic grown of mandarin orange.

    In a glance Hide could tell the menu was very random and childish. Not to mention, Blue Sora had dedicated section for take-out hot meal and provided microwave to warm it up. However, Hide said no words and fully followed Aizawa¡¯s arrangement.

    ¡®Without their childish side, a kid is not a kid anymore,¡¯ Hide casually muttered.

    Then, Aizawa returned while carrying a pack of instant ramen. Question mark instantly appeared in Hide¡¯s forehead. ¡°Do you want to eat instant ramen too?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa nodded as she put the instant ramen to shopping basket.

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s change it to instant ramen cup,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°It¡¯s easier to cook it here.¡±

    ¡°But Aizawa wants to eat it uncooked,¡± Aizawa said as she gave Hide an expectant look.

    ¡°Do you want to eat it uncooked?¡± Question mark in Hide¡¯s forehead instantly thickened.

    ¡°Mhm.¡± Aizawa firmly nodded and added, ¡°Like when Aizawa ate it with Big Sis Yukino on the trip to Hakaido.¡±

    In reflex Hide recalled that he and Takeo were the one who showed to Yukino how to eat uncooked instant ramen when they had breakfast in Pine Abbot. Yukino then showed it to Aizawa when they were on the bullet train to Hakaido.

    At that time, Yukino and Aizawa looked very happy as the two shared and munched a pack of uncooked instant ramen like a pair of bunny. And so, he didn¡¯t want to ruin the memory that Aizawa cherished so dearly.

    ¡°I see,¡± Hide calmly said, ¡°but you can¡¯t eat uncooked instant ramen too often, okay?¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Aizawa obediently nodded.

    After a smile Hide then took Aizawa to get their drink. Aizawa happily chose a bottle of mineral water while Hide took a can of non-alcoholic beer. Drinking non-alcoholic beer was like eating ramen without topping. You only got the noodle and the soup, so it lacked the kick that give you satisfied feeling. But Hide didn¡¯t want to drink alcohol when he was with Aizawa, so he settled himself with the kickless beer.

    ---

    After paying everything in the cashier, Hide then used the free microwave to warm up the menchi katsu, tuna-mayo rice ball, and dorayaki. After that the two sat in an empty table in Blue Sora¡¯s terrace, and Hide asked Aizawa to arrange their dinner.

    ¡°That¡¯s such as nice arrangement,¡± Hide said after Aizawa finished arranging their dinner.

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa happily replied.

    The two then put their hands together on their chest before offering gratitude for the food. After that, Hide helped Aizawa to crush the instant ramen into small pieces, mixed it with the seasoning, and opened the package into four directions.

    After Hide put the ready to eat uncooked instant ramen before her, Aizawa immediately took a piece and happily munched it.

    ¡°How is it?¡± Hide asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s tasty,¡± Aizawa replied while her face was brimming with happiness.

    ¡°I see.¡±

    After enjoying a few pieces of uncooked instant ramen, Aizawa switched to menchi katsu. She tore the wrapping paper, and then took a big bite and happily munched it. A moment later, the whole menchi katsu already disappear and Aizawa switched to dorayaki, and it also disappeared in no time.

    ¡®This kid has big appetite,¡¯ Hide happily looked at Aizawa as she enjoyed the frozen mikan.

    Then, Aizawa suddenly fixed her gaze at the non-alcoholic beer in Hide¡¯s hand. ¡°Big Bro, is the beer tasty?¡±

    ¡°Sort of.¡± After a smile Hide added, ¡°This one has bitter after taste, but it can help Big Bro to ease physical tiredness, and prevent over thinking so Big Bro can have a calm and cozy moment. It also goes very well with fried food like menchi katsu.¡±

    ¡°Can Aizawa have a sip?¡± Aizawa expectantly asked.

    ¡°Definitely no,¡± Hide firmly replied. ¡°You can drink alcohol only after your 20th birthday.¡±

    After puffing her cheek for a moment Aizawa argued, ¡°But Big Bro is still eighteen right now.¡±

    ¡°What Big Bro has right now is a non-alcoholic beer, and eighteen-years-old is the minimum age to drink it.¡± A lie smoothly slipped through Hide¡¯s teeth.

    ¡°Then, can we go to Britiss pub as long as we don¡¯t drink alcohol?¡±

    Big question mark instantly popped up in Hide¡¯s forehead. ¡°Why do you want to go to Britiss pub? The place is not as interesting as you think.¡±

    ¡°But Mommy once told Aizawa that Daddy always took Big Bro along when he met with his co-worker for weekend drinking,¡± Aizawa casually said.

    After a slight smile Hide said, ¡°Yeah, he did.¡±

    ¡°At their first date, Daddy also took Big Bro along to meet Mommy at a Britiss pub,¡± Aizawa added.

    ¡°And so, you want to go to Britiss pub too?¡± Hide gently asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Aizawa firmly nodded. Then, she gave Hide an expectant gaze. ¡°Can we?¡±

    ¡°Well, if you really want to go to a Britiss pub, Big Bro will take you there.¡± Hide took a sip of his beer before happily adding, ¡°Let¡¯s finish our dinner and hit some Britiss pub.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa replied while her face was brimming with happiness.

    *****

 HA2 24.2 â€“ Underage Red Matador

    HA2 24.2 ¨C Underage Red Matador

    Nikko was a country with heavy drinking culture, both in ancient and modern times. It was not an exaggeration to call Nikko as country of drinkers. One of the reasons for it was because people in Nikko saw drinking as a way to share a sense togetherness and honesty. This type of drinking was one of core culture in many working place.

    Hide¡¯s father was not an exception of after-work drinking. However, he couldn¡¯t attend it if it was held at weekday. He had to go home as soon as possible once he finished his work, especially when he had overtime. His superior and co-worker didn¡¯t mind it because they knew his father had a little kid who was waiting for him alone at home all day.

    However, Hide¡¯s father had obligation to attend the drinking gathering at weekend, and he always brought Hide along. Hide clearly remembered that his father superior and co-worker would drink until they fully wasted, while his father would only enjoyed non-alcoholic beer and boiled edamame.

    As for Hide, he would be content with a big glass of lemon tea and big serving of fried chicken. When he got bored listening to raving and ranting from adult around him, he would use his father¡¯s thigh as a pillow and fell asleep in no time. The next day, he would wake up on his bed.

    When his father had his first date with Emily, he also took Hide along with him, and Hide took every chance he had to make things hard for the two. However, they didn¡¯t mind his grumpy face or the fuss he created to disrupt their talk.

    The next day, Hide woke up in his bed as usual. The only difference was, he found Emily stayed overnight in his house without his consent. He was very angry, but Emily made him a nice breakfast so he didn¡¯t make a fuss. Hide also clearly remembered that his father and Emily had a bright smile on their face for the rest of the day.

    After his father married Emily, he finally could attend after-work drinking at weekday. As for Hide, he was stuck at home with Emily. He would put a grumpy face all the time, but Emily would just happily tease him without mercy, and she really good at it. At that time he felt it was like hell, but now he missed it so much.

    ¡®How could I was always too late to cherish the precious moment I had in my life?¡¯

    Hide couldn¡¯t help but letting out a sigh as he recalled some of his childhood moments, which became one of the reasons why he would never be able to hate his father even though right now he had no care for his children anymore.

    ¡®Fortunately, I get the second chance to take over your place to look after Aizawa. So Dad, just take your time and we will wait for you until you finish your mourn and come back to us.¡¯

    After silently heaving another deep sigh Hide turned his gaze to Aizawa. ¡°Just a little bit more.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa cheerfully nodded.

    While holding each other hands, Hide and Aizawa cheerfully continued their walk, cutting through the spacious Sunday afternoon side road.

    ---

    This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

    Walrus was a small but nice Britiss pub. It was located in a basement of pastry shop, not far from Blue Sora, and was famous for having wide collection of domestic and imported alcoholic beverage. The music and lighting at Walrus were also gentle. In short, it was not as bustling or as merry regular Britiss pub, but it offer coziness for people who wanted to enjoy a calm drinking moment.

    As soon as she entered Walrus, Aizawa checked every corner of the room with curious eyes. It was Sunday evening, so the pub only had a few guests and all of them were taken back as they looked at Aizawa.

    Maybe they inwardly cursed, ¡®Who the fuck brings a child to a pub?¡¯

    But Hide, the young man who brings a child to the pub didn¡¯t give a damn about it. As he pointed to an empty table in a corner, he gently said to Aizawa, ¡°Dad and Emily sat in that table on their first date.¡±

    ¡°Can we sit over there too?¡± Aizawa asked while giving Hide an expectant gaze.

    ¡°For now let¡¯s sit in the bar counter,¡± Hide calmly replied. ¡°And take the chance to know the bartender.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Aizawa didn¡¯t argue and let Hide led her to the bar counter.

    The chair in the bar counter was rather high, so Hide had to help Aizawa to sit on it properly. After that Aizawa turned her gaze to the Old Bartender before her and gave him a big smile.

    And so, the bartender who initially was loss of words as soon as he saw a little girl and a boy entered his pub and then walked over to the bar counter, managed got his composure back.

    After returning Aizawa¡¯s smile the Old Bartender said, ¡°Little Lady, what poiso--- Cough cough! I mean what sweet elixir I can fix for you.¡±

    ¡°Uncle Bartender,¡± Aizawa happily said. ¡°Aizawa and Big Bro Hide are still under twenty and can¡¯t drink alcohol yet, so do you have a suggestion for us?¡±

    After another smile the Old Bartender replied, ¡°I do. For a sweet little lady like you, I suggest a glass of red matador. It¡¯s delicious cocktail made of tequila, finely chopped strawberry, and pineapple juice. I can fix the underage version for you.¡±

    ¡°It sounds delicious,¡± Aizawa said. ¡°Aizawa will have it then.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The old bartender then turned his gaze to Hide. ¡°What about you, the young gentleman, do you want a suggestion?¡±

    ¡°No, I already have something in mind,¡± Hide politely replied while handed over three pieces of 500 Ren coins. ¡°Please fix me a glass of non-alcoholic Hakone.¡±

    ¡°Right away.¡±

    Wasting no time the old bartender fixed the order. For the red matador, he replaced the one-third ratio of tequila with milk and tripled the amount, replaced the tequila glass with beer glass, and then processed the rest accordingly to the red matador recipe. In the end it became a big glass of warm milk, mixed with finely chopped strawberry and pineapple juice he had shook together for a moment.

    As for the non-alcoholic Hakone, he only had to pour it as usual to produce small bubble as much as possible and gave it additional ice bath. After that he served both drinks simultaneously.

    ¡°One underage red matador and one non-alcoholic Hakone beer,¡± The old bartender said as he put the drinks in front of Hide and Aizawa. Then, he handed over the change money along with a small plate of sweet potato chips and a small bowl of boiled edamame. ¡°The first appetizer is covered by first drink.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Uncle Bartender,¡± Aizawa happily said.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Hide added as he took the change money and put it into his pocket.

    After the two kids in front of him took a sip of their drink the old bartender asked, ¡°How is it?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s sweet and delicious,¡± Aizawa cheerfully replied. ¡°Aizawa never drink such delicious milk before.¡±

    ¡°The beer is also delicious,¡± Hide added. ¡°Your pouring skill is superb.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m glad you two like it.¡± After a smile the old bartender then expressed the wonder in his heart. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, may I know what brings you two to this pub?¡±

    Aizawa cheerfully replied, ¡°Dad and Mom had their first date here, so Aizawa want to check it out.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After a moment of pause the Old Bartender added, ¡°It¡¯s a good reason to visit a pub honestly, but I bet your parent don¡¯t know it, right?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa nodded and then weakly added, ¡°After Mommy passed away Daddy always arrives at home drunk, so we rarely talk.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± the Old Bartender weakly said. ¡°I guess your father love your mother very deep.¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡±

    ¡°Well, all I can say is be strong kids,¡± The Old Bartender genuinely said. ¡°Sorrow from losing the loved one can be too unbearable, even for an adult.¡±

    ¡°Mhm, right now Daddy is like forgetting us, but it is fine because Big Bro always looks after Aizawa.¡±

    After a smile the Old Bartender said, ¡°I can tell, you have a good big brother.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa gave the Old Bartender another nod. ¡°Big Bro is the best.¡±

    Initially, Hide just calmly sipped his beer as Aizawa and the Old Bartender had a chat. However, he couldn¡¯t help but felt a sense of bitterness as they called him a good big brother.

    ¡®You two give me too much of credit,¡¯ Hide muttered as he painfully recalled that in his previous life he didn¡¯t only treat Aizawa poorly, but even leaved her on her own for a few years when she needed him the most.

    And so, seeing Aizawa and the Old Bartender had a happy chat and even laughing together, Hide decided to let them enjoyed their time. Initially, he planned to stay at Walrus for only 20 minutes, just enough to satisfy Aizawa¡¯s curiosity, but then he extended it into a whole hour.

    And just before he and Aizawa left the pub, the Old Bartender added the Underage Red Matador to the menu board, and asked Aizawa to visit the pub again and had a chat with him.

    *****

 HA2 24.3 â€“ Sleeping Together

    HA2 24.3 ¨C Sleeping Together

    Once they arrived at their house Hide and Aizawa immediately arranged the grocery they just bought.

    As he gave Aizawa a box of tea bag and a box of sugar cube Hide asked, ¡°Do you still remember the place to put these two?¡±

    ¡°These are Daddy¡¯s black tea and sugar. We put them in the rack next to cup holder, second level and place the new pack behind the old one,¡± Aizawa cheerfully replied.

    After a smile Hide said, ¡°Help Big Bro put it over there then.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa happily nodded and took the tea box and sugar cube box. After putting the two in its place, she came back to Hide who still arranged some apples and pears into fruit basket on the dining table. ¡°Big Bro, what¡¯s next?¡±

    ¡°Please help Big Bro arrange them in the fridge,¡± Hide said as he pointed at row of big boxes of soymilk, small boxes of fruit juice, and various snacks on the table. ¡°The fruit juices are for daddy. Put them next to our soymilk. As for the snacks, just put it in usual place.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa nodded before carrying out the task.

    Then, Hide arranged the rest of the grocery. Almost every morning his father would fry eggs and bacons and enjoyed it with two slices of toast, so Hide would make sure the kitchen always had them as staple food.

    This week, his father also ate some portion of Britiss muffin, frozen mini gyoza, and rice cracker octopus he prepared as daily snack for him and Aizawa. So, for the next week he added one extra portion for each daily snack he bought.

    A few days ago when he tidied up his father room before he returned home, Hide also found empty boxes of orange juice, so he bought various fruit juices from similar brand, put it in the fridge, and left a note for his father that he specifically prepared the juices for him. He also added a message that his father could write it on a sticker memo and left it on the fridge¡¯s door if he needed something else.

    Each month Hide¡¯s father would transfer most of his salary to Hide¡¯s bank account and only held around 85.000 Ren for himself. After using it for his lunch, dinner, and some alcohol, Hide¡¯s father wouldn¡¯t have much left. So, if he needed something else there was possibility he couldn¡¯t afford it. Unfortunately, Hide realized this situation only after he saw the empty juice boxes.

    ¡®I¡¯m too focusing my attention on Aizawa and neglect almost everything else,¡¯ Hide muttered as he arranged bunch of seasoning, sauce, and vegetable oil to the rack on the kitchen. ¡®That¡¯s not totally wrong call, but it¡¯s time to put some attention on father too.¡¯

    While his mind was full of thought about his father, Hide continued arranging the grocery. There was lot of grocery he had to arrange and it was already 9 PM when he started, but everything went swiftly because Aizawa helped him. Once everything was neatly arranged in its place, Hide and Aizawa regrouped in the dining table.

    ¡°Big Bro, can Aizawa have the fruit juice too?¡±

    ¡°You can. We buy some extra after all,¡± Hide gently replied. ¡°But you have to choose between fresh fruit and a box of fruit juice. You can¡¯t have both in the same day.¡±

    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Aizawa happily replied.

    ¡°Now, let¡¯s take a bath before going to the bed. You can use the bathroom first.¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡±

    Wasting no time Aizawa went to take a set of tracksuit and then went to the bathroom.

    ---

    After taking a bath Hide didn¡¯t immediately go to sleep. While sitting in his bed, he took his time to check Aizawa¡¯s group chat. He did this routine once a week and he had to do it using back door access because Aizawa didn¡¯t let him join the group chat.

    Aizawa firmly said that her group chat was for girls only, even though Takeo¡¯s mother, Kaede Sensei, and Hanna who technically were not girl anymore was part of it.

    It was easy to access the group chat because it was not part of mainstream social media platform that had layered security means. The group chat was part of online gaming platform called Play with Me. A small team of programmer from Finn created it. At first, it was only online platform to facilitate children with disability from various cities in the country to gather, play, or compete through board game such as chess, Othello, deck card, monopoly, mahjong, Sudoku, etc.

    However, less than a year after Play with Me was launched, it grew into a platform with members from various countries on earth. Kaede Sensei knew this platform from her friend. She then introduced it to Kana, who then introduced it to Aizawa, Rei, Kei, and the rest.

    The chat in Aizawa¡¯s group was pretty mild, no toxic or offensive topic. From their way to express their thought Hide could guess their real ID, even though they used animal as their codename and PFP.

    Other than the game they played against the other group, most of their chat circled around on their favorite food, latest song and movie, and a complaint or two about people around them. It was pretty much girls chat. After he found nothing he had to worry about, Hide immediately slipped into under the blanket. He was tired as hell, so it felt damn comfortable when he finally could lay his body on a comfortable and warm bed.

    Tomorrow was Monday so he had to get up early. Wasting no time Hide closed his eyes and calmed his breath. However, a moment later he opened his eyes again as a series of light footsteps closing in into his room. With ease he guessed that it was Aizawa.

    Even before Aizawa opened the door to his room, Hide already fixed his gaze on it, and once he made eyes contact with Aizawa, he immediately asked, ¡°Do you need Big Bro¡¯s help?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Aizawa calmly replied. ¡°But can Aizawa sleep here with Big Bro tonight?¡±

    Hide instantly nodded. ¡°Sure you can.¡±

    Without further ado Aizawa entered the room, closed the door, and climbed to Hide¡¯s bed while having big smile in her face. Pretty much like the last time she slept with Hide, this time she also used Hide as her happy pillow. She happily hugged him and put her head on his shoulder.

    ¡°Aizawa super-duper love Big Bro,¡± Aizawa happily said.

    ¡°Big Bro also super-duper love Aizawa,¡± Hide replied. ¡°And, if the next time you want to sleep with Big Bro, you find Big Bro already fall asleep, just hop up to the bed and sleep next to Big Bro.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa happily replied.

    After making a big rub on Aizawa¡¯s back, Hide then fixed the blanket to cover the two. A moment later, Aizawa already fell asleep peacefully. As for Hide, he couldn¡¯t help but having a small smile in his face.

    From now on until she was 12-years-old, Aizawa would be in her most adorable phase. After that, like any other kid, she would face two routes. First route, she wouldn¡¯t have side effect from her hormonal transformation. Under this route, she wouldn¡¯t have a problem to stick around with adults around her or listened to their words with level head.

    Second route, her hormonal transformation sent her into a state where she would always get irritated by adult around her, especially the male. She would also have the impulse to say no to whatever the adult around her said regardless the right or wrong. She would even tried to stay away from them as far as possible.

    Hide would be very happy if Aizawa had the first route and stayed at his side. At the same time, he would accept it if she turned into a rebellion teenager. In short, whatever the route Aizawa went through to transform from a kid into a young adult, he would just support her.

    It was natural process that made human became a human after all. It was also inevitable that no matter which route she took, Aizawa would make mistakes along the way. However, total control to ensure she won¡¯t make mistake was a bad call. Other than killing her chance to learn, grow, and fully developed her inner self, it could also lead into the creation of ticking bomb deep down in her heart.

    Therefore, as long as she didn¡¯t go too far like using drug, got pregnant before she was ready to raise a child, developing an obsession to blow up a building full of people, or developing a habit of stacking body count in the backyard, Hide would tolerate whatever idiocy she did in her journey to shape her identity. He would also do his best to help Aizawa got out of trouble whenever she fell into one, without irritate her in the process of course.

    Hide would calmly wait until Aizawa¡¯s restless and rebellious heart subsided on its own. It would take around 10-12 years along with immeasurable patience, but if he did it correctly and didn¡¯t incite Aizawa¡¯s eternal hatred, then she would definitely return to his side and became his adorable little sister again, and it worth every drop of his effort.

    ¡®I will not repeat that stupid mistake again. Forcefully make things go my way without Aizawa¡¯s consent.¡¯

    Hide¡¯s eyes flashed as he strengthened his resolve. For Aizawa¡¯s sake, he would do everything. He would become his brother, father, mother, and best friend, and gave her as much love and attention as he could.

    Then, he gently put Aizawa to the side before hugging her from behind. A moment later, he fell asleep while having a big smile in his face.

    *****

 HA2 25.0 â€“ Epilogue

    HA2 25.0 ¨C Epilogue

    Monday midnight, Nichiko Metropolitan Police HQ, 2nd Investigation Division Office, after taking a sip of his tea Shorimachi continued writing the report for a case of financial fraud he had just solved. Shorimachi considered his job in 2nd Investigation Division was boring as hell. Even so, he did it wholeheartedly and produced good result, solving white collar crime here and there in regular basis.

    Then, he finished the report finally. Wasting no time Shorimachi turned off his PC, wore his jacket and then left the empty office. He planned to hit nearby snack bar before going home. Unfortunately, he just exited the lobby in the first floor when a black van suddenly stopped before him and the driver lowered its window.

    ¡°Chief?¡± Shorimachi looked at the black van driver as big question mark popped in his forehead.

    ¡°Hop in,¡± Chief Kondo casually said, and as Shorimachi was about to open the door to passenger seat he added, ¡°Back seat.¡±

    Shorimachi said nothing, but the question mark in his forehead thickened. Not to mention, after opening the sliding door he found Nichiko Metro Police Commissioner was inside the van along with two middle-aged dudes.

    In drop dead serious tone Shorimachi immediately said, ¡°I swear. For the last six months, I didn¡¯t make any ruckus that need an attention from high commissioner.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m here not for that,¡± Commissioner Yamagishi calmly said as he signaled Shorimachi to sit next to him.

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    ¡°We are here because two gents from NFP want to talk with you secretly,¡± Chief Kondo added before driving the black van to leave Metro Police HQ right after Shorimachi closed the sliding door.

    ¡°Talk to me secretly?¡± Shorimachi said as he looked at two middle-aged men before him with questioning gaze.

    ¡°Before that,¡± The middle-aged man in the left calmly said. ¡°Please allow us to introduce ourselves. My name is Takeda Goto, special agent, National Federal Police, contra-intelligence section.¡±

    ¡°Yamamoto Takuya, Goto¡¯s partner,¡± The middle-aged man on the right added.

    ¡°The heck¡­¡± Shorimachi took a deep breath before asking, ¡°Why in the world two special agents from contra-intelligence section want to talk to me in secret?¡±

    ¡°Do you notice that today people from 1st Investigation Division had frenzy?¡± Commissioner Yamagishi asked Shorimachi back.

    Shorimachi nodded. ¡°I heard there was a massive gunfight trace in Kamui Finance¡¯s office, in Chikara Tower.¡±

    ¡°We want to offer you an opportunity to investigate this case with us,¡± Goto said.

    ¡°Why me?¡±

    ¡°You have good record in solving violent crime related to underground world. At least, that¡¯s the statistic you have before you got kicked out of 1st Investigation Division.¡±

    ¡°Why do you not pick up someone from 1st Investigation Division, this case is their field?¡±

    ¡°Officially, NFP sent a team from heavy crime section to work with them. Unofficially, NFP send us to conduct parallel investigation in secret, and we want to work with you.¡±

    ¡°Why does NFP want to conduct parallel investigation for the case?¡±

    ¡°Our analysts believe it is not ordinary crime.¡±

    ¡°A massive gunfight trace in a business tower in downtown metropolitan city which has strict firearm law, even a noob can tells it¡¯s not ordinary.¡± Shorimachi paused for a moment before continuing, ¡°But why does NFP send two contra-intelligence dudes to conduct parallel investigation on it?¡±

    ¡°We can only answer your question if you agree to work with us and sign the agreement to not leak any information related to it,¡± Takuya said.

    After a small smile Goto added, ¡°But at least, we can tell you that the investigation will give you massive opportunity to collect info on Toruma Mafia.¡±

    ¡°I agree,¡± Shorimachi casually said. ¡°Give me the document I need to sign.¡±

    Without a word Takuya took out a piece of paper being attached on the clipboard and handed it over to Shorimachi, and after giving the paper a quick read Shorimachi put his hand signature on it.

    ¡°Now, tell me everything I need to know,¡± Shorimachi calmly said as he returned the clipboard to Takuya.

    ¡°As you wish,¡± Goto happily replied.

    *****

 HA3 0.0 â€“ Prologue

    HA3 0.0 ¨C Prologue

    Saturday morning, today Hide wanted to introduce new weapon system to Takeo and Shizuka, so he came to the workshop earlier than usual. Then, he was about to finish arranging everything in the back area when Takeo and Shizuka arrived at shooting range through hidden leave. The two immediately walked over to Hide.

    ¡°You have arranged everything,¡± Takeo asked as he checked the neatly arranged equipment in front of Hide.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°Are you ready?¡±

    ¡°We do,¡± Shizuka replied.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get started then.¡±

    Wasting no time, Takeo and Shizuka put their backpack to the floor near the back wall, and then returned to Hide.

    ¡°It¡¯s time to introduce you to second weapon system,¡± Hide said as he took an office mail envelope from the table, and then opened it and took Haka MP5PDW with 20-round magazine from it. ¡°To be precise to a PDW.¡±

    ¡°Nice,¡± Shizuka said as she looked at the MP5PDW in Hide¡¯s hand with sparkling eyes.

    ¡°Yup,¡± Hide happily replied.

    ¡°This MP5PDW looks different from the one we got from Villa Tigera,¡± Takeo said after studying the PDW for a moment.

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    ¡°Correct,¡± Hide calmly replied before putting the picture of MP5PDW in his hand to the electric whiteboard on the back wall, ¡°And this is the modification I have done on it.¡±

    Without delay Takeo and Shizuka put their eyes to the MP5PDW¡¯s picture and read the explanation that being pointed at its part one by one, and with ease they grasped the modification.

    Basically, Hide had replaced the broom stick hand guard with M-Look hand guard, covered it with mini slate grip panel on the side, and regular slate grip with vertical grip on the bottom.

    Then, he mounted back the tactical flashlight on the right position in a way so it wouldn¡¯t create shadow if he attached silencer. He also replaced the thick side-folding shoulder stock with compact and collapsible telescoping stock. On the upper part of the receiver, he also put a mount to attach ACSS Micro Red Dot.

    This MP5-PDW was so compact and slim to the point you can put it inside medium-size office mail envelop, which mean you could also put it in second compartment of laptop sling-bag along with three spare 30-round magazines.

    ¡°Now, watch carefully,¡± Hide calmly said before carrying the MP5PDW to the shooting area along with three spare magazines, and started a shooting drill.

    Beeb!

    Multiple human-shaped hologram targets popped up as soon as the timer started. Hide immediately took instinctive counter terrorist stance and started sending rapid double tap. For a target below 8 meters, he would hit them in the head. For a target between 8-25 meters he will hit them in the chest. Occasionally, he would switch into conventional stance and take aim through Micro Red Dot if the target hid behind a hostage.

    Then, without pausing the live-fire drill continued to the range of 25-75 meters. For this distance, Hide fully used conventional stance, took aim through Micro Red Dot, put a double on the center mass, and he did it in rapid and precise manner.

    Beeb!

    Then, the timer stop a millisecond after Hide hit the last target, and the score in the display screen was 8.6 for 40 targets. The high score did not surprise Takeo and Shizuka anymore, but it still gave them awe. At the same time, Hide inwardly smiled as he saw a glimpse of fighting spirit in their eyes.

    ¡®It¡¯s a good thing to have highly motivated teammates,¡¯ Hide calmly muttered, and then he firmly said, ¡°Starting today, you will train using human-shaped target. Get 8.0 points out of 40 targets with three spare mags, you are a marksman. Get 8.5 point, you are an expert marksman.¡±

    ¡°Is that the standard scoring system for our military?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    ¡°No.¡± Hide firmly replied. ¡°The standard marksmanship scoring for our military is, 30 hits out of 40 rounds, you are a marksman. 35 hits out of 40 rounds, you are an expert marksman.¡±

    ¡°Why we use only three spare mags in the drill?¡± Shizuka asked.

    ¡°Three spare mags is the minimum fire power we bring to a job.¡±

    Shizuka nodded and said, ¡°We train like how we fight, right?¡±

    ¡°Correct,¡± Hide casually replied. ¡°And for the next two weeks, reaching a marksman level both with PDW and sidearm, using my scoring system, is your goal. Got it?¡±

    ¡°¡°Got it,¡±¡± Takeo and Shizuka replied at the same time while fighting spirit flashed in their eyes.

    *****

 HA3 1.1 â€“ Preparing Breakfast Together

    HA3 1.1 ¨C Preparing Breakfast Together

    Every day, Hide wake up at between 03:00 ¨C 03:15 AM, and he didn¡¯t need alarm to wake him up. Today was no exception. He just opened his eyes slowly, gave his mind a few seconds to come together before getting up from the bed. He did it very gently to avoid waking up Aizawa who was still fast asleep.

    Then, a small smile bloomed in Hide¡¯s lips as he fixed Aizawa¡¯s blanket. Aizawa maybe could solve a problem for 4th grade kid with ease. Her disposition also more mature compared to kids at her age. However, in the end of the day she was only a six-years-old kid, a child in her tender age who needed intensive parenting. The clear sign for it was, she wanted to sleep with her parent or someone she treated as their replacement.

    After another smile Hide then went to kitchen with his laptop and schoolwork, and putting it in the dining table. After that, he started his routine. First, he washed his face and brushed his teeth, and then cooking some rice using rice cooker before doing the laundry using washing machine.

    In his previous life Hide would do the laundry only for his clothes and Aizawa¡¯s clothes, and he would do it while having big and dark sulking face like someone who wanted to destroy the world. As for his father¡¯s clothes, he would let him to wash it by himself.

    ¡®Fuck me. It¡¯s only washing some clothes. How could I treat it as if it was the heaviest work in the planet?¡¯

    Hide was truly ashamed with the way how he saw things in his previous life. Therefore, in this life he happily included his father¡¯s clothes in his laundry routine. Since a week ago he would also tidied up his father room before he came home, twice a week at least.

    Then, as the washing machine did its job, Hide casually did the school work while enjoying a cup of warm soymilk and a piece of milk bun. In his previous life, he had established a good understanding of biology, physics, chemistry, and math that related to software engineering, precision shooting, advance combat medic, body development, IED manufacturing, and ammo recycling, and it helped him a lot with his study and the goal to enter medical school.

    Even so, there were still lot of aspect of chemistry, physics, biology, and math that he had not mastered yet. Therefore, Hide didn¡¯t slack off at all. Not to mention, people who entered medical school and aimed for top spot in each department, were usually top students who were being prepared and groomed by their family to lead and dominate the future of medical field since early age.

    Also, it was not a secret that since ancient time Nikko was a country heavily influenced by nepotism. If you were only slightly better compared to other candidate with good connection, the corporation definitely wouldn¡¯t choose you to handle the position you had competed for. Slightly better ability meant nothing in front of good connection that could support the corporation in a broader spectrum.

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    In short, if he wanted to enter surgeon field, Hide had to be fully ready to face a full-scale war against top students with solid background, connection, brain, and motivation, and delivered a crushing defeat to each one of them. He had to take this challenging route or he would end up as leftover surgeon with average career.

    But that¡¯s for the future. For now, he had something more pressing matter to handle. Right at 04:48, the washing machine completed its job. Hide immediately tidied up his school work, and went to hang the almost dried up clothes in the terrace. Once he hung everything, he took his time to deeply inhale the morning air while looking at the eastern sky that started turning red.

    A moment later, he heard incoming light steps and when he checked it his gaze meet with Aizawa¡¯s expectant gaze.

    ¡°Big Bro, can Aizawa help you cook breakfast?¡±

    After a smile Hide replied, ¡°You can.¡±

    Actually, it was slightly too early for Aizawa to wake up and started her activity, but Hide chose to accommodate her request. It was good opportunity to teach her some kitchen work.

    ¡°However, you have to wear your jacket first,¡± Hide added.

    ¡°Mhm.¡± Aizawa nodded before cheerfully half-jogged to her room and returned to Hide wearing her black jet Yuko Mountain jacket.

    Along with Aizawa, Hide then opened all windows in the house, except the one in his father room. After that the two went to kitchen. After ensuring Aizawa took a few gulps of warm soy milk and finishing a piece of milk bun, Hide took her to cook breakfast.

    ---

    Almost every Friday afternoon, Sakura Shopping District had chicken meat and egg on sale. It¡¯s a good chance to get cheap but high quality protein, so Hide always bought boneless chicken thigh and egg in bulk every time the sale occurred.

    To store it, he would cut the chicken thigh into bite size, put it into food-grade ziplock bag three portions each, marinated it with chopped garlic and ginger or curry powder, soy sauce, and sake or beer. Then, he would push the air out of every bag, tightly tied it, and put it in the freezer. This way, he could use it whenever he had to cook in limited time.

    He only had to add flour, cornstarch, and one beaten egg to the marinated chicken, mixed everything well, and then fried it. As for the leftover from the marinating coat, he would add chopped kimchi and three beaten egg on it and turned it into scramble egg.

    After putting a bag of marinated chicken to frying pan, Hide went to check on Aizawa. Her task was to cut a pack of broccoli into bit size using kitchen scissor. Coincidently, she had finished it when Hide checked on her.

    ¡°Nice work,¡± Hide happily complimented Aizawa.

    And Aizawa proudly nodded, ¡°Mhm.¡±

    ¡°Now, microwave it at 500W for 30 seconds.¡±

    ¡°Mhm¡­¡± After a moment of pause Aizawa hesitantly added, ¡°But Aizawa doesn¡¯t know how to use microwave.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s very easy. Big Bro will teach you.¡±

    Wasting no time, Hide taught Aizawa how to use microwave. After that he taught her how to season the freshly microwaved broccoli with sesame oil, soy sauce, and bonito flake. Then, he asked her to taste a piece.

    ¡°How is it?¡± Hide happily asked.

    After swallowing the piece of broccoli she had chew Aizawa said, ¡°It¡¯s tasty and made Aizawa want to eat it with warm rice.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide said before taking a piece of broccoli and savored it. ¡°This bonito flake flavored broccoli is Dad¡¯s favorite beer snack. One day, let¡¯s make it together for him.¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡± Aizawa happily nodded.

    Hide then gave Aizawa her second task. She had to peel two big carrots using a peeler, grate it into long thin strip using box grater, microwave it for 20 seconds at 500 W, and then season it with a bit of ginger paste, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

    Actually, it would be much faster if Hide did everything on his own. However, as he had decided earlier, it was a good opportunity to introduce Aizawa to some kitchen works. Then, once everything was ready, Hide taught Aizawa how to divide and arrange each dish into three take-out paper boxes.

    After that, Hide and Aizawa packed their school uniform and bathing miscellaneous into a sport bag, and carried it to Beauty and the Beast along with their school bag and breakfast they had just made.

    Of course, before leaving the house they had closed and locked every windows and door. They also left a message for their father in the fridge¡¯s door, saying that they went for morning exercise on their way to the school.

    *****

 HA2 1.2 â€“ Another Sparring

    HA2 1.2 ¨C Another Sparring

    Monday morning, the reception desk in Beauty and the Beast was still empty, but Hanna and some instructors who had morning diet class already sat in the lobby. While having a chat with her coworkers, Hanna would take a glance on the entry gate occasionally.

    Then, Hide and Aizawa finally appeared in the distance. While holding each other¡¯s hand, the two passed over the entry gate and went straight to the lobby.

    A smile instantly bloomed on Hanna¡¯s lips. When Hide trained with Coach Kotaro, Hanna would help him taking care of Aizawa. At first, she considered it as purely a helping hand for Hide. However, slowly but surely she started to love and enjoy it.

    Aizawa was sweet and not fussy, so when such kid followed her heartily it made her very happy somehow. The office ladies who attended the morning diet class also became fond of Aizawa with ease. Now, she became the mascot of the class and the class became livelier than ever.

    As for when she had no morning diet class, Hanna would take Aizawa to swim. Of course, the two did it in children pool with warm water.

    Then, finally Hide and Aizawa entered the lobby. Wasting no time, Hanna said goodbye to her coworkers and walked over to the two.

    ¡°Good morning,¡± Hanna happily said as soon as she arrived in front of Hide and Aizawa.

    ¡°Morning,¡± Hide casually said.

    ¡°Good morning, Big Sis Hanna,¡± Aizawa added while having bright smiles in her face.

    After a smile Hanna asked Aizawa, ¡°Are you ready for morning diet class?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa happily replied. ¡°Aizawa is super ready.¡±

    After another smile Hanna turned her gaze to Hide. ¡°What about you?¡±

    ¡°Alive and jumping, like a puppy,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°And by the way, I and Takeo have finished our project and receive the payment.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean we can have our dinner date?¡± Hanna happily asked.

    Hide nodded and said, ¡°Pick the place and time.¡±

    ¡°Can we go tonight?¡±

    ¡°We can.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go tonight then.¡± After a short pause Hanna added, ¡°But I have a business meeting this afternoon. So, can you train on your own this afternoon, and then come to my place and wait me there?¡±

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    ¡°I can.¡±

    ¡°Then, I will take Aizawa to the class. Do your best with your training.¡±

    ¡°Roger, and this is our breakfast,¡± Hide said as he put forward the breakfast he made with Aizawa.

    After a smile Hanna replied, ¡°Let¡¯s have it in my office after the training.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Wasting no time Hanna took over the breakfast. Then, using her other hand she reached out for Aizawa¡¯s hand and took her to the class.

    As for Hide, he waited until Hanna and Aizawa entered one of the works out studios in the first floor before rushing to the backyard martial gym.

    ---

    Hide carried out his training with Coach Kotaro as usual. It was started with warm-up, followed by basic training. He did everything with everything he got, and it never failed to please Coach Kotaro.

    When Hanna told him that Hide¡¯s attitude for his training was at professional level, Coach Kotaro just treated it as rubbish. At the same time, it provoked him to put Hide on the training regime for a pro. He thought Hide would fold after the first few meetings. However, he didn¡¯t only survive the inhumane training regime, but also thrive on it.

    ¡®What an interesting kid,¡¯ Coach Kotaro hit the stop button on his stopwatch before signaling Hide to stop his heavy bag work-out, the last menu on his basic training.

    ¡°Drink only a mouthful, and try to catch your breath but don¡¯t sit.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Coach.¡±

    Then, while Hide had the short rest before the mitt hitting, Coach Kotaro took his time to compare Hide¡¯s latest stats with previous stats, using week-on-week basis.

    ¡®Flexibility, in good shape,¡¯ Coach Kotaro muttered as he made remark on Hide¡¯s stats. ¡®Strength, progress. Speed, progress. Agility, progress. Endurance, progress. Shadow box, progress. Speed bag, inhuman progress. Heavy bag, inhuman progress.¡¯

    Overall it was good stats. Hide didn¡¯t have regress on his stats. However, one thing bothered Coach Kotaro to the point it almost irritated him. Hide¡¯s progress on heavy bag and speed bag was too abnormal. Despite his long flight hours in martial arts industry, it still went beyond his understanding.

    While putting down his 8¡± tablet Coach Kotaro turned his gaze to Hide. ¡°Kid, tell me the truth, before you train with me here, have you ever done boxing training with other instructor, even in short time?¡±

    ¡°Nope,¡± Hide calmly spat out a lie, even though technically it was not a lie if you limited the timeline only to his current life.

    ¡°What about speed bag and heavy bag for kick boxing?¡± Coach Kotaro asked again, this time he did it while looking at Hide straight in the eyes. ¡°Have you train on your own using reference from internet or book?¡±

    ¡°Nope, I don¡¯t have speed bag and heavy bag in my house.¡±

    ¡°Do you realize that your footwork, center of gravity, and angle of attack when you did speed bag and heavy bag is like a pro?¡±

    ¡°Ummm¡­¡± Hide paused for a moment before skillfully faking a confuse expression. ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, and it¡¯s not just an ordinary pro, but a pro who experienced lot of high-risk fight like a street fight.¡±

    After a long silence while tilting his head to the side, Hide said, ¡°Maybe, in my previous life I was an MMA fighter who loved to fight in illegal match.¡±

    ¡°Maybe.¡±

    Outwardly, Coach Kotaro¡¯s calmly accepted Hide¡¯s answer, but inwardly he deeply creased his brows. It was impossible for a beginner to have solid footwork and good angle of attack by training on their own. Not to mention, the training took place only in matter of weeks.

    To have combination of solid footwork, well-placed center of gravity, and good angle of attack that worked like a second nature, a fighter had to possess two things. First, a long period of training with a good coach who tirelessly showed him the correct way to carry out a fight. Second, tons of fighting experience.

    Hide¡¯s circumstance could be explained only by one thing, he was a former seasoned street fighter who restarted his training after a decade of retirement. However, Coach Kotaro could easily see that physically Hide was truly a fresh starter. Other than purely unshaped body, he also didn¡¯t have scar that usually became trademark of street fighter.

    ¡®Fuck! ¡®I really don¡¯t know I have to be exited or get piss off because I can¡¯t figure out this kid,¡¯ Coach Kotaro frustratingly muttered as he looked at Hide.

    When Hide trained in his martial gym for the first time, Coach Kotaro also got hit by a similar feeling. It was an itching curiosity that almost drove him crazy. At that time he managed to suppress it, but this time he couldn¡¯t hold it in check any longer, and it led him into an idea.

    In a calm tone Coach Kotaro said, ¡°Hide, it¡¯s a little bit too early than the schedule, but, let¡¯s replace the mitt hitting with a sparring?¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Hide casually replied.

    ¡®What a brave kid,¡¯ Coach Kotaro amusingly muttered. ¡°Do you have something in mind, about what kind of sparring you want to try?¡±

    ¡°No, I will just follow your arrangement.¡±

    ¡°In that case, we will use the basic rule for street fight sparring,¡± Coach Kotaro excitingly explained. ¡°Fighter will wear hard head protection gear and training gloves, fight using both striking and grappling, three rounds of 2 minutes each, no weapon, and other than low blow, strike at neck, strike at behind the head, everything else are legal.¡±

    ¡°Roger,¡± Hide calmly agreed.

    ¡°Good. Coincidently, I have a good sparring partner for you,¡± Coach Kotaro said as he turned his gaze to a young man who fiercely practicing his heavy bag in a corner. ¡®I hope the sparring will help me in figuring out this kid¡¯s circumstance and potential.¡¯

    *****

 HA3 1.3 â€“ Knock Out

    HA3 1.3 ¨C Knock Out

    ¡°This is Hayashida,¡± Coach Kotaro introduced a young man in his early twenty to Hide. ¡°He is a boxer, but he will switch to MMA starting this year.¡±

    ¡°Hello Kido, nice to meet you,¡± Hayashida happily said.

    ¡°Nice to meet you too, Senior Hayashida,¡± Hide said as he gave Hayashida a light bow. ¡°Please lend me your guidance, and you can call me Hide.¡±

    After a smile Hayashida said, ¡°What a polite junior.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Coach Kotaro said as he gave Hayashida a long side glance. ¡°Unlike certain rascal who leisurely takes his time before growing respect for his seniors and coach.¡±

    Hayashida instantly scratched the back of his head while embarrassingly smiled. ¡°Coach, I¡¯m not that kind of rascal anymore.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s why I don¡¯t kick you out of my gym.¡± After a pause Coach Kotaro turned his gaze to Hide. ¡°Hide, honestly, right now your punch is not strong enough to hurt Hayashida even if you manage to land some on him, but you can use grappling or a kick so I guess it¡¯s a fair game.¡±

    ¡°Can Senior Hayashida use grappling too?¡± Hide curiously asked.

    ¡°Right now he can¡¯t, not yet,¡± Coach Kotaro calmly replied. ¡°But he knows well how to defend himself from grappling, so it won¡¯t easy either to defeat him using grappling.

    The main point from this sparring is to give you an introduction to a one-on-one fight. I will also use it to assess your fighting style, and design the most suitable training to amplify its strong point and overcome its weak point.¡±

    ¡°Understood, Coach.¡±

    ¡°What about me coach?¡± Hayashida teasingly said. ¡°What positive gain I can get from this sparring?¡±

    ¡°Your seniors do it for you for free back then. Now, it¡¯s your turn to do it for your junior.¡±

    After pressing his lips Hayashida said, ¡°Fine.¡±

    ¡°And don¡¯t you dare to fool around.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± Hayashida firmly said.

    ¡°Good, get ready then.¡±

    ---

    After wearing the sparring gears, Hide and Hayashida immediately entered the fighting matt. After only a glance on Hayashida¡¯s body, Hide could tell that he was a well-built boxer. It would take a few years of intensive training to have that kind of built.

    And even if Hide never watched boxing match in the TV, he believed that Hayashida¡¯s built was above average boxer and he would achieve excellent result in national level.

    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡®Maybe my fighting experience can make up for the difference in our physical fitness, but for now going all out in a public spar is not wise,¡¯ Hide muttered as he put forward his hands.

    ¡°No low blow, strike on the throat, or strike on the back of the head,¡± Coach Kotaro said as he put Hide¡¯s hand and Hayashida¡¯s hand together and held it. ¡°And when I said stop, stop immediately or I will use painful means to stop you.¡±

    ¡°¡°Yes, Coach,¡±¡± Hide and Hayashida nodded almost at the same time.

    After looking at Hide and Hayashida alternately, Coach Kotaro then let a go his hold and said, ¡°Fight!¡±

    Hide and Hayashida immediately took a few steps backward while raising their hands to guard their chin. As for Coach Kotaro, he swiftly exited the fighting matt, and joined the medical staff who he asked to standby for the sparring.

    ¡®Time to dig some data,¡¯ Coach Kotaro muttered as the sparring started.

    In casual manner, Hayashida closed the distance. His footwork was light and smooth. Then, without prior warning he threw a lightning speed jab.

    Baam!

    Hayashida left fist precisely landed on Hide¡¯s face. As the result, Hide staggering backward a few steps.

    ¡®What the heck¡­This jab felt like a straight,¡¯ Hide muttered as he shook his dizzy head. ¡®If it hit me in the chin, I will drop me to the floor.¡¯

    At the same time a smile bloomed on Hayashida¡¯s lips. As he took a few step backward he said, ¡°For your information, my left jab is not only fast, but also pretty strong.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, it hit like a brick.¡±

    ¡°Have you ever got a hit by a jab before?¡± Hayashida curiously asked.

    ¡°Never,¡± Hide calmly replied. Then, as a cold gleam flashed in his eyes Hide muttered, ¡®In this lifetime I mean. As in the previous life, I ate lot of jabs, especially from underground match.

    Even so, only a few were as fast and as strong as yours. You are definitely not an ordinary boxer.¡¯

    At the same time, big question mark popped up on Hayashida¡¯s forehead. As he looked at Hide straight in the eyes he asked, ¡°Not even in the street fight?¡±

    ¡°I never did street fight,¡± Hide replied before shaking his head one more time.

    ¡°That¡¯s weird.¡± Hayashida tilted his head to the side as he continued, ¡°You know, as soon as you put your guard on, I instantly get a sensation similar to when I face someone with lot of street fight experience.¡±

    ¡°Senior Hayashida, I think it¡¯s just your imagination,¡± Hide replied while putting an innocence face.

    ¡°Maybe.¡± After a moment of silence Hayashida then lowered his hands to the side. ¡°How about we try this? In this round, I will let you to try to hit me, and I will not hit you back. I will only defend myself with evasive footwork.¡±

    ¡°You damn rascal!¡± Vein popped-up on Coach Kotaro¡¯s forehead as he sternly looked at Hayashida. ¡°I said don¡¯t fool around.¡±

    ¡°Coach,¡± Hayashida calmly replied. ¡°If I do it seriously from the start, this fight will end in seconds and Hide will gain nothing.¡±

    After letting out a deep sigh Coach Kotaro said, ¡°I shouldn¡¯t pick you and I wouldn¡¯t pick you again.¡±

    ¡°Come on Coach, don¡¯t be too hard on new kid,¡± Hayashida casually said. Then, he turned his gaze to Hide, ¡°Are you ready?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m.¡± After a moment of pause Hide asked, ¡°But what if I knock you out?¡±

    ¡°Ha.Ha.Ha.Ha.¡± Hayashida amusingly smiled before adding, ¡°That¡¯s funny kid.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m serious,¡± Hide calmly said.

    Hayashida instantly let out a deep sigh. ¡°Let alone knock me out, I will treat you a bowl of ramen if you hit me even once.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Wasting no time Hide stepped forward, and Hayashida smiled as he saw Hide¡¯s right shoulder starting to rotate. However, the thing that came after that was not a right straight, but a front kick from right leg. It was compact and swift like elastic steel, and carried tons of power.

    BAAAM!

    Hide¡¯s right heel precisely landed on Hayashida¡¯s unprotected chin, and it¡¯s not just resulting in a mere pushing force, but explosive impact that so hard until it shook Hayashida¡¯s brain in an unpleasant manner.

    As the result, after wobbling backward with a face facing the ceiling, Hayashida¡¯s eyes rolled back and then his body powerlessly fell to the matt like a dry towel.

    As he pointed his finger at Hayashida, the senior medical staff who stood next to Coach Kotaro asked, ¡°Coach, is he faking it like the last time he had spar with a guest boxer, or it¡¯s a real knock out this time?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s real,¡± Coach Kotaro calmly replied.

    ¡°I see.¡± The senior medical staff then took his assistant to check on Hayashida.

    At the same time, Coach Kotaro looked at the unconscious Hayashida while letting out a deep sigh. ¡®This idiot, too stupid as usual, but Hide also doesn¡¯t look like a fresh starter just now.¡¯

    After giving Hide a curious glance for a moment, Coach Kotaro then walked over to the medical staff. They already waked up Hayashida and just completed the examination on him. He looked confuse as hell, and it was natural because this was the first time someone gave him a high front kick from such a close distance. Even Coach Kotaro never imagined that Hide could pull such compact and powerful front kick in a sparring.

    At the same time, the tense expression on the medical staff¡¯s face had gone. Coach Kotaro immediately took a deep breath full of relief before making the final confirmation.

    ¡°How is he?¡±

    ¡°Fortunately, he wears hard head protection gear,¡± The senior medical staff calmly replied.

    ¡°Or?¡± Coach Kotaro curiously asked.

    ¡°He will on his way to hospital right now.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After a short pause Coach Kotaro asked another question. ¡°Can he continue?¡±

    ¡°He can.¡±

    ¡°Well then, let¡¯s not waste time and get this idiot ready for second round.¡±

    ¡°Roger, Coach.¡±

    *****

 HA3 1.4 â€“ Taiho-jutsu

    HA3 1.4 ¨C Taiho-jutsu

    Hide and Hayashida started the second round in a more serious mood. In the fighting matt, the two stood at a healthy distance, facing each other, and faithfully maintained their guard.

    ¡°Kid, you truly know how to hide your skill,¡± Hayashida bitterly said.

    ¡°I never hide my front kick,¡± Hide calmly argued. ¡°I do it regularly when I have heavy bag.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but heavy bag don¡¯t teach you how to use it in a real fight. Only a fight can teach you how to use your technique on an opponent.¡± As a cold gleam flashed in his eyes Hayashida added, ¡°And from your calm and collect approach before you knocked me out, I can tell. You have tons of fighting experience.¡±

    ¡°Maybe I was a street fighter in my previous life,¡± Hide casually said.

    ¡°Whatever it is, we will find it soon.¡±

    Once he finished his words Hayashida mounted his offensive right away. His footwork was still light and smooth, but this time it also fast like a lightning. In no time, he arrived in front of Hide, deeply ducking his body, and launched a left hook to Hide¡¯s side.

    It was not as fast as his jab, but Hayashida was sure Hide won¡¯t be able to avoid his left hook to the body, and he was correct.

    Baam!

    A one hell of body blow perfectly hit Hide in his side. As the result, Hide clenched his teeth as he fell to his knee. At the same time, a smile bloomed on Hayashida¡¯s lips.

    ¡®Now, I put you back to your place, Kiddo,¡¯ Hayashida muttered happily.

    However, even when he was under unbearable pain Hide¡¯s clarity was as clear as spring water. His body reacted instinctively and refused to let a go the opportunity that presented itself.

    In smooth and swift manner, Hide used his right arm to pivot himself to Hayashida¡¯s side. From there, by using both hands he hugged Hayashida¡¯s knees, tightly held it together, slightly lifted it, and then made a crocodile roll to the side.

    ¡°Wa-wa-wa¡­¡­.¡±

    Baam!

    Hayashida couldn¡¯t finish his mumbling as his body was being slammed to the mat. Fortunately, it was only a light slam and didn¡¯t affect his clarity. Only a quarter second after his chest touched the mat, Hayashida already tried to get up to his feet.

    In grappling match, showing your back to your opponent could cost you the match. While in a street fight, it could kill you. From his swift reaction, it was easy to tell Hayashida understood those precautions and it was not only as a mere knowledge. He had instilled it into his body, to the point it became an instinctive reaction.

    However, it didn¡¯t mean everything would go as he expected. As Hayashida pushed his upper body upward, a body drop suddenly landed on his back.

    Baam!

    ¡°Ke-uk!¡±

    Hayashida cursed inwardly as his chest was being sent back to the mat brutally. Then, an arm suddenly hooked in into his neck from behind, followed by a strong pull to force his body to roll to the side, and then a crossed leg hook in into his lower body.

    What Hayashida encountered was a standard rear naked choke. The only difference was, when Hide mounted the cross leg hook to restrict his lower body, he also managed to put Hayashida¡¯s right arm under his right calf. As for his left arm, Hide sent it to go under Hayashida¡¯s left armpit before connecting it with his right arm to complete the choke.

    In this manner, Hide had put both Hayashida¡¯s lower body and arms under control, and finished the choke unchallenged. In legal match, he wouldn¡¯t need to control both opponent¡¯s arms when mounting a rear naked choke. Controlling their lower body to prevent them from using it to break free from the choke was enough.

    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    But in street fight, a free arm could become lethal in case the opponent carried hidden knife. And even if they didn¡¯t carry a knife, there was no restriction to grab the finger and broke or twisted it to break the choke free. In short, in a street fight, putting the opponent¡¯s arms under control when you mounted rear naked choke on them was a must.

    It¡¯s just that, Hide¡¯s perfect street fight-style performance had exposed the true level of his grappling beyond from what he planned. Unfortunately, Hide truly couldn¡¯t prevent it. His body just reacted on its own and finished the choked in one swift motion.

    ¡®I will just make up reasonable bullshit in case someone asked me how I master this move.¡¯ After calming his mind Hide said, ¡°Senior Hayashida, it seems I bag this round.¡±

    While puffing his right cheek Hayashida lightly tapped Hide¡¯s arm, and Hide immediately released the choke. With a face like a wronged kid Hayashida then went to Coach Kotaro.

    ¡°You damn Old Fart,¡± Hayashida said in a grumpy tone. ¡°There is no way Hide is a newbie. It¡¯s true that his physical fitness is at beginner level, but his fighting disposition is too calm like seasoned fighter, while his striking and grappling are seamless and smooth as fuck.¡±

    ¡°Damn Rascal! I also want to know about it,¡± Coach Kotaro said before taking a deep breath. ¡°It¡¯s also surprise me.¡±

    ¡°Old Fart, just tell me how good his technique is,¡± Hayashida demanded.

    ¡°I¡¯m not the one who taught him,¡± Coach Kotaro casually said. ¡°And this also the first time I see it.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Hayashida instantly dropped his jaw, and then turned his gaze to Hide. ¡°Little Rascal, come here.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Hide meekly replied and immediately went over to Hayashida.

    ¡°Tell us honestly,¡± Hayashida said in a drop dead serious tone. ¡°Who teach you the move?¡±

    While putting an innocence face Hide replied, ¡°I learned it from Sensei Oniyama. It was three years aiki-jujutsu private course when I was elementary kid.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what he told me in our first meeting,¡± Coach Kotaro confirmed Hide¡¯s reply.

    ¡°Did you do lot of sparring in your training?¡± Hayashida curiously asked.

    ¡°Yeah, my training put heavy emphasizes on the use of basic technique in a street fight sparring. I did it tons of time to the point I dreamed it in my sleep.¡±

    After a light nod Hayashida asked, ¡°So, it is a practical aiki-jujutsu for self-defense and not the ones for competition?¡±

    ¡°Sort of.¡±

    ¡°What about your kickbox?¡± Hayashida asked another question.

    ¡°Sensei taught me how to use basic kicks in sparring, but it¡¯s not main menu.¡± After a short pause Hide added. ¡°I started a dedicated kickboxing training only few weeks before joining this gym, shadow kickbox mostly.¡±

    After pondering for a moment Coach Kotaro asked Hide a question, ¡°Can you tell me where is Sensei Oniyama¡¯d dojo address?¡±

    ¡°Sensei doesn¡¯t have dojo. He taught his students in their house or nearby park, and once a month he will come to 303rd Military Police Company as guest instructor.¡±

    Question mark instantly popped up on Coach Kotaro¡¯s forehead. ¡°Does he truly a guest instructor in 303rd MPC?¡±

    ¡°He does,¡± Hide firmly replied. ¡°He is also former member of 303rd MPC?¡±

    After taking a deep breath Coach Kotaro said, ¡°Hide, I think your training with Sensei Oniyama is not pure aiki-jujutsu. It¡¯s Taiho-jutsu or arresting art, basically, it¡¯s a combination of aikido, judo, jujutsu, karate, and kendo.¡±

    ¡°Sensei Oniyama also taught me some arresting technique.¡±

    ¡°Well, now I have proper understanding about your baseline,¡± Coach Kotaro casually said. ¡°Even though I still can¡¯t imagine what kind of training you have gone through that it still lay dormant in your body after you has stopped for years.

    Not to mention, it instinctively resurface as soon as Hayashida put you in a pinch.¡±

    ¡°Coach,¡± Hide said in a drop dead serious tone. ¡°Honestly, I also don¡¯t quite understand. My body just moved on its own as soon as I fell to my knee, and before I was realizing it I already completed the choke.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, you should be grateful to have Sensei Oniyama as your first teacher. All members of 303rd MPC are excellent Taiho-jutsu user. Someone who qualified to become their instructor is not ordinary.¡±

    ¡°Wait a second,¡± As he gave Coach Kotaro a curious glance Hayashida added, ¡°Is 303rd MPC a special force unit who specialize themselves in martial arts?¡±

    ¡°No, 303rd is more like a ceremonial unit. One of its duties is to become ceremonial guard in welcoming important state guests,¡± Coach Kotaro calmly explained. ¡°The requirement to become its member is handsome and tall, good service record, possess remarkably strong mental fortitude and physical strength, and excellent user of Taiho-jutsu.¡±

    ¡°Is their arresting art really that good?¡± Hayashida curiously asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s very excellent. Even some folk from special force visit their dojo to refine their martial arts,¡± Coach Kotaro calmly replied before turning his gaze to Hide. ¡°Try to use your arresting art on third round.¡±

    Hayashida spontaneously asked, ¡°Is arresting art can be used to counter a boxing?¡±

    ¡°Theoretically, modern Taiho-jutsu is being designed to counter boxing, kickbox, thai box, taekwondo, wrestling, karate, judo, jujutsu, edge-weapon, and other fighting means that becomes favorite tool of crime gang and syndicate in Nikko.

    Note that it¡¯s not rare for the bad folks to have ace fighters at the level of major league. Yet Nikko law enforcement never lost their trust in Taiho-jutsu and keep refining it,¡± Coach Kotaro casually said. ¡°As for can Hide use it to counter your boxing, I¡¯m eager to find out.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Hayashida gave a nod before turning his gaze to Hide. ¡°Little Rascal, fight with everything you got. This time, I will go super serious.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Hide calmly replied.

    *****

 HA3 1.5 â€“ Growth

    HA3 1.5 ¨C Growth

    As he walked back to the fighting matt, Hide couldn¡¯t help but taking a deep breath full of relief. It seemed Coach Kotaro had accepted his explanation.

    Actually, even though it was a fabricated explanation, it had some truth on it. Sensei Oniyama was truly exist and taught private jujutsu course for elementary school kids. He was also truly former member of 303rd MPC and a guest instructor there.

    But now, Sensei Oniyama already became a senile old man who leisurely spent his time in his hometown. Even if Coach Kotaro managed to contact him, it would be very hard to discover the lies in Hide¡¯s story.

    As for the one who taught Hide the Taiho-jutsu, it was Kubota actually. He was the only Sensei Oniyama¡¯s student who managed to constantly defeat him in sparring match. Kubota¡¯s last station when he served in Nikko army was also 303rd MPC. So, Hide¡¯s story was not entirely lies. He just had to replace a thing or two to make it more digestible, without compromising the secret about his second life.

    At the same time, Hide felt a slight bitterness in his heart. Like most people in Nikko, Coach Kotaro thought that 303rd MPC was only a ceremonial unit. They were oblivious that in case there was an attack to the state guest, along with the security detail on the scene, member of 303rd MPC would without hesitation sacrifice their life to protect the state guest.

    It was the true reason why 303rd MPC was called as the face of Nikko¡¯s arm forces. It was not only because the member was handsome and tall or had good military service record. Unfortunately, it was a taboo to explain the true nature of 303rd MPC. They had their pride as an unseen shield, and Hide knew better than anyone to respect that pride.

    And so, as he reached the center of fighting matt Hide let out an inward sigh. At the same time, Hayashida fighting spirit soared to the sky because now he won¡¯t be able to catch him off the guard again.

    ¡°Little Rascal, don¡¯t resent me,¡± Hayashida firmly said. ¡°You already bags two wins from me. I have to take my pride back.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Hide firmly replied.

    Now, as there was no need to hide his skill anymore, he would just go all out. Then, the third round was started. Unlike in the first two rounds, this time Hide didn¡¯t just wait for Hayashida to come to him. In a calm steps he walked forward, confidently welcoming Hayashida¡¯s approach.

    BAAM!

    A heavy exchange took place as soon as both fighters merged in the middle of the fighting matt, and a few seconds later the fight ended with only one fighter calmly stood in the fighting matt.

    ---

    After cleaning the fighting matt, Hide went to take shower. One by one he took off his clothes and put it to a laundry basket with his name. Beauty & the Beast provided a laundry service, so their laundry staff would take care of the rest.

    The laundry service would cost some money for Hanna, but it was her who insisted that Hide should use it. So, he just obediently followed her arrangement. Not to mention, it would make thing easier for him as physical exercise required lot of change clothes.

    Then, Hide turn on the shower and started washing his body. It wouldn¡¯t wash away his tiredness, but it would help him refresh his mind at least. After drying his body, he then wore his school uniform before going straight to Hanna¡¯s office. Over there, Hanna and Aizawa had been waiting for him.

    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    The two already took shower and changed their clothes. Hanna wore her usual office lady outfit, while Aizawa wore her uniform. They sat next to each other on the sofa in the middle of the room, happily having an Othello match using their smartphone. While in front of them, three breakfast packages laid peacefully, along with a pot of freshly made black tea, sugar cube container, and three cups.

    Wasting no time, Hide joined the two, and as soon as he sat in front of them, Hanna and Aizawa immediately turned their gaze to him.

    ¡°As usual?¡± Hanna gently asked.

    ¡°As usual,¡± Hide calmly replied.

    Wasting no time, Hanna poured Hide a cup of tea. After adding two cubes of sugar and gently mixed it, she then handed over the cup to Hide.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Hide said before taking a sip of his tea.

    After a small smile Hanna asked, ¡°How was your training?¡±

    ¡°Tough but good as usual,¡± Hide took a sip of his tea for second time before adding, ¡°Coach Kotaro put forward the schedule for sparring.¡±

    ¡°When will you have your first spar?¡± Hanna curiously asked. ¡°I want to see it.¡±

    ¡°I just had it earlier,¡± Hide casually said.

    ¡°Huh?¡± A look of surprise instantly filled Hanna¡¯s face to the brim. ¡°Are you serious?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m.¡±

    ¡°Who was your sparring opponent?¡±

    ¡°Senior Hayashida.¡±

    Hanna instantly dropped her jaw, and after a moment of silence she got up to her feet, walked over to Hide, and sat next to him.

    ¡°Hide,¡± Hanna said in a drop dead serious tone. ¡°Did Coach Kotaro really put Hayashida as your sparring opponent earlier?¡±

    ¡°He did.¡± After taking a glance at tense expression on Hanna¡¯s face, Hide asked, ¡°Is that a problem?

    ¡°Let me check you first.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. The medical staff already examined me.¡±

    Hanna meticulously took a look on Hide¡¯s face before asking, ¡°How many punch did you receive?¡±

    ¡°One jab in the face and one body blow to my right.¡±

    ¡°Wait a second, only two?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Hide took another sip of his tea before saying, ¡°And just a reminder, you still don¡¯t reply my question and it make me super curious.¡±

    ¡°Which question?¡± Hanna replied while gently touching Hide¡¯s right side without taking off his shirt.

    ¡°The sparring with Senior Hayashida, is that a problem?¡±

    ¡°Technically no,¡± After she was sure Hide didn¡¯t suffer concerning injury, Hanna immediately took a deep breath full of relief, and then she continued, ¡°But Hayashida holds the Lightweight title four times in row until last year. This year he will switch to MMA, and he step down from his tittle undefeated.

    So, it¡¯s rather weird to put him as sparring partner for a newbie like you.¡±

    ¡°Was Senior Hayashida truly a four times Lightweight champion?¡±

    ¡°He was,¡± Hanna firmly replied.

    ¡°Damn,¡± Hide weakly said. ¡°No wonder he is super tough, and his jab is fast and lethal.¡±

    ¡°For your information, Hayashida put down lot of boxers using his jab, and his straight is three times more dangerous.¡± After a short pause Hanna asked in a drop dead serious tone, ¡°Did Coach Kotaro tell you the reason why he chose Hayashida as your sparring opponent?¡±

    ¡°Not in particular.¡± After letting out a sigh Hide continued, ¡°He didn¡¯t even tell me that Senior Hayashida is undefeated Lightweight champion.¡±

    ¡°And what is the result?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about it later. For now, let¡¯s eat our breakfast. I¡¯m starving¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    As Hide didn¡¯t suffer injury, Hanna decided to put aside the matter. Not to mention, Hide also didn¡¯t show sign of post trauma from the sparring with Hayashida. So, Hanna considered it¡¯s a good outcome worthy of celebration. Of course, later she would go to Coach Kotaro to ask for an explanation.

    As for now, wasting no time she returned to sit next to Aizawa, and a moment later the breakfast was began in happy atmosphere.

    ---

    In a calm mood, Hide, Hanna, and Aizawa stood in the drop off and pick up area. A moment later, a White MPV entered Beauty and the Beasts¡¯ front gate and stopped in front of the three. Wasting no time, Aizawa opened the sliding door and happily hopped in to the White MPV.

    As he handed over Aizawa¡¯s school bag, Hide said, ¡°Have a safe journey, and be good in the school.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa happily replied while received her school bag.

    After giving Aizawa a smile, Hide then turned his gaze to the White MPV driver and gave him a slight bow. In return, the driver slightly nodded his head to him. Then, Hide closed the sliding door and fixed his gaze on the White MPV as it started to move.

    ¡°Hide, don¡¯t forget we have dinner date tonight,¡± Hanna said as soon as the White MPV exited the front gate.

    ¡°Yeah, I will go to your place after my afternoon training and wait you there,¡± Hide casually said.

    ¡°Just go slightly slower than usual for today training. Don¡¯t get too tired.¡±

    ¡°Roger.¡± After a slight pause Hide asked, ¡°Can I have a kiss before going to school?¡±

    ¡°No, you imbecile,¡± Hanna said before puffing her cheek. ¡°It will be damn weird if I kiss a high school kid in public.¡±

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s have it tonight, after our dinner date.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s still two days before the schedule,¡± Hanna firmly said. ¡°I will beat the shit of you if you force your dick on me.¡±

    ¡°Message relayed, loud and clear,¡± Hide obediently replied. ¡°Let¡¯s just have a good dinner out. That¡¯s already plenty.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going then.¡±

    ¡°Have a safe journey.¡±

    After giving Hanna a small nod, Hide went to his school. His body was tired, but it¡¯s not as tired as when he started the MMA class. At that time, he had to struggle to just stay awake in the class. But now stayed awake was not a problem anymore, with ease he could followed the lesson.

    Hide also felt that in two weeks, his body would be strong enough to have another one-hour study session at evening, just before he went to the bed.

    ¡®My growth is better than what I expected,¡¯ Hide muttered as he continued walking leisurely.

    *****

 HA3 1.6 â€“ Unknown Side

    HA3 1.6 ¨C Unknown Side

    As soon as Hide disappeared from her sight, Hanna immediately went straight to the backyard gym. Over there, she found Coach Kotaro was sitting in the bench next to the gym¡¯s door, casually enjoyed a piece of egg sandwich as his breakfast.

    As soon as Hanna arrived before him, he immediately asked her, ¡°Do you want to know why I put forward Hide¡¯s sparring schedule?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hanna firmly replied. ¡°Most of all, I wants to know the reason why you put Hayashida as his first opponent.¡±

    ¡°This talk will take some time,¡± Coach Kotaro casually said. ¡°Have a sit.¡±

    Wasting no time, Hanna sat next to Coach Kotaro, and after taking a sip of his orange juice, Coach Kotaro turned his gaze to her.

    ¡°How long do you know Hide?¡±

    After a short ponder Hanna replied, ¡°Around a few weeks.¡±

    ¡°So, you don¡¯t know him long enough.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hanna openly admitted. ¡°But other than his professional attitude towards his study, part-time job, and physical exercise, or his mature temperament, Hide is still a high school kid.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After a short pause Coach Kotaro asked in a drop dead serious tone. ¡°Did he already bang you?¡±

    ¡°He did,¡± Hanna replied as she creased her brows. ¡°Is that a problem?¡±

    ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t know. But, it¡¯s definitely not like you at all.¡± Coach Kotaro calmly said. ¡°Letting a man, especially a far younger one, to enter your personal life so easily.

    As far as I remember, you always whine in front of me every time a man you know only for a few weeks want to enter your personal life, and you will just reject them.¡±

    ¡°Well,¡± Hanna let out a deep breath before continuing. ¡°The first time we did it, it just happened so naturally, and I was not drunk by the way.

    The next morning, I tried to prevent it from blooming into a relationship, but Hide managed to convince me that we should tried it first.

    It felt weird initially. But I gradually realize that Hide doesn¡¯t behave like a high school kid, and our relationship just grows further.¡±

    ¡°Just like that?¡± Coach Kotaro said as she looked at Hanna with big wonder.

    ¡°Yeah, just like that,¡± Hanna casually said. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to describe it, but from our first meeting, Hide is really good at make me feel comfortable at my pace, so why don¡¯t I just enjoy it?¡±

    After letting out a long sigh Coach Kotaro said, ¡°Didn¡¯t I warn you, you should have double precaution for a man who could make you feel comfortable at first meeting?¡±

    ¡°You did,¡± Hanna calmly said. ¡°But it¡¯s not like I will marry Hide. There is a high possibility he will get bored of me at some point. At that time, we will just end our relationship peacefully.¡±

    ¡®The problem is, you already fall for him, stupid girl,¡¯ Coach Kotaro muttered as he helplessly looked at the foolish smile in Hanna¡¯s eyes.

    Unfortunately, he couldn¡¯t just meddle with Hanna¡¯s personal life no matter how deep he cared about her. So, in the end he could just gave Hanna another warning.

    ¡°If he makes you cry,¡± Coach Kotaro sternly said. ¡°I will send him to ER with a few broken ribs.¡±

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    After giving Coach Kotaro a light smile Hanna said, ¡°If he makes me cry, feel free to break all his ribs, and a few other bones.¡±

    After a satisfy nod Coach Kotaro said, ¡°Good. I¡¯ll add some other bones in the process.¡±

    ¡°Now, back to the topic,¡± Hanna said. ¡°Why did you put forward Hide¡¯s sparring schedule?¡±

    ¡°This is the sparring footage between Hide and Hayashida. It will explain my reason.¡± Coach Kotaro handed over his tablet to Hanna as he added, ¡°I bet, it will also make you realize that you know almost nothing about Hide.¡±

    Big question mark instantly filled Hanna¡¯s forehead to the brim. Then, she immediately took the tablet and checked the footage.

    It was pretty much standard footage, like any other sparring footage in the backyard gym. However, a few seconds after watching it Hanna immediately realized that Hide was too calm. The first thing that came to her mind after that was, Hide¡¯s overconfidence would cost him dearly. Then, Hanna¡¯s heart instantly skipped a beat as Hide received a full blown jab.

    A moment later Hayashida dropped his guard. It was his habit to make his sparring opponents wasted their energy by chasing him, and then he would go for the kill when they were already too tired to avoid his killing strike.

    Seeing Hide took Hayashida¡¯s bait and approached him with casual steps, Hanna could only letting out a sigh. However, as he was only one and half step away from Hayashida, in one flowing movement Hide suddenly lifted his right knee as close as possible to his body, while his toes pointed downward straight to the matt, and a split second later his heel already landed on Hayashida¡¯s chin and knocked him out cold.

    It was compact, precise, and powerful front kick. Hide had a gift with flexibility, so it was not that surprising if he could perform such kick. Actually, Hanna had seen this kick from the footage when Hide did a heavy bag.

    However, to perform it in his first sparring with ease, it was too hard for Hanna to swallow it. As the result, she immediately put the sparring footage into pause, and then turned her gaze into distance.

    ¡°What do you say about his kick?¡± Coach Kotaro curiously asked.

    ¡°He is¡­. a natural kicker,¡± Hanna hesitantly replied while her shock was still clearly visible in her eyes.

    ¡°In that case, watch the second round.¡±

    Wasting no time, Hanna continued watching the footage. A moment later, she dropped her jaw as Hide ended the fight with rear naked choke unchallenged. It was as if Hayashida knew nothing about the defense against grappling.

    Hanna instantly put the footage into pause again, and then turned her gaze to Coach Kotaro as big question mark appeared in her forehead.

    ¡°To be able to execute such a smooth and seamless rear naked choked, talent alone won¡¯t be enough. It takes tremendous amount of training and fighting experience to master it to such degree,¡± Coach Kotaro casually said. ¡°But it seems you have no clue about the version of this Hide.¡±

    ¡°I truly have no clue about it,¡± Hanna weakly admitted as she continued watching the footage.

    In the third round, it was clearly visible Hayashida had fully come to his sense. He didn¡¯t underestimate Hide anymore. From the get go, he went as if he was facing a professional opponent.

    On the other side, Hide¡¯s fighting disposition also drastically changed. He looked more relax, but somehow it gave Hanna an impression that Hide became more dangerous, like a tiger that had just free itself from shackle. If Hanna didn¡¯t have prior image about Hide, she would definitely think that Hide was a professional fighter.

    Then, the two made their approach, closing the distance with confidence steps. Just two steps before the merge, Hide suddenly made a half side-step, and without fail Hayashida mirrored Hide¡¯s side steps.

    Unfortunately, what Hide executed was not just ordinary side steps. It was a preparation for a back spin kick. And so, just as Hayashida completed his side step, Hide¡¯s right heel landed on the side of his head.

    Hide only made a light jump when executing his back spin kick. His left feet went to the air only about 2-3 cm above the matt, but it was more than enough to power his kick with more than half of his body weight.

    Worst of all, this was the first time Hide performed such kick, so Hayashida never expected it and just receive it with the side of his head. Hanna instantly dropped her jaw as Hayashida got knocked out cold one more time. After that, the medic staff had to carry Hayashida into infirmary.

    ¡°He truly hides his skill so damn deep,¡± Hanna said as complicated expression filled her face to the brim.

    ¡°He does,¡± Coach Kotaro calmly expressed his agreement. ¡°And as someone who helps me shape numerous fighters, I bet you can see Hide¡¯s fighting character by now.¡±

    Hanna instantly nodded. ¡°He follows the basic principal of don¡¯t fight your opponents on their term.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, don¡¯t box against a boxer, don¡¯t kick against a kicker, don¡¯t grappling against a grappler.¡±

    ¡°So, someone have taught him Krav Maga.¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s something older.¡±

    ¡°Something older?¡±

    ¡°Taiho-jutsu.¡±

    ¡°The arresting art?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, and Hide is super good at it.¡± After a moment of pause Coach Kotaro added, ¡°And now I realize that despite his docile attitude, from the beginning he doesn¡¯t actually need my guidance.

    He already knows what he want to do and how he should do it. He just needs sparring partners to help him polish his art.¡±

    ¡°Wait a second,¡± Hanna turned her gaze to Coach Kotaro as she worriedly said, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you want to kick Hide out of the gym.¡±

    ¡°On the contrary, I will help him find a good sparring partner. In return, I will use him to shape Hayashida¡¯s defense against grappler.¡±

    ¡°Other than Hayashida, who do you plan to pick as Hide¡¯s sparring partner?¡±

    ¡°Myself, because I¡¯m the only one who know how to use edge-weapon, and Old Unagi because only him will be able to give Hide a grappling spar that truly benefit him.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean Unagi the Eel?¡±

    ¡°Yup, that Old Eel.¡±

    ¡°How will you convince him to come here? He always refuses your invitation to work as a trainer here.¡±

    ¡°He instantly accepts my offer after I send him the sparring footage a moment ago. He will start to come here in 2-3 weeks.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Hanna instantly took a deep breath full of relief. ¡°I will support your arrangement.¡±

    ¡°Hide is definitely a good thing for this gym.¡± Coach Kotaro tone became drop dead serious as he added, ¡°However, it doesn¡¯t mean he is also a good thing for you. At least, make sure he is not a con or violence type.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do that,¡± Hanna firmly replied.

    ¡°Good. Now, can you drop Hayashida to the hospital? Hide hammered his head twice. We need to make sure he has no loose screw in his head.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t. I have a meeting with Kamui¡¯s representative.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s about the adjustment for Sakura Project.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, we will move the location to the vacant land near the beach in the south, and Kamui will handle the land acquisition.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Coach Kotaro calmly replied. ¡°I will take him to the hospital myself then.¡±

    After some other small talk, Hanna then left while Coach Kotaro went to infirmary to wake up Hayashida.

    *****

 HA3 2.1 â€“ Cartel

    HA3 2.1 ¨C Cartel

    Five past fifty in the evening, Hide already sat in the living room in Hanna¡¯s apartment. He wore a t-shirt and trouser, being accompany by a cup of tea and peanut butter cookies, while doing school work using his laptop. Then, he heard someone opened the front door and he immediately went to check it.

    It was Hanna, as expected, but she had dark clouds all over her face. Without many words, Hide helped her to take off her coat, spray some disinfectant on it, and then hung it in the cap stock.

    ¡°Hide, let¡¯s postponed the dinner date,¡± Hanna said briefly.

    ¡°Got it,¡± Hide calmly replied. ¡°But, have you eaten something? I can fix you a light meal, if you haven¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I have the mood to eat right now. I just want to sleep after taking a bath.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Hanna then went straight to bathroom, while Hide changed into shorts before returning to living room. It was easy to tell that Hanna had crappy day. He was very curious about it, but he didn¡¯t know how to nicely ask about it.

    In the end Hide chose to stay silence. He would wait until Hanna ready to talk about it. As for now, in casual mood he resumed his school work. He was not too tired today, so he used his time as best as his could to study.

    And time flew before finally Hanna came out of the bathroom, and she didn¡¯t go to bedroom to sleep but go to living room and sat in the sofa next to Hide.

    ¡°Hide.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Pampering me,¡± Hanna said with demanding tone.

    ¡°Pampering you?¡± Hide turned his gaze to Hanna as his eyes widened.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hanna said in flat tone. ¡°I feel like shit right now. I need you to comfort me.¡±

    After slightly nodding his head Hide put his laptop on the table. ¡°Wait for a moment.¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡±

    Hide then went to bathroom, and returned while carrying a pillow, small flashlight, tissue, cotton butt, baby oil, and ear cleaning set.

    As he put the pillow in his lap Hide said, ¡°Let me clean your ears.¡±

    ¡°My ears are clean,¡¯ Hanna said while skeptically looking at Hide.

    ¡°I know, but cleaning your ears will help you to relax.¡±

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    After a moment of silence Hanna said, ¡°Okay.¡±

    It was clearly visible that Hanna was reluctant with the ear cleaning, but Hide said nothing. Then, right after Hanna put her head on the pillow in his lap, Hide immediately massaged her right ear lobe before carrying the ear cleaning gently.

    A moment later a smile bloomed in Hanna¡¯s lips as she enjoyed the ear cleaning, and Hide did it without hurry. He spent about twenty minutes to clean Hanna¡¯s right ear before applying baby oil in a way that feel so good.

    After that, he switched to clean Hanna¡¯s left ear. At this point, Hanna was already as happy as clam and fully relaxed. Her foul mood was gone without a trace. Then, finally Hide completed the job.

    ¡°How is my ear cleaning? Do you enjoy it?¡±

    ¡°I do,¡± Hanna cheerfully replied. ¡°And it will be perfect if you do it for another round.¡±

    ¡°The cleaning motion will irritate the skin in your ear tunnel if I overdo it.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine as long as we don¡¯t do it too often,¡± Hanna argued.

    ¡°Instead of another round of ear cleaning, let me massage your feet.¡±

    ¡°Huh¡­¡± Hanna looked at Hide in wonder as he asked, ¡°Do you know how to give a feet massage?¡±

    ¡°Let me try it first. Then, you can evaluate it.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Hide then asked Hanna to lie on her belly while he took a stool and sat next to Hanna¡¯s feet. After pressing Hanna¡¯s right sole using his fist, Hide started the massage right away. His opening move was putting his thumb next to each other in the middle Hanna¡¯s right sole before gently pressing forward alternately.

    This motion was like two small feet walked across Hanna¡¯s sole. It didn¡¯t produce health benefit, but it felt so good and it made the sole relax.

    ¡°It feels so good, right?¡± Hide asked as he repeated the thumb walk.

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Hanna happily replied without letting go the pillow from her hug. ¡°You do it perfectly.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Once Hanna¡¯s sole became relax, Hide then gave it a light stretching and decompress up to her toe, before going for her ankle, calf, and back of her knee. Overall, it was easy massage. Hanna moderately but regularly exercised, ate healthy diet, and gave her body proper rest, so she didn¡¯t accumulate tiredness or stiffness in her muscle.

    In total, Hide needed only twenty minutes to massage her right foot, before switching to her left¡¯s foot and repeated the procedure. Then, with a face as happy as clam Hanna got up and sat crossed leg in the sofa while hugging the pillow.

    ¡°Hide, you should tell me earlier if you know how to give a proper massage.¡±

    ¡°Do you like it?¡±

    ¡°I do. It feels so good and refreshing.¡±

    ¡°Glad if you like it. Let¡¯s do it again later,¡± Hide happily said.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hanna happily agreed.

    ¡°Now, do you want me to fix a light meal or something heavier maybe?¡±

    Hanna instantly tilted her head to the side and fell into ponder. A moment later she said, ¡°Let¡¯s just hit snack bar or street stall.¡±

    ¡°Do you want to drink?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hanna firmly replied. ¡°Now after I think about it, it¡¯s been an age since the last time I go out for a drink.¡±

    Big question mark instantly appeared in Hide¡¯s forehead. ¡°Are you saying you don¡¯t go drink with your colleagues from Beauty & the Beast?¡±

    ¡°After a narcissistic prick started to stalk me, I stop going to any drinking gathering because he or his goons always showed up, made some nuisance, and my mood instantly go south.¡±

    ¡°What if the prick shows up again this time?¡±

    ¡°He won¡¯t. He was not in this world anymore.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t hire someone to kill him, did you?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t,¡± Hanna firmly replied. ¡°He was son of mafia chief, fatally wounded in a gunfight to rescue the family elder, and then someone assassinate him in his bed in the hospital.¡±

    Hide had a hunch about the identity of the prick, but he fully realized he should keep it for himself. So, he only said, ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s go then. I know a good nearby snack bar.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    With ease Hide agreed to Hanna¡¯s idea to drink outside. It would be easier to talk about her crappy day when she had some drink. Not to mention, he also wanted to have some beer for himself.

    Wasting no time, Hide and Hanna changed their clothes. Hanna wore a t-shirt, casual trouser, Manchester city¡¯s jacket, and sneaker. Hide also wore casual clothes and jacket like Hanna, but he concealed carry a small knife in his lower back.

    When he just started his second life and his body was still as weak as fuck, Hide wouldn¡¯t feel safe to go out without his silenced P365 and a set of various knives. But now, even though he was still far from reaching his peak of physical fitness, he was confident enough to handle non-firearm threat with a small knife and a small bottle of sleeping med he made.

    After drinking a bottle of anti-hangover, the two then went out in happy mood. And as she said, Hanna truly knew a good nearby snack bar. It was located only 100 meters away from Blue Orchid¡¯s rear gate. It¡¯s simple snack bar in middle of quiet small road that connected two main streets, but it was bustling with visitors.

    Hide actually often passed the snack bar on his way to Hanna¡¯s place. However, he never thought Hanna was a regular in this place.

    ¡°Both draft beer and craft beer in Cartel are excellent,¡± Hanna happily said as she looked at the snack bar with sparkling eyes. ¡°The drinking snack is also cheap but delicious.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Hide calmly replied.

    The two then went to open air table in the side yard. A moment later, a waitress came over to their table and Hanna immediately put a good amount of order. It seemed she was on the mood to drink tonight.

    *****

 HA3 2.2 â€“ Drinking with Hanna

    HA3 2.2 ¨C Drinking with Hanna

    Grilled chicken, fried calamari, chicken meat ball, omelet roll, French fries, and boiled edamame, those were the drinking snack that Hanna ordered. As for the drink, Hanna ordered two glasses of draft beer. Unfortunately, for Hide, she ordered a bottle of Kiss My Boss¡¯s Wife.

    ¡°Why do you order a non-alcoholic for me?¡± Hide asked as he gave his beer a weird gaze. ¡°Not to mention, it has weird name.¡±

    ¡°You are under 20, can¡¯t have alcoholic beverage yet,¡± Hanna casually said before taking three big gulps of her draft beer. ¡°Aaahhhhh¡­. This is so good.¡±

    ¡°Come on, no one will know,¡± Hide pleaded.

    ¡°Nope, nope, nope¡­. Nope,¡± Hanna cheerfully said. ¡°I plan to drunk tonight, so you have to be sober and escort me home safely.¡±

    After letting out a sigh Hide took a sip his beer. As expected, it was kickless like other non-alcoholic beer. Hide won¡¯t mind to use it as substitute for real beer when Aizawa was with him.

    But now, when he was with Hanna and was surrounded by sea of alcohol, drinking a non-alcoholic beer was no different than a torture.

    Unfortunately, he had no other choice, and so he accepted his fate while taking a piece of fried calamari, put it in his mouth, and chewed it. Hide then waited until Hanna finished her first glass of draft beer before starting his digging.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t mind,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°Can¡¯t you tell me why you were so upset earlier?¡±

    ¡°There are two things that piss me off,¡± Hanna casually said before taking a piece of grilled-chicken and chewed it. ¡°The first thing is you.¡±

    ¡°Me?¡± Hide asked as his eyes widened.

    ¡°Yeah, you,¡± Hanna firmly said. ¡°You have tricked me and it pisses me off greatly.¡±

    ¡°When did I trick you?¡± Hide genuinely asked as confusion filled his face to the brim.

    ¡°You never tell me that you are seasoned fighter,¡± Hanna casually said before putting another piece of grilled chicken in her mouth. ¡°When I saw your sparring footage this morning, I feel like I don¡¯t know you at all. You fought like a seasoned fighter.¡±

    Once Hide comprehended the matter, the confusion in his face instantly gone without a trace. After a smile he then said, ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t know how good my fighting skill because I never fight before.¡±

    Hanna instantly squint her eyes as she looked at Hide straight in the eyes. ¡°Really? You never fought before.¡±

    ¡°Really.¡± Hide happily said. ¡°And don¡¯t forget, you and Coach Kotaro treat me as newbie. I believe it¡¯s because you two don¡¯t find anything that shows I¡¯m an experience fighter.¡±

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    ¡°What about the goons from Torra Security. How did you chase them away back then?¡± Hanna asked while maintaining her suspicious gaze on Hide. ¡°Words won¡¯t be enough to make them leave.¡±

    ¡®I thought you already forgot it,¡¯ Hide lamented before asking Hanna back, ¡°I was lucky enough to catch them off guard. Ask them if you don¡¯t believe me.¡±

    After letting out a sigh Hanna said, ¡°Their Boss only promised me his goons will never bother me or you again. He never tells me the detail.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Hide, tell me the detail, please,¡± Hanna said in a drop dead serious tone.

    ¡°When they tried to take you from me, I managed to stab them in arm and thigh,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°They left after that. I also threaten them I will scream as loud as possible to draw some attention.¡±

    ¡°Goons from Torra Security are seasoned martial artist, yet you managed to stab them just like that?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°It sound easy,¡± Hide said as he skillfully faked a traumatize eyes. ¡°Because you didn¡¯t see that after the goons left, my hand can¡¯t stop trembling while cold sweats drenched my back.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After a short pause Hanna asked another question. ¡°Fortunately, you have a knife at that time.¡±

    ¡°Actually, I bring a piece right now,¡± Hide said as he took out a small knife from his lower back and put it on the table.

    ¡°Do you always bring a knife with you wherever you go?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Where did you buy it from?¡±

    ¡°Online store for survival kit.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Actually, Hide made the knife by himself, but it would create another complexity if he told that to Hanna, so he excluded this detail from his explanation.

    Hanna then took the small knife and examined it. It was made of one piece dark cold steel. The handle was 4 inch long, it didn¡¯t have guard but it was slightly curved and had a grip-hold for each finger. Therefore, the user¡¯s hand wouldn¡¯t slip when making a powerful thrust. As for the blade, it was as long as adult middle finger, two and half times wider, fixed blade, and had triangle tips suited for stabbing.

    Overall the knife was light, thin, and easy to carry, but sturdy enough for medium work. It¡¯s just that Hanna found one problem.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t this knife too small for a fight?¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s serve you well when you want to ambush someone who coming at you. It¡¯s also very easy to conceal carry it,¡± Hide casually replied.

    ¡°Who taught you how to ambush using this small knife?¡±

    ¡°Internet.¡±

    ¡°Have you ever ambush people other than the goons from Torra Security?¡±

    ¡°Nope.¡±

    Hide could tell that Hanna did not fully believe his explanation, but she couldn¡¯t refute it either. And so, Hide considered he had resolved this issue for now at least. Then, he changed the subject of the conversation.

    After taking a sip of his beer Hide calmly asked, ¡°What is the second thing that made you upset?¡±

    After letting out a sigh Hanna said, ¡°Today, I have appointment with Kamui Finance. They will help the investor I represent to broker some land in South Nichiko. But they didn¡¯t show up and then I received notif that all Kamui¡¯s top managements are very likely already dead.¡±

    Hide¡¯s heart skipped a beat when Hanna mentioned Kamui Finance, but he managed to hide his shock and faking a curious expression. ¡°How could top managements from a company suddenly dead in masses?¡±

    ¡°Kamui is also brokering deal for underworld folk,¡± Hanna casually said. ¡°Maybe they offended some nasty people.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Hide put a piece of chicken meat ball in his mouth and chewed before saying, ¡°I hope metro police will find the culprit soon.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think it will be easy.¡±

    ¡°How so?¡±

    Hanna ordered a lemon sour from a waitress who coincidently passed their table by before replying, ¡°The incident took place in Kamui¡¯s office. There is lot of blood and gunfight trace, but metro police forensic found that the culprit have made it impossible to find clue from it.

    Not to mention, the incident was discovered only at noon when the cleaning service already mopped the floor corridor and lot of people have walked in it. So, metro police can¡¯t even find the culprit footprint or what kind of footwear they wore.¡±

    Hide slightly nodded before saying, ¡°So, that¡¯s why you were so upset earlier.¡±

    ¡°Making a projection cash flow for a big project in a metropolitan city is not easy you know,¡± Hanna sourly said. ¡°When you have to start from scratch because the previous factor, option, and condition are not valid anymore, I guarantee it will drive you crazy.

    And I have to experience such occurrence twice in row from the same project.¡±

    ¡°Wait a second¡­¡± Hide looked at Hanna as big question mark popped up in his forehead. ¡°This is the second time you experience it?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hanna sourly said. ¡°The project is Sakura Project. We have to change the location after contractor who was responsible to acquire the land withdraw from the project. And now, the people who will broker the land acquisition are gone without a trace.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After taking a deep breath Hide said, ¡°In that case, feel free to get drunk. I will ensure you arrive at home safely.¡±

    ¡°Good. I really need to get drunk right now,¡± Hanna said as her lemon sour arrived and she immediately took a few big gulps in one go.

    At the same time, Hide took a sip of his kickless beer. Somehow, it didn¡¯t taste as bad as before. Maybe, it was because deep down he felt a slight guilt as his action had cause immense trouble for Hanna, while at the same time he could not cancel it no matter what.

    In the end, all he could do was trying his best to provide Hanna some comfort. If she wanted to get drunk, Hide would let her to get it as much as she wanted.

    *****

 HA3 2.3 â€“ Drunk

    HA3 2.3 ¨C Drunk

    Ninety minutes after he said Hanna can get drunk without worry under his watch, and Hide already regretted it. Hanna really knew how to get drunk and once she was fully under alcohol, she instantly turned into a rascal.

    After she groped a waitresses who delivered their order in the butt and squeezed it while smiling like a lunatic, Hide immediately cleared the bill, gave the waitress 90 degree bow several times, and took Hanna home. Then, his true struggle began. The distance from Cartel to Blue Orchid was only 100 meter. The small road was also well lit and not crowded, but Hide had a clear hunch that the walk to Blue Orchid would not easy.

    ¡°Hanna, let a go the pole,¡± Hide gently said.

    ¡°Don¡¯t wanna¡­. Huehehehe¡­. Hic,¡± While having a big smile in her face, Hanna tightly hugged a big advertising pole while happily rubbing her cheek on it. ¡°I love this sexy pole. I think she is my true love.¡±

    ¡®What the fuck is this drunken chick rumbling about,¡¯ Hide muttered while looking at Hanna helplessly.

    At the same time, some passerby looked at the two while giggle or smiling, especially when they saw Hanna gave the pole a passionate kiss. It was very embarrassing, but then Hide realized that he shouldn¡¯t the only one who suffered from it.

    Wasting no time, he took out his smartphone and recorded Hanna intimate moment with the advertising pole. Then, after a satisfied smile he tried to separate her from her new true love one more time.

    ¡°We should get back as soon as possible and get night rest,¡± Hide said while peeling off Hanna¡¯s arm from the pole.

    ¡°Fine, but we should bring this sexy pole with us,¡± Hanna firmly said.

    ¡°We can¡¯t, you dummy.¡±

    ¡°Then, I don¡¯t want go home¡­. Hics¡­¡±

    ¡°We will invite her to your place later.¡±

    Hide randomly said as he really didn¡¯t know how to argue with a drunken chick that have sudden pole fetish, but somehow his word reached Hanna. She suddenly looked at the pole deeply before turning her gaze to him.

    ¡°Really? We can invite her to my place later.¡±

    ¡°Really,¡± Hide firmly replied. ¡°As for now, we should let her do her job or she will get into trouble for leaving her post without permission.¡±

    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Hanna said before turning her gaze back to the pool, and then lewdly said, ¡°My love, let¡¯s continue our flirt later. I will definitely show you a good time.¡±

    After Hanna gave the pool another passionate kiss, Hide finally managed to separate the two. They then continued the walk to Blue Orchid. Hide had to hold and support Hanna as she couldn¡¯t walk straight, but it was not a problem. As long as they kept walking, they would arrive at Blue Orchid sooner or later.

    Unfortunately, Hanna suddenly stopped in the middle of a small bridge. Hide instantly got a really bad hunch, especially when Hanna suddenly turned her gaze to him and gave him a sharp glare, but he tried to maintain a positive thinking.

    ¡°Did you hurt your feet?¡± Hide gently asked.

    ¡°No, but I think I will throw up.¡±

    After taking a deep breath full of relief Hide said, ¡°It¡¯s fine, just throw it up.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t do it if you are too close to me. Stay away ten meters from me, and don¡¯t look at me.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Wasting no time Hide walked away and gave Hanna some room.

    ¡®With such massive amount of alcohol you put in your belly, I know you will throw up sooner or later. Fortunately, I have made some preparation.¡¯

    After taking a glance at Hanna and found she was put her hands on the guard rail and slightly bent her body forward, Hide immediately prepared a box of orange juice and a pack of pocket tissue. Then, he looked back at Hanna, and his eyes instantly widened as Hanna already sat on the guard rail looking down at the water below.

    ¡°Are you kidding me?¡±

    Hide immediately throw away the orange juice and tissue in his hand as he ran as fast as possible to reach Hanna, but it was too late. With a big smile, Hanna jumped off the bridge just before he could grab her waist. Big splash spread over to all direction as Hanna¡¯s butt hit the surface of the water.

    The height to the surface of the water was only 1.5 meter high, while the water was 0.8 meter deep. Hanna wouldn¡¯t suffer fatal injury from the impact, but it was still too dangerous to let a drunk chick to stay in the flowing water with that depth.

    Wasting no time Hide turned off his smartphone, and then moved it to chest pocket in his jacket along with his wallet. Then, he entered the small canal through its bank. Fortunately, the sand and gravel on the canal floor was not deep so he could move with ease.

    Hanna already stood in her feet when Hide arrived next to her. She had big smile in her face, and was fully wet up to her shoulder. Then, she turned her gaze to Hide.

    ¡°I thought you will jump like me¡­ Hics¡­ It is very fun you know.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not that crazy.¡±

    ¡°You are not fun.¡±

    ¡°You will get cold if we don¡¯t dry your body immediately.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t wanna hics¡­.  I want another another jump.¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t.¡±

    Wasting no time, Hide dragged Hanna out of the water. He had to do it carefully as Hanna couldn¡¯t walk straight and almost fell to the water two times. Then, as soon as they out of the water Hide immediately took out a handkerchief, put a few dropped of sleeping med on it, and then used it to cover Hanna¡¯s nose. Surprisingly, Hanna didn¡¯t fight back. It seemed she thought Hide was trying to wipe some water on her face.

    With ease Hanna fell asleep and Hide immediately put her on his shoulder. She was 168 cm and 52 kg and Hide couldn¡¯t burden his body with heavy work after 7 pm, but he had no other choice.

    Hanna¡¯s statistic was rather worrying. In less than an hour after she got drunk, she had turned into butt groper, pole fetish, and bridge jumper. Hide really couldn¡¯t let it to continue. Just thinking about what she would do next already gave him a chill on the nape.

    A moment later, the two entered Blue Orchid¡¯s rear gate. The security on duty suspiciously asked Hide about what had happened, but they didn¡¯t make thing hard for him after he gave them a good explanation.

    Then, the two arrived in Hanna¡¯s apartment and the first thing Hide did was putting down Hanna on yoga matt before stripping her buck naked. After that he used wet warm towel and dry towel to wipe her body clean.

    He did it through fully, starting from her face, to her neck, boobs, belly, arms, armpit. Then, he widely opened her legs and wiped clean her private area before moving to her thigh down to her toe. After that he gently flipped her over and wiped clean her back and perky butt. Once Hanna¡¯s body was clean and dry, Hide put a t-shirt and short on her. Then, he put her to the bed before taking a bath.

    ¡®What a tiring night,¡¯ Hide came out of the bathroom while drying his hair using a towel.

    He then went straight to minibar and poured a serving of whiskey on the rock for himself. Finally, he could satisfy his crave for ice cold booze. It took about 10 minutes for him to finish off the whiskey, and then he went to the bed.

    Hide found Hanna was fast asleep with big smile in her face while hugging a long pillow. He had no idea what made her so happy, but he was glad she had a good time even in her sleep. Then, he slipped into under the blanket and fell asleep a moment later.

    *****

 HA3 2.4 â€“ Hannaâ€™s Secret

    HA3 2.4 ¨C Hanna¡¯s Secret

    This morning, Hanna woke up earlier than usual. After preparing a jug of orange juice and a pile of toast, she arranged her smartphone and wallet in the dining table. Last night, she brought the two into water so now she had to clean it.

    Wasting no time, Hanna started the cleaning while happily humming. Her smartphone was waterproof and shockproof. She only had to clean it and it would be as good as new. As for her wallet, she put only a few pieces of 2000 Ren notes and 500 Ren coins on it. It won¡¯t need much work to separate and dry them. As for her ID card and other cards, it was also not a big deal to wipe it clean.

    Then, Hide came out of the bathroom and went straight to dining table, and Hanna instantly became nervous. She still clearly remembered the trouble she made last night.

    ¡°Hide,¡± Hanna said as Hide sat before her. ¡°Sorry for the last night.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Hide casually said before taking a piece of toast and put walnut butter on it.

    ¡°You are not angry?¡±

    ¡°Nope,¡± Hide replied before taking a bite of the walnut butter toast.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Really.¡±

    After observing Hide¡¯s casual expression for a moment Hanna smiled. ¡°I can say for sure for other woman, but for me, be able to drink as much as I can without having to worry someone will take advantage of me, and then being escorted home safely, makes me super happy.

    And even though I don¡¯t clearly remember it, I can tell that you bathed me clean and put fresh clothes on me before putting me on the bed. .¡±

    ¡°You are wet from shoulder to toe. I can¡¯t just put you straight to the bed,¡± Hide said as he took another piece of loaf. ¡°And I¡¯m happy if you have good time last night.¡±

    Another smile instantly bloomed in Hanna¡¯s lips. ¡°I see.¡±

    Last night, when she asked Hide to pampering her, what she wanted was actually a wild and hot sex. Unfortunately, Hide was rather dense sometimes. Fortunately, the ear cleaning, the feet massage, and the drinking was no less enjoyable than the sex she hoped for. It greatly elevated her mood, and now she woke up with a feeling as if she could conquer the world with a flick of her fingers.

    ¡°Have you ever encountered someone as weird as myself when they drunk?¡±

    ¡°Nope.¡± A lie smoothly slipped through Hide¡¯s teeth.

    ¡°Really?¡± Hanna curiously asked. ¡°As far as I remember, you were pretty calm when handling me last night. You seemed really know how to handle a drunkard.¡±

    ¡°Actually, I almost got heart attack, when you suddenly groped the waitress.¡±

    ¡°I have to apologize to her later,¡± Hanna said in low voice.

    ¡°I already gave her 90 degree bow several times and bought her the expensive drink in the menu,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°But, I agree you still have to apologize to her personally.¡±

    ¡°I will definitely apologize to her personally,¡± Hanna obediently replied.

    After taking a sip of his orange juice Hide then curiously asked, ¡°When your colleagues from Beauty and the Beast learn about your drunkard behaviors, what did they say about it?¡±

    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    ¡°They don¡¯t know about it,¡± Hanna casually replied.

    ¡°How is that possible?¡±

    ¡°Before last night, I did such craziness only once.¡± Hanna took a deep breath before continuing, ¡°I was eighteen at that time. My father promised me I can drink after I graduated from Harvard, but he canceled it because I graduated two years earlier than the schedule.

    As a protest, I stole his whiskey, two full bottles and finished it in my room. After that I came out of my room, heavily drunk, and went straight to living room where my father and step-mom watched a melodrama.

    When my step-mom approached me with worry face, I pushed her to the wall and gave her a deep French kiss. When my father tried to separate us, I slapped him and he backed down after that.¡±

    After looking at Hanna with hanging mouth Hide said, ¡°That¡¯s pretty wild.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hanna openly admitted. ¡°And just so you know, my step-mom is smoking hot lady, and she almost passed-out when I¡¯m done with her.

    I then switched to a 200-year-old walnut tree in our backyard, hugging and pressing my cheek on it while smiling like an idiot.¡±

    ¡®What a rascal,¡¯ Hide muttered with complicated gaze. Then, he took a deep breath before saying, ¡°But your colleagues never see your drunkard side. Not even once.¡±

    ¡°I hide it as best as I can. When I drink with them I always limit myself,¡± Hanna casually said. ¡°If you scale it from 1 to 10, I never got drunk beyond level 5.¡±

    ¡°But last night you go beyond level 5.¡±

    ¡°Well, it felt so good and comfortable to drink with you, and before I realized it I already hit level 9.¡± As she looked at Hide straight in the eyes Hanna added, ¡°You are the first man to see my true drunkard side.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After a smile Hide added, ¡°I don¡¯t mind if you want to get drunk again with me.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure about that?¡± Hanna teasingly said.

    ¡°Absolutely,¡¯ Hide firmly replied.

    Basically, Hide treated the needs to drink like the needs of a husky to go for a walk. If you didn¡¯t walk your husky regularly, they would build excess energy and released it by making a mess in the house.

    In that sense, human was pretty much like a husky. They built up stress from various issues and challenges they encountered in their daily life, and a good drink could help them to release this build up.

    As for Hanna, Hide had witnessed it personally. Heavy dose of alcohol would turn her into rascal husky. She was not the violence type, but it didn¡¯t mean she was less destructive. Only God would know how many poles, trees, and innocence gal would become her victims if she freely roamed the street in drunken state.

    Therefore, when she wanted to get drunk Hide would have a peace of mind only if she did it under his watch. Hide really didn¡¯t want to let her get drunk alone or with someone else. Of course, he would put some condition so the heavy drinking routine stayed only as occasional stress relief.

    ¡°But let¡¯s limit it only twice a month and only the two of us,¡± Hide firmly said. ¡°It¡¯s easier to manage the situation that way, so you can get drunk as much you want without any worry.¡±

    After a smile Hanna said, ¡°Okay.¡±

    Hanna was very happy with Hide¡¯s idea, but unfortunately she didn¡¯t know Hide¡¯s inner thought. So, she strengthened her resolve to not get drunk again in front of Hide. As someone who was older than him, she felt some guilt for putting Hide in difficult situation. In the future, if she had a crappy day and wanted to get drunk she would do it in her apartment alone.

    At the same time, while finishing his orange juice Hide recalled a drunkard from his platoon in 1st Airborne Brigade. He was a Hakaido native who couldn¡¯t stand a crowd of strangers, but he had a gift with forest. He was the best tracker in the whole brigade, and could walk across a thick forest from one edge to another without making a sound.

    He also deeply fell in love with his life in airborne brigade because despite the rough and harsh training routine, he felt the brigade was a family where he belongs. It¡¯s just that when he was drunk he turned into a damnable rascal.

    One time, in the middle of the night he ran circling the army general staff HQ while carrying their unit flag, buck naked from head to toe. In another time, he kissed a guest who happened to be the new paramedic instructor, and she was the kind who knew how to hold a grudge. Worst of all, as his senior in buddy-buddy system Hide had to clean his mess and it was not easy.

    There was even a time when Hide wanted to bury him alive, but as time went on and they had to bear one shit after another, they became teammates with bond thicker than blood. The two even joint 1st SFG together, even though after they passed the 12-months selection and assessment course they were being placed in different team.

    ¡®Thank you, for giving me valuable experience on how to handle rascal drunkard,¡¯ Hide sincerely muttered.

    Now, after he learned about Hanna¡¯s drunkard pattern, Hide didn¡¯t think it was a headache anymore. As long as he knew the pattern, he would be able to manage it. Most of all, Hanna was not as strong as bull and possessed decent martial arts like his old mates.

    After finishing his breakfast, Hide then went to the workshop with light mood.

    *****

 HA3 3.1 â€“ Second Opinion

    HA3 3.1 ¨C Second Opinion

    As they had agreed before, Hide and Takeo would go to the workshop together for next few weeks. The two meet at a subway station 5 km away from Chikara Tower, and Hide immediately took Takeo to sit in an empty bench.

    ¡°Someone is tailing me,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°And I think you also have tail in your six.¡±

    ¡°Are they Paolo¡¯s men?¡±

    ¡°Most likely.¡±

    ¡°Can we shake them off in underground walkaway?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a good idea.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°The dudes that Paolo send are better than I expected. Even if we can shake them off today, there is no guarantee we can do it again tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Then, what about our training in the workshop?¡±

    After letting out a sigh Hide said, ¡°Let¡¯s postponed it until we finish our business with Paolo.¡±

    Worry instantly filled Takeo¡¯s face to the brim. ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s fine to skip our firearm training, when I and Shizuka are still at basic level?¡±

    ¡°We have no choice.¡± After a short pause Hide added, ¡°We also have to stop our gathering information. Paolo must have been monitoring every activity we do right now.

    But we can focus our effort to increase our other stats, like our driving skill, martial arts, or physical fitness.¡±

    ¡°Do the three of us will still train together?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Hide firmly replied. ¡°You train with Shizuka. Just do your usual training, including the 16 km ruck march on Saturday. You two can do it openly. I¡¯m sure Shizuka will find proper training ground with ease.¡±

    ¡°What about you?¡±

    ¡°I will train on my own. I will also try to sneak to the workshop twice a week at least. I still have to make hand guard, stock, and pistol grip for our MP5 and M4, and build climbing wall for Shizuka.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure you want to do it alone? It sounds like a ton of works.¡±

    ¡°I will manage it. Just focus on your training.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Now, text Shizuka using your smartphone, tell her you want to talk something important with her before the class started. Asked her to buy us breakfast too.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Wasting no time Takeo sent the text. Then, he asked, ¡°Can I ask something not related to our training?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    ¡°Is Americ tier-one truly the most combat tested tier-one?¡±

    ¡°Let me give you an example,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°Americ JSOC is the only tier-one management that sends their operators to assist sniper unit in providing sniper over watch for regular unit when they carry out daily ops.

    Other management will never adopt such radical approach. The number of tier-one operators under their management is too few. They can¡¯t afford to lose them in everyday gunfight. Some even blatantly said that JSOC approach was too reckless.

    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    Yet it worked pretty well. It was one of the main reasons, why the effort from Iraqi insurgent and their foreign sponsor to drain Americ serviceman¡¯s blood through massive deployment of sniper tactic across the country failed.¡±

    ¡°What about our country tier-one unit?¡±

    ¡°There is a covert program to facilitate individual who want to gain combat experience. It¡¯s not limited only for tier-one folks, and our country is not the only country with such practice. But, it¡¯s better for us to not know about the detail.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Other question?¡±

    ¡°Nope.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the school then.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ---

    Plausible deniability with a guaranteed reinstatement, it was basically a means to send military personnel to a covert combat tour, and the personnel could return to their old unit as long as public didn¡¯t know their forbidden adventure and they were still fit to serve. Naoto had just returned from such adventure a few days ago.

    He was a long-range precision shooter in Nikko¡¯s army marksman unit, and received a contract through Paolo to participate in 3-weeks long hunter killer ops in some faraway country. He used fabricated knee injury report to resign from Nikko¡¯s army, and then left the country to get medical treatment.

    And now, six weeks before his reinstatement to his old unit, Paolo asked him to help him monitor a pair of high school kids. He thought it would be an easy job, but the kid he tailed managed to shake him off for a whole twelve minutes before reappearing in his sight.

    While having big wonder in his mind, Naoto regrouped with Paolo after the kids he tailed entered their school. As he sat next to Paolo, he opened a conversation.

    ¡°Hide is definitely a sharp kid.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Paolo calmly replied.

    ¡°He is also too paranoid for a high school kid who lives in a peaceful country.¡±

    After a nod Paolo said, ¡°Most hacker is paranoid and very sharp by nature, or they won¡¯t last.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After a short pause Naoto continued, ¡°What do you found about their background and online activities?¡±

    ¡°Not much. They come from normal family, have no affiliation with dangerous element, but they definitely have a gift for software engineering and very good at their job.

    Takeo is able to help his parent pay their debt, while Hide manages to open two accounts in Totsuka. One for himself and another one for his little sister,¡± Paolo said in a tone full of admiration. ¡°And that¡¯s why it¡¯s very important to conduct direct surveillance on their daily life to find if I miss something.¡±

    ¡°So, we will maintain the surveillance on them for the next two weeks.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I hope you don¡¯t mind.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind. Until the evaluation team is sure I don¡¯t turn into a psycho and fit to return to my old unit, I have lot of free time.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After a nod Paolo curiously asked, ¡°What do you say about your first combat experience?¡±

    Naoto instantly let out a deep sigh. ¡°Now, I understand why some folks call rain forest as green hell, especially in rainy season.¡±

    After a smile Paolo said, ¡°When rain pour down everything become wet, trail gone without a trace, and the rough terrain become treacherous. In sunny day, humidity spike and dehydration can kill you if you don¡¯t be careful.

    Eat cold canned food or dried ration only, can¡¯t sleep well, move only at night, anything that needs battery mostly turned into liability after the first week, and before you realizing it you are already in the middle of deathly ambush and lose some good folks.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Naoto said in low voice.

    ¡°And yet, I heard two days before the operation end, you scored a 675 meters head shot using M16A2.¡±

    ¡°I was on top of my game that day.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°But, it still can¡¯t beat the record from Britss pathfinder dude at 693 meters using Diemaco C7.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t get too greedy. In localized hunter-killer ops, it¡¯s very hard for precision shooter to get a target opportunity beyond 200 meters. You were lucky enough to find a target beyond that range, and manage to hit it using five-five-six.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    ¡°Well, let me buy you a breakfast before we go home.¡±

    ¡°I love to, but I have to meet my older brother,¡± Naoto said as he got up from the bench. ¡°Buy me a drink after we tail the kids this afternoon.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Without further ado Paolo and Naoto then separated their way.

    ---

    Tuesday morning, usually Shorimachi was already sat in his desk. But right now, he casually sat in a bench in a corner of Metro Police HQ¡¯s backyard. While enjoying a piece of thick vanilla cream sandwich as his breakfast, he studied the data he received from Goto last night.

    The data showed that the event in Kamui¡¯s office highly likely had connection with some other recent events. The data also showed that the job was being executed by a professional crew consisted of high-expert from various field. However, even with their vast resource and information network, NFP couldn¡¯t find a single clear clue about the suspect.

    ¡®No wonder they are very worry about this development,¡¯ Shorimachi muttered before putting the last piece of vanilla cream sandwich in his hand into his mouth. ¡®To the point they lower themselves to work with a troublemaker like me.¡¯

    Then, a man suddenly entered the backyard, went straight to Shorimachi, and as he sat next to him the man said, ¡°So, why do you call me?¡±

    ¡°First,¡± Shorimachi casually said. ¡°Tell me about your leg injury.¡±

    ¡°Bro, you don¡¯t need to worry about it.¡±

    ¡°Naoto, how can I don¡¯t need to worry about it?¡± Shorimachi sternly said. ¡°You love your military life so much, even though the military basically is doing nothing while spending taxpayer money.

    Then, the military you love so much suddenly force you into early retirement because of leg injury, but you just accepted their decision as if it was nothing.

    After that, you went to overseas without telling me, and when you returned you told me that it seemed there was a mistake in your medical evaluation. Most of all, there is a possibility you can return to your old unit.

    How can I¡¯m not worry when your life making rapid turn left and right in such a short time.¡±

    Naoto just listened to Shorimachi¡¯s rumbling with palmed face before saying, ¡°First, believe me, our military is not just doing nothing. Second, if you ask me to come so that you can lecture me, I¡¯m leaving.¡±

    ¡°Wait¡­¡± Shorimachi hastily said as Naoto got up to his feet. Then, after taking a deep breath he said, ¡°I need your professional opinion.¡±

    ¡°On what field?¡± Naoto curiously asked. ¡°Firearm is the only field I know, and I¡¯m an idiot in everything else.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s more than enough,¡± Shorimachi said as he took out a zip-lock plastic bag containing some cartridge cases and projectile remains, and handed it over to Naoto. ¡°You always talks about ammo like there is no tomorrow every time we go out for a drink. Now, show me that you really know about it.¡±

    ¡°Just take it to forensic,¡± Naoto nonchalantly replied.

    ¡°I need second opinion,¡± Shorimachi said in a drop dead serious tone. ¡°Please.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Without delay Naoto sat back and took the plastic bag. A moment later, his eyes widened as he examined one of the cartridge cases.

    At the same time Shorimachi took out his pocket notebook. ¡°Spit out every piece of information you know.¡±

    *****

 HA3 3.2 â€“ Grudge

    HA3 3.2 ¨C Grudge

    After his talk with Naoto, Shorimachi went straight to 2nd Investigation Division. Everything was calm as usual. Everyone was busy with their own work. With casual steps Shorimachi passed one desk after another. Until finally, he saw a young woman sat in one of cubicles in front of his desk with ramrod straight back.

    Shorimachi had a hunch about the young woman¡¯s identity. His partner retired a few days ago right after the two solved a fraud case, and Chief Kondo said his replacement would come this week.

    As soon as he arrived before the young woman, Shorimachi confirmed his hunch, ¡°Are you my new partner?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Senior Shorimachi.¡± The young woman replied while got up to her feet and gave Shorimachi a light bow. ¡°My name is Takayuki Hayami. I graduated from detective academy two weeks ago.¡±

    Shorimachi nodded as he sat in his desk. Then, he signaled Takayuki to sit in front of him while asked her, ¡°Any specific reason why you choose Financial Fraud Team C?¡±

    ¡°Honestly, it¡¯s not my decision,¡± Takayuki replied before sitting in front of Shorimachi.

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Shorimachi then opened the binder file in his table. As he had guessed, the binder file contained Takayuki¡¯s profile. It¡¯s just that, the more he read it the bigger question mark in his mind grew.

    Takayuki graduated from National Police Academy with second highest score in the history of the academy. This achievement was more than enough to give her a ticket to enter Nikko Federal Police, went through federal agent course and became junior field agent.

    Yet, she chose to join Nichiko Metro Police and spent the first two years of her law enforcement carrier by patrolling the street, and she produced a good record but once again she didn¡¯t use it to enter National Federal Police. She chose to attend detective academy and returned to Nichiko Metro Police.

    Most of all, she didn¡¯t file a protest when she was being assigned to 2nd Investigation Division even though she clearly applied for Violence Crime Team A in 1st Investigation Division. After reading Takayuki¡¯s profile one more time Shorimachi turned his gaze to her.

    ¡°You have good chance to enter federal police, two times at least, but you chose to go to Nichiko Metro. It¡¯s big metropolitan police for sure, but it¡¯s still just prefectural police department,¡± Shorimachi calmly said. ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°I want to handle violence crime in metropolitan city. I can¡¯t do that if I join NFP. They put their focus on bigger issue.¡±

    Shorimachi nodded and asked another question, ¡°Is that the reason why you chose street duty as your first assignment?¡±

    ¡°Yes, street duty will give me lot of understanding about public current and dynamics in metropolitan city, which tightly related to violence crime.¡±

    ¡°But now, they send you to 2nd Investigation Division. We handle only white collar crime here, far from street. I hope it don¡¯t break your heart and turn you into a lazy bum.¡±

    Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    ¡°I won¡¯t become a lazy bum, and will carry my duty to my utmost,¡± Takayuki said as determination flashed in her eyes.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Because Senior Shorimachi also doesn¡¯t turn into a lazy bum after being transferred to 2nd Investigation Division.¡±

    ¡°So, you have heard about my story.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Chief Kondo told me about it.¡±

    ¡°What else he told you?¡±

    ¡°If in two years I can absorb your knowledge and investigation craft, Commissioner Yamagishi will give me whatever slot I want in 1st Investigation Division.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Chief Kondo also said that right now you are carrying an important parallel investigation, and he asked me to sign a document that forbids me to leak any information about it.¡±

    In an instant Shorimachi realized that someone in high position was grooming Takayuki. She was National Police Academy top graduate, hardworking, determined, and willing to build the foundation for her law enforcement carrier from grassroots. Bigwigs in NFP loved this kind of folk. It was impossible they would ignore her.

    The parallel investigation would give her lot of valuable experience. At the same time, if it went wrong and caused a huge mess, a trouble maker like him would become perfect scapegoat.

    ¡®What a nasty people,¡¯ Shorimachi muttered before looking at Takayuki straight in the eyes and asked, ¡°What is your parent job?¡±

    ¡°They run a small street stall. My older brother helps them.¡±

    ¡°Is someone from your family has high position in the administration or law enforcement field?¡±

    ¡°No, we are just ordinary family.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After pondering for a moment Shorimachi firmly decided. ¡°You already know about the parallel investigation. I will carry it with you, and I will teach you every investigation craft I know.¡±

    ¡°I will do my best,¡± Takayuki firmly replied.

    ¡°Help me and follow my instruction as best as you can, and I will fully take the blame if it goes south.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°Good. Now, let¡¯s check some crime scene.¡±

    ¡°Hai.¡± Takayuki replied before checking the empty cubicles in front of Shorimachi¡¯s desk one by one. ¡°What about the other member of the team?¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t have any.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°Financial Fraud Team C consists only of two detectives, me and my partner,¡± Shorimachi said as he got up. ¡°And now, you take over my partner¡¯s place.¡±

    Takayuki nodded and replied, ¡°I see.¡±

    Wasting no time the two then went to motor pool and took a black Lan Evo 6.

    ---

    While Shorimachi drove the Lan Evo, Takayuki sat next to him and busy studied the investigation report from NFP, and the more she read it the bigger her curiosity grew.

    ¡°The incident in Lake Hibino¡¯s water tunnel, the ambush of Toruma¡¯s money collector, the assassination of Maeda the Fox, the night raid on Villa Tigera, the assassination of Takeshi Torumada, and the raid on Kamui¡¯s office,¡± Takayuki said as she put down the tablet in her hand into her lap. ¡°If all these incidents are truly a work from mafia family that tried to establish total domination, then the chance that bigger incident and even total war will occur is very high, and no one know how it will affect public order if it go out of control. No wonder it makes NFP so nervous.¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s the deduction from NFP analyst and pretty solid one,¡± Shorimachi casually said as he took the Lan Evo to enter Highway 11. ¡°However, even if they are the best crime analyst in the country, it doesn¡¯t mean they will always produce correct deduction.¡±

    ¡°The parallel investigation we do, is it to support their deduction?¡± Takayuki curiously asked.

    ¡°No, the Violence Crime Team A from 1st Division will carry their investigation based on NFP¡¯s official deduction,¡± Shorimachi calmly said. ¡°As for us, we will use the off the record version.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Now, based on your experience on the street, tell me what you know about Toruma Mafia.¡±

    ¡°Before the raid in Villa Tigera, they are the third strongest mafia in Nikko,¡± Takayuki calmly replied. ¡°Now, after they lost their tactical asset, they are only the sixth strongest in the country and that¡¯s why they try their best to lay low.¡±

    ¡°A single night raid has crippled Toruma¡¯s strength to such extent. Not to mention, it was being carried out without firing a single bullet,¡± Shorimachi said as he took the Lan Evo to exit Highway 11 and entered the only road to Villa Tigera. ¡°Can you imagine what kind of crew that capable such feat?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± Takayuki replied in low voice.

    ¡°Agent Goto and Takuya, our contacts in NFP are contra-intelligence folk. They consider a possibility that Villa Tigera raid and the other incidents are part of black ops operation.¡± After a short pause Shorimachi added, ¡°And the main objective of our investigation is to help them find out how high this possibility.¡±

    ¡°Senior Shorimachi,¡± Takayuki said in a drop dead serious tone. ¡°Investigating a black ops unit is way above our pay grade.¡±

    ¡°I know, but we don¡¯t under the burden to solve this case. We can carry our investigation one step at a time and see how far we can go,¡± Shorimachi said as he parked the Lan Evo in front of Villa Tigera¡¯s remains. ¡°Most of all, our investigation maybe will help me find a vital clue on how to destroy Toruma Mafia for good.¡±

    ¡°So, you agree to carry this investigation because of your grudge to Toruma Mafia.¡±

    ¡°I think my grudge to Toruma Mafia is the reason why the NFP dudes chose me,¡± Shorimachi calmly said. ¡°I have the motive to dig as deep as I can.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± As determination flashed in her eyes Takayuki said, ¡°I will do my best to help you.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Shorimachi genuinely said.

    A moment later, the two got out of the Lan Evo.

    *****

 HA3 3.3 â€“ Vital Clue

    HA3 3.3 ¨C Vital Clue

    After exiting the Lan Evo, Shorimachi circled the rubbles of Villa Tigera, and then he hike to hill side on the east of the villa. Behind him, Takayuki followed him while recalling the story between Shorimachi and Toruma Mafia.

    About one year ago, Toruma Mafia tried to build dozen of underground facilities to produce illegal narcotics in Nikko. It was ambitious plan that would turn them into the biggest illegal drug supplier in the country, if only Shorimachi didn¡¯t smash it into pieces.

    However, Shorimachi¡¯s success was not without painful sacrifice. He had lost his informant in the process. He was one of chemists who had been forced by Toruma Mafia to head one of the production facilities. After they learned that this chemist had betrayed them, Toruma Mafia tortured him and his wife to the death, and kidnapped their daughter. She was ten-year-old and it was no secret that Toruma¡¯s elder was a pedophile.

    For three months Shorimachi did his best trying to save the little girl. Until finally, he got confirmed information that the girl already died. Toruma¡¯s elder accidentally killed her when he was toying with her.

    Shorimachi then tracked the Toruma¡¯s elder whereabouts. He wanted to kill him and he got one chance. It was a clear shot from close range when Toruma¡¯s elder was on his morning walk, but Shorimachi missed. His shot only grazed Toruma¡¯s elder¡¯s shoulder before his bodyguard brought him to escape.

    After that, Commissioner Yamagishi made a deal with Toruma Mafia. He would transfer Shorimachi to 2nd Investigation Division and he wouldn¡¯t hunt Toruma¡¯s elder again. In return, Toruma Mafia couldn¡¯t go after Shorimachi¡¯s life or harm him in any way. Shorimachi accepted the deal to avoid total war between Nichiko metro and Toruma mafia.

    Then, Shorimachi suddenly stopped in front of a cypress tree, while question mark popped up on Takayuki¡¯s forehead.

    ¡°Senior Shorimachi, why do we stop here?¡±

    While looking up at the cypress tree Shorimachi replied, ¡°Tell me what does the info from NFP say about the wild life CCTV around the villa?¡±

    ¡°A wild life lover installed it illegally?¡±

    ¡°That wild life lover is me,¡± Shorimachi calmly said.

    ¡°Seriously?¡±

    ¡°Super seriously.¡±

    Wasting no time Shorimachi then scaled up the cypress tree before coming down while carrying a set of hidden CCTV.

    ¡°But, didn¡¯t the raid crew has destroyed the CCTC to the point the footages is unrecoverable?¡±

    ¡°They destroy only CCTV that have Wi-Fi network.¡± After making sure the footage in the CCTV¡¯s memory card was still intact Shorimachi added, ¡°But it seemed they didn¡¯t know that I also planted a few network less CCTV.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± A gleam instantly flashed in Takayuki¡¯s eyes. ¡°Let¡¯s recover the other CCTVs.¡±

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Takayuki eagerly replied.

    Wasting no time, Shorimachi and Takayuki continued the CCTV harvest.

    ---

    Inside the Lan Evo, with a drop dead serious gaze Shorimachi and Takayuki checked the footage from six memory cards they managed to gather. They did it through fully, one memory card at a time.

    Unfortunately, the only useful clue they got was only footage of a young female and a little girl hike the slope on the east of the villa. The slope was too far from the CCTV. Therefore, the footage was not too clear and they couldn¡¯t see the young female¡¯s face.

    ¡°So, there are survivors of the raid,¡± Takayuki said in low voice.

    ¡°The little girl is the only survivor. She is an unfortunate kid who becomes Toruma¡¯s elder toy,¡± Shorimachi said in complicated tone before letting out a sigh. ¡°As for the young female, she is highly likely part of the raid crew.¡±

    ¡°Senior Shorimachi,¡± Takayuki curiously said. ¡°What is the base for this deduction?¡±

    Shorimachi turned his gaze to the tablet he received from Goto as he replied, ¡°File from NFP clearly mentioned that other than his escorts, Toruma¡¯s elder brought along one little girl to Villa Tigera.

    Forensic also didn¡¯t found body of little girl among the burned bodies in the villa. Now, we have solid confirmation she is survived the raid.

    On the other hand, the file doesn¡¯t mention any young female among Toruma¡¯s elder security details. She is not part of Toruma Mafia.¡±

    Takayuki nodded and firmly said, ¡°I have to read the NFP file deeper and absorb every piece of information it has as soon as possible.¡±

    ¡°Well, I also just received the file last night and have not completely absorbed it yet.¡±

    ¡°I see. What is our plan now?¡±

    ¡°Go back,¡± Shorimachi casually said. ¡°I need to go home to change my clothes, and maybe get a few hours of good sleep.¡±

    ¡°Are you saying we don¡¯t need to hand over our finding to our contact from NFP right away?¡± Takayuki curiously asked.

    ¡°There is no need for such hurry. Let¡¯s hold our finding, at least until we need NFP dudes to help us confirm or search something beyond our jurisdiction.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    After a moment of silence Shorimachi said, ¡°Your profile mentions you are a good driver. Can you drop me to my house and then return to office alone?¡±

    ¡°I can.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Shorimachi happily said. ¡°From now on, this car is your responsibility then.¡±

    While her eyes widened Takayuki asked, ¡°I don¡¯t mind to take care of this car, but are you not worry I will take it into street race? This car have good tune up after all.¡±

    ¡°This is not my car. NFP lend it to us. They will also pay the gas, but this car has GPS tracking so they will know if you take it to street racing.¡±

    After a smile Takayuki said, ¡°I see. I will do my best to take care of this baby.¡±

    ¡°Well then, drop me in my house, and tomorrow pick me up at seven in the morning,¡± Shorimachi casually said. ¡°You can also take the tablet from NFP. I already copy its content to my smartphone.¡±

    ¡°Roger.¡±

    Wasting no time, Takayuki and Shorimachi switched seat. A moment later, the Lan Evo left Villa Tigera in full speed.

    ---

    Under the darkness of the night, Shorimachi approached a fir tree located a few hundreds meter from front gate of Villa Tigera. After a quick search on its giant bark, he found the last independent CCTV he planted to monitor Villa Tigera.

    In a calm mood, he took the memory card from the CCTV and inserted it into a slot in his smartphone. Then, he checked the footage from the night when the raid on Villa Tigera took place. A moment later, the footage showed him that a young man drove a black van leaving Villa Tigera.

    Shorimachi immediately checked the young man and the black van with the file from NFP. He found the car belonged to Toruma Mafia, but the young man was not member of the group. He did the ID confirmation one more time, but he didn¡¯t found the young man face in the list of Toruma Mafia¡¯s member.

    ¡®It seems I got a vital clue I can use to track the raid crew,¡¯ Shorimachi calmly muttered as he returned to his motorbike.

    Shorimachi then casually started his motorbike¡¯s engine before leaving in moderate speed. He deliberately didn¡¯t tell Takayuki about the CCTV that monitored the road to Villa Tigera because he didn¡¯t trust her.

    Even to this day, he had not yet found the mole who leaked the identity of his informant to Toruma Mafia. Therefore, Shorimachi believed it was too dangerous to trust anyone in Nichiko Metro Police, without exception including Takayuki even though she was a newcomer.

    *****

 HA3 3.4 â€“ Another Vital Clue

    HA3 3.4 ¨C Another Vital Clue

    Shorimachi rented a small lodging two blocks from Nichiko metro police HQ. His room was on the first floor, and when he heard a Lan Evo stopped in front of his room he immediately came out to check it.

    As Takayuki got off from the Lan Evo, Shorimachi said, ¡°Come in. Let¡¯s enjoy some tea while talking our next move.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Takayuki replied.

    A moment later the two already sat in the dining table, being accompanied by a pot of tea and a plate of short bread. After taking a sip of his tea, Shorimachi put forward two small zip lock packs in front of Takayuki.

    ¡°This is sample of ammo remains from Kamui¡¯s office. Agent Goto gave it to me in our first meeting,¡± Shorimachi casually said. ¡°I know some dudes who know about firearm circulation in underworld. Agent Goto want me to dig some clue from them.¡±

    ¡°So, we will meet with those dudes today?¡± Takayuki asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Shorimachi firmly replied. ¡°I already got enough clues from my younger brother and confirm a few things from my underworld contact.¡±

    ¡°What clues?¡±

    ¡°Get your notes and pen.¡± Shorimachi took a sip of his tea before adding, ¡°I will tell you the detail and you will write the report for Agent Goto.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Without delay Takayuki took out a small notes and a pen, while Shorimachi pointed at one of zip lock pack.

    ¡°This one has cheap cartridge, cheap primer cup, cheap powder, but deadly projectile. The gunsmith use silver and some other expensive stuff to alloy the projectile jacket, and if you fire it from 10-inch barrel SMG like Uzie, it will defeat most body armor from two decades ago. Eisrel black ops unit from that era used it a lot.¡±

    ¡°An armor piercing round?¡± Takayuki asked as she tilted her head to the side.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Even if it¡¯s an outdate tech, armor piercing is still not common round. We can use it to track the crew who used it.¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t, or to be precise don¡¯t need to,¡± Shorimachi firmly said. ¡°My underground contact told me that Kamui Finance regularly buys this type of ammo.¡±

    ¡°So, this is Kamui Finance¡¯s ammo, and not the crew who attacked them.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± While pointing at the second zip lock pack Shorimachi continued, ¡°This one is the ammo use by the attacker, and we can use it to narrow down our search.¡±

    ¡°Does this ammo have unique characteristic?¡± Takayuki curiously asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s very unique.¡±

    After taking a deep breath, Shorimachi repeated the explanation he got from Naoto. The trace on the cartridge lips showed that it used cheap lead cast projectile. However, the cartridge case, primer cup, primer charge, and the powder were anything but ordinary.

    The base alloy to produce the cartridge and primer cup was the same brass that was used to produce 10 Ren coin. It was also being used to produce domestically-made military cartridge case. It was high-end material that made the recycle process became easier and cheaper.

    However, it was still not good enough for the gunsmith who supported the attack. He added some touch and material to elevate the brass to another level. This additional step made the cartridge case and primer cup possessed higher hardness, but flexible enough to be resized to its original dimension without trimming or turning.

    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Note that before you could reload a cartridge case, you had to resize it back to its original dimension. However, for most used cartridge case, resizing wouldn¡¯t be enough to fully put it back to its original dimension. Resizing could slightly thicken the neck and you had to trim and turn it a little bit. That¡¯s why there is a limit on how many times you could reload a used-cartridge before its neck became too thin.

    But, the cartridge case used by the crew that attacked Kamui¡¯s office won¡¯t need the trimming. You only had to resize it and it would without fail returned to its exact original dimension. Meaning, they could reload their ammo indefinitely and polished their firearm skill as much as they wanted.

    The primer cup also had seating depths and primer charge commonly used in world class shooting competition. Only a freak gunsmith would apply such extreme standard on pistol round that was used on a raid, where regular ammo was more than enough to get the job done if the shooters were well trained.

    ¡°One thing is sure,¡± Shorimachi calmly closed his explanation. ¡°Working with brass for many years will leave certain mark on your fingertips. Someone who possesses remarkable high-level gunsmith will also definitely leave some record or trail.

    This dude can¡¯t just stay under the radar and then suddenly pop up out of nowhere. If we are lucky, maybe this dude is already inside NFP watch list as soon as he entered the country, far before he joins the crew we are looking for.

    The forensic report for the ammo remains will came out in three days. Let Agent Goto and Takuya crosscheck it with our info, and track the gunsmith using NFP database.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Takayuki firmly replied before curiously asking. ¡°Senior, how can your younger brother have deep knowledge about firearm?¡±

    ¡°He is SDF shooter and a firearm freak,¡± Shorimachi casually replied. ¡°Whenever we go drinking together, he will keep blabbering about latest development in firearm industry.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After a moment of silence, Takayuki put forward a brown office envelope to Shorimachi. ¡°Senior, when I returned to office yesterday, Chief Kondo gave me this file. He said it¡¯s from Agent Goto and maybe it will give us some lead.¡±

    Shorimachi nodded and said, ¡°Give me the summary about what it says.¡±

    ¡°Right away.¡±

    Without delay Takayuki recited the file summary. It was personal info of a woman name Hanna Kitagawa. On the surface Hanna work as fitness adviser and assistant trainer in Beauty & the Beast. She was also in charge of financial management and sport betting under this sport center.

    While under the surface, she was a big time launderer and her main customers were underworld main player. Her specialty was helping underworld dweller to make money legally using their not so legal money.

    She directly participated in Sakura Project, a huge urban redevelopment project that was to be expected would give Nichiko an economy boost. Coincidently, two players who also took part in Sakura Project unexpectedly received fatal attack.

    The first player was Toruma Mafia, which now had to lay low. The second player was Kamui Finance, which not long after they took part in the project they suffered fatal attack and lost all their top management. Until now, the motive to stall Sakura Project was still unknown, but there was a possibility Hanna would become the next target if the perpetrator wanted to stop the project for good.

    As for her lifestyle, it was too simple and didn¡¯t match her high income. She had nice apartment and car, but other than that she wore modest clothes, ate modest food, and showed no interest in extravagance party. Meanwhile, her romantic life had tendency to short lived, and she never let the man she dated to come to his apartment. This pattern remained solid for a few years.

    But several weeks ago, she let a high school kid to stay in his apartment. This high school kid was Uesugi Hidetada, a sophomore in East Nichiko High. Record showed that Hide undergone a body development program under Hanna¡¯s guidance and even had MMA class for professional fighter.

    Once Shorimachi heard about Hide, he gave Takayuki a signal to stop and said, ¡°In short, subject is an alpha rich bitch who suddenly has an urge to have a pet boy.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Takayuki slightly nodded before adding, ¡°But there is something interesting about Hide.¡±

    ¡°Does he come from broken home or he has tragic circumstance that forces him to become male whore?¡± Shorimachi nonchalantly asked.

    ¡°No,¡± After a short pause Takayuki explained. ¡°Several weeks ago, he managed chasing away two goons from Torra Security who tried to take over the heavily drunk Hanna from him.¡±

    ¡°How did he do that?¡± Shorimachi curiously asked.

    ¡°No detail about the incident, but Agent Goto¡¯s snitch emphasized that the goons have to receive major treatment for knifes wound they suffered.¡±

    ¡°So, two idiots got stabbed by a high school kid who defended a heavily drunk woman.¡±

    ¡°They were not just two idiots, but top fighters and shooter in Torra Security.¡±

    After taking a sip of his tea Shorimachi mockingly said, ¡°No matter how good your fighting and shooting skill, if a high school kid managed to give you major knife wound, it¡¯s a clear sign that you are just a fool.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s talk to them directly.¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t.¡¯

    ¡°Why? Does Chief Kondo forbid us?¡±

    ¡°No, they died in the Villa Tigera raid. They were in the same car as Takeshi Torumada.¡±

    ¡°Damn!¡± Shorimachi weakly cursed.

    After a moment of silence Takayuki asked, ¡°Will we shadow Hanna or will we chase other lead?¡±

    Shorimachi didn¡¯t reply right away. He took his time to take one of Hanna¡¯s latest picture, and his eyes instantly widened as he found the boy who stood next to Hanna was the boy he saw in his last hidden CCTV last night.

    ¡°Is this boy Hide?¡± Shorimachi asked while trying his best to hide his shock.

    ¡°He is,¡± Takayuki casually replied before taking a sip from her tea cup.

    ¡°Let¡¯s shadow Hanna and this kid,¡± Shorimachi replied.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°And just a little reminder, when we are in the office, let¡¯s not talks about our parallel investigation or put any file about it in our table. We will put the file here. I will prepare some room later.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    After sending the info about ammo remains to Goto, Shorimachi and Takayuki then went to their office. They stayed in their table for a few minutes, and then went to shadow Hanna.

    *****

    Author¡¯s note:

    The next update will be on first week next month. Update for which work? I can say for sure. Right now I have four works: TF Amethyst, Hide & Aizawa, Simple Cook, and Smoking Skull, and I write them without schedule or plot, which work I will write for the week it¡¯s entirely depend on my mood.

    So, I can¡¯t say for sure update for which work I will have at first week of next month. All I can say is that each month I will try to get 10 new chapters of combine works from 2-3 works.

    Thank you and Best regards.

    ---

    Side notes: In case you are wondering why I write without schedule or plot, well, it¡¯s pain in the butt to follow schedule and plot.

 HA3 4.1 â€“ Information Exploitation

    HA3 4.1 ¨C Information Exploitation

    Pretty much like yesterday, today Hide also had a tail on his six, but he didn¡¯t pay any heed to him. He happily held Aizawa¡¯s hand as the two walked to Beauty & the Beast. Then, after Hanna took Aizawa to morning diet class, he immediately went to backyard martial gym.

    Today, everyone was busy putting their best effort to hone their fighting skill as usual. Almost no one paid attention to Hide as he walked over to Coach Kotaro. The exception was Hayashida. As soon as Hide entered the gym, he immediately looked at him grumbly, like a chicken farmer who spotted a weasel.

    However, Hide just gave him a light bow before carrying out a warm up and completed his basic menu. After that, it was sparring time.

    ¡°Damnable little rascal,¡± Hayashida grumbly said. ¡°In the spar a few days ago, you dared to trick me.¡±

    Hide instantly tilted his head to the side. He tried his best to recall when he had tricked Hayashida, but he didn¡¯t remember any. He already explained his circumstance and Hayashida and Chief Kotaro accepted it.

    And so, while he was at lost Hide asked, ¡°Senior Hayashida, when did I trick you?¡±

    ¡°You said you will use arresting art, but you hammered my head with a spin kick,¡± Hayashida complained like a wronged child.

    ¡°A kick is part of arresting art,¡± Hide calmly explained.

    ¡°Yeah, but you said it¡¯s only insignificant part, while from what I have experienced kicking is part of your main arsenal,¡± Still in grumbly tone Hayashida added. ¡°That¡¯s really sneaky mislead.¡±

    ¡°Well, the essence of arresting art I know is deception, to ensure I can put down the opposition with minimum damage.¡±

    ¡°So, you admit it that you have tricked me.¡±

    ¡°Well, if you want to translate it that way, I have no say,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°But I believe what I do is a common approach among professional fighter.¡±

    ¡°Whatever.¡± Hayashida sulkily said before continuing, ¡°Just accept your fate. Today is the Day of Judgment. I will deliver your karmic retribution without a fail.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Hide calmly replied.

    Then, Coach Kotaro gave the signal to start the fight, and Hayashida went straight into offensive.

    Baam!

    Baam!

    Ba-bam! Ba-babam!!

    Ba-bam!!

    Rapid series of jab, straight, and some occasional hook came straight to Hide. However, Hayashida failed to land any perfect shot. His jab got stopped by a tight guard that left no opening on Hide¡¯s chin, while his straight and hook couldn¡¯t land properly because Hide kept waving his upper body and moving his feet to outbox his angle of attack.

    The brush of each strike was still dangerous enough for Hide¡¯s current level actually. His body wouldn¡¯t be able to hold the damage accumulation for too long. If this was a formal match, Hide won¡¯t even survive the first round.

    Fortunately, this was a spar and in spar Hide could wore hard-protection gear both for his head and body. This protection gear boosted his defense and increased his survival rate to another level. In summary, Hayashida failed to end the first round as fast as he wanted.

    ¡°Damnable little rascal,¡± Hayashida vexingly said as he stepped back from his offensive. ¡°So, you know how to box properly.¡±

    ¡°To some extent,¡± Hide calmly replied. ¡°After watching countless street fight footage, I come into conclusion that boxing footwork and body waving in the best form of self-defense in a chaotic fight without a rule or judge. Therefore, I invest lot of effort to train on it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a good choice,¡± Hayashida casually said. ¡°However, do you have the stamina to keep outbox me for three rounds? What will you do if you run out of gas after the first round?¡±

    Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°Senior Hayashida, right now, I don¡¯t have the luxury to think about the next round,¡± Hide firmly said. ¡°I have to give my all in this round, or it will be matter of time before I lie in the matt with foaming mouth.¡±

    ¡°Good, give your all,¡± Hayashida said before switching into offensive one more time.

    The fight was intense, and Hayashida with ease control the momentum and put Hide into defensive mode. However, Hide survived the first and second round. No matter how hard Hayashida tried, he couldn¡¯t corner him and landed decisive blow to bag the match.

    ---

    After downing a mouthful of water Hayashida sulkily said, ¡°Old Fart, don¡¯t just stay silence.¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t my silence is what you want?¡± Coach Kotaro casually asked, ¡°While you deliver the karmic retribution.¡±

    ¡°Not anymore,¡± Hayashida urgently said. ¡°I need your advice.¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Coach Hayashida said as he pointed his finger at Hayashida¡¯s nose. ¡°An undefeated boxing champion, asking an advice from a pro coach when fighting a kid who barely started his training.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hayashida firmly replied.

    ¡°What a shameless punk.¡±

    ¡°Old Fart, don¡¯t play dumb,¡± Hayashida protested. ¡°Hide is far beyond amateur even though his physical fitness is only at beginner level.¡±

    ¡°Well,¡± Coach Kotaro casually said, ¡°It¡¯s true that other than his physical fitness, Hide is anything but beginner.¡±

    Hayashida instantly nodded a few times. ¡°Hide is an oddball among oddball. We can measure his ability using common sense.¡±

    After taking a deep breathe Coach Kotaro turned his gaze to Hide. ¡°Do you mind if I give Hayashida advice on how to deal with your defense?¡±

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t,¡± Hide calmly replied. ¡°Your advice to Senior Hayashida will also show me the thing I need to improve. It will benefit me in a way or another.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a blessing to have you here with us,¡± Coach Kotaro genuinely said before turning his gaze back to Hayashida. ¡°Now, listen to me very carefully.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Hide has figured out your tempo, rhythm, and striking distance,¡± Coach Kotaro solemnly start his explanation. ¡°So far, you never face opponent who could read you like a textbook and outbox you so well like him. If this is an official match and he already has the stamina and body build to absorb your strike, all he has to do is dragging the fight until you run out of gas.

    To counter it, you have to let him come to you instead you come to him. Right now, Hide¡¯s arm doesn¡¯t have the speed or strength to harm you. Be wary of his kick and grappling while waiting the opportunity to land a perfect hit, and maybe you will have the chance to put him down on the matt.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s sound plausible. Hand over the initiative to him, wait for him to make an opening, and then bash him with full power.¡± Hayashida then tilted his head to the side as he continued, ¡°But, will Hide come to me if I don¡¯t come to him?¡±

    ¡°Who knows?¡± Coach Kotaro casually said. ¡°It¡¯s your job to lure him.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Hayashida firmly replied before turning his gaze to Hide. ¡°Little Rascal, in the next round, come to me or I won¡¯t be your sparring partner anymore.¡±

    ¡®What a retard, that¡¯s not how you bait your opponent.¡¯ Coach Kotaro looked at Hayashida as if he was an idiot, but he said nothing and only let out a sigh.

    As for Hide, he calmly nodded his head. Then, the third round began shortly after.

    ---

    Baam! Baam!

    Ba-babam!

    Ba-babam!!!

    Without lowering his vigilance Hide tried to strip Hayashida¡¯s defense, but it was futile. His punch didn¡¯t have enough strength or speed. Hayashida¡¯s swift footwork also enabled him to outbox him whenever he felt to, almost without effort.

    ¡°Fuck!!¡± Hide cursed as he stepped back. ¡°Senior Hayashida, I will never be able to box you, and even if somehow I manage to do it, my punch wills never going through your defense.¡±

    ¡°Correct,¡± Hayashida happily said. ¡°Now, it¡¯s a game of stamina.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, and it sucks,¡± Hide took a deep breath before changing the topic. ¡°Let¡¯s just casually talk while waiting this round to end.¡±

    Hayashida smiled and replied, ¡°I don¡¯t mind, but I can¡¯t promise you I won¡¯t switch into offensive in the middle of our chat.¡±

    Hide nodded and asked, ¡°Senior, do you know Sanae Saseki? A clerk in automotive salon about three blocks from this place.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I know her,¡± Hayashida said while deeply creased his brows. ¡°But I warn you, don¡¯t try to distract or agitate me by talking about her.¡±

    Hide ignored Hayashida¡¯s displeased expression and continued, ¡°I think she likes you.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Hayashida instantly gave Hide a sharp glare. ¡°Stop your rubbish before it rubs me in a very very very wrong way.¡±

    ¡°Someone asked me to tap her communication means.¡±

    A lie smoothly slipped through Hide¡¯s teeth, as he did the tapping out of his own interest to study Hayashida, but Hayashida had no way to confirm it so Hide continued his lie confidently.

    ¡°And I found several chats about you.¡±

    ¡°Stop it!¡± Hayashida sternly said.

    But Hide casually continued, ¡°Sanae said the rod between your legs is huge, and she love the way you use it on her.

    ¡°Hide, I said stop it,¡± Hayashida eyes turned into a sharp glare.

    ¡°In one of her chats she even wrote.¡± After a short pause Hide continued in flat tone and straight face, ¡°Hayashida is a rough gorilla, but he skillful at hitting my weak spot. I can¡¯t get enough of it and it makes me hot.

    Kyaaaa¡­.

    I think I fell in love with him. I want to marry him and keep his dick for myself.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± The sharp glare in Hayashida¡¯s eyes suddenly turned into curiosity. ¡°Did Sanae really say that?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide replied in a drop dead serious tone.

    ¡°Hide, I will murder you if you are bullshiting me.¡±

    Hide casually replied. ¡°If you have a birthmark in your left thigh, then the Hayashida in Sanae¡¯s chat unmistakably is you.¡±

    ¡°Damn chick,¡± Hayashida sheepishly smiled before mumbling. ¡°She ceaselessly cursed me and even called me freaking gorilla because I pounded her too hard, and then she refused to meet me ever again, but turned out she loved it.¡±

    ¡°Well, sometimes woman can¡¯t help but dishonest about their feeling.¡±

    ¡°Make sense,¡± Hayashida happily said while tilting his head to the side and lowered his guard. ¡°Hide, can you show me the text lat---¡°

    BAAM!!!

    Hayashida couldn¡¯t finish his words as without a warning a round house kick suddenly landed on his left temple. It knocked him out and dropped him ¡®dead¡¯ to the mat.

    ¡®What a goof.¡¯ Outside the fighting matt, Coach Kotaro muttered while shaking his head. Then, he turned his gaze to Hide. ¡°Hide, in the future and if it¡¯s possible, please refrains yourself from hammering Hayashida¡¯s head or his idiocy will be permanent.¡±

    ¡°Understood, Coach,¡± Hide obediently replied.

    ¡°Well, the spar concludes your today training and you did excellent.¡±

    ¡°Yes, coach, and thank you for your guidance.¡±

    After a short pause Coach Kotaro curiously asked, ¡°Are you really capable of tapping someone communication means?¡±

    Hide nodded and replied, ¡°As long as it¡¯s ordinary communication means.¡±

    ¡°Do you study programming on your own?¡±

    ¡°My father is genius software engineer, and there is a time when I want to follow his path,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°And in the middle school, I was a prefectural runner up in first-rate programing competition.¡±

    ¡°Does Hanna know about your tapping job?¡±

    ¡°No, not yet. Right now, she knows only the legal part-time programming I do.¡±

    ¡°Do you mind if I tell her about the not so legal one?¡±

    ¡°Not at all, but please don¡¯t give her an impression that I do some high-tech stuff. My tapping method is a child play compare to the real deal.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± While looking at Hide straight in the eyes Coach Kotaro added, ¡°I won¡¯t tell her, but you should tell her about it sooner or later.¡±

    ¡°Yes, coach. I¡¯ll do that.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡±

    Then, after the medic staff moved Hayashida to infirmary, Hide immediately cleaned the fighting mat before taking a bath.

    *****

 HA3 4.2 â€“ After Stalking Drinking

    HA3 4.2 - After Stalking Drinking

    After taking a bath, Hide felt his body was so refreshing. Then, he just came out of the bathroom when he heard Hayashida¡¯s loud voice. It seemed he already woke up from his ¡®dead¡¯, and now was throwing complain to Coach Kotaro.

    ¡°Old Fart,¡± Hayashida grumbly said. ¡°I don¡¯t want to become Hide¡¯s sparring partner anymore.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Coach Kotaro nonchalantly replied.

    ¡°I hate dirty fighter.¡±

    ¡°Hide did indeed trick you in the third round, buy it was not dirty. I have to admit though. I never expected such a sly trick will come from a beginner like him¡± Coach Kotaro said. ¡°However, a sly trick is common thing in professional world and you know it.

    It can even be said that figuring out and exploiting the weakness in your opponent body, mind, and heart is the way of pro.¡±

    ¡°I know sly trick is common thing in pro world, but I still don¡¯t want to become Hide¡¯s sparring partner,¡± Hayashida sulkily said.

    ¡°Then, it¡¯s your lost.¡±

    ¡°How can it¡¯s my lost?¡±

    ¡°Only after one sparring session, Hide has figured out your boxing and nullifies it beautifully. He also knows how to exploit the weakness in your heart. Most of all, it¡¯s very hard to find grappler with seamless technique like him.

    In summary, if you keep training with him, I believe you will become a really good MMA fighter.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Hayashida had displeased look in his face, but at the same time his heart was brimming with curiosity. ¡°Old Fart, you are overestimating his ability.¡±

    ¡°On the contrary, I think we have not yet seen the peak of his ability. When he is one level stronger than his current stats, you will find he is the greatest challenge you can find in your martial path.¡±

    ¡°Whatever,¡± After a short pause Hayashida firmly added, ¡°I still don¡¯t want to become his sparring partner and you can¡¯t force me.¡±

    Coach Kotaro instantly raised his left eyebrow and said, ¡°Did I force you to become his sparring partner?¡±

    ¡°Ummm¡­ Nope.¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Coach Kotaro nonchalantly said.

    As he looked at Coach Kotaro straight in the eyes Hayashida asked, ¡°Do you really won¡¯t force me to become Hide¡¯s sparring partner?¡±

    Coach Kotaro tilted his head to side as he gave Hayashida a confuse look. ¡°Why would I do that?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s weird.¡± Hayashida creased his brows as he continued in low voice, ¡°After telling me Hide will become my greatest challenge, I thought you will force me to keep having sparing with him.¡±

    ¡°Well, in the end of the day it¡¯s your path, and you already become a prestigious undefeated boxing champ,¡± Coach Kotaro casually said. ¡°It¡¯s not my place anymore to force you taking the path I deem the most ideal option for your growth. Not to mention, there is a possibility this path will break you into pieces.¡±

    ¡°Old Fart, now you piss me off,¡± Hayashida said as displeased look in his face became darker.

    ¡°Feel free to get piss off as much as you want. I¡¯m just telling you my professional view as your coach, and I don¡¯t force you to accept it,¡± Coach Kotaro said, still in nonchalant tone. ¡°Now, get the fuck out of my face. I have nothing else to say.¡±

    ¡°Damn Old Fart,¡± Hayashida vexingly said before leaving.

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    Then, Hide waited for a whole minute before coming out and walked over to Coach Kotaro. At the same time, Coach Kotaro took a sip of his tea before giving him a casual glance.

    ¡°Did you hear it?¡± Coach Kotaro casually asked as soon as Hide arrived before him.

    ¡°I did,¡± Hide honestly replied.

    ¡°How much?¡±

    ¡°Almost everything.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After a moment of silence Coach Kotaro continued. ¡°Hide, don¡¯t get cocky just because I praise you.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t, Coach,¡± Hide firmly replied.

    ¡°Good.¡±

    ¡°And I¡¯m sorry for the trouble I cause.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean the bickering I had with Hayashida a moment ago?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    After a small smile Coach Kotaro said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Hayashida always come to me to bicker every time frustration hit him. He has no one else he can be selfish with after all, so it¡¯s like our routine.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Hide said as his admiration to Coach Kotaro went up to another level.

    ¡°You also don¡¯t need to worry about your sparring with him. Right now, I¡¯m sure the rascal is racking his brain so hard to find an excuse to continue the sparring with you without sacrificing his face.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Hide firmly replied.

    After giving Coach Kotaro a slight bow, Hide then went to Hanna¡¯s office to have breakfast with her and Aizawa.

    ---

    To ease Naoto¡¯s stalking job, Paolo rented him a lodging house located in the Hide¡¯s neighborhood. It was small but comfortable lodging. Most of all, it¡¯s located near Walrus, an old Britiss pub in the basement of pastry shop.

    The old Britiss bar didn¡¯t offer lot of option for cocktail, but it was Britiss pub in the first place and not cocktail bar. Most of all, the place was nice and comfortable, while the Old Bartender was skillful.

    Like yesterday evening, after following Hide until he entered his house, Naoto went straight to Walrus to enjoy some drink. As soon as he sat in the bar counter he immediately ordered his favorite drink.

    ¡°Old Man, one salty dog, with double ice.¡±

    ¡°Right away.¡±

    Without delay, the Old Bartender mixed Tequila, grapefruit juice, and double ice, and then poured it into a highball glass with salted rim.

    ¡°One salty dog with double ice,¡± The Old Bartender said as he served the drink.

    ¡°Thank you, and put it on Paolo¡¯s tab.¡±

    ¡°Roger.¡±

    The Old Bartender then went to other guests while Naoto calmly enjoyed his drink. A moment later, Paolo entered Walrus and went straight to Naoto.

    ¡°You don¡¯t call me for the whole day, so I suppose nothing unusual,¡± Paolo said as he sat next to Naoto.

    ¡°Morning training in Beauty & the Beast, school, afterschool training in Uruba Hill, afternoon training in Beauty & the Beast, small shopping in Sakura Shopping District, and then go home,¡± Naoto calmly replied. ¡°Hide is like a clock.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°He also has way too many physical exercises in his daily routine.¡±

    ¡°Hide will participate in Haka Outdoor, and it seems he is very serious about it.¡±

    After nodding his head Naoto asked, ¡°What about Takeo? Do you find something noteworthy in his daily activity?¡±

    ¡°Nope.¡±

    ¡°What about their online activity?¡±

    ¡°Nothing noteworthy.¡± After giving the Old Bartender a signal to give him his usual gimlet, Paolo continued, ¡°Lately, Takeo do lot of small part-time engineering job. It¡¯s his way to make money before he was joining hand with Hide.

    As for Hide, he collects lot of information on people he trains with in Beauty & the Beast, and he definitely has a knack to become a grappler.¡±

    ¡°How do you know he has a knack to become a grappler?¡± Naoto asked before taking a sip of his salty dog.

    ¡°Check it yourself,¡± Paolo said as he put forward Hide¡¯s sparring footages he had in his smartphone to Naoto.

    A moment later, Naoto replayed the footage while saying, ¡°This is one of hell seamless rear naked choke.¡±

    ¡°Definitely.¡±

    ¡°Who is his opponent?¡±

    ¡°An undefeated boxing champ who will switch to MMA this year.¡±

    ¡°How do you get this footage?¡±

    ¡°His trainer sends it to Unagi. He wants Unagi to train Hide and he agrees.¡±

    Question mark instantly popped in Naoto¡¯s forehead, ¡°Are you referring to Unagi the Old Eel from Kiotto Caf¨¦, that no one have ever managed to throw or put into submission.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, that slick Old Eel.¡±

    ¡°Do you have other footage of Hide¡¯s sparring?¡±

    ¡°Nope, the CCTV in his gym uses isolated network. To get my hand on other sparring footage, I have to breach into his coach office and copy the file directly from his computer.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Naoto weakly said and he was clearly disappointed. Then, he asked another question, ¡°Don¡¯t you find it¡¯s strange that Hide and Takeo suddenly stop their not so legal online activity?¡±

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Paolo casually said. ¡°It¡¯s highly likely they know I will run an intensive observation and background check on them after they contact me. That¡¯s why right now they dial back their not so legal activity.

    But it¡¯s not a big problem as our main objective is their background, not their latest activity.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    After a moment of silence Paolo said, ¡°I heard a raid took place in Chikara Tower.¡±

    ¡°Let me guess. We won¡¯t see it in the news or newspaper.¡±

    ¡°Metro Police and Tower management agree to cover it.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Do you want to hear it?¡± Paolo casually asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Naoto replied before ordering a small plate of assorted nuts.

    Without delay, Paolo then told Naoto about the raid on Kamui Finance¡¯s office.

    *****

 HA3 4.3 â€“ Someone from the Past

    HA3 4.3 - Someone from the Past

    Hide didn¡¯t have MMA class today, but lot of works was waiting for him in the workshop. So, he left his house two hours earlier than usual. However, only a few minutes after he exited his house, his tail already in his six. He carefully followed him to subway station and boarded the same train with him.

    ¡®What a committed tail,¡¯ Hide sourly complained. ¡®Why in the world Paolo send a pro to tail a high school kid.¡¯

    In the end, Hide could do nothing other than trying his best to shake his tail off. But before that, he wanted to identify him. He was truly curious about his identity. And so, with casual step he got off the train at Manabu Subway Station.

    The station was almost empty, but even in such environment the tail was skillful enough to hide his present. He didn¡¯t make clumsy move that would alert his target, came too close, or letting his target got clear field of view to his face. Therefore, he didn¡¯t lost Hide¡¯s sight but Hide couldn¡¯t clearly saw his face.

    Fortunately, Hide had a trick to deal with such careful tail. He swiftly went to the rest room and a smile bloomed in his lips as he found it was empty. Wasting no time, he made a quick work to install several nano surveillance cameras before entering one of toilet cubicles. After that, all he had to do was turning off his smartphone.

    Hide believed his tail was running a GPS track on his smartphone. After all, he worked for Paolo and Paolo was capable such feat. Therefore, if he turned off his smartphone, his tail would definitely enter the restroom to confirm his present directly, and he was correct.

    Only a few seconds after he turned off his smartphone, his tailed entered the restroom. He wore different jacket and cap, but Hide recognized his posture and backpack. Then, he got a clear and close up view to his face.

    ¡®What the¡­¡¯

    Hide¡¯s heart skipped a beat as he recognized the man. He was Naoto Mashima. When Hide joined SDF, he already became central figure in army sniper reserve detachment. This unit was on par with 1st SFG in funding priority, strategic value, and mission expectation. It¡¯s just that they received almost no public exposure.

    Maybe, it was because they were categorized as support element under army general staff HQ, which was being lump together as rear echelon mutherpucker by frontline unit. Moreover, the detachment never put their skill in public display. When there was a PR campaign to show that SDF used the tax money properly, shooter from 1st SFG or other elite unit would perform the show for precision shooting.

    In summary, covering army sniper reserve detachment didn¡¯t offer enough appeal to attract public attention and boost the rating. As for Hide, he knew for sure that among army elite units this detachment had the hardest qualification and assessment program.

    Their personnel were fixed at 47 long-range shooters, with an addition of a colonel as CO and a captain as XO. Their selection was based on by-invitation-only. When they had empty slot and they wanted you to compete for it, they would send you an invitation.

    The selection for new recruit took place every 3-4 years, but it was not rare they would repeat it 2-3 times in row because all candidates in previous class failed the assessment. They also never gave a failed candidate a second chance, while even 1st SFG would let a failed candidate to try the assessment for a second time.

    Let alone becoming a central figure in such unit, even their new recruit already carried lot of pressure and heavy expectation in their shoulder. In case war broke out, they would become the first few who jumped in to secure strategic edge and increase the chance of victory, and most likely they wouldn¡¯t return home alive. Yet, Naoto was very famous for his carefree attitude.

    However, Hide hated him with passion because in army advance sniper training Naoto constantly bullied him.

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    ¡®What a small world,¡¯ Hide muttered before letting out a sigh.

    It seemed people he encountered in his past live started to appear in his current life one by one. Hide then waited until Naoto left the restroom before packing the nano surveillance cameras.

    When he exited the rest room, he found Naoto was still faithfully waited for him, and he immediately tailed him as soon as he entered the underground walkway. Fortunately, the subway station was 5 km away from Chikara Tower, and the underground walkway was tricky like a maze.

    It would give Hide lot of hide and seek opportunity. At the same time, he knew for sure that Naoto had no knowledge about the underground network in Nichiko. And so, with ease he shook Naoto off from his six, arrived at the workshop through the hidden lift, and started the work right away.

    Other than his regular firearm drill and physical exercise, Hide had lot of things need to be done. He had to make new hand guard, pistol grip, and butt stock for M4 PDW and MP5 PDW. He also had to build a climbing wall.

    Each work would take lot of effort and time, but Hide calmly welcomed it. With a well-structured schedule, he believed he would finish everything sooner or later. All he had to do was doing one piece of work at a time constantly, and sooner or later he would finish them all.

    ---

    ¡°Where the fuck the exit!!¡± Naoto vexingly muttered as he stood in the middle of dark and small intersection.

    It was already 175 minutes since he lost Hide, and now he was stuck in the underground walkway because he couldn¡¯t find the exit. After taking a deep breath a few times, Naoto then took out his smartphone. Unfortunately, there was no reception.

    He then took out the high-power radio he got from Paolo. He immediately deployed its antenna and was connected to Paolo right away.

    ¡°How is your tailing?¡±

    [Nothing noteworthy.] Paolo casually replied. [Takeo and a girl from his class did physical exercise in the base of Uruba Hill. It¡¯s standard package with intent to build his foundation.

    The two are pretty much hardworking kids, and after they continued their training in the school backyard, I retreated.]

    ¡°Did you run background check on the girl?¡±

    [I did. Her name is Shizuka Oda, two times karate national champion, and based on the chat in her classmate¡¯s smartphone she is Takeo¡¯s girlfriend.]

    ¡°Are you sure you find nothing suspicious about her?¡±

    [Let¡¯s see, a few months ago, his sparring partner, a medical student, was being declared a missing person. Initially, metro police put her in list of suspect for murder, but there was not enough motive or evidence to build a case.

    Not to mention, the med student had pissed off a few people he shouldn¡¯t mess with. His parent used their money and connection to deescalate the situation, but who know if it was not enough.

    And do you remember about the raid on Kamui Finance I told you last night?]

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    [After you go home, I did another digging and found that a few days before the raid Shizuka borrowed money from Kamui.]

    ¡°A missing person and a sophisticated raid, these two are not circumstances that normally linger around a high school girl,¡± Naoto said in a drop dead serious tone.

    [I know, but without solid proof it will go only as far as guesswork from circumstantial evidence.]

    ¡°What about her social circle? Does she make contact with people who have the means and motive to pull the raid on Kamui Finance?¡±

    [Nope, she has only ordinary people in her social circle. And a while back, she did work in Kenzo Bowling, but she didn¡¯t establish connection to any underground figure.]

    ¡°I see, but I think you need to dig deeper on this Shizuka girl.¡±

    [I will. Now, what about Hide? Do you find something suspicious about him?]

    ¡°I lost him,¡± Naoto blatantly admitted.

    [How?]

    ¡°I followed him into underground walkway connected to Manabu Subway Station. A few minutes later, the sneaky bastard just disappeared into thin air.¡±

    [Did you made contact with him, came too close, or accidentally tickled him so he made evasive measure by entering underground walkaway?]

    ¡°Nope, and maybe I am wrong, but I get an impression that underground walkway is part of his habitual route.¡±

    [I see. It¡¯s his way to check he has a tail or not by taking uncommon route he know well.]

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    [Okay, thanks for the hard work, and see you this eve---.]

    ¡°Wait¡­. Can you help me find the nearest exit?¡±

    [Huh? Are you saying you lost your way right now?]

    ¡°Sort of,¡± Naoto calmly admitted.

    [What the¡­ Don¡¯t land-based spear tips in this country have to attend mandatory training on how to navigate and use urban underground network in analog mode?]

    ¡°It¡¯s mandatory only for the folks who take urban warfare specialization. My specialization is jungle and mountain precision shooting, so I skip it.¡±

    [I see. Give me four minutes, and then ping me three times in three seconds interval. I will use my network to triangulate your location.]

    ¡°Roger.¡±

    A moment later, Naoto made another cursed when Paolo told him that he was 8 km away from Manabu Subway Station. After that, Paolo guided him to the nearest exit and it was only 200 meters away from his position.

    *****

 HA3 5.1 â€“ Camping

    HA3 5.1 ¨C Camping

    Saturday morning, with ease Hide shake Naoto off from his six. This was the third time he did it using underground walkway, but it was still as effective the first time. Hide predicted he would be able to do it for another dozen times unless Naoto received a help to form network to limit his route.

    Then, by using the hidden elevator he arrived at the workshop and went straight to continue the work to build M4 PDW.

    So far, he had produced the first batch of hand guard, pistol grip, attachment rail, and butt stock. The hand guard was standard 7¡± hand guard. The attachment rail was copy paste of Picatinny rail. The pistol grip was copy paste of Magpul MOE grip, while the stock was copy paste of Magpul CTR stock.

    All of them were milled from scratch out of solid titanium block, and would replace the equivalent part made of hardened thermo-polymer on M4 from Villa Tigera. Actually, for the hand guard, it would be easier to mill it out of titanium pipe. As long as you could find titanium pipe with correct diameter and thickness, all you had to do was trimming its outer surface to get the quadrants.

    However, in his past life Hide had bad experience with hand guard made of titanium pipe. He already annealed it to return its molecular structure to its original form, but it still got a hairline crack after experiencing a short but intense hard abuse.

    After that, Hide always used titanium block whenever he made hand guard and other furniture component. It would take more time and effort, but the result was always worth it. Not to mention, Hide¡¯s biggest worry was not the milling process.

    He could do precise milling job even when all he got was only with basic tool. So, when he had proper workshop and proper equipment, he was no different than fish that found big and nice lake. He could swim through the milling job with ease.

    Hide¡¯s biggest worry when making furniture component for firearm was the painting job. In his past life, no matter how he did it, the final result was always a failure. Therefore, with a tense face Hide approached the painting incubator.

    The painting method he used strictly suggested that after he sprayed the component with painting mix, he had to put it in incubator for 18 hours at 27 degree Celsius, and now the lamp and heating element in the incubator already ceased its operation. It meant the incubation process was complete.

    Wasting no time, Hide opened the incubator. Then, he took the flat dark earth butt stock and gently rubbed it using the tip of his finger. He instantly smiled as the paint didn¡¯t flake off. He then made another rubbed with more power, and the pain still didn¡¯t flake off. It fused to the butt stock perfectly.

    ¡®Damn! It needs two lives before I could do the painting properly,¡¯ Hide muttered as he put a black rubber pad on the buttstock.

    Wasting no time, Hide then assembled the M4 PDW. He swiftly combined the barrel and upper receiver he bought from Paolo, the lower receiver from M4 he loot from Villa Tigera, and the furniture component he made from scratch into a fully assembly firearm.

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    Then, he tested the fresh build M4 PDW in the shooting range. Hide did not surprise that the result was pretty decent. Even so, it still made him very happy. With this result, he could confidently produce the furniture component for M4 PDW in larger batch.

    After that, he would start the work to modify the MP5 PDW, but for now, while having big smile in his face, Hide continued his weapon testing into a full package firearm drill.

    ---

    After the firearm drill, Hide continued the work to build climbing wall, followed by having moderate training in martial art gym. After that, he packed some camping equipment, taking a bath and changed into fresh clothes. Then, he went to pick up Aizawa and took her to weekly grocery shopping.

    Tonight, Hide wanted to take Aizawa to have a small camping in Uruba Hill. As the two entered Sakura Shopping District, Hide explained his intention to Aizawa.

    ¡°Aizawa,¡± Hide gently said. ¡°Let¡¯s have a camping in Uruba Hill tonight.¡±

    ¡°Camping?¡± Aizawa asked as she turned her gaze to Hide.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± As he pointed his thumb at mid-size rucksack in his back Hide added, ¡°Big Bro already prepares the equipment.¡±

    ¡°Do we will sleep outside?¡±

    ¡°Sort of.¡±

    ¡°Can Aizawa stay at home or sleep in Kitaro tonight?¡± Aizawa hesitantly asked.

    ¡°Why?¡± Hide curiously asked. ¡°Do you not like camping?¡±

    ¡°Aizawa is afraid sleeping outside,¡± Aizawa honestly admitted.

    ¡°Hey, you have Big Bro with you,¡± Hide firmly said. ¡°And I guarantee it will be fun. We will eat barbecue and enjoy night view.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    As Aizawa said nothing and only walking in silence, Hide immediately added, ¡°Let¡¯s try it first. If in the end you are still too afraid to sleep outside, we will go home right away.¡±

    After struggling for a while Aizawa said, ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°In that case, other than the grocery we will also buy barbeque skewer and other food for the camping,¡± Hide happily said.

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa replied in low voice.

    Hide could tell that Aizawa was not excited about the camping. There was even a possibility she didn¡¯t like it at all. However, Hide stayed firm with his intention. Tonight, the weather forecast predicted that Nichiko would have heavy rain with strong wind and lightning. Hide thought it would be a good chance to help Aizawa overcome her fear of night storm.

    And so, other than buying the weekly grocery, Hide took Aizawa to buy the food for the camping.

    ---

    Just before the sun set in the west, Hide turned on the light around the house and closed all windows. Then, he helped Aizawa made the final preparation for the camping. For the clothes, he asked Aizawa to wear blue T-shirt, blue and yellow jacket, jeans, and sneaker.

    Basically, they were Aizawa¡¯s daily clothes and not outdoor outfit, but Hide deemed they were good enough for one night camping. They wouldn¡¯t have heavy outdoor activity after all. They would just sit while enjoying the night view under the heavy rain.

    Then, after making sure Aizawa wore her clothes properly, Hide helped her to put on outdoor belt and gloves he specifically bought for her, and then tied her hair into a small bundle using a hairband, and put a small baseball hat on her head. Last but not least, Hide used quick attach-detach clip to attach a small water canteen on Aizawa¡¯s left waist, and a mini high-power outdoor flashlight on her right waist.

    After teaching Aizawa how to use the flashlight, including the steps to change its battery, Hide asked her, ¡°Any question?¡±

    While fixing her gaze on the flashlight she held in her right hand Aizawa asked, ¡°Why does the flashlight have a cable like the one on the telephone receiver? It makes the small flashlight looks weird.¡±

    ¡°The cable will prevent the flashlight from fall to the ground, roll away, and gone in case it slip out of your hand when you scale a steep trail,¡± Hide gently explained. ¡°Don¡¯t detach the cable off the flashlight.¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡±

    ¡°Other question?¡±

    ¡°Can Aizawa wear Yuko Mountain¡¯s jacket?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Hide gently replied. ¡°As two outdoor beginners, we should wear clothes that easy to spot from far away. It¡¯s a precaution in case we have emergency.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Aizawa was disappointed but she didn¡¯t argue.

    ¡°Have you carried your smartphone and wallet as I asked?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa replied while putting her hands on the side pockets of her jeans. ¡°Smartphone in the left, wallet in the right.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± After giving Aizawa a small smile Hide then handed over 5-liter rucksack to her. ¡°Can you help Big Bro carry the food for the camping?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa nodded and accepted the small rucksack.

    ¡°It also has spare battery for your flashlight, along with raincoat. You can also put your personal hygiene supply to it.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Without delay Aizawa put her personal hygiene supply to her rucksack.

    Then, after leaving a message in the fridge¡¯s door, telling their father that they went for a camping in Uruba Hill, Hide and Aizawa left the house. The two held each other hand and had different size but identical rucksack in their back. In casual mood, they walked across the street that started being packed with people who went outside to enjoy weekend night air.

    *****

 HA3 5.2 â€“ El Hola

    HA3 5.2 ¨C El Hola

    From the base of Uruba Hill, Hide took Aizawa to scale up the hillside and he deliberately chose off-trail path. It meant the two would hike without the illumination from post lamp along the hiking trail. In short, they had to navigate their way under the pitch black woods.

    At first, Aizawa calmly walked while holding Hide¡¯s hand. However, once she couldn¡¯t see the post lamp in the hill base anymore, she instantly became nervous. She was also starting losing her focus and her feet got a few slipped because she didn¡¯t pay enough attention to her foothold. If Hide didn¡¯t hold her, she would fall on her knees 5-6 times already.

    In the end, Aizawa couldn¡¯t hold it anymore. After looking at the pitch black darkness around her for a moment, she turned her gaze to Hide.

    ¡°Big Bro,¡± Aizawa said in a slightly trembling voice. ¡°Why don¡¯t we use the hiking trail, or the stone path to old shrine in the hill peak?¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t use those routes. We have to reach the camping spot without anyone sees us,¡± Hide casually said.

    ¡°Why do we can¡¯t be seen by anyone?¡± Aizawa curiously asked.

    ¡°Well, basically, we can¡¯t have a camping in Uruba Hill.¡±

    ¡°Huh? We can¡¯t camp here?¡± Aizawa asked as shock filled her face to the brim.

    ¡°Yeah, in the base of Uruba Hill, there is lots of warning signboard that forbid people from having a camping here. We will get into a huge trouble if someone caught us having a camping here.¡±

    ¡°Will police officer arrests us if someone reports us?¡±

    ¡°Sort of.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Aizawa instantly became very tense, and she couldn¡¯t help it. In Nikko, obeying public order was strictly being taught since young age. It was not an exaggeration to say lot of kids in Nikko believed that if they couldn¡¯t obey public order unconditionally, they wouldn¡¯t be able to enter society properly and it could lead into bleak future.

    Aizawa was not exception for this environment, but now she had broken a public order without even realizing it. Her shock was definitely not light. However, Hide took it casually.

    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t worry. We will be fine as long as we don¡¯t make ruckus. Starting from here, it¡¯s also okay to use our flashlight,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°So, use your flashlight to illuminate the trail.¡±

    ¡°Big Bro, is it really okay to use our flashlight? Don¡¯t people will spot it from far away and who know if someone will report it to patrolling police officer?¡±

    ¡°There is such a possibility, especially if we use the flash light for long duration,¡± Hide calmly replied. ¡°But in this area, we have lot of option we can use to play hide and seek. If police officers come for us, Big Bro will teach you how to evade them. I guarantee it will be fun.¡±

    ¡°Okay¡­..¡± Aizawa replied in low voice.

    It was easy to tell that Aizawa was not so excited with the idea of playing hide and seek against police officer. Anxiousness was clearly visible in her eyes as she reached out for flashlight in her waist. However, Hide was serious with his words.

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    If police officers really came for them, he would teach Aizawa how to evade them. Maybe this skill would be useful for her in the future, or at least it would give her a real experience on how to properly face a sudden unwanted spoiler.

    But if no one came to disturb their camping, it was also fine. Hide would ensure Aizawa had a good night camping and maybe she would also manage to overcome her fear of night rainstorm. Then, the two continued the hike. Now, it became easier as the flashlight enabled them to see the trail clearly. With steady step, the two walked their way through the pitch dark woods.

    ---

    On the southeast face of Uruba Hill, just before the hill peak, there was an area where the trees density was higher than other area. In this particular area, lied a man-made L-shaped hole. It was 1.6 meter deep, 1.6 meter wide, and 6 meter long in total. The shape was also very neat.

    Hide knew the existence of this hole from Nao and Miku, and now he used it as a camping spot. It was a very ideal camping spot after all. The short section was flat while the long section went downward to the lower ground.

    Therefore, when it was raining water would flow down, exiting the hole and went straight to lower ground, and the hole wouldn¡¯t become a giant bathtub. Most of all, when you sat in the short section facing the long section you would have clear night view of downtown Nichiko.

    ¡°This is our camping spot. Let¡¯s called it El Hola.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa replied before wiping the sweats in her forehead.

    Hide already did his best to find the easiest trail, but it would still take a lot of effort for a 6-year-old kid to hike it. Not to mention, she had not eaten dinner yet.

    After looking at Aizawa for a moment Hide said, ¡°Let¡¯s have a short rest before we set up the campsite.¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡±

    Wasting no time, Hide put down his rucksack on the ground and sat before it, and Aizawa followed him. Then, he opened a can of cracker and shared it with Aizawa. It was pretty much ordinary canned crackers, as big as canned soft drink, and you could buy it from vending machine.

    However, this was the first time Aizawa enjoyed it. So, she gave it a curious look for a moment before taking a bite, and before long she already finished more than half of the crackers in the can.

    As he gave Aizawa a gentle look Hide asked, ¡°Is the cracker good?¡±

    ¡°Mhm, it is tasty and Aizawa very hungry right now.¡±

    After a small smile Hide said, ¡°After we set up the campsite, collecting firewood, and fetching water from nearby spring, we will enjoy the BBQ.¡±

    Aizawa firmly nodded. ¡°Mhm.¡±

    ¡°As for now, help Big Bro guard the rucksack while Big Bro clean El Hola and make sure it¡¯s safe.¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡±

    Wasting no time, Hide came down to El Hola and used his flashlight to scan every nook and cranny he could find. Once he was sure everything was safe, he immediately cleaned the dead leaves, used several stones to form 23x23 cm fire pit in a corner, and prepared two big stones with flat surface to be used for him and Aizawa to sit.

    It took about 25 minutes for Hide to set up the camp site. Then, after giving El Hola a final check he turned his gaze to Aizawa.

    ¡°It¡¯s safe and ready to be used.¡±

    Aizawa nodded and replied, ¡°Mhm.¡±

    ¡°Now, we can leave our rucksack here and go collecting firewood and fetching water.¡±

    ¡°Can we really leave our bag here? What if raccoon steal it?¡± Aizawa worriedly asked.

    After a smile Hide replied, ¡°If raccoon steal our ruck, then we will track it and take back our ruck?¡±

    Aizawa lightly nodded and said, ¡°Okay.¡±

    ---

    El Hola was surrounded by countless oak and maple trees, and no one had ever collected the falling twigs and branches in this area, so nice and dried fire woods were available in abundant amount. With ease, Hide and Aizawa gathered two big bundles of fire woods. By using a short machete, Hide also harvested a few pieces of 2 cm thick fresh branches.

    After that, Hide took Aizawa to nearby spring. It¡¯s about 30 meters to the left of El Hola and on the slightly lower ground. It was small spring that formed a small pond, but the water was very clear and refreshing.

    ¡°Before fetching fresh water directly from the ground, you have to ensure the water is safe,¡± Hide explained as he kneeled on the small pond¡¯s edge. ¡°It has to be colorless and odorless.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa replied before kneeling next to Hide.

    Hide then showed the water he scoop using his palm to Aizawa. ¡°This is very good fresh water, but we can¡¯t directly drink it unless it¡¯s emergency. We have to boil first.¡±

    ¡°Why do we have to boil it first?¡± Aizawa curiously asked. ¡°Don¡¯t mountain people in northern and southern islands drink water directly from the spring?¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t do that,¡± Hide gently said. ¡°We are city kids who live in modern and highly hygiene urban environment. We don¡¯t develop superhuman antibody like mountain people who since their birth lives their live almost as one with nature.

    If we drink spring water without boiling it first, we will get stomach ache, fever, or it will even send us to hospital.¡±

    Aizawa nodded and said, ¡°Okay.¡±

    Hide then took out three set of 10 liters water bags. It was the commercial version of water bags commonly used by long-range walk-loving recce unit. It was sturdy, but very light and didn¡¯t take lot of space when you didn¡¯t use it.

    The only difference was that the commercial version had higher quality than the mil-grade version. At least, the plastic cap wouldn¡¯t melt and deformed when you brought it into long-duration recce in desert environment, and so Hide didn¡¯t need to replace the cap with cap from regular water canteen.

    ¡°Help Big Bro hold the water bags,¡± Hide said as he uncapped one of the water bags.

    And Aizawa firmly replied, ¡°Mhm.¡±

    Wasting no time, Aizawa hold the water bags and made sure its hole facing upward steadily. Then, by using an aluminum cup Hide gently scooped the water from the pond and poured it into water bags. A few minutes later, the two were already on their way back to El Hola. Hide carried two fully loaded water bags, while Aizawa carried one bag filled with 2 liter of water.

    Each water bag had sturdy ring on its edge, so Hide could use a sling to put together two bags into one and carried them on his back like a backpack. This feature was really important for recce personnel. Their OP and the closest water source were usually a few kilometers apart. It would be nice if they could return to their OP while carrying their rifle in their hands.

    As for the current situation, it would enable Hide to hold Aizawa¡¯s hand with one hand, while his other hand held the flashlight and illuminated the trail.

    *****

 HA3 5.3 â€“ BBQ Dinner

    HA3 5.3 ¨C BBQ Dinner

    While Aizawa gave him curious gaze, Hide used the short machete to make thin and long wood shavings, and then shaped it into a bird nest as big as apples. After that, he put the blunt part of the matched on the small slit on the machete¡¯s hard sheath and when he made a quick draw, it created a fire spark that rained down the bird nest.

    This was the first time he tried to make a fire starter without matches in this life, but it didn¡¯t change the fact that he was not a beginner. So, it took only two consecutive quick draws before the spark turned the bird nest into a faint ember.

    Then, he put the bird nest into his palms and gave it a blow a few times. With ease the ember turned into a small flame. Without delay Hide put it into fire pit and arranged dried twigs around it. A moment later, a small but beautiful bonfire bloomed to this world.

    After that, he put a 25x25 cm grill mesh above the bonfire, and topped it dead in the center with 800 ml aluminum nesting pan he filled with water up to two-third. Then, Hide turned his gaze to Aizawa.

    ¡°Aizawa, arrange the barbeque next to the nesting pan,¡± Hide gently said. ¡°The BBQ skewer on one side, while the Shitake mushroom and sweet baby corn on the other side.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa replied before taking out the BBQ package from her rucksack, along with a bag of sweet baby corn and Shitake mushroom.

    The BBQ skewer was the assorted type. The meats were pork, chicken, peeled shrimp, and squid rings, with green and red bell pepper in between. It was already grilled and could be eaten right away, but it would be nice to warm it first.

    As for the sweet baby corn and the Shitake mushroom, it was pretty much the ordinary type. It was cleaned, ready to be used right away, and being packed into plastic bag.

    After opening the package, Aizawa immediately put everything on the grill, started with the skewer. This was the first time she arranged BBQ on top of a grill, and turned out it was more fun than she thought. So, she did it while having sparkling eyes and then used her smartphone to take picture of her work.

    A moment later, a fragrant BBQ smell filled the air and Aizawa immediately swallowed her saliva. Hide couldn¡¯t help but smiled as he saw it.

    ¡®It¡¯s windier and colder than usual, and she must be starving, but she didn¡¯t utter any complain. What a tough kid,¡¯ Hide muttered before saying. ¡°The skewer is ready.¡±

    ¡°Can we eat it?¡± Aizawa expectantly asked.

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Hide cheerfully replied. ¡°But be careful, it¡¯s hot, and don¡¯t skip the paprika.¡±

    Aizawa firmly nodded. ¡°Mhm.¡±

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    Aizawa then took a piece of pork skewer and after blowing it a few times she took a bite, happily chewed it, and gulped it down.

    ¡°It¡¯s delicious,¡± Aizawa happily said before taking another bite.

    ¡°Glad you like it,¡± Hide said before taking an octopus skewer and enjoyed it.

    Then, the water in the nesting pan came into boiled. Hide immediately took two pieces of bouillon cubes and showed it to Aizawa.

    ¡°Do you know what it is?¡±

    ¡°Bouillon cubes,¡± Aizawa confidently replied.

    ¡°Yeah, this is the outdoor version. You can enjoy it without additional ingredient and it has additional spice to warm our body,¡± Hide explained as he put both bouillon cubes into boiling water in the nesting pan and stirred it using a spoon fork.

    With ease the boiling water dissolve the bouillon cubes. Hide then divided the soup into two aluminum cups and handed over a cup to Aizawa.

    ¡°It matches grilled food well.¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡± Aizawa happily received the cup, blew it a few times, and then took a sip. ¡°It¡¯s tasty.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide smiled before happily taking a sip from his cup. ¡°

    A moment later, the Shitake mushroom and the sweet baby corn were also ready. Wasting no time, Hide and Aizawa enjoyed it too. The Shitake mushroom was savory while the sweet baby corn was sweet and tasty, but it was not the end of it.

    Hide taught Aizawa to dip the baby corn and Shitake mushroom in their soup before grilling it one more time, and this simple trick managed to elevate the flavor greatly. The saltiness, sweetness, and savory came together very well. It was easy to tell Aizawa like it so much, and it made Hide had another big smile in his.

    ¡°Big Bro,¡± Aizawa put a piece of sweet baby corn on her mouth and chewed it before curiously asking, ¡°Did someone make El Hola?¡±

    ¡°It seems so, and this person definitely a camping expert with excellent field craft.¡±

    ¡°How so?¡± Aizawa curiously asked.

    ¡°El Hola is a really good camping spot. It¡¯s located near good water source. It has good night few to downtown. The ground is solid so the risk of landslide is low. It¡¯s far from hiking trail and the terrain will lightly conceal below surface small bonfire,¡± Hide casually explained. ¡°People have to be at least 200 meter away from El Hola to notice the radiant from the bonfire we make in this hole.

    Most of all, there is no direct trail to approach El Hola if you come from lower ground. You have to reach the other side of the hill before you can walk your way this place, but not many people know about it as this area is not hiking spot. Therefore, most people will try to approach El Hola directly from below because they think it¡¯s the fastest route, but then they will stuck at the dead trail while we spot them and have ample of time to escape.

    And so, we can conclude only an expert camping will build a campsite in this place.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa nodded before enjoying another sweet baby corn.

    Hide was sure Aizawa didn¡¯t fully grasp his explanation, but he didn¡¯t push it further and let her to enjoy the BBQ to her fullest. A moment later the BBQ gone without a trace and more than half of it ended up in Aizawa¡¯s belly.

    ---

    After the dinner, Hide taught Aizawa how to wash the grill mesh and their eating utensil using environmentally friendly soap. First, he dug a 30x30x30 cm hole. This hole would prevent the waste water from spread over uncontrollably. Later they could also re-use it when they brushed their teeth or washed their feet before sleeping.

    Then, while Aizawa did the dish, Hide made a small hanger using the fresh oak branches. It was simple hanger. He made a pair of x-shape stand, with the lower part embedded 20 deep to the ground, and connected the upper part with one meter long straight branch.

    After that he hung the remaining canned food and firewood bundle on it and made sure it was about 30 cm above the ground. After Aizawa finished washing the dishes and the grill mesh, Hide also asked her to hang everything on the hanger using a small rope.

    ¡°Before we sleep, we will also hang our jacket, shoes, socks, cap, and gloves here,¡± Hide said as Aizawa hanged the grill mesh. ¡°And then cover it with raincoat with enough ventilation on the lower part.¡±

    ¡°If we take off our jacket, shoes, socks, and gloves before we sleep, isn¡¯t it will be very cold?¡± Aizawa curiously asked.

    Hide smiled before explaining, ¡°Our sleeping bag is made of heat insulation sheet. Cold night air won¡¯t be a problem, and it¡¯s very important to take off our shoes and shock and switch to rubber sandal so while we sleep our feet can breathe freely.¡±

    ¡°Okay, but will we sleep without a tent?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Is it really okay to sleep without a tent?¡± Aizawa worriedly asked. ¡°What if rain suddenly pours down when we sleep?¡±

    ¡°Our sleeping bag is also waterproof, and it¡¯s big enough for us and our rucksack.¡±

    After a moment of silence Aizawa said, ¡°Okay.¡±

    Actually, Aizawa was still a bit worry about sleeping without a tent, but after remembering that her worry so far was not as bad as she thought, she managed to calm herself. Then, Hide took Aizawa to pick up the trash they make in El Hola, put it in a bag, and hang it in the hanger.

    After that the two brush their teeth, and wash their face and feet. The water was very cold, but the two did the wash properly and didn¡¯t cut a corner. And finally, it¡¯s sleeping time.

    *****

 HA3 5.4 â€“ Rainstorm

    HA3 5.4 ¨C Rainstorm

    Several decades ago, Americ¡¯s military issued a brand new sleeping bag. It was made of a thin and light heat insulation sheet, but it was very sturdy and water proof. Its full size was 2x1.2 meters, and the opening on its upper part could be turned into adjustable hood with transparent flap to cover your face.

    The folk from walk-loving recce tribe loved this thin sleeping bag so much. The thin and light material enabled them to fold it into as thin as folded T-shirt. Most of all, if heavy rain hit them when they were in the middle of infil and they had to stop, they could find a bush and then lie down in the ground, silently nestling inside the sleeping bag along with their rucksack and weapon, and then took a short nap in turn.

    In case there was no bush or other light cover, they could dig a shallow hole, and then let their body being submerged under the water, hugging their rifle while using their rucksack as pillow to ensure their face was slightly above the water surface. Usually they would also cover the flap on their face with natural camouflage to make it harder to spot.

    Meanwhile, in artic environment where losing body heat could be fatal, this sleeping bag could save their life in case they couldn¡¯t find shelter or had material to build it.

    The only drawback was, because it was thin, if you used on top of hard ground without additional layer, it won¡¯t be as comfortable as ordinary sleeping bag. For walk-loving recce folk it was not a problem. When they were only young and naive chick in recce training, they already got used to the joy of sleeping on hard ground without sleeping bag or even simple rolled mat.

    However, the majority of military folks hated this thin sleeping bag. Some even called it as a lazy work from chain of command, who didn¡¯t bother to put an effort in providing decent sleeping bag. And so, the thin sleeping bag was being scrapped from list of standard issue equipment shortly after its first birthday.

    Some PX stores outside Americ still had it for a while before it was fully leaving this world. Then, in mid 2000s this thin sleeping bag found its way to the heart of hardcore outdoor lover, and then being reborn as commercial product and returned to this world.

    Hide met with the commercial reincarnation of this thin sleeping bag when he was attending winter ranger course. A former Americ¡¯s Green Beret who became guest instructor introduced it to the student in the course.

    And now, he shared this very same thin sleeping bag with Aizawa. The two sat next to each other. Aizawa sat on her rucksack while Hide sat in the ground directly. This sitting set up would ensure they had same height level and could adjust the hood and the flap that cover their face with ease.

    Inside the thin sleeping bag, it was warm and comfortable. Hide also chose a sleeping position where he and Aizawa could have the night view of downtown Nichiko unhindered. However, Aizawa had no time to enjoy it. Currently, she had some more pressing matter she had to worry.

    FYUUUOUUU WOOOUUUUUU WOOOUUUU!!!

    FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH!!!

    BOOOOM!!!

    RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE!!!

    Aizawa face was as pale as white sheet, as she witnessed the raging rainstorm before her. Heavy downpours hit the ground mercilessly, howling wind whipped the trees tops, while lightning kept flashing in the dark sky above, followed by deafening rolling thunder.

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    Only a few minutes after she entered the sleeping bag with Hide, rainstorm suddenly hit Nichiko and Uruba Hill was not an exception. A moment later, a strong water current from upper ground poured in into El Hola, before exiting to lower ground.

    ¡°B-Big Bro,¡± Aizawa said in a trembling voice. ¡°C-an¡­ Can we go home?¡±

    ¡°Are you afraid?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa firmly nodded. ¡°This rainstorm is super-duper scary. It makes Aizawa super afraid.¡±

    ¡°Unfortunately,¡± Hide gently said. ¡°It¡¯s too dangerous to walk down the trail under this rainstorm.¡±

    ¡°B-but¡­ will we be safe here?¡±

    ¡°We will.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Aizawa worriedly asked.

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s check our situation,¡± Hide gently said. ¡°We are not in the opening or right under a tree. We also already turned off our smartphone, so we won¡¯t have to worry about lightning strike.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°Next, we are inside a hole, so we won¡¯t need to worry about falling tree. Our sleeping bag will also protect us from cold water and keep us warm.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°Most of all, it¡¯s already 20 minutes since the rainstorm hit us but we are still fine. We are not wet, cold, or injured.¡±

    ¡°But Aizawa is super afraid right now,¡± Aizawa weakly said.

    ¡°It¡¯s normal to be afraid when you sit under rainstorm like this. Even adult will trembling in fear, but over reacting is more dangerous than the storm itself. It can lead you to fatal mistake.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not over reacting. This rainstorm is super-duper scary,¡± Aizawa protested in low voice, and then pressed her lips together.

    ¡°Honestly, Big Bro is scared too,¡± Hide said. ¡°But we really shouldn¡¯t do anything right now. We can only wait until the storm die down on its own.¡±

    ¡°Is Big Bro really afraid right now?¡± Aizawa curiously asked.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    After a moment of silence Aizawa weakly said, ¡°Okay, let¡¯s wait here then.¡±

    Hide could tell Aizawa still had huge worry in her heart, but she didn¡¯t ask him to take her home anymore, so a small bloomed in his lips. Then, Hide brought the conversation to another direction.

    ¡°How is your school? While we wait for the rainstorm to die down, you can tell Big Bro about your school.¡±

    ¡°Uhmmm¡­¡± Aizawa slightly tilted her head to the side.

    Usually, when she had dinner with Hide, she would tell him about her day in the school. But previously, she was too busy enjoying the BBQ.  It was very delicious while she was starving after all. Now, she finally remembered something she wanted to talk with Hide.

    ¡°Yesterday,¡± Aizawa said. ¡°Kaede Sensei asked Aizawa to ask Daddy, when she can visit our house and talk to him.¡±

    Question mark in an instant popped up in Hide¡¯s forehead. ¡°Do you know why Kaede Sensei wants to talk with Daddy?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa nodded. ¡°Kaede Sensei wants to know Daddy¡¯s opinion, if Aizawa play piano for Saturday evening mass in Saint Marry.¡±

    ¡°Is it the Saint Marry church where we put Emily¡¯s urn?¡± Hide curiously asked.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± After a short pause Aizawa explained, ¡°The student from high school section who usually plays piano for Saint Marry will graduate this year, so Kaede Sensei want to prepare her replacement.¡±

    ¡°And you are one of the candidates who will replace her?¡±

    ¡°The selection already took place, and Aizawa becomes the only candidate. The priest from Saint Marry also already agrees after he sees Aizawa¡¯s plays.¡±

    ¡°Wait a second¡­¡± Hide creased his brows before turning his gaze to Aizawa. ¡°Are you saying you will replace a high school student from final year to play piano in formal event?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa firmly replied.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you study music only for about two months? Can you really replace someone who had been studying music for several years?¡±

    ¡°The priest and Kaede Sensei said that Aizawa¡¯s plays is good enough, and Saturday evening mass is for elderly and children, so Aizawa will only play the simple version of church music.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°But it will still give Aizawa a good experience of playing piano in front of audience.¡±

    ¡°So, if Daddy gives his permission, you will play piano for Saint Marry.¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡± Aizawa gave Hide another nod. ¡°And Kaede Sensei will accompany Aizawa.¡±

    Hide recalled that back then, there was a huge scandal where some Catholic priests in Americ committed sexual crime against minor in their church. Maybe Kaede Sensei already put some precaution for this issue, but she still had to ask permission from the parent.

    Other than that, there was also a concern about conversion to Christianity. For some people in Nikko, this was rather concerning matter and Hide was one of them. He highly valued a free and responsible mind after all.

    After taking a deep breath Hide asked Aizawa, ¡°Does the priest ask you to receive baptism under Catholic Church¡¯ tradition before you can play piano in Saint Marry?¡±

    ¡°No, but some parents forbid their kid from becoming candidate because they worry the priest will baptism them in secret.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Big Bro, do receive a Catholic baptism is bad thing?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s hard to say if it¡¯s a bad or good thing. There are lots of factors you need to weight over before you can draw a conclusion for it,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°But, it¡¯s not a secret that believer, including the ones from Catholic Church, can be very careless. When it comes to things closely related to their faith, believer tend to lose their reasoning too easily somehow.¡±

    ¡°How so?¡± Aizawa curiously asked.

    ¡°Well, let Big Bro give you an example.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa eagerly nodded.

    *****

    Author¡¯s note:

    I¡¯m a Catholic by the way, and through this work I will bring a little bit of unknown perspective of Catholic Church. It¡¯s only a bit and very random, but I guarantee it will deliver a meaningful experience with Catholic¡¯s teaching, without touching the theological aspect.

    Thank you and Best regards.

 HA3 5.5 â€“ Midnight Hum

    HA3 5.5 ¨C Midnight Hum

    In casual tone Hide started a story in faraway kingdom. It was about a belief that sleeping cat could help you having a solemn evening pray. The story started with a wise priest who led royal shrine in the capital city. This priest was so wise that the king would ask for his advice in regular basis.

    One day, the king gave the wise priest a chubby cat named Chubbymaru as a present. The wise priest loved Chubbymaru so much and treated this chubby cat as his friend. However, every time he led Saturday evening pray, Chubbymaru would make ruckus inside the praying hall. He would wildly running around while kept meowing.

    And so, every time he led Saturday evening pray, the wise priest would drug Chubbymaru into a sleep, and then put him on a pillow next to him as he led the evening pray.

    One day the dullest student among the wise priest¡¯s students asked him, ¡°Teacher, why do you drug Chubbymaru and put him on the pillow next to you every time you lead Saturday evening pray?¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t you see it?¡± The wise priest replied. ¡°It¡¯s to ensure we have solemn and undisturbed pray.¡±

    ¡°Ah¡­ I see,¡± The dullest student happily replied as if he just received the greatest enlightenment since the dawn of mankind. ¡°Teacher, you are truly wise. This student has learned a lesson worth of a whole life study from you.¡±

    A year later, the wise priest passed away. Without the wise priest leading the Saturday evening pray, Chubbymaru lost interest to running around and meowing inside the praying hall. However, the dullest student managed to convince some senior students that it was very important to drug Chubbymaru and put him on the pillow next to the new priest who led the pray.

    The new priest didn¡¯t really get it why he should sat next to a sleeping chubby cat when he led the pray, but he didn¡¯t bother to ask. He thought he should respect the tradition from previous priest and avoid negative sentiment from his disciples while solidifying his position. It was being started by the wisest priest in the country after all.

    A few months later, Chubbymaru got enough of the drugging routine and escaped the shrine. To maintain the tradition from his predecessor and gained respect, the new priest bought another cat that looked like Chubbymaru and gave him the role as sleeping cat in the pillow.

    Ten years later, with the guidance from the new priest, the dullest student published sacred guidance on how to have a proper sleeping cat in a pillow to ensure you have solemn evening pray. After the king was being told that it was a legacy from the wisest priest, he immediately issued a decree that every priest in the country to adopt it without exception.

    As the result, thousands of cats including kittens became the victims of this new regulation. Some even died from over drugged, and this regulation last for a few centuries before the kingdom finally met with its demise.

    ¡°And the moral of the story, believer can be so careless and cause unnecessary misery in colossal level.¡± Hide taking a glance at Aizawa as he gently ended the story. ¡°Do you get it?¡±

    Aizawa lightly nodded. ¡°We shouldn¡¯t believe people who put cat into misery. They are bad people.¡±

    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

    After a smiled Hide said, ¡°Yeah, hurting animal is bad.¡±

    It was easy to tell that Aizawa didn¡¯t get the main message from his story, but Hide took it lightly. Aizawa was only six-year-old kid after all. Hide fully realized that it was him, who should pick a story with simper message.

    ¡°Aizawa, always remember this,¡± Hide said after a moment of silence. ¡°Belief or faith is not bad, but it will be super bad to force it on other people. Believer who try to turn other people to become like them are no different than cancer cell, just avoid such people.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa firmly replied.

    ¡°As for the offer to play piano for Saint Marry, it is absolutely fine if you want to do it,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°Big Bro will talk it to Kaede Sensei. Daddy already asks Big Bro to handle every matter related to you, so let¡¯s not bother him unless we have no other option.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Big Bro will also accompany you when you go to Saint Marry.¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡±

    ¡°Well, for now let¡¯s sleep.¡±

    Without delay, Hide and Aizawa laid down their body and used the rucksack as their pillow.

    ¡°Do you want Big Bro to sing a lullaby for you?¡± Hide happily asked.

    ¡°No, Big Bro is deaf tone. You can¡¯t sing,¡± Aizawa calmly rejected Hide¡¯s offer.

    ¡°How do you know Big Bro is deaf tone?¡± Hide curiously asked.

    ¡°Every time we do the dish together, Big Bro will lightly humming a song from Beatles, but it¡¯s very weird because Big Bro is deaf tone.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Understood,¡± Hide replied as for the first time in his second life he took a super-duper serious internal damage.

    However, as he could tightly hugged Aizawa, he recovered from the damage in an instant. A moment later, Aizawa already fell asleep even though the rainstorm was still at its peak. Shortly after, Hide also fell asleep and he had a big happy smile in his face

    ---

    Midnight, Aizawa slowly opened her eyes and she instantly got a chill on her nape as soon as she found everything around her was dark. Then, she remembered that she was in the middle of camping with Hide.

    Aizawa immediately turned her gaze to Hide and took a deep breath full of relief after she found Hide was peacefully sleeping next to her. After looking at Hide¡¯s happy sleeping face for a moment, Aizawa checked her surroundings.

    El Hola was still wet, and some broken branches scattered on its surface, but it had no puddle water. The hanger was also still stood firmly in its place. Previously, Aizawa saw that it seemed the fierce wind would blow it up to unknown, but turned out the hanger was stronger than she thought.

    ¡®Big Bro truly knows how to camp,¡¯ Aizawa muttered as she recalled her camping experience with Hide so far.

    Now, she also realized that when they hike the trail to El Hola, Hide could find the trail with ease even before they used flashlight to illuminate the path. All the way to El Hola, Hide also always managed to prevent her from falling to her knee every time she had a slip of feet.

    When Hide suddenly took out a machete from the side bag in his rucksack, it also surprised her to the core. This was the first time she saw his big brother held a machete, and he looked like Jason from the horror movie somehow.

    Then, his big brother gave her another surprise when with ease he climbed an Oak tree to cut some fresh branches. After that, everything was fun until the rainstorm poured down. But now, the super-duper scary rainstorm had gone and everything was fine as his big brother said.

    After looking at Hide¡¯s peaceful face one more time, Aizawa looked up to the night sky. The moon was in full bloom, along with countless blinking stars that filled the night sky to the brim. This was the first time she witnessed such beautiful night sky and it made her in awe.

    A moment later, Aizawa heard a faint hum in the air. It was gentle and otherworldly beautiful, and triggered her curiosity. Without delay, Aizawa exited the sleeping bag and wore her rubber sandal. Cold night wind made her body slightly shivering, but curiosity had strengthened her resolved.

    By stepping on the flat stone she previously used to sit, Aizawa managed to poke her head out of El Hola. She then scanned her surroundings. The moonlight and starlight had illuminated the surrounding area, so she could clearly saw everything to some extent, but for some reason she couldn¡¯t figure out from which direction the hum came from.

    After pondering for a moment, Aizawa also hummed in same tone and rhyme, and surprisingly the hum in the air responded. Now, the hum was sounded like a duet from two people who sat next to each other. It made Aizawa very happy, and as she was deep immersed in her hum a shadow soundlessly approached her feet from behind.

    ¡°Aizawa.¡±

    ¡°Awawawawa!!!¡±

    Aizawa was startled to the core as suddenly someone called her from behind. She recognized the voice. It was Hide¡¯s voice. Even so, she couldn¡¯t help but had a tense expression as she turned around to check it.

    ¡°Big Bro¡­¡± Aizawa weakly said as she found the one who called her was truly Hide.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t leave the sleeping bag without telling Big Bro.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa obediently nodded.

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s go back to sleep.¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡±

    After checking the surrounding area one more time, Aizawa followed Hide went back to the sleeping bag. The gentle and beautiful humming had stopped, so maybe the person who hummed it already left.

    A moment later, Aizawa already fall asleep one more time. This time, Hide didn¡¯t let her to sleep next to him. He put her on his upper chest, letting her to use his shoulder as a pillow, while one of his arm was on her back.

    *****

 HA3 5.6 â€“ Nice Breakfast & Fresh Morning Air

    HA3 5.6 ¨C Nice Breakfast & Fresh Morning Air

    When she opened her eyes, Aizawa found the sky was already bright and bird¡¯s chirps filled the air to the brim. Not far from her, Hide sat in front of dying fire pit, calmly sipping piping warm drink from his cup. After checking her surrounding, Aizawa also found Hide already removed the raincoat that cover the hanger and cleared up the broken branches that entered El Hola.

    Then, as she exited the sleeping bag Hide turned his gaze to her. After a smile he said, ¡°Good morning.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa happily nodded, and then she shivered as soon as cold morning air hit her.

    Wasting no time, Hide took Aizawa¡¯s jacket, gloves, and sneakers from the hanger and helped her to put it on. Then, while he helped Aizawa tied her sneaker, Hide heard a small rumble from her stomach.

    He immediately turned his gaze to Aizawa. ¡°You must be very hungry right now.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa firmly nodded. ¡°But Aizawa also want to pee.¡±

    Hide nodded and gently said, ¡°In that case, after you are done taking pee, let¡¯s make a delicious breakfast.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Aizawa happily replied and then asked, ¡°Will Aizawa taking pee behind a bush like in the movie?¡±

    As he lifted Aizawa out of El Hola Hide replied, ¡°When we are out in the wild, that¡¯s how we do our business. We find a bush or put a screen around us, and then dig a hole, drop our load be it solid or liquid, cover it with dried leaves, clean up properly, and finally cover the hole.¡±

    ¡°So, we can¡¯t do it in open.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely not.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Aizawa curiously asked.

    ¡°Well, even if we are far from human civilization, we should always maintain our decency and dignity as human being.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Aizawa said while looking around at the surrounding area. ¡°But we don¡¯t have bush here. Will Aizawa use a screen?¡±

    ¡°Nope,¡± Hide cheerfully replied. ¡°We will go to the shrine in hill peak. It has public toilet and it¡¯s very clean. We will arrive there in no time if we take a shortcut.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t when we are in a camping we can¡¯t use public toilet?¡± Aizawa asked as she curiously looked at Hide.

    ¡°Who did tell you that?¡±

    ¡°A kid in Aizawa¡¯s old class. He said it¡¯s a cheating to use public toilet when we have a camping.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t listen to him,¡± Hide firmly said. ¡°He is a goof kid.¡±

    ¡°But he heard it from his Big Sis, and she is an outdoor expert and a rock climbing champion.¡±

    ¡°In that case, her Big Sis is a goof too.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Aizawa, just remember this,¡± Hide gently said. ¡°When we do a camping we must become responsible outdoor folk, but it doesn¡¯t mean we should make things hard for ourselves by avoiding the use of public facility available in the area.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Aizawa obediently replied.

    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    In casual manner, Hide and Aizawa then continued their walk. After making a small flank to the hill side, they arrived before a series of steep step. It¡¯s wide enough for two people to crawl it up side by side with sure footing, but the space between each step was bigger than normal step. The angle from the first step to the final step was also almost vertical.

    It would be too hard for a six-year-old kid to scale up the steps. However, with Hide¡¯s attentive help Aizawa managed to scale it up relatively easy, and the two arrived in the shrine¡¯s backyard in no time.

    ---

    Once they were back in El Hola, Hide and Aizawa immediately sat before the fire pit. Hide gave Aizawa a cup of lemon tea he made earlier, along with the leftover crackers from last night. It was only ordinary warm lemon tea and canned crackers, but Aizawa enjoyed them as if they were the most delicious snack in the world.

    ¡®It seems the walk to hill peak and the cold morning air has amplified her hunger,¡¯ Hide muttered before saying, ¡°Aizawa, wait for a moment. Big Bro will make delicious breakfast for us.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa firmly replied before putting a piece of cracker on her mouth.

    Wasting no time, Hide restarted the fire. With ease he got the flame back, and then he put the grill mesh on it, along with two nesting pan. He filled the first nesting pan with water up to two-third, and use the second one to warm up two small cans of sardine and tomato.

    After that, he took some warm water from the first nesting pan and mixed it with a can of powdered egg. Once the sardine reached full boiling point, he poured the eggs mixture on it, covered the nesting pan with the lid, and took it from fire. This way, the heat remains would cook the egg mixture into soft boiled egg.

    As for the remaining water in the first nesting pan, Hide used it to cook a bag of seafood-flavored instant ramen. Then, he split the ramen, the sardine, and soft boiled egg into two cups and breakfast began shortly after.

    While having a faint smile in his lips, Hide looked at Aizawa as she used a spoon fork to take a mouthful noodles from her cup. Then, she gently blew it a few times before slurping and gulping it down heartily.

    ¡°How is it?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s super delicious,¡± Aizawa happily replied. ¡°Eating hot ramen under morning air is very nice.¡±

    ¡°I see. Glad you like it.¡±

    Wasting no time, Hide then also ate his ramen. It was as Aizawa said. Enjoying hot ramen under fresh morning air was very nice. The noodle, the soup, and the toppings tasted several times more delicious. Hide and Aizawa then finished the ramen in no time. They even gulped down the ramen soup to the last drop.

    Then, they enjoyed fruit juice, one box each. Aizawa had orange juice while Hide had apple juice. It was the similar brand with the juice they bought for their father, a 100% pure fruit juice. The juice tasted very refreshing after being chilled by cold night air.

    After taking a few gulps of her juice, Aizawa gave the picture of fresh orange sliced in half on the juice box a curious gaze. ¡°Big Bro, is this juice really a 100% orange juice?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, in our country, there is strict regulation about it. Only fruit juices that are 100% pure can have realistic picture of fresh fruit sliced in half on its package,¡± Hide casually explained. ¡°Is the juice good?¡±

    ¡°It is,¡± Aizawa replied before taking another gulp of her juice.

    Then, Hide gently asked, ¡°Do you still have some room for dessert?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa replied in reflex. ¡°Girls always have second stomach for dessert. Kaede Sensei says it a lot and Aizawa believes it.¡±

    After giving Aizawa a smile Hide replied, ¡°Big Bro also believes it.¡±

    Without delay, Hide got up to his feet and took a piece of canned strawberry shortcake from the food bag in the hanger. It was ordinary canned strawberry shortcake you could buy in vending machine and Hide never tried it before, but he heard from Shizuka that it was pretty good.

    By using small knife he concealed in his lower back, Hide cut the canned shortcake right in the middle, turning it into two small cups. Aizawa then asked him if they could have selfie while holding the shortcake and without second thought he agreed.

    After that, the two enjoyed the strawberry shortcake. It was indeed delicious. The strawberry was fresh and very sweet. The cake was soft while the cream was fluffy and not overly sweet. In short, the two finished the shortcake while having big smile in their face.

    ---

    After the two did the dish and brushed their teeth, Hide immediately taught Aizawa how to properly pack up and clean up their camp site.

    ¡°Aizawa, listen to Big Bro carefully.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa eagerly nodded.

    ¡°This place is a neighborhood that becomes home for huge community. It has birds, raccoon, fox, squirrel, and some others animal,¡± Hide casually explained. ¡°As a tourist, we have to make sure we leave this place without leaving inconveniences for the dweller in this neighborhood, like leaving trashes or campfire that we don¡¯t extinguish properly.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa gave Hide another nod, and then she curiously scanned the treetops in the area. ¡°Big Bro, is this place really have squirrel?¡±

    ¡°It is.¡± After a moment of silence Hide casually added, ¡°I suppose this place also have some snakes.¡±

    ¡°Snakes?¡± Aizawa blurted out as her face suddenly became very tense.

    ¡°Yeah, and some other dangerous animal like poisonous lizard, poisonous frog, tarantula, or scorpion.¡±

    ¡°Big Bro,¡± Aizawa said as she warily scanned the ground around her. ¡°Does this place really have snakes and other poisonous animal?¡±

    Hide casually nodded. ¡°And that¡¯s why, last night, before we use El Hola, Big Bro had to properly check it first. Big Bro also constantly check our rucksack because small poisonous animal may sneak in to it.

    But, overall this place is pretty safe as long as we know how to handle it and don¡¯t do stupid things like start big and uncontrolled fire, or wander around aimlessly.¡±

    ¡°Can we just go home right away without cleaning El Hola?¡± Aizawa asked while giving Hide an expectant gaze.

    ¡°Aizawa,¡± Hide gently said. ¡°Big Bro know right now you must really want to leave this place as soon as possible, but sometimes, we will face a moment when we have to do the right thing under uncomfortable circumstance.¡±

    ¡°Big Bro, this is not only an uncomfortable circumstance but a dangerous one,¡± Aizawa complained before pressing her lips together.

    ¡°Yeah, if we don¡¯t be careful, we will be in a dangerous situation, but we still need to clean El Hola properly.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    After seeing Aizawa stayed silence for a while Hide asked her, ¡°Or, Big Bro can take you to the shrine in hill peak, and then you wait there while Big Bro cleaning El Hola.¡±

    ¡°No.¡± After pressing her lips one more time Aizawa said, ¡°Aizawa will help Big Bro.¡±

    After a smile Hide said, ¡°In that case, let¡¯s get it done as fast as we can.¡±

    Wasting no time, Hide and Aizawa started the cleaning. It was easy to see that Aizawa was very jumpy. It seemed the realization that the area had snake and other poisonous animal truly spook her, but Hide said nothing. He just calmly showed Aizawa how to pack up and clean up the campsite.

    After that, the two scaled down Uruba Hill using the closest hiking trail, and Aizawa¡¯s complexion returned normal only after the two arrived in the hill foot. After putting the trash from their camping to nearby trash can, they then went straight home.

    *****

 HA3 6.1 â€“ Helping More

    HA3 6.1 - Helping More

    When they arrived at their house, Hide and Aizawa found the light was still on and the window was still closed. Wasting no time, the two turned off the light and opened all windows. After that they washed their hiking equipment and put it under sun in the backyard. Then, they went to clean the house right away.

    ¡°We just return from hiking, so let¡¯s just wipe out the window, and sweep and mop the floor,¡± Hide gently said to Aizawa.

    ¡°So, we don¡¯t clean the yards this week?¡± Aizawa curiously asked. ¡°Or washing the bed sheet?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± After a smile Hide added. ¡°And Big Bro will order pizza from Seiya for our lunch, unless you want something else.¡±

    ¡°Big Bro will order the pizza from Seiya?¡±

    ¡°Can Aizawa have mint and strawberry milk too?¡±

    ¡°You can, and let¡¯s have fruit salad too.¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡± Aizawa happily nodded.

    Wasting no time Hide put a lunch order to Seiya. After that they started the cleaning. Overall, they did it swiftly and happily, and finished it just before the lunch time, right after the order from Seiya arrived.

    Hide immediately took Aizawa to terrace, and sat facing each other in the floor. After offering the gratitude for the food, the two opened the package from Seiya. Then, they gave their mint and strawberry milk a sip before taking a slice of pizza each.

    ¡°How is it?¡± Hide asked after Aizawa gave her pizza slice a big bite. ¡°Is it yummy?¡±

    ¡°Mhm, it¡¯s super yummy,¡± Aizawa happily replied.

    After a smile Hide gave his pizza slice a bite, and then he asked Aizawa again, ¡°Do you want to go on a camping again with Big Bro next week?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Aizawa firmly replied.

    ¡°Why?¡± Hide curiously asked. ¡°Didn¡¯t you have some fun last night?¡±

    ¡°Aizawa had some fun time last night, but also super-duper afraid of snake.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°But when Aizawa in fourth grade, maybe Aizawa won¡¯t be afraid of snake anymore,¡± Aizawa said before giving her pizza slice a second bite. ¡°Then, we can have another camping together.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s wait until you are in fourth grade,¡± Hide happily said and didn¡¯t press the matter further.

    The two then wolfed down their lunch heartily and finished everything clean. After that, they took a bath and spent their idle time casually.

    ---

    In her room, Aizawa casually sat behind her laptop. It was Hide¡¯s old laptop, but she like it so much. Hide had moved his file into external hard disk and then installed latest OS he could paired with it.

    Initially, Hide only taught Aizawa to use her hand-me-down laptop to store anime, manga, picture, and other things she could store in digital form. After that, Kaede Sensei taught her to use it to write diary of event that left deep impression in her heart.

    And now, she would write diary for the camping in Uruba Hill. It was her first camping and it had lot of things she wanted to write about, both things that made her super happy or things that made her anxious and even super scared.

    Hiking the slope in pitch darkness was scary and dangerous. The rain storm and snake were also no less scary and dangerous. Most of all, the camping itself can send us to prison if patrolling officer from metro police found us. In the end, we managed to avoid any danger and arrive at home unscathed, but it was super close call.

    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    With ease Aizawa wrote the opening paragraph. After that, words kept pouring out from her mind and it took about 30 minutes to finish the diary. Then, she added the picture she took using her smartphone to it.

    Not all of her diary had picture. Take example the diary for her visit to Tohru Ramen right after Hide returned to this world. She had no picture about the event, but it was not a big deal for her. What matter the most for her was that she had recorded it when she still could remember it clearly.

    Then, while having big smile in her face Aizawa turned her laptop off and closed it. At the same time, she remembered she wanted to talk to Hide about their weekly grocery shopping. Without further ado she left her room and found Hide was sitting in the dining table.

    As usual, on Sunday, after the lunch, Hide would take his time to make record of family expense using his smartphone. Wasting no time, Aizawa sat in front of him.

    ¡°Big Bro, do you have a moment?¡±

    Hide immediately turned his gaze to Aizawa and smiled. ¡°Do you have something you want to talk about?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa replied while giving Hide a big nod.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Can Aizawa solely handle the weekly grocery shopping?¡±

    ¡°Are you saying you want to carry the weekly grocery shopping alone?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa said while resolution sparked in her clear eyes.

    ¡°Why?¡± Hide curiously asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s to lighten up Big Bro¡¯s burden,¡± Aizawa firmly replied. ¡°Other than weekly house cleaning and cooking breakfast, Big Bro does almost everything else alone.¡±

    After an amusing smile Hide asked Aizawa back, ¡°Are you sure you are ready to lighten up Big Bro¡¯s burden?¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡± Aizawa firmly nodded. ¡°In ¡®Old Enough!¡¯, lots of kids younger than Aizawa do errand for their parent. There is even a 5-year-old boy who helps his parent run their dinner.

    In the morning he will place order for rice, vegies, chicken meat, chicken egg, and other fresh ingredient in the nearby market, and on the way home he will take restaurant linen from Laundromat.

    That¡¯s far bigger responsibility than weekly grocery shopping and he was one year younger than Aizawa.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Hide smile became thicker as he muttered, ¡®Old Enough! huh¡­ That brings back memory.¡¯

    ¡®Old Enough!¡¯ was a TV show about tradition in Nikko¡¯s family to send their kids to carry errand, entirely without supervision, and it was not rare the kids had to navigate across busy road and transportation system. It was being aired for the first time in 1991, with irregular continuation after that.

    It seemed a TV channel started airing its continuation after a few years of hiatus, and Aizawa happened to watch and followed it. Well, even though family circumstances in Nikko had drastically changed over the decades, the tradition remained strong.

    Parents from other country mostly would freak out when they watch the show. They also put lots of critics about it. When she saw it for the first time, Emily even blurted out in reflex, ¡°Do this in Britss or Americ, and you will never see your kids again.¡±

    However, Nikko was Nikko, and other country was other country. There were ton of things that worked only in Nikko. One of it was that kids were often expected to learn how to be independent, self-reliant, and problem-solver from early age.

    Most parents in Nikko didn¡¯t view leaving their kids to take care of themselves to some extent as neglect. Instead, they believed they were granting their kids freedom and opportunity to mature. The parent also wouldn¡¯t hesitant to leave their kids in home alone while they went to work. Therefore, in Nikko there were lots of kids that literally being called left-alone kids and Hide was one of them.

    At the same time, Nikko had grown an environment to allow the kids to receive ample of freedom and opportunity to gain self-confidence. Take example the strong culture of trust. It led into a trusting society and heavy emphasize on group socialization, which then contributed to country¡¯s low crime rate.

    The excellent urban planning and development of modern infrastructure also enabled the kids to venture with ease. The neighborhoods were also designed with young kids¡¯ safety in mind, such as very low speed limit, lots of intersection, and encouragement for driver to yield to pedestrians.

    In the end, Emily got addicted to send Hide on solo errand. He would do it while puffing his cheek as big as he could, all the way, but his pride didn¡¯t allow him to mess around with the task. Not to mention, he started doing solo errand after he became much older than other kids.

    As for Aizawa, she didn¡¯t have the chance to experience it. However, Hide had no intention to send her on solo errand. He had no heart to do it. Even waiting for Aizawa to go back from Kitaro already gave him anxiety attack even though Aizawa was using shuttle service. Sending Aizawa on solo errand would definitely give him heart seizure.

    As he gently looked at Aizawa, Hide said, ¡°Big Bro understands your intention. But, weekly grocery shopping is a mean for us to spend time together, and you already help Big Bro a lot.¡±

    ¡°But Aizawa want to help more, like the other kids,¡± Aizawa insisted and this was the first time she did such thing.

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Hide really didn¡¯t want to send Aizawa on solo errand, but he also didn¡¯t want to flatly reject her wish. Fortunately, he had an idea to solve the dilemma.

    ¡°How about this?¡± Hide casually asked. ¡°Instead of weekly grocery shopping, can you help Big Bro keep the family ledger?¡±

    ¡°Keeping the family ledger?¡± Aizawa curiously asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide casually replied. ¡°And it¡¯s far bigger responsibility than weekly grocery shopping.¡±

    ¡°But Aizawa doesn¡¯t know how to do it.¡±

    ¡°Big Bro will teach you.¡±

    After a short ponder Aizawa replied, ¡°Okay.¡±

    *****

 HA3 6.2 â€“ Night Conversation

    HA3 6.2 - Night Conversation

    The ledger Hide used to record the family expense was pretty simple. It consisted only of date, reference number, entry, debit, credit, and balance. With a gentle tone, he explained to Aizawa how to use it.

    ¡°First, you group the receipts based on its date, and then use your pen to give it a number starting from 1 for the biggest receipt.¡± After giving Aizawa an example Hide continued, ¡°Got it?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa firmly nodded.

    ¡°Then you enter it to the ledger, consecutively based on the dates and reference number you make on each receipt. You don¡¯t need to write item you buy one by one as we don¡¯t make formal accounting.

    Just write the store name and put the total amount you spend on the credit column, and the formula will do the rest.¡±

    ¡°Does Aizawa really doesn¡¯t need to write the items we buy?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, just use your smartphone to take the receipt¡¯s picture after you put number on it, and then file it following Big Bro¡¯s example. That way, we can easily check the receipt detail whenever we want to,¡± Hide calmly said, ¡°Also, after you take its picture, you can throw the original receipts to the bin.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Now, give it a try.¡±

    Wasting no time, Aizawa carried out the procedure. She still had to ask here and there when she was not sure, and Hide would gently re-explain to her. In the end, it took an hour for Aizawa to enter twenty odds receipts to the ledger.

    ¡°You did a good job,¡± Hide happily praised Aizawa. ¡°And always make sure the money we have in the bank and in cash are exactly the same with the balance in the ledger.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Aizawa firmly nodded.

    A sense of accomplishment was clearly visible on Aizawa¡¯s eyes, and it made Hide had happy smile all over his face.

    ¡°Any question?¡±

    ¡°What about when we receive money?¡±

    ¡°When we receive money, you only have to enter the date, the sender, and the amount in the debit column.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Dad receives his salary via bank transfer on 25th¨C27th each month. He will keep 85.000 ren for himself and sent the rest to Big Bro¡¯s bank account, and now you will have access on it.¡± Hide then scrolled down the ledger and showed Aizawa a list of bill. ¡°House installment, school tuition¡­ Water, electricity, gas, & trash bill, and family healthcare premium, these bills are your priority as soon as you receive money from Dad.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°And remember,¡± Hide said as his expression turned serious, ¡°If we forget to pay the house installment, the bank will kick us out of our house and we will become homeless.¡±

    ¡°O-okay.¡±

    The possibility she made everyone homeless made Aizawa super nervous, and Hide could clearly see it, but he had no intention to pull his punch here.

    ¡°If you forget to pay our school tuition, we will also become schooless,¡± Hide added while maintaining his serious expression. ¡°So, you can¡¯t miss the payment for those two by all means.¡±

    ¡°U-mmm¡­Big Bro,¡± Aizawa¡¯s tense expression became tenser as she turned her gaze to Hide. ¡°C-can we split the ledger? You handle the most important bill, and Aizawa will handle the smaller one.¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t do that,¡± Hide firmly said. ¡°Family ledger has to cover every single flow of money in the household in one book. When you handle it, you have to take it all or leave it all. You can¡¯t do it half-way.¡±

    ¡°Can we wait until Aizawa a bit older before Aizawa handle it?¡±

    ¡°No, you can¡¯t,¡± Hide said. ¡°Honestly, right now Big Bro is already in my last leg. I need your help. So, don¡¯t drop your gut halfway after saying you want to help Big Bro. It will crush Big Bro¡¯s spirit into pieces.¡±

    ¡°O-okay,¡± Aizawa replied with shaking voice while gulping hard. ¡°Aizawa will do the best.¡±

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    ¡°Good,¡± Hide said while trying his best to hold his amusement.

    Aizawa made a really cute expression whenever she had internal struggling, but of course, at her age he couldn¡¯t let her to have the struggle for too long.

    ¡°Hey, have no worry. Big Bro won¡¯t let you to fully handle it right away.¡± Hide¡¯s drop dead serious expression suddenly became gentle as he added, ¡°We will walk it down together until you can run it on your own.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Aizawa immediately took a deep breath full of relief. Then, she asked, ¡°Big Bro, how long until we clear the house installment?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s about 6-7 years,¡± Hide casually replied.

    ¡°That long?¡± Aizawa asked while giving Hide a surprise gaze.

    ¡°It¡¯s already halfway done you know.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    Hide gave Aizawa a nod before explaining, ¡°When other young workers at his office spent their money for fun, dad use his saving from first two years of his hard work as down payment for this house, and get 25 years of low-rate installment.

    Dad was only 23-year-old at that time. He spent all of his money for this house, so he got this nice house with garage, front yard, side yard, and even backyard, but after that he couldn¡¯t buy the furnishing.

    Dad once told Big Bro that when he married my mother, the house was practically empty and they had to furnish it bit by bit.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Hide gave Aizawa a gentle gaze before continuing, ¡°Dad endured a lot of hardships to get this house because he wanted his kids to have solid roof above their head. So, let¡¯s cherish this house and take care of it with everything we have.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa gave Hide a firm nod.

    Hide then completed the ledger handover by installing mobile banking in Aizawa¡¯s smartphone, and connected it to his student bank account as sub-account. That way, he could set a withdrawal limit and made sure Aizawa couldn¡¯t made payment higher than 20.000 ren without his permission.

    Then, he handed over the wallet he used to store some cash and asked Aizawa to crosscheck the money in the bank account and the wallet with the balance in the ledger.

    ¡°How is it?¡± Hide casually asked after Aizawa completed the crosscheck.

    ¡°The amount is exactly the same,¡± Aizawa firmly replied.

    After a light nod Hide said, ¡°From now on, put more caution to your smartphone as it has access to our bank account.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa firmly replied.

    Hide then took Aizawa to watch movie together in the living room.

    ---

    Exactly at 21:50, Aizawa completed an Othello match with Kana and the rest of the group. Their opponent was from overseas and rather strong, but they managed to bag three wins out of five matches. After saying goodbye to each other, they then stopped the connection.

    While having big smile in her face Aizawa then went to the bed, but she stopped midway. She remembered she could sleep with his Big Brother even though there was no rainstorm. Without second thought, she decided she would sleep with him tonight.

    With happy steps Aizawa left her room. Hide¡¯s room was next to hers, but she wanted to drink first so she went to kitchen. Then, as soon as she entered the kitchen, she found her father was silently sitting in the dining table, enjoying a cup of tea.

    Aizawa wanted to turn around and went straight to Hide¡¯s room, but his father stopped her, ¡°Wait.¡±

    ¡°¡­?¡±

    ¡°Did¡­ I wake you up?¡±

    Hearing his father asked her with awkward tone, Aizawa immediately shook her head.

    ¡°No, Aizawa want to drink before going to sleep with Big Bro.¡±

    After a light nod Aizawa¡¯s father asked another question, ¡°Do you sleep with Hide a lot?¡±

    ¡°Usually only when rainstorm pour down,¡± Aizawa replied with nervous voice. ¡°But recently Big Bro let Aizawa to sleep with him even though there is no rainstorm.¡±

    ¡°So, you are still afraid of rainstorm.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa nodded.

    After having a deep sigh Aizawa¡¯s father asked again, ¡°Does Hide treat you well?¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡± While having spark in her eyes Aizawa continued, ¡°Big Bro always cooks tasty food for Aizawa. On Saturday he also takes Aizawa to shop in Sakura Shopping District and then we eat in Tohru Ramen. We also watched Yuko¡¯s Mountain match and then ate in Seiya sometimes ago, and it was super fun.

    Last night Big Bro also took Aizawa to camp in Uruba Hill, and every Sunday morning Aizawa will help Big Bro clean the house.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Aizawa¡¯s father tried his best to hold his tears while continued, ¡°Glad you have lot of fun.¡±

    ¡°Starting today, Aizawa will also help Big Bro handle the family ledger,¡± Aizawa proudly added.

    A thin happy smile instantly bloomed in Aizawa¡¯s father¡¯s lips. ¡°I teach Hide how to handle family ledger when he was in 3rd grade. Now, he teaches you.¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡±

    After trying his best to calm the mixed feeling in his heart Aizawa¡¯s father asked again, ¡°What about your school?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fun too,¡± Aizawa happily replied. ¡°Kaede Sensei chose Aizawa to play in Saint Marry every Saturday evening, and she want to talk about it with Daddy, but Big Bro said Daddy has asked him to handle everything related Aizawa¡¯s school, so he will talk about it with Kaede Sensei later.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Aizawa¡¯s father couldn¡¯t hold his tear any longer, so a few drops streak down in his cheek, but he managed to camouflage it as if a dust entered his eyes. Well, it couldn¡¯t help that he was very emotional right now. Last time he put an attention on Aizawa, she just entered kindergarten and would cry every time she missed her mother.

    But now, she was already a first grader. And when he looked at Aizawa¡¯s happy expression, his guilt for neglecting her, along with his relief and happiness that she grow into a cheerful kid even though she didn¡¯t receive proper love and care from her only parent, mixed together and mercilessly torn apart his heart.

    After wiping out his tears with a tissue, Aizawa¡¯s father got up and approached Aizawa while carrying his tea cup. Then, he gently tousled up Aizawa¡¯s hair.

    ¡°Stick with your Big Brother for a little bit. Okay?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa firmly replied.

    Then, as her father returned to his room Aizawa went to drink a few gulps of water. After that, she went to Hide¡¯s room. She found Hide already fast asleep in his bed like a log. After kissing Hide in the cheek, Aizawa then nestled herself next to him.

    The conversation with his father was still lingering in her mind, and Aizawa wondered why he looked at her with complicated gaze while asking so many questions. However, Aizawa was too sleepy to think about it. Not to mention, she was very happy because she could sleep with his Big Bro. So, a moment later she already fell asleep with big happy face.

    *****

 HA3 6.3 â€“ Morning Talk

    HA3 6.3 - Morning Talk

    Tuesday morning, Ishida Household, thing went calm as usual. Exactly at 3:20, Mrs. Ishida woke up from her bed. It was still too early to the start daily activity, but Takeo would leave the house in a moment and she wanted to walk him to the door.

    Initially, Takeo would leave the house at 4:30 to meet Hide and Shizuka, for part-time job and hiking exercise, and then went straight to school. Then, recently, he would leave at 5:00 to meet only Shizuka. But today, he left far earlier because he had something he had to do with Hide.

    After wearing her jacket, Mrs. Ishida went straight to kitchen and she found Takeo was leaning his lower back on the sink, while enjoying banana. At the same time, Kei and Rei hugged his leg tightly. Kei was on the left, while Rei was on the right. The two were still wearing their pajamas and topped it with their jacket.

    ¡®Again?¡¯ Mrs. Ishida muttered as she fixed her gaze on her twin daughter.

    This was the second time Kei and Rei hugged Takeo¡¯s leg while showing resolute expression in their childish face. The first time they did it was when the two were 18-month-old.

    It started with National Geographic journal about Nikko¡¯s wild duck. When they watched it, they heard the narrator said, ¡°Wherever the duck mother goes, the duckling follows.¡±

    After that, for some reason that only the two could comprehend, they identified themselves as a twin duckling. However, they didn¡¯t identify their mother as the duck mother. They chose their Big Brother as the duckling mother. Then, they decided they would follow him at all cost.

    The next morning, they hugged Takeo¡¯s leg tightly like right now and said they would follow him to school. It was cute to see her twin little daughter wanted to stick to their brother at all cost. However, it became headache when they became too stubborn. It even almost ended up into disaster.

    Without any warning, Rei and Kei cried as loud as they could when Mrs. Ishida tried to peel them off from Takeo¡¯s legs with force. In the end, it took two hours to coax them to let go Takeo¡¯s leg, and that became the only day Takeo arrived at his school late.

    ¡®Oh God in heaven,¡¯ Cold sweat drenched Mrs. Ishida¡¯s back as she muttered. ¡®If this twin rascal explodes into cry again, in this early, we will receive a storm of complain from the neighborhood. Someone most likely will also call metro police officer and firefighter like the last time.¡¯

    ¡°Mom, I need your help,¡± Takeo casually said while Rei and Kei tightened their hold on his legs.

    Mrs. Ishida immediately took a deep breath and braced herself for the worst case scenario, before gently saying, ¡°Rei, Kei, don¡¯t start a fuss in this early.¡±

    ¡°But if we don¡¯t do this,¡± Kei resolutely said. ¡°No one will take our request seriously.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Rei added.

    ¡°What request?¡± Mrs. Ishida curiously asked.

    ¡°Bringing Big Sis Aizawa to sleep here on Saturday,¡± Kei said.

    ¡°Mhm, we want to play with Big Sis Aizawa soooooo¡­ badly,¡± Rei added.

    ¡°Mommy already gives you permission to invite her,¡± Mrs. Ishida casually said. ¡°Just invite her again until she comes.¡±

    ¡°We did, but she still didn¡¯t come,¡± Kei dejectedly said.

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    ¡°And Big Bro and Mommy have promised us. You will talk about it with Big Bro Hide, but you never did.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Mrs. Ishida actually forgot about this promise, and now she put her brain in full rotation to find an excuse. ¡°Aizawa loves to play with you two so much and Hide knows it. He will bring her here as soon as he can.

    Meaning, if up to this moment he doesn¡¯t do it, it must be because the circumstances don¡¯t allow him to do so, and if in such situation we insist he should still take Aizawa here, it will put them in difficult spot. We shouldn¡¯t do such thing.¡±

    ¡°What circumstance?¡± Rei asked while giving Mrs. Ishida a skeptical look with her childish face, and it was very cute.

    ¡°Well¡­. Maybe they are busy with something.¡±

    ¡°If they were busy with something, how could they have time to go camping in Uruba Hill on last Saturday?¡± Kei protested.

    ¡°If they can¡¯t come here because they go camping, we and Big Bro can go with them,¡± Rei added.

    ¡°I see,¡± Mrs. Ishida said before taking a deep breath.

    Last night, before a chest match with opponent from Hakaido, Aizawa told the group about her camping with Hide in Uruba Hill. She also shared the pictures she took. It seemed it triggered Kei and Rei eagerness to play with her.

    ¡°So, now, you want to come to their place?¡± Mrs. Ishida casually asked.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t have to be their house,¡± Rei said.

    ¡°Go camping with them is fine too,¡± Kei said.

    ¡°In summary,¡± Mrs. Ishida said. ¡°As long as you can play with Aizawa, anything is fine?¡±

    ¡°¡°Mhm.¡±¡± Kei and Rei nodded at the same time.

    Mrs. Ishida immediately turned her gaze to Takeo. ¡°Son, talk it to Hide, ASAP.¡±

    ¡°Roger,¡± Takeo said while looking at Rei and Kei alternately. ¡°I will make sure you two have the chance to play with Aizawa this weekend. If this Saturday they go camping again, we will go with them.¡±

    ¡°Now,¡± Mrs. Ishida gently said. ¡°Let a go your brother¡¯s legs. He has important part-time job waiting for him.¡±

    ¡°¡°Okay.¡±¡± Kei and Rei said at the same time.

    ¡°Go back to your room and get some more sleep,¡± Mrs. Ishida said.

    ¡°¡°Mhm,¡±¡± Kei and Rei obediently replied.

    After Kei and Rei returned to their room, Mrs. Ishida immediately took a deep breathe full of relief. Initially, she thought it would be much harder to coax Rei and Kei, but it seemed they understood that they shouldn¡¯t make things hard for their Big Brother like the last time they pulled the legs grabbing protest.

    After drinking a glass of water Mrs. Ishida turned her gaze to Takeo, ¡°How can they are up so early?¡±

    ¡°Last night, they asked me when I will depart this morning. They also ask me to teach them how to put alarm on.¡± After an amusing smile Takeo continued, ¡°They prepare their ambush well.¡±

    ¡°Kids this day,¡± Mrs. Ishida was complaining, but like Takeo, she also had amusing smile all over her face.

    ¡°Well, I should go now,¡± Takeo said before putting the banana peel to the bin.

    ¡°Wait, Son,¡± Mrs. Ishida said in hurry. ¡°How is your part-time job?¡± Why Hide suddenly ask to meet you in the morning again? Do you two face a problem?¡±

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Takeo casually said. ¡°We just have to check each other progress.¡±

    ¡°And your training for Hiking Club?¡±

    ¡°Everything is fine,¡± Takeo gave his mother another casual reply. ¡°I have good progress.¡±

    ¡°You know, when you went home from your first hiking exercise in your school, you were so pale, haggard, and burn out, and the next morning you looked in so much pain. It worried me to the death,¡± Mrs. Ishida said in complicated tone. ¡°But you kept insisting you are fine and refuse to take a break.¡±

    ¡°Mom, as I have said before,¡± Takeo casually said. ¡°If I take a break in the initial phase, it will put more harm on my body. It will also hinder my chance to reach the highest outcome. The pain is part of the growth. Avoiding it, is not an option.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    After taking another deep breathe Mrs. Ishida gave Takeo a meticulous check from head to toe. Now, she found Takeo looked sturdier. His shoulder also looked wider, while his jawline became clearer.

    ¡°I never thought you can become so good looking.¡±

    ¡°So, you never thought I was good looking all this time,¡± Takeo casually said.

    ¡°Well, before you start the training, you look pretty plain like your father,¡± Mrs. Ishida honestly blurted out. ¡°But inside, you are a great young man with gentle heart.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After a smile Takeo continued, ¡°I¡¯m off.¡±

    While having big smile in her face, Mrs. Ishida walked Takeo to the door. Then, she watched as Takeo walked down the empty street in front of their house, under the combo of dark sky and street lamp, carrying his school bag in his shoulder and mid-size sport bag in his hand. His pace was casual, but his steps were steady and firm.

    ¡®He doesn¡¯t look like high school kid at all,¡¯ Mrs. Ishida muttered, and waited until Takeo disappeared from her view before returning to her room.

    She still could get another two hours of sleep and she really needed it.

    *****

 HA3 7.1 - Lock & Load

    HA3 7.1 - Lock & Load

    In one of benches in Manabu Subway Station, Hide casually sat. Next to him, lied his school bag and a sport bag. In his hand, he held his smartphone and using it to study material for today language class.

    The station was practically almost empty. Only twenty odds people waited for the train. Even so, Hide still couldn¡¯t get clear view to Naoto, his loyal stalker for the recent days. But it was not a big problem as long as he knew his exact position.

    Then, the second train for today schedule arrived. After a quick scan, Hide found Takeo was getting off from first car. He then switched his attention to second car and found Paolo casually got off and went into a corner across Naoto¡¯s position. Now, the two sandwiched his position.

    ¡®If they come to kill me, I will be in a big trouble right now,¡¯ Hide muttered before putting back his attention to Takeo.

    As soon as Takeo arrived before him, he opened a conversation, ¡°It seems you don¡¯t skip your exercise.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, and Shizuka is mean trainer, but she deliver clear result,¡± Takeo happily said. ¡°What about you?¡±

    ¡°I have a good time.¡±

    Hide then recalled yesterday training in Beauty & the Beast. As Coach Kotaro said, Hayashida came despite his complain, and the sparring took place like usual. It¡¯s just that Hide had no chance to put Hayashida into submission or knocked him out without showing other cards he had under his sleeves. However, he saw no necessity to win the sparring for the time being.

    So, in the end, Hayashida won by a landslide point. However, he deemed it was not enough because he failed to put Hide down in the mat even after he gave his all. He even started to run out of breath in the third round.

    ¡°I also have cleared the 9 miler target,¡± Takeo proudly added and it woke Hide up from his ponder.

    ¡°I see. You clear it faster than my estimation.¡±

    ¡°What is the next target?¡± Takeo eagerly asked.

    ¡°30 miler,¡± Hide casually replied. ¡°Under eight hours, carrying 20 kg of kits and rifle, and multi terrains.¡±

    ¡°I will try it in the weekend.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Hide firmly said. ¡°For now, don¡¯t even think about it.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    ¡°You will get cardiac arrest if you force yourself to do it with your current level.¡±

    ¡°When I can do it?¡±

    ¡°When you are 90% physically ready.¡±

    ¡°Only 90% physically ready?¡± Takeo asked as big question mark popped in his forehead. ¡°And not when I¡¯m 100% ready?¡±

    ¡°Yes, you have to make up for the 10% deficit using your willpower, or you won¡¯t clear the intent behind the 30 miler.¡± After a short pause Hide added, ¡°And believe me, it¡¯s gonna hurt like hell.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°So, for now,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°Just be a cute kid and stick with 9 miler as many as you can.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Takeo obediently replied. Then, he looked around the station before asking, ¡°Do Paolo and Naoto tail us?¡±

    ¡°They sandwich our position.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure its fine to go to workshop with those two in our six?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    ¡°If I can¡¯t shake them off in the underground tunnel, we will cancel our training in the workshop and go straight to school.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    After turning off his smartphone, Hide then grabbed his bags. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Wasting no time Hide and Takeo walked over to the dark tunnel. They were casually passing Naoto¡¯s position while ignoring gaze from some curious people. After entering the tunnel, they went straight entering the walkway for maintenance worker.

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    As they expected, Naoto and Paolo followed them. However, it took only twenty minutes before Hide managed to shake them off.

    ¡°Unless they receive assistance from people who knows the underground tunnel, we will be able to shake them off for another 3-4 times,¡± Hide casually said to Takeo after ensuring their six was clear. ¡°After that, they will get used to this tunnel and it¡¯s too dangerous to let them tail us.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Takeo calmly replied.

    Hide then took Takeo to continue their journey in light jog.

    ---

    As soon as they arrived in the workshop, Hide asked Takeo to help him making preparation for precision shooting course. It was simple preparation. They only had to put together a few tables, and then took three weapon bags and some ammo from armory, and it was done.

    Then, Hide opened the course, ¡°I want you to become shooter for the team, so I will teach you how to make precision shooting.¡±

    ¡°What about my training with handgun?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    ¡°You will resume it together with Shizuka,¡± Hide casually explained, ¡°as soon as Paolo stop tailing us.¡±

    Takeo lightly nodded. ¡°Roger.¡±

    Hide then opened one of weapon bags and fully exposed the gun it stored. ¡°Mk.12 Special Purpose Rifle, designed by US Naval Surface Warfare Center ¨C Crane Division, and become US Special Ops designated marksman rifle up to 2017.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°This one use 18¡± heavy match-grade barrel, but overall it¡¯s pretty light and highly precise rifle system,¡± Hide added. ¡°I don¡¯t know why the previous users run it with Elcan C79 service rifle optical sight, instead of dedicated scope for precision rifle, but looter can¡¯t be picky.

    Not to mention, it comes with latest thermal extension scope. So, we will adapt and overcome, and use it gratefully.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°But we don¡¯t need the thermal for the basic.¡± Hide took off the thermal extension before continuing, ¡°Now, watch and learn.¡±

    ¡°Roger,¡± Takeo firmly replied.

    ¡°First procedure on handling firearm, make sure it¡¯s unloaded,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°Hold the pistol grip using your firing hand. Press mag release button while taking the magazine out, and put it aside.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°Pull the charging handle as far as it can go. Normally, it will empty the firing chamber,¡± Hide said as he pulled the charging handle with his left hand. ¡°But we still need to look inside the firing chamber, and to have good look inside the firing chamber, you need to lock open the bolt.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Hide then pointed at a button at the left side of the gun as he continued, ¡°This is bolt catch or bolt release button. Use your left thumb to press its lower section, while pulling the charging handle all the way back using your right hand.

    If you do it correctly, the charging handle will loose and won¡¯t return to its place when you let it go, while the bolt is locked open.

    Then, you can have a good look on the firing chamber through the ejection port. Once you are sure it¡¯s empty, you can push back the charging handle forward till full stop.

    And while the bolt is staying lock open, you can do whatever you want, like receiving a telephone call, clean the gun right away, or maybe you want to make coffee first.

    In our case, we need to load the mag. So, make sure the selective-lever is on the safety, and then put the gun on the table, barrel pointed at safe direction with the ejection port facing up.

    Got it?¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Takeo firmly replied.

    Hide then loaded two dummy rounds to the magazine before continuing his explanation. ¡°Once you have loaded-mag, pick up the gun with your firing hand, make sure the selective-lever is still on safety, insert the magazine to the magwell using your supporting hand until you hear a click, and give it a bit of push and pull to make sure it¡¯s well seated in place.

    Then, pressed the upper section of bolt catch. It will put the gun back in close bolt position and put one round in the firing chamber. And there you are, you have a loaded weapon.

    Got it?¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¡°Now, give it a try,¡± Hide said as he handed over the Mk.12 to Takeo. ¡°Don¡¯t hesitate to ask if you have something in mind, and repeat the lock and load procedure until you can do it smoothly.¡±

    ¡°Roger.¡±

    At first, Takeo carried out the lock and load procedure slowly and carefully. He also had to stop here and there to ask some confirmation from Hide. It took twenty odds of repetition before he could do it rather smoothly.

    After that Hide taught Takeo the other procedures to lock open the bolt, like inserting empty magazine and then pulling the charging handles all the way back. Then, Hide went to the loading procedure from close bolt position.

    ¡°In case on the way to target location we have to conceal the gun in a bag,¡± Hide said. ¡°Make sure the firing chamber is unloaded. But, as precaution for sudden contact, we put a loaded-magazine in the magwell.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°To do it, first, you make sure the firing chamber is empty,¡± Hide said as he put the gun in open bolt position, took a peek on the firing chamber, and then he put back the gun in close bolt position. ¡°After that, make sure the selective lever is on the safety before inserting the loaded magazine.

    In some M4 or M16, you will need a bit of brute force to get a fully loaded-magazine well seated in the magwell. This is because the magazine spring tension pushing the bolt carrier group upward hard.

    In Mk.12, this issue can give us additional problem. When we want to put first round into firing chamber, it will be a bit hard to pull the charging handle.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°The solution, load the magazine 2 rounds less than the full capacity. Let¡¯s develop this habit for our Mk.12 and M4, so we won¡¯t have issue to load firing chamber both from open bolt and close bolt position.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Takeo firmly replied.

    Wasting no time, Hide then asked Takeo to load the Mk.12¡¯s firing chamber from close bolt position, using a magazine fully loaded with dummy round. As Hide said, Takeo had hard time to get the magazine well seated in the magwell and had to use brute force.

    When he wanted to put first round into the firing chamber, it was also a bit hard to get a smooth charging handle pull. Hide let Takeo to repeat the procedure for several times before asking him to stop. Then, he explained to Takeo when they had to let Mk.12¡¯s firing chamber loaded or unloaded based on the job context they were going to enter.

    After that the course went to the next menu, the firing position.

    *****

 HA3 7.2 - Stick to the Basic

    HA3 7.2 - Stick to the Basic

    The first firing position Hide taught to Takeo was the prone position on the table. After showing it a few times, he asked Takeo to try it under his guidance. It took a few repetitions before finally Takeo could do it right.

    ¡°Let¡¯s do it another rep, with a target to aim this time,¡± Hide said before putting a human-shaped holographic target at 100 meter distance.

    ¡°Roger.¡± Without further ado Takeo stood next to the table, held the Mk.12 with his firing hand, muzzle facing up.

    ¡°Ready?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m.¡±

    ¡°Go.¡±

    Takeo immediately took the sling off his body. Then, he deployed the bipod before slowly crawling up to the table, and placed Mk.12 with the muzzle went slightly over the table¡¯s edge. After that he put put his chin on the stock, and then gently sink his right eye to the line of sight.

    Takeo did the transition very smoothly and he didn¡¯t let a go the pistol grip all the way until he got the line of sight to the target. His aiming posture was also very natural and sustainable. He didn¡¯t need to put any muscle in tension to maintain his line of sight.

    ¡®This kid is natural shooter,¡¯ Hide muttered amusingly. Then, as he sat on the chair next to the table he said, ¡°You do a good job except for your heels.¡±

    ¡°What did I do wrong with my heels?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    ¡°You protrude it like a sore thump,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°When there is a bullet miss your head, there is a chance it will hit your heels or even your ankle. It won¡¯t kill you in most case, but the pain will be lovely and unforgetable.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Make sure your toes facing to the side, and stick your heels to the ground as low as possible.¡±

    ¡°Roger.¡± Wasting no time Takeo carried out the instruction.

    ¡°Now, let¡¯s talk about Elcan C79, our scope.¡±

    ¡°Roger.¡±

    ¡°In the middle of it, do you see the four horizontal lines?¡±

    ¡°I do.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what we call leveling lines. Use it as reference to ensure your rifle is level.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¡°In the middle of the leveling lines, do you see the vertical thick line?¡±

    ¡°I do.¡±

    ¡°This vertical thick line is aiming post, and the sharp tip on its top end is your point of aim.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¡°Next to the aiming post, do you see the gap between two horizontal lines?¡±

    ¡°I do.¡±

    ¡°This gap represents 25 cm at 100 meter distance.¡± After a short pause Hide added, ¡°And average length of adult head is, 20-23 cm for male and 15-18 cm for female.

    Meaning, if an adult male has his head and upper neck exactly fit the gap, he is about 100 meter away from your position.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Takeo turned his gaze to Hide and added, ¡°It is 6th grade equation based on 25 cm at 100 meter.¡±

    ¡°Correct,¡± Hide casually replied. ¡°Now, try it on the holographic target. Estimate his range.¡±

    ¡°His range.¡± Takeo put back his right eye behind the scope while asking, ¡°The holographic target is an adult male, right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Hide had thin smiled in his lips as he muttered, ¡®What a sharp kid.¡¯

    A moment later, without putting away his righty eyes from the scope Takeo said in low voice, ¡°His head and upper neck exactly fit the gap. He is 100 meters away.¡±

    ¡°Confirm it yourself,¡± Hide said as he handed over a high-power binocular with laser range finder. ¡°Put the thin crosshair on the target, and the number you see in the bottom-center is the range in meters.¡±

    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    Without further ado Takeo did as Hide asked, and then he said, ¡°He is exactly 100 meter away.¡±

    ¡°Yup, and once you know the distance, you can set the range dial.¡± Hide gave Takeo and example while explaining, ¡°1 is for 100 meters, 2 is for 200 meter, and so on.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¡°Now, let¡¯s give it another try.¡± Hide popped up second holographic target and continued, ¡°Estimate her range.¡±

    After a light nod Takeo immediately put the second holographic target inside the gap next to aiming post.

    ¡°Her head and base of her chest is exactly inside the gap. It¡¯s about 50 cm I guess,¡± Takeo said in low voice. ¡°It means she is 200 meters away.¡±

    ¡°Confirm it.¡±

    Wasting no time Takeo used the binocular to confirm his estimation. A moment later, he dejectedly said, ¡°She is only 198 meters away.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be too disappointed,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°Under 300 meters, 2 meters miss in range estimation is not a big deal. As long as you judge the wind and elevation correctly, and take aim at center mass, you will hit your target.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Takeo said before taking a deep breath full of relief.

    ¡°Question?¡±

    ¡°Other than human head and body measurement, can we put other thing in the formula as long as we know its measurement?¡±

    ¡°We can,¡± Hide said before gulping a mouthful of water. ¡°Let¡¯s say your target has AK-74M hanging in his shoulder. You can use it to estimate his range.¡±

    ¡°How long is AK-74M?¡± Takeo asked.

    ¡°The one with fixed stock is 94.3 cm long.¡±

    ¡°25 cm at 100 meters, 1 cm at 4 meters, 94.3 cm will give me¡­¡± Takeo made a silent calculation before continuing, ¡°If the AK exactly fit the gap, he is about 377 meter away.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, and if only half of the AK fit the gap, he is 188.5 meter away.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Hide then handed over a magazine loaded with five rounds of 72 grain ball match to Takeo. ¡°Use it to nail the first target. Put your point of aim at his center mass.¡±

    ¡°Roger.¡±

    Takeo swiftly took out the magazine with dummy round, and inserted the magazine with the live round. Then, he took aim before shifted the selective-lever to semi-auto and squeezing the trigger.

    Bang!

    By using the control panel tablet, Hide checked the result. After a smile he said, ¡°You miss. It didn¡¯t even graze the holographic target.¡±

    Takeo immediately put the safety on before turning his gaze to Hide. ¡°What mistake I made?¡±

    ¡°Dunno. Without seeing the impact point, I can¡¯t tell for sure.¡± Hide honestly blurted out. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because your breath is too erratic, you pull the trigger too hard, or there is something wrong with the rifle.¡±

    Question mark instantly popped up in Takeo¡¯s forehead. ¡°How do we fix it if we don¡¯t know the problem?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s try another one.¡± Hide casually said. ¡°This time, hold your breath, squeeze the trigger more gently, and take the shoot less than three seconds after you put your point of aim at target¡¯s center mass.¡±

    ¡°Roger.¡±

    Without delay, Takeo carried out Hide¡¯s request and took second shoot.

    Bang!

    Hide immediately checked the result and said, ¡°A hit, chest, upper left.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Takeo casually said, but he couldn¡¯t hide the joy in his face. ¡°Do I have to shoot like this?¡±

    ¡°Nope, that¡¯s how a well-trained infantry snipe mid-range target using their carbine,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°As for you, we will dive to another level.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Believe me, it will be full of boring repetition, with lots of miss, but you have to preserve.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± After another smile Hide said, ¡°Let¡¯s start the main menu.¡±

    ---

    With everything he had, Hide tried his best to drill every piece of his knowledge on precision shooting to Takeo. At the same time, Takeo tried his best to receive it, through his brain and repetition.

    In the end, Takeo fired 30 rounds at several targets between 100-200 meters, 5 round each, before Hide asked him to stop and taught him the procedure for light cleaning. Then, today course came to an end.

    ¡°So far,¡± Hide asked as Takeo emptied the Mk.12. ¡°What is the hardest part you have?¡±

    ¡°The breathing,¡± Takeo casually replied.

    ¡°Unfortunately, there is no shortcut for this one. It will take time until you master it and you have to master it if you want to be a good shooter.¡±

    Takeo firmly nodded. ¡°I will master it by all means.¡±

    ¡°You can have shadow training for it before you sleep at night,¡± Hide said. ¡°10-20 minutes is enough. Do it while lying in your bed with closed eyes.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do that.¡±

    ¡°Also, don¡¯t skip the diary and the cleaning routine.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Takeo firmly replied. ¡°Make the diary on the shoot I make every five rounds, write why I miss or why I¡¯m on target.

    Clean the carbon foul and copper foul every 20 rounds. This is a light cleaning about 20 minutes long. And do the heavy cleaning every 200 rounds, or when the bolt cycling starts to sluggish.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide firmly nodded.

    ¡°Does the military shooter have the same diary and cleaning routine?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    ¡°In SDF Army Advance Sniper Course, they use M24SWS, and the routine is, diary and light cleaning every 5 rounds, heavy cleaning every 100 rounds. And you fire a few hundreds rounds every day, indoor and outdoor, night and day, rain or sunshine.¡± After a pause Hide added, ¡°For the first few days, it will be fun. But after three weeks, it will start to bore you to the death.

    Lot of students will skip it once or twice a day, get caught by the instructors, and got kick out of the course, because those routines are means to shape you as a shooter that will do well at beyond 600 meters.¡±

    ¡°So,¡± Takeo said. ¡°The diary is an important component of the training.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. If you do it honestly, it will help you identify bad habit and misconception you built in your journey as a shooter.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°And to go beyond 600 meter distance, you need to fix your shooting craft down to the smallest flaw. The diary will help you a lot.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Other question?¡±

    ¡°How hard is to get a headshot?¡±

    After taking a deep breath Hide replied, ¡°In the basic, aim at center mass is a must. Lot of expert shooter also prefers taking aim at center mass to reduce their chance to miss. As for you, let¡¯s master the basic first, and then you can aim higher.¡±

    ¡°How high I can put my aim after the basic?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    ¡°As high as you want, as we can produce our own ammo.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    After collecting the cartridge cases, Hide and Takeo then went to martial gym

    *****

 HA3 7.3 - Talk About Knife

    HA3 7.3 - Talk About Knife

    For physical and martial arts training, Hide didn¡¯t see the need for him to guide Takeo. Other than sparring, he would leave Takeo to train on his own. And so, inside the marital gym the two trained in separate corner.

    With ease, Hide completed the warm up, body stretching, and basic menu. Then, while waiting for Takeo to complete his training regime, he took his time to polish his knife throwing skill. As usual, it was underhand throw using nails as big as chopstick.

    His target was 7x5 cm paper target he cut from newspaper. He stuck them on a wooden wall he built from used-wooden blocks, and would try to hit it from 3-12 meter distance. Then, Hide just put a new set of paper when Takeo arrived before him.

    ¡°Do the military personnel throw their knife like you?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    ¡°No.¡± Hide casually replied. ¡°They use overhand throw.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the easiest knife throwing technique to master.¡±

    Big question mark instantly popped up in Takeo¡¯s forehead. ¡°Why do they choose the easiest technique?¡±

    ¡°In average, basic infantry course last only for 4-6 months, and there are tons of things the instructors have to drill to the cadets¡¯ body and mind,¡± Hide said. ¡°If they have to put knife throwing in the menu, the instructors will definitely choose the easiest technique to master.¡±

    ¡°What about special force?¡±

    ¡°Mostly they also use overhand throw. Only a small number of specialists use underhand throw.¡±

    ¡°Why does specialist chose underhand throw? What advantage it has over the overhand throw?¡±

    Hide could see that Takeo was very curious about knife throwing, and it seemed it had bothered him for a while. So, he decided to explain it as best as he could.

    ¡°Underhand throw doesn¡¯t require big motion like raising your hand before making the throw. You can even do it using small concealed throwing knife. Therefore, the target won¡¯t see it until it¡¯s too late.¡± Hide showed the big nails in his hand to Takeo as he continued, ¡°But, if the knife is too small to produce fatal wound, you have to pair it with lethal poison. That¡¯s why, only specialist uses it.¡±

    ¡°In summary,¡± Takeo said. ¡°It¡¯s a throwing technique to ambush your target.¡±

    ¡°Sort of,¡± Hide said before reaching out for his smartphone and played a short video. ¡°Check this out.¡±

    The short video Hide showed to Takeo was a scene from Die Hard 2. It was when McClane went to Harlem wearing racist sandwich board. The local gangs then gave him a warm welcome. One of them even showed him a butterfly knife and a split second later it already stuck in the racist board hanging in McClane¡¯s chest.

    ¡°So, something like this is possible to take place in real life,¡± Takeo calmly said.

    ¡°In real life, it will be more swift and silent,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°The knife will also hit the target in the eye or jugular vein.¡±

    ¡°Can you do it?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    ¡°I can.¡±

    Wasting no time Hide stepped back five meters from the wooden wall, while Takeo moved aside. Hide then concealed one of the big nails in his hand at his lower back, horizontally. After that, he took a deep before reaching out for the concealed nail using his left hand and smoothly sent it to the wooden wall using underhand throw.

    Tap!!!

    Before Takeo realized that the nail had left Hide¡¯s hand, it already hit one of the paper targets right in the middle.

    ¡°That¡¯s pretty fast.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°Now, let me show you the real value of underhand throw.¡±

    Hide then walked back 25 meters away from the wooden wall. After looking at the ceiling, 6 meter high above his head, he then made four consecutive underhand throws. He threw the first nail higher than the second one, and so on. As the result, the nails made four different arcs, but landed on the wooden wall exactly at the same time.

    T-ta-ta-tap!!!

    Four nails were hitting four different paper targets perfectly. After looking at each paper target with wide eyes one by one, Takeo turned his gaze to Hide.

    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    ¡°That¡¯s pretty amazing.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide replied while walking over to Takeo, and as soon as he arrived before him, he asked, ¡°Do you remember the ambush on Toruma¡¯s money courier in Tamie Alley?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Takeo firmly replied. ¡°It¡¯s the job where you accidentally encountered Shizuka.¡±

    ¡°I used this underhand throw to eliminate those couriers,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°Three men, three nails, three kills from a dark corner 25 meter away.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°At night and with application of correct poison, underhand throw is more effective than crossbow or silenced firearm,¡± Hide said as he recalled that in his previous life, at least a dozen or so of sleepy sentries died from his underhand throw. ¡°It will kill your target almost in total silence.

    And in outdoor, when I can throw the nail high enough, I can hit a human-size target from 40 meters.¡±

    ¡°I never thought a knife thrower specialist can be so lethal,¡± Takeo said in admiration.

    Hide nodded before saying, ¡°But they are very rare.¡±

    ¡°How rare?¡±

    ¡°Take Americ Delta for example,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°They have a few hundred operators, but I believe only a handful masters the underhand throw to highest perfection.¡±

    ¡°What about 1st SFG from SDF?¡±

    ¡°Dunno.¡± A lie smoothly made its way through Hide¡¯s lips. ¡°They put lots of extra layer to cover their specialist in unconventional technique.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After a moment of pause, Take then gave Hide an expectant gaze. ¡°Hide, teach me the underhand throw.¡±

    Hide looked at Takeo for a moment and then nonchalantly said, ¡°Don¡¯t bite more than you can chew.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    ¡°Right now, you barely know how to use handgun, just starts learning precision shooting, still needs to solidify your driving skill, and are still in the middle of physical and martial arts basic,¡± Hide casually explained. ¡°Adding another skill you have to your homework won¡¯t do any good. Even basic knife throwing will give you too much of burden right now.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Takeo dejectedly said but he didn¡¯t argue. Then, he proposed another idea. ¡°What about knife fighting?¡±

    ¡°Pretty similar to underhand throw, knife fighting also requires extensive training. It will take time more than the time you need to master handgun and carbine.¡± After a moment of pause Hide added, ¡°But, nothing wrong to show you basic knowledge about knife user.¡±

    Hide then took Takeo to armory and showed him the knife collection they had.

    ---

    After arranging a number of knifes in the table, Hide took one of it and show it to Takeo, ¡°This is Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife. British Commandos make it famous so some people call it British Commandos knife.

    It¡¯s designed to deliver lethal thrust, but it¡¯s also perfect tool for silent killing.¡±

    ¡°Silent killing?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    ¡°Yeah, silent killing,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°The most basic way to do it is, approach your target from behind, and then cover his mouth while inserting the knife into his rib cage, from the back until it penetrates the chest.

    If you hold the knife with right hand, go for the lung. If you hold it with left hand, go for the heart.¡±

    While fixing his gaze on the Fairbairn-Sykes in Hide¡¯s hand, Takeo asked, ¡°What if the target wears body armor?¡±

    ¡°Go for major vein in the base of the neck. Insert the knife slightly diagonally from above.¡± After a short pause Hide added, ¡°Or go for jugular vein. Insert the knife horizontally from the side, and then push it forward to make long and wide wound.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Takeo then pointed his hand at Ka-Bar in the table. ¡°What about this?¡±

    ¡°This is Ka-Bar knife.¡± Hide put down the Fairbairn-Sykes and took the Ka-Bar while continuing, ¡°It is already exist since WW II and Americ marines still uses it. You don¡¯t need fancy technique to deliver lethal thrust or slash using Ka-Bar, brute strength alone is enough.

    But this one is the version use by a platoon in Eisrel¡¯s sayeret. They even develop a specific knife fighting technique to maximize its lethality.¡±

    ¡°How good is Ka-Bar?¡±

    ¡°The one used by Eisrel¡¯s sayeret is very decent knife.¡± Hide took the Ka-Bar from its sheath as he added, ¡°The blade is made of excellent material, lighter than other Ka-Bar, easy to stone, and once it¡¯s sharp it stay sharp for long. The balance is also perfect.

    As a fighting knife, it¡¯s decent enough for both thrust and slash. As a multipurpose knife, it¡¯s good enough to handle medium work.¡±

    Takeo lightly nodded and then asked another question, ¡°Are all special force folks good at knife fighting and knife throwing?¡±

    ¡°Definitely no,¡± Hide firmly replied. ¡°Most of them know basic knife fighting. Some become master on it.

    Some others prefer hatchet or short machete because it¡¯s more useful when you need to clear vines, building shelter, or setting a trap. This folk treat their knife only as can opener or tool for small work.

    Lots of Americ Seal and Green Beret chose hatchet or short machete in Vietnam, and the craft are being passed down to their specialist in jungle warfare as far as I know.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°But, the one you should wary the most is knife expert who use small knife like this,¡± Hide said as he pointed at small knife with 4¡± handle and 3¡± blade. ¡°They can make countless shallow but rapid slash and thrust.

    If you let them to approach you, they will turn you into mincemeat in no time, and you will die from blood loss.

    Usually, they are also really good at using their small knife for silent killing, by stabbing the spinal cord in your nape.¡±

    ¡°What about you?¡± Takeo curiously asked. ¡°How good is your knife skill?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m good at close quarter silent killing and underhand throw, but I¡¯m not a knife fighter,¡± Hide honestly admitted.

    ¡°Wait a second¡­¡± Takeo gave Hide a disbelief look as he continued, ¡°How can you are not a knife fighter?¡±

    ¡°Simple,¡± Hide nonchalantly said. ¡°It¡¯s because I never have extensive training for knife fighting.¡±

    ¡°In that case,¡± Takeo said as he creased his brows deeply. ¡°How do you handle a knife user in close quarter, without firearm?¡±

    ¡°I will use arresting art.¡± After a short pause Hide continued, ¡°And I¡¯m very good at it. I will put my opponent into submission if I want them alive.

    When I want them dead, I will smash their head to the floor, break their neck, or stab their neck using their knife after I put them into submission.

    I¡¯m also really good at using small concealed knife to ambush careless idiot.¡±

    Takeo nodded and said, ¡°I see.¡±

    After a moment of silence Hide said, ¡°Later I will give you an extensive training on how to use baton stick to face both armed and non-armed opponent. But for now, let¡¯s continue our spar as usual.¡±

    ¡°Roger,¡± Takeo calmly replied.

    Wasting no time, the two then went back to martial gym.

    *****

 HA3 8.1 - Talk About Takeo

    HA3 8.1 - Talk About Takeo

    Morning in Oda Household went calmly. Shizuka and Reiko wake up early as usual. After enjoying warm soymilk and milk bun together, the two started their daily routine. Reiko went to Yumi Resto to help morning prep before going to school afterward.

    As for Shizuka, she started her morning training right away. Today, Hide asked Takeo to go to the workshop with him, so she would train alone in the backyard of lodging house, back to her old routine before Takeo asked her to train him.

    After doing jumping rope alternately between high-pace and slow-pace jumping for thirty minutes straight, sweats instantly drenched Shizuka from head to toe, but her breathing stayed calm and casual. Then, she continued with basic routine like push up, sit up, squat, and pull up before doing karate kata.

    She would do the kata until 5:30, when most people in her neighborhood had woken up. Then, she would switch to heavy bag, and hit and kicked it as if she wanted to kill it. A few minutes later, she just finished her second round when her father came out of the house. His hair was disheveled while his face was dreary, but he looked very happy as he went to and then sat in nearby bench.

    ¡°I can¡¯t help,¡± Shizuka¡¯s father opened a conversation before putting a cigarette in his mouth, ¡°but to pity that sand bag.¡±

    ¡°He doing his job perfectly and believe me he is fine,¡± Shizuka said before gulping down a mouthful of water.

    ¡°I see,¡± Shizuka¡¯s father lit the cigarette and then took a puff. ¡°When is your next tournament?¡±

    ¡°Next month,¡± Shizuka casually said.

    Shizuka didn¡¯t surprise that his father started to have interest again with her karate tournament. After Reiko joint the household, for some reason his father was lessening his drinking and took his time to teach Reiko basic culinary skill.

    He also started to wake up early again, like when he still had to help morning preparation in Yumi Resto, even though now it became Reiko¡¯s job.

    Then, after taking a deep breath, Shizuka went for topic that his father avoided the most. ¡°About your cancer, can yo---¡°

    ¡°I won¡¯t change my mind,¡± Shizuka¡¯s father casually said before taking another puff.

    After having a deep sigh Shizuka vexingly said, ¡°Are you fucking serious?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m.¡±

    About a week ago, Shizuka told his father that she knew about his cancer. She also showed to him that she had 10 million Ren they could use for his treatment. However, his father rejected her idea about the treatment.

    Instead, he asked Shizuka how she got the money and he was very persistent about it. In the end, Shizuka managed to convince him that it was money she collected from her part time job, school allowance, and prize money from karate tournament since she was in grade school.

    His father believed her explanation as she never bought fancy clothes, went to caf¨¦, karaoke parlor, cinema, or spent money for other fun things like other girls in her age.

    ¡°Dad, I still need you, for another ten years at least,¡± Shizuka said in a drop dead serious tone. ¡°After that, if you want to jump off a cliff, feel free.¡±

    ¡°You will be fine even without me,¡± Shizuka¡¯s father casually said. ¡°I also already make arrangement with your mother. After I¡¯m gone, you will stay with her in Americ. She also agrees to take Reiko.¡±

    After rolling her eyes Shizuka stubbornly said, ¡°I don¡¯t want to stay with that woman.¡±

    ¡°Stay with her until you graduate from high school. After that, you can find work and live on your own with Reiko, or do whatever you want.¡± Shizuka¡¯s father took another puff before adding, ¡°And the money I gathered will help you a lot when you want to leave your mother¡¯s place.¡±

    ¡°Money is not a problem,¡± Shizuka protested.

    ¡°Money will always be a problem as long as you live,¡± Shizuka¡¯s father casually said.

    ¡°Dad, please,¡± Shizuka genuinely begged. ¡°Just take the treatment.¡±

    ¡°As you know¡­¡± Shizuka¡¯s father paused for a moment before continuing in low voice, ¡°It¡¯s a fucking new and rare cancer cells.¡±

    The medical explanation that Shizuka¡¯s father received about his cancer was, the cancer cell needs more complex procedure to eradicate it, but the success rate is very low. Most of all, even though Nikko has advance and effective but cheap health care system, unless he agree to participate in the research to develop medical procedure for the damnable cancer cell, the treatment would still cost him 7-8 million at the lowest estimation.

    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    ¡°It¡¯s not worth the money,¡± Shizuka¡¯s father firmly said.

    ¡°It¡¯s worth the money even though the chance is low,¡± Shizuka firmly insisted. ¡°And the money is ready.¡±

    After a smile Shizuka¡¯s father said, ¡°Stubborn girl.¡±

    ¡°Forgive me for my stubbornness,¡± Shizuka said in sarcastic tone. ¡°But I don¡¯t want my father to leave me too early.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to leave you too early too,¡± Shizuka¡¯s father genuinely said. ¡°It pains me greatly, and if killing someone will give me more time to stay with you, I will kill a few hundreds already.

    But, my early departure is inevitable. So, let me do the best option available with everything I have.¡±

    In the end, Shizuka failed to persuade his father to take the treatment. She then went to take morning bath in silence. But under the shower, her chest became unbearably tight as she thought that his father would be gone for good in less than a year.

    Then, as her tears flowed like a flood she made silent oath, ¡®After Knosses job, I will send you to the treatment forcefully.¡¯

    ---

    Twenty minutes before the class started, with casual steps Shizuka went to the rooftops of main building. She didn¡¯t surprise when finding the door to the rooftop was unlocked. A moment later, she found Hide was casually sitting on top of air conditioner exhaust. He held his smartphone with one hand, with an earphone in his left ear.

    ¡°What do you watch?¡± Shizuka asked as soon as she arrived before Hide.

    ¡°Old footage of 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre,¡± Hide casually replied.

    ¡°I heard lot of people died on that massacre,¡± Shizuka said as she sat next to Hide.

    ¡°Yeah, and the number is far higher than the official statement.¡±

    ¡°Why do you watch it this early?¡± Shizuka curiously asked.

    ¡°Do you remember Gua Be Go?¡±

    ¡°The fat goof you shot in the face?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Hide lightly nodded. ¡°Last night, on the documentary about Tiananmen Massacre, I accidentally discovered that his grandfather was one of main actor for the massacre. This role brought him a great raise in rank.

    After that he handled the intelligence section for new established anti-riot police, and he had a group of rabid mutherpucker under his command. He then passed down this position to his son, and his son passed it down to Gua Be Go.¡±

    ¡°So, we have killed someone from a family who had a group of rabid mutherpucker in their disposal,¡± Shizuka casually said.

    Hide nodded. ¡°And this rabid mutherpucker has network to suppress pro-reform activities overseas. I believe they have network in our country.¡±

    ¡°How bad is our situation?¡± Shizuka asked with tone full of concern.

    ¡°Right now, everything is fine,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°And if it comes to the worst, we will handle it as best as we can.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After a short pause Shizuka turned her gaze to Hide. ¡°So, why do you call me here?¡±

    ¡°I want to talk to you about Takeo¡¯s training.¡±

    ¡°Do you find a problem with my training?¡±

    ¡°No, you do excellent good job with his training,¡± Hide firmly said. ¡°It¡¯s about his training for precision shooting.¡±

    Question mark instantly popped up in Shizuka¡¯s forehead. ¡°Is Twig not suitable for it?¡±

    ¡°On the contrary, he is a natural shooter,¡± Hide paused for a second before continuing, ¡°But, it can be a problem too.¡±

    ¡°What kind of problem?¡±

    ¡°Have you heard Texas Tower Syndrome or Munich Massacre Syndrome?¡±

    ¡°Nope.¡± Shizuka shook her head before continuing, ¡°And who the fuck comes with such creepy term?¡±

    ¡°The term comes from a psychologist who specifically handled Americ Delta.¡±

    After having a deep sigh, Hide continued his explanation. It was pretty much an explanation that was written in Inside Delta Force, a book about Americ Delta written by Eric Lamar Haney, a former Delta operator.

    The book mentioned that the training for Delta shooter would enable a shooter to have their instinct-to-kill work like a switch for a light bulb. When they needed it they could turn it on, and then turned it off when the job was done.

    This way, the shooter would become one with his rifle every time he made a shot, and delivered the best shot he could pull with the peak of his ability.

    However, there were two conditions where a shooter had trouble with their switch. First condition was Texas Tower Syndrome. The name was based on shooting incident in Texas University, where an ex-Americ Marines took position in university clock tower and started indifferently precision shooting to people in the area.

    In summary, it was a condition where shooter lost their ability to turn off his instinct-to-kill, because they felt extreme pleasure from the sensation of taking someone life, right after their first kill. Unfortunately, there was no medication for Texas Tower Syndrome. The shooter with would keep delivering fatal shooting until someone killed them.

    As for Munich Massacre Syndrome, the name was based on the failed attempt to eliminate hostage taker using simultaneous precision shooting, because some of the shooters failed to pull the trigger in the last moment.

    In short, it was a condition where the shooter lost their ability to turn on their instinct-to-kill, because after monitoring the target for a while they grew sympathy for their cause. It¡¯s sounded stupid, but pretty humanely actually.

    The shooter observed their target using high-powered scope that enabled them to see their activities to the smallest detail, while also having power to take their life at any moment. However, the target didn¡¯t even know the shooter exist, so they were not a threat for the shooter.

    And so, the shooter started casually asking why the target did the act that brought them into deadly situation. If the shooter didn¡¯t be careful, they would start questioning the decision to eliminate the target. And finally, when they received the order to carry the kill they couldn¡¯t pull the trigger.

    After having a deep sigh Hide closed his explanation, ¡°One out of five natural shooters is very likely to have one of the conditions. Takeo is not an exception and whichever condition he will have, it will be very bad for us.¡±

    Shizuka nodded and said, ¡°But, the chance is one out of five.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide replied in low voice. ¡°But still, we need to prepare ourselves.¡±

    After a long pause Shizuka asked, ¡°Can you give me some time to think about it?¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°Let¡¯s talk about it later.¡±

    Hide and Shizuka then left the rooftop separately in five minutes interval.

    *****

 HA3 8.2 - Another Talk

    HA3 8.2 - Another Talk

    Hide thought it would take a few days before Shizuka was ready to resume the talk about Takeo, but he was wrong. She sent him a message to meet again in the rooftop at lunch break. And so, after buying his favorite steamed tofu roll he went to the rooftop.

    He found Shizuka was sitting on top of air conditioner exhaust, enjoying a big serving of fruit sandwich and soy milk as her lunch. Wasting no time he walked over to her.

    ¡°So?¡± Hide asked as he sat next to Shizuka.

    Shizuka downed a mouthful of her soymilk before replying, ¡°First of all, I think you should tell us about Texas syndrome and Munich syndrome before starting our firearm training.¡±

    As he opened his lunch take-out Hide said, ¡°I can tell that someone is a natural shooter or just ordinary one only after they start the training for precision shooting. And honestly, until yesterday, I never thought Takeo has the cut to be a natural shooter.¡±

    ¡°Yet you can tell he is a natural shooter right away,¡± Shizuka asked as she gave Hide a skeptical gaze, ¡°after the first day of his training.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because his natural shooter trait instantly flow out as soon as he learn about firing position, and it¡¯s so overwhelming,¡± Hide said. ¡°He became one with his rifle as if he was born with it.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Shizuka then gave Hide a curious gaze. ¡°What about me? Do I have the possibility for the syndromes, and you talk it with Takeo behind my back?¡±

    ¡°No, you are fully safe,¡± Hide casually replied before putting a piece of steamed tofu roll in his mouth.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°Do you remember when I dug out some holes in Pine Abode¡¯s inner yard?¡± Hide asked Shizuka back.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°That was part of my effort to confirm your possibility for stuff I have to worry about, including Texas Tower Syndrome.¡± Hide put another piece of steamed tofu roll before adding, ¡°And you are fully safe.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Relief was clearly visible in Shizuka¡¯s face as she gave her fruit sandwich another bite. ¡°So, what do you plan to do?¡±

    ¡°Kamui guest house is still active. I have confirmed it using a burned featured-phone. So, you will lead the raid to shut it down, while Takeo uses it as an opportunity for his first kill,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°Once he makes his first kill, we will proceed accordingly.¡±

    Shizuka gave Hide a dead drop serious gaze as she asked, ¡°Proceed accordingly?¡±

    ¡°If he gets hit by Texas Tower Syndrome, I have to kill him and we cancel the raid. No other choice,¡± Hide said as steel determination flashed in his eyes. ¡°Then, we will fake his death as hit and run accident, and help his parent clear their debt.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t we just exclude Twig from the killing?¡± Shizuka asked in low voice, while giving Hide a pleading look.

    ¡°That¡¯s not an option,¡± Hide casually replied.

    ¡°How can that¡¯s not an option?¡± Shizuka said in firm rebuttal tone.

    ¡°Just think about it carefully.¡± After a short pause Hide continued. ¡°From the very first time he join the fun, Takeo is fully ready to dirty his hand to help his parent clear their debt, including doing the kill. After we decide we will face Knosses QRF, his resolve get firmer instead of wavering.

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    In such situation, if we exclude him from firearm training, his strong dependable and reliable nature will drive him to sneak around behind our back and train on his own, and this is very dangerous. Accident most likely will occur.

    While if we give him the training, but exclude him from the killing, when we carry out Knosses job there is a possibility he will make unplanned kill if shit hit the fan, and we have no control to stop him if he get high from Texas Tower Syndrome.¡±

    ¡°So¡­¡± After having a deep sigh Shizuka continued, ¡°Our only option is to let Twig has his first kill when we have firm grip on the situation?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, in the raid on Kamui guest house we will make sure of it. A single sentry kill or two using precision shooting is enough,¡± Hide casually replied.

    ¡°I see.¡± After hardening her resolve Shizuka said, ¡°We can¡¯t do it half-baked way.¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Hide firmly replied.

    ¡°Let¡¯s do it as you said.¡±

    Hide gave Shizuka a light nod. Then, his expression became drop dead serious, ¡°And one more thing. In case I don¡¯t make it, can you help me take care of Aizawa?¡±

    ¡°Hide,¡± Shizuka said warily. ¡°Don¡¯t jinx it.¡±

    ¡°Well. Jinx it or not, one thing is very sure,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°I don¡¯t know if my father will return to his old self or not. If something happens to me, I need to make sure Aizawa has someone to look after her. Please don¡¯t let her think she is being left alone.¡±

    After taking a deep breath Shizuka looked at Hide straight in the eyes. ¡°If something happen to you, I will take care of Aizawa as my own siblings.

    In return, if something happens to me, help me take care of my father and Reiko.¡±

    ¡°Agree,¡± Hide firmly replied.

    ¡°Also, if everything go according to the plan,¡± Shizuka said in pleading tone. ¡°After Knosses job, please help me to send my father to medical procedure for his cancer.¡±

    ¡°Consider it¡¯s done,¡± Hide happily said. ¡°But, can¡¯t we just drag him to the medical procedure before Knosses job? I believe you already have the money.¡±

    ¡°If we put him in the medical procedure right now, he will find his way to run away,¡± Shizuka dejectedly said. ¡°We have to put him on it only when I can fully watch him over.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After short pause Hide added, ¡°I and Takeo will help you. We will put your father in a sleep before dragging him, if we have to.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Shizuka genuinely said.

    ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡± Hide then handed over an SD card as he continued, ¡°And this is audiobook to shape your English conversation skill from scratch. Copy it to your smartphone so you can train whenever you have spare time.¡±

    ¡°English audio book?¡± Question mark popped up on Shizuka¡¯s forehead as she copied it. Then, she opened it and found an instruction to pronounce R. ¡°Follow the pronunciation while trying to raise the tip of your tongue. Don¡¯t go to the next letter until you master the pronunciation.¡±

    ¡°If you do it correctly,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°You will be able to speak like a native.¡±

    ¡°How many pronunciation I have to master?¡±

    ¡°16 letters and 235 words.¡±

    Shizuka¡¯s eyes instantly widened. ¡°That many?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, at the same time, every time we meet to talk about the job or train together, we will speak in English only.¡±

    ¡°That is rather though,¡± Shizuka dejectedly said.

    ¡°It¡¯s, but it¡¯s for your future where there is a chance you have to live overseas using your second ID.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± After taking a deep breath Shizuka firmly continued, ¡°I¡¯ll do my best.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡±

    Hide and Shizuka then continued their lunch in silence. After that they returned to their class separately, in ten minutes interval.

    ---

    When Hide arrived in front of his class, he found Takeo was waiting for him. He immediately walked over to him.

    ¡°Do you need something?¡±

    ¡°I forgot to talk it with you when we were in the workshop earlier,¡± Takeo said in low voice. ¡°It¡¯s about Rei and Kei. They want to play with Aizawa so badly, and thing can go awry in my house if I don¡¯t make it happen this Saturday.¡±

    ¡°Saturday huh¡­¡± Hide calmly said before falling into ponder.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me I can¡¯t take Rei and Kei to your house in Saturday,¡± Takeo worriedly said.

    ¡°It¡¯s not that you can¡¯t, but we already have plan next Saturday.¡±

    ¡°What kind of plan?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    ¡°After I pick up Aizawa from Kitaro, we will go to weekly grocery shopping in Sakura Shopping District. Then, in the evening we will go to St Maria Church in downtown.¡±

    Takeo creased his brow as he asked, ¡°Do you starts going to the church?¡±

    ¡°The church asks Aizawa to play piano for them, and it gives her a chance to play in front of people. So, we agree,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°That¡¯s leave us to two option. You go to shop with us, or come to our house after we go back from the church. You, Rei, and Kei can also sleep in our house.¡±

    ¡°I have to talk it with Kei and Rei first,¡± Takeo said. ¡°I will text you tonight.¡±

    ¡°Copy.¡±

    Takeo then returned to his class, while Hide entered his and walked to his table with casual steps.

    *****

 HA3 9.1 - Arrest

    HA3 9.1 - Arrest

    In entire Nichiko, Blue Sora maybe was the only convenience store that had chairs and tables in its terrace. It was only simple tables and stool made of gray mountain stones, with extension roof on top of it, but overall it was very cozy and casual snacking spot.

    Initially, Blue Sora¡¯s owner made it for elementary kids who on their way home would buy snacks on his store. He didn¡¯t have heart to see the kids enjoying their snack and drink just by standing in empty space in front of his store.

    With ease, the terrace invited the elementary kids who want to hang out before going home from school. After that, mother who just picked up their toddler from nursery or kindergarten also used the terrace as gathering spot while letting their toddler snacking. Before long, passerby who wanted to rest their feet for a bit while having some drinks also joined the fray.

    Actually, it was not too unexpected that in the end, from Monday to Saturday the terrace always jammed packed with various kids and people. In a huge metropolitan city where public bench was as rare as unicorn, these dozens of stone table and stool couldn¡¯t help but became a very tantalizing resting spot, even though it was located deep in the residential area.

    And right now, in one of the stone tables, Naoto and Paolo sat face to face. It was already the second Saturday since the two stalked Takeo and Hide. Now, they met to talk about their next move.

    After putting a piece of potato chips in his mouth Naoto said, ¡°Are you sure you want to stop the surveillance?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Paolo casually replied.

    ¡°Even though we find nothing so far?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the point. We find nothing and it¡¯s already the time to stop it.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s still bugging me that Hide know how to hike tricky trail under the darkness,¡± Naoto said. ¡°But¡­ If you don¡¯t want to dig deeper, I have no say on it.¡±

    ¡°Hide is in Hiking Club and he trains in Uruba Hill a lot. It¡¯s natural he knows the trail like his own palm, even under the darkness.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Naoto said in low voice before giving his canned juice a sip. ¡°When they will go to make their second ID?¡±

    ¡°In two weeks or three.¡± Paolo then put forward a brown envelop as he continued, ¡°And this is a small gratitude for your help.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡± Naoto took the envelope before asking, ¡°Do you have time tonight? Let¡¯s go to some party. I still haven¡¯t uses the money I got from my overseas part-time.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m too old for a party,¡± Paolo calmly said. ¡°I also have to take my granddaughter to afternoon mass this afternoon.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t take her to the church at Sunday morning?¡± Naoto curiously asked.

    ¡°Sunday morning is nonnegotiable anime time for my granddaughter,¡± Paolo amusingly said. ¡°If I separate her from her favorite anime, she will declare an all-out war on me.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After a short pause Naoto said, ¡°If nothing else, I will go back to northern island tonight.¡±

    ¡°Have a safe trip,¡± Paolo said while put his hand forward. ¡°And when you come to Nichiko again, come to my place. I will treat you a nice meal.¡±

    ¡°I will,¡± Naoto said while firmly shook Paolo¡¯s hand.

    After that Paolo took his leave while Naoto continued enjoying his snacking time peacefully, with twenty odds elementary kids who just came home from their school. Naoto really enjoyed his time, but unfortunately peaceful moment never last for long. Out to nowhere, two young patrolling officers from metro police suddenly approached him.

    The young police officer asked him why he sat alone in the middle of cheerful elementary kids like a suspicious person. Yup, the young police officer asked him with polite tone, but they blatantly said he looked like a suspicious person. Their eyes were also full of subtle suspicion.

    Wasting no time Naoto took out his ID card. Then, he explained to the police officers that right now he was in the middle of reinstatement evaluation before he could go back to his old station in 5th Combat Brigade in Hakaido.

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    However, instead of letting him go, the police officer insisted to take him to nearby police station for further questioning. They wanted to know. If he was waiting for re-assignment to a unit under Northern Army, then why he was so far away from Northern Army¡¯s area of responsibility, and why his hairs were too long and his beard was unshaved.

    After seeing that the patrolling officers in front of him had Haka VP9 in their waist, and one of them most likely had good martial art, Naoto chose to comply with the request to go to nearby police station.

    ---

    While having calm expression in his face, Naoto sat in the small interrogation room. He just sat like that for 30 minutes before a middle-age detective entered the room. While putting a document in the table, the detective took the seat in front of Naoto.

    ¡°Mr. Naoto,¡± The detective said while returning Naoto¡¯s ID card. ¡°I¡¯m Detective Toyohara, a simple detective who will retire in a few months. I hope you don¡¯t mind to entertain me with a bit of conversation.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind,¡± Naoto casually said. ¡°But I will appreciate it if we can wrap this conversation as swiftly as possible.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± After a light smile Detective Toyohara added, ¡°Your ID is legit and we have check the military service number you provide. You are truly former member of SDF, being discharged because of knee injury and just return from overseas trip for medical treatment.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Naoto casually said. ¡°But please note that I¡¯m just a weak butt soldier from rear unit.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Naoto,¡± Detective Toyohara said as he looked at Naoto straight in the eyes. ¡°I will appreciate it, if you restrain yourself from trying to trick me.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Naoto innocently asked.

    ¡°One of the patrolling officers who took you here, is a 3rd Dan in arresting art. He maybe young and a bit of hot blooded, but he always make accurate assessment about someone physical fitness,¡± Detective Toyohara casually explained. ¡°And he is very sure you are strong man with decent martial art.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Naoto awkwardly said. ¡°I¡¯m a 2nd Dan in karate actually.¡±

    After a light nod Detective Toyohara said, ¡°From now on, can you be more honest?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best.¡±

    Detective Toyohara then pointed the document on the table. ¡°This document clearly mentions that your old unit is army sniper reserve detachment under the General Staff, but you said to the patrolling officer that your old station is 5th Combat Brigade under the Northern Army.

    I need explanation for this discrepancy.¡±

    ¡°5th Combat Brigade is truly my last station,¡± Naoto casually said. ¡°I was being embedded to this brigade as expert armory.¡±

    ¡°And what is your job as expert armory?¡±

    ¡°Primary job, make sure the shooter who comes to northern island to polish their skill have proper equipment.¡± After taking a deep breath Naoto continued, ¡°And believe me, their number is rather high and that¡¯s why General Staff send additional expert armorer there.

    Secondary job, carry out field testing for precision rifle, by mimicking shooter tactic and technique as realistic as possible, in real environment.¡±

    ¡°Any specific reason why many shooters go to train in northern island?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s because there is an area that is very suitable for their training over there,¡± Naoto casually replied. ¡°It has dozens of hills and valley, with countless cliffs and ridges. It also has strong and wild wind, nasty humidity, and unpredictable weather all year around.

    Only shooter who masters the basic to the highest level can do well in this place.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After glancing at Naoto¡¯s hair and beard for a second Detective Toyohara asked another question, ¡°May I know why you don¡¯t cut your hair or shave?¡±

    ¡°Once I get my reinstatement, I will receive new uniform and free access to barber shop in the base,¡± Naoto casually said. ¡°That¡¯s when I will cut my hair and shave my beard.¡±

    ¡°Can you just cut your hair and shave in public barber?¡±

    ¡°Military salary is cheap as dirt. I will save every penny I can so I don¡¯t become a butt hurt and salty veteran later,¡± Naoto genuinely said.

    After a small chuckle Detective Toyohara continued with another question, ¡°May I know why you rent a lodging house near Blue Sora, and have snacking routine in that convenience store exactly when the elementary kids who just come home from their school are hanging around over there.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡±

    Naoto couldn¡¯t tell about the stalking job he did for Paolo. He was also very sure Detective Toyohara won¡¯t believe it if told him that his snacking time was purely coincident matched with the elementary kids¡¯ schedule. Unfortunately, he had no other excuse.

    So, he carefully said, ¡°I just really like the atmosphere in that neighborhood. As for my snacking time, it¡¯s purely coincident.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s explanation is not enough,¡± Detective Toyohara regretfully said. ¡°You have to stay in this station for the next 24 hours, while we do more digging.¡±

    ¡°Seriously?¡± Naoto vexingly said.

    ¡°I know it¡¯s very upsetting, but for the last two weeks all police station in Nichiko receive direct order to increase their vigilant. The HQ even sends people from tactical unit to patrol the street,¡± Detective Toyohara firmly replied. ¡°So, you have to stay with us a bit longer, but at least your drug test is negative. That¡¯s a good starter.¡±

    ¡°Can you call my old CO?¡± Naoto said in a drop dead serious tone. ¡°You will get good explanation from him and he will send someone from military police to pick me up.¡±

    ¡°I had tried to contact him earlier.¡± Detective Toyohara said in low voice. ¡°But Colonel Yamazaki and his XO are in the middle of field training in southern island, and they will be out of the reach for the next 18 hours.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Naoto said before having a deep sigh.

    If he could, he really didn¡¯t want to involve his older brother for the matter. Unfortunately, he had no choice. In the end, he mentioned about Shorimachi. Detective Toyohara then contacted him to explain the situation. A few minutes later, he came to pick up Naoto.

    After Shorimachi gave him a serious nag, Naoto could leave the police station, and he casually said his goodbye to Detective Toyohara without having slightest idea that he would meet with him again in a very different circumstance later.

    *****

 HA3 9.2 - Going to St. Mary

    HA3 9.2 - Going to St. Mary

    After he got final confirmation from Kaede Sensei, that starting this week Aizawa would play piano for evening mass in St. Marry, Hide immediately bought remote switch for home lighting, along with remote curtain puller.

    He bought both systems from King¡¯s Hardware, and chose open-architecture package that could be paired with existing switch and window curtain in his house. That way, he didn¡¯t need to buy new switch and new curtain rail.

    Yesterday, he had installed both systems. And today, while waiting Kaede Sensei to pick them up, he taught Aizawa how to set up the systems using her smartphone. Basically, it worked based on pre-determined schedule or the user could turn it off and on whenever they wanted remotely using their smartphone. Aizawa grasped the explanation in no time and tried it right away.

    ¡°Any question?¡± Hide gently asked after Aizawa re-set up the system.

    ¡°Mhmmm¡­¡± While tilting her head to the side Aizawa asked, ¡°Can we buy automatic cooking oven to make pizza?

    So, we only need to put the ingredient and seasoning to the oven and the pizza will be ready a few minutes later.¡±

    ¡°Nope.¡± After a smile Hide added, ¡°Our civilization is not that advance yet. We still have to cook pizza and other food manually.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Aizawa dejectedly said. She looked very disappointed, but she didn¡¯t press the matter further.

    ¡°Other question?¡±

    ¡°Why the micro cameras only cover the lamp and curtain?¡± Aizawa curiously asked. ¡°Can we make it to cover the room too?¡±

    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t do that.¡± Hide calmly explained. ¡°If someone hack our smartphone and has ill intention to the house, the micro camera will help them a lot.¡±

    Aizawa nodded and said, ¡°Okay.¡±

    Then, someone rang the doorbell. Wasting no time, Hide and Aizawa went to check it and as soon as they opened the door their gaze met with Takeo, Rei, and Kei. The three wore semi-formal clothes. Takeo looked calm as usual, while Rei and Kei were brimming with smile.

    ¡°Big Sis Aizawa, we super-duper miss you.¡±

    ¡°Mhm, we super-duper miss you.¡±

    Rei and Kei said in turn before hugging Aizawa together. People who looked at the three would think this was their first meeting after a decade of force separation. As for Hide and Takeo, they had a light smile in their face as they looked at their little sisters.

    Then, Hide turned his gaze to Takeo, ¡°I never thought you will choose to go to St. Marry with us.¡±

    ¡°I never consider this option actually. It¡¯s Rei and Kei who wants to go to St. Marry,¡± Takeo calmly replied. ¡°I¡¯m just their escort.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After a smile Hide asked another question, ¡°What did your parent say about it?¡±

    ¡°Mom said it is fine as long as I escort Rei and Kei,¡± Takeo said. ¡°And actually, my father received Catholic baptism before he married my mother.¡±

    Hide instantly had surprise look all over his face. ¡°Your father is a Catholic?¡±

    ¡°He joined it in high-school, to chase the girl he liked. But after the girl rejected him, he stopped going to the church and never talked about it again,¡± Takeo explained. ¡°He only told the whole family about it when Rei and Kei ask my mom if they can go to St. Marry with Aizawa.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Hide lightly nodded while muttered, ¡®Your father turn out is a lost sheep.¡¯

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    A moment later, Kaede Sensei and Kana arrived using white MPV. A few days ago, Hide had told Kaede Sensei that Takeo, Rei, and Kei would go with them to St. Marry, and she happily welcomed it. She then talked about it further with Takeo¡¯s mother through phone call. So, after a short introduction, the group immediately departed.

    Hide took over the wheel from Kaede Sensei, so she moved to the back seat with the girls. They already had lot of chat and video call through their chatting group. Therefore, they blended together with ease and kept giggling happily.

    As for Takeo, he calmly sat in the passenger seat and made idle talk with Hide. Then, a few minutes later they arrived at St. Marry and Kaede Sensei asked Hide to park the car in the inner garage instead of parking lot in the side yard.

    ---

    After his wife died from a shooting incident in her school, Carlson went to catholic seminary. He wanted to become a Jesuit, but things didn¡¯t work out as he expected. He then joined the paramilitary group under Morris Abram, met with Hide and the two became a pair in buddy-buddy system.

    The two also had a unique drinking habit that deepened their bond as teammate. When the two drink, Carlson would sip his whiskey bit by bit while talking about his experience in seminary. As for Hide, he would sip his mint and strawberry milk while calmly listening.

    It was drinking habit that only they two could comprehend, but somehow it helped them to lessen up their pain from losing someone they cherished more than anything. Sometimes, Hide would also go to Sunday morning mass with Carlson. So, to some extent he was not alien to Catholic¡¯s rites and fundamental teaching.

    ¡®This brings back some memory,¡¯ Hide muttered as he entered the church from side door and made a cross sign after lightly dipping his finger tips on the holy water next to the door.

    ¡°Hide¡­¡± Kaede Sensei had surprise look in her face as she looked at Hide. ¡°It seems this is not the first time you enter a church.¡±

    ¡°Sort of,¡± Hide calmly said.

    ¡°Do we have to make cross sign too?¡± Rei curiously asked as Kaede Sensei and Kana made the cross sign like Hide.

    After a smile Kaede Sensei gently replied, ¡°No, you don¡¯t have to.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Rei said.

    Kaede Sensei than scanned the empty church. ¡°I will accompany Aizawa, while Kana will take you all to your bench, and feel free to pick wherever spot you are comfortable with.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Sensei,¡± Hide said before turning his gaze to Kana. ¡°Lead the way, we are behind you.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Kana firmly nodded.

    The group then separated to two directions. Kaede Sensei and Aizawa went to the piano located next to the altar, and the two sat side by side. Kaede Sensei and Aizawa would play together and they had trained together for it.

    At the same time, Kana took the group to the foremost bench in the left wing. From this position, they would have clear view to Aizawa, but didn¡¯t draw too much attention because they were not right in front of altar.

    Takeo casually entered the bench first, followed by Rei, Kei, and Kana. Then, Hide closed the formation. As soon as they sat, everyone busy with their mind. Takeo casually looked at the painting on the wall behind the altar. Rei and Kei curiously looked at the painting in the ceiling, while Kana closed her eyes and fell into silent pray.

    As for Hide, he attentively looked at Aizawa. Surprisingly, she didn¡¯t look nervous or anxious even though this was the first time she would play outside the class.

    ¡®What a brave girl,¡¯ Hide muttered. Then, he turned his gaze to Kana as she finished her pray. ¡°You are a Catholic, right?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Kana happily replied. ¡°Kana¡¯s big family is Catholic.¡±

    Hide nodded before turning his gaze back to Aizawa and Kaede Sensei. ¡°Will Kaede Sensei be alright to play in the middle of crowd?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Kana calmly said. ¡°Church is an exception for Aunt¡¯s phobia. People who come to Saturday evening mass is also not too many.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    A moment later, a teenage boy lit the candle in the altar. Before long, people who would attend the mass entered the church one by one from the main door. Mostly, they were elderly or parents with their kids. They chose the benches located straight in front of altar, and from his position Hide could see them clearly.

    Then, among the flow of people who entered the church Hide recognized someone. She was Sayaka. She came with both her parent and little brother. Hide never heard that Sayaka¡¯s family was a Catholic, so it was a bit surprising to see her in the church.

    She had charming air as usual, while her long sleeve shirt and long plated-skirt made her look lovely. However, it took only for a moment before she fully disappeared from Hide¡¯s mind.

    Not to mention, a few seconds later Hide saw Paolo entered the church from side door. He came with his 3-year-old granddaughter, and as soon as he saw Hide, he immediately smiled at him before going straight to the bench behind him.

    ¡°I never thought you two are a Catholic,¡± Paolo said while looking at Hide and Takeo in turn.

    ¡°We are not,¡± Hide casually replied.

    Hide was very sure Paolo already knew that he and Takeo would come to St. Marry this evening. He left lot of trail about it in his smartphone after all. Even so, Hide still had to explain it to Paolo and pretending he had no idea about the detail.

    ¡°And so here we are,¡± Hide casually ended his explanation.

    ¡°I see,¡± Paolo happily said. ¡°Whatever the reason is, I¡¯m happy to meet you here, and later let¡¯s talk about your request.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Hide said.

    A moment later, at exactly 17:00 the evening mass was started.

    *****

 HA3 9.3 â€“ Salt is Replaceable

    HA3 9.3 ¨C Salt is Replaceable

    The evening mass took about 45 minutes to complete. Hide and the group followed it with ease. When they had to stood, they stood. When they had to sit, they sit. When they had to say amen, they said it solemnly.

    The only thing they couldn¡¯t follow was the singing. Among the group, only Kana sang when they had to sing. Fortunately, it was not a problem. Even though the mass went without a choir, the children who attended it sang each song in high spirit, including Paolo¡¯s toddler.

    Most of all, out of 100s people who attended the mass, more than half were children. So, their childish and happy voice with ease covered every corner. The sermon was also being presented specifically for the children and it was really good. The children laughed breathlessly when the pastor made a joke for them.

    It looked easy and simple, but actually it took lot of effort and correct mindset to perform a sermon that could properly catch children¡¯s interest and attention. Hide heard from Carlson that when he was in seminary, a lot of seminarist could make good sermon for elderly, adult, or teenager, but almost no one scored beyond D+ when performing sermon for children.

    Honestly, this was also the first time Hide saw a mass where the children happily dominating it. Last time he attended a mass, the children around him looked so bored and their parent had to work hard to prevent them from making great escape.

    ¡®A religion and spiritual rites should be able to be looked upon by children as joyous and friendly occasion,¡¯ Hide calmly muttered as he found Aizawa, Kana, Rei, Kei, and the other children who attended the mass looked very happy.

    And so, the mass went like a breeze and it ended before everyone realized it. After the pastor performed the last blessing, the children sang the last song as the final closure for the mass.

    After that everyone made small personal pray before going to simple dining hall in wing building. It was a tradition in St Marry that after the evening mass the church would invite everyone to have simple meal. After regrouping with Aizawa and Kaede Sensei, Hide and the rest also went to dining hall.

    ---

    The menu for the simple meal was fried chicken, shrimp tempura, spinach tempura, shredded lettuce and cherry tomato, strawberry shortcake, and orange juice. Some adults, including Kaede Sensei volunteered themselves to man the serving table. And so, after the group took their serving, Kana led them to one of long table.

    Half of the table was already being occupied by children, but Hide and Takeo didn¡¯t see it as a problem. They blended with the kids with ease. Then, they started their meal.

    After helping Rei and Kei opened their juice box Takeo turned his gaze to Aizawa. ¡°Your piano play is remarkable. You must have trained very hard.¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa happily replied. ¡°Aizawa and Kaede Sensei trained together a lot for it.¡±

    After a smile Takeo said, ¡°I see.¡±

    Rei then turned his gaze to Takeo, ¡°Big Bro, why Mr. Pastor said, ¡®Exalt that which is low, and bring low that which is exalted.¡¯ back then.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s from Ezekiel 21:26, today first reading,¡± A chubby boy replied as he took a chair in front of Rei.

    Hide recognized the chubby boy instantly. He was Shinji Kiyomasa, Sayaka¡¯s little brother. Hide also clearly saw that for some reason, Shinji slightly flinched when Aizawa looked at him. However, Shinji managed to strengthen his resolve to join the group.

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    Shinji then took out an e-bible through his featured phone before continuing, ¡°Here is the full verse, ¡®Thus says the Lord God: Remove the turban and take off the crown. Things shall not remain as they are. Exalt that which is low, and bring low that which is exalted.¡¯¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Rei said while giving the boys a confuse look. ¡°But why Mr. Pastor said it?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a reminder about fighting the bad unconditionally. It means, even though the bad is the society or even the government itself, we shouldn¡¯t back down,¡± Shinji firmly said. ¡°Big Sis always says that sometimes we have to launch a rebellion against the society, and she argues a lot about this with mommy and daddy.¡±

    ¡°Jesus¡­ Chubby.¡± For some reason, Hide felt an urge to sow distrust seed between Shinji and Sayaka. ¡°Your Big Sis sounds like a radical sheep with dark grudge against society.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Shinji looked at Hide as big question mark filled his chubby face to the brim.

    ¡°Really,¡± Hide firmly replied.

    ¡°Then, what is the meaning of the verse?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s about fighting your own tendency,¡± Hide casually said before putting a piece of fried chicken in his mouth. ¡°If you are too shy, you have to be a little braver. If you are too chatty, you have to be a bit quieter. If you have too much of pride, you have to learn how to be a bit humble.¡±

    Shinji instantly gave Hide a skeptical look. ¡°I never heard that.¡±

    ¡°In Catholic teaching there is a Latin phrase for it, Abnegatio Sui,¡± Hide replied. ¡°Literally, it means fighting your own tendency.¡±

    ¡°Fighting my own tendency?¡±

    Hide gave Shinji a nod. ¡°Balance yourself and strives to be a better person, with enough confidence while being humble at the same time.

    Then, you can be salt for your community even though all you do, is becoming yourself.¡±

    ¡°Big Bro Hide,¡± Kei said as she looked at Hide. ¡°Can we really become salt for our community?¡±

    ¡°Of course we can,¡± After a smile Hide added. ¡°Like a simple salt that give flavor to a cuisine without drawing attention, we can give our community a good flavor through simple act of kindness.

    But make no mistake, sometimes, even the smallest and ordinary kindness mean a world for someone.¡±

    ¡°Big Bro, what about miso?¡± An unknown little girl who sat in front of Hide asked him. ¡°Miso is much better seasoning than salt. Can we become miso instead of salt?¡±

    Hide immediately held back the piece of fried chicken he was about to eat. ¡°Of course we can.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± The girl asked as she gave Hide an expectant look. ¡°But Mommy said we can¡¯t replace the salt in the Bible with anything else, because it¡¯s holly salt.¡±

    ¡®Holly salt my foot.¡¯ Hide muttered before gently said to the girl, ¡°The salt in Bible is just a figurative speech. It¡¯s not a sin to replace it with something else we understand better.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± The girl happily nodded. ¡°Grandpa and grandma will be very happy to hear that we can use the miso they made like the salt in the Bible.¡±

    ¡°What about bonito flake?¡± Another unknown little girl asked Hide while looking at him with her clear gaze. ¡°Bonito flake can give a good flavor too and daddy makes lot of it in his workplace.¡±

    ¡°Bonito flake will do more than enough,¡± Hide gently replied.

    ¡°What about pork bone stock?¡± An unknown boy asked Hide as he was about to put the piece of fried chicken to his mouth for the second time. ¡°Daddy makes lot of pork bone stock in for our ramen shop.¡±

    ¡°Pork bone stock will do more than enough too.¡±

    ¡°What about soy sauce?¡±

    ¡°Soy sauce is good seasoning too.¡±

    ¡°What about shichimi togarashi?¡±

    ¡°Shichimi togarashi is good too.¡±

    In the end, every single child in the long table asked Hide about the seasoning their parent used or made in their workplace, and Hide replied them one by one.

    In a glance it looked though. You used salt in figurative speaking about contributing to your community through unseen act, but the kids just banked hard into culinary seasoning. However, Hide took it casually.

    Then, Hide finally had the chance to continue his meal. However, he was about to put the piece of fried chicken he held in his hand all this time to his mouth, when suddenly he felt a light tug on his left sleeves.

    Hide immediately checked it and found the culprit was Paolo¡¯s granddaughter. He immediately smiled at her.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°Can Arianne replace the salt with meat sauce?¡± The toddler girl asked while looking at Hide with her clear eyes. ¡°Grandpa makes a super delicious meat sauce for spaghetti in our shop. Sometimes, mommy also uses it to make omurice for Arianne.¡±

    ¡°Sure, we can replace the salt with your Grandpa¡¯s meat sauce.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Arianne happily nodded.

    ¡°So, did you lose your Grandpa?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Arianne pointed at where Paolo stood and added, ¡°He ask Arianne to call you and your friend.¡±

    ¡°I see. Let¡¯s go to your Grandpa.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Arianne firmly shook her head. ¡°Arianne will stay here when Grandpa talk with you two.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Hide then helped Arianne to take over her seat and asked Aizawa to look after her. Then, he and Takeo went over to Paolo.

    *****

 HA3 9.4 - Aizawas Extreme Side

    HA3 9.4 - Aizawa''s Extreme Side

    As soon as Hide and Takeo arrived before him, Paolo asked the two, ¡°How was the mass?¡±

    ¡°Not as boring as I thought,¡± Takeo calmly replied. ¡°My little sisters really enjoyed it.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a nice mass,¡± Hide added.

    ¡°I see.¡± After a smile Paolo continued, ¡°Well, let¡¯s talk about your request.¡±

    ¡°We all are ears,¡± Hide replied.

    ¡°You will go to Italica in two weeks or three. I will tell you the exact date four days before the flight. Hand over the money to me if you agree. You can use Dillar, Ren, or Gold as long as the amount is 82.000 Dillar,¡± Paolo started his explanation.

    The departure flight would be on Friday night, using cargo airliner, from Aida City to Tuscany. Hide and Takeo would have the flight fully unrecorded. Therefore, if something happen and the authority got involved, things would become complicated. However, there was precaution for such occurrence so it would cause no harm other than delay.

    For the whole week, the two had to study their second ID to the smallest detail, and tried their best to become one with it. They would also stay in a town where the childhood of their second ID took place. It was before their parent took them to move from one place to another, and lived a semi-concealed life to avoid debt collector.

    Other than mastering their second ID, they would also receive knowledge on how to properly maintain their working visa. And once their second ID was ready, they would use it to open bank account. They would then return to Nikko using their new ID and working visa as skilled foreign worker.

    The return flight would be on Friday night the next week, using business class. Takeo would depart from Italica, while Hide would depart from Germane. The two would fly in different flight and would arrive in Nichiko roughly at 2-3 hours difference.

    ¡°On the departure day I will drive you to Aida City personally,¡± Paolo closed his explanation. ¡°Make sure you have good excuse for your absence from school.¡±

    ¡°Last time we have to leave the school for a few days, we use our part-time job as an excuse,¡± Hide calmly replied. ¡°We will use it again.¡±

    Paolo nodded before adding, ¡°You also have to tell people that maybe need to contact you, to use email and not phone call or text as you have to fully turn off your phone until your return.

    Also, don¡¯t wear your usual clothes. You need an entirely different clothes for the trip.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Hide calmly said.

    ¡°Mr. Paolo,¡± Takeo said. ¡°How much money we should use to open our bank account or carry as pocket money?¡±

    ¡°5000 Urro is decent amount to open international account, but you can put your first deposit up to 100.000. As for pocket money, if you don¡¯t plan to buy anything expensive, 3000 Urro is enough.¡± After a pause Paolo added, ¡°But don¡¯t buy the Urro you want to bring on your own. I will help you to buy it and make sure no trail can be trace back to you.¡±

    ¡°What about our lodging?¡± Takeo asked another question.

    ¡°The money you pay already covers basic necessity for your stay.¡±

    ¡°In case shit happen and authority arrest us, will they treat us like terrorist?¡± Takeo warily asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s not only bad dude who want to have second ID. Lot of ordinary people also wants to have it, like people who want to hide their money from their spouse. The authority is fully aware of it,¡± Paolo calmly explained. ¡°We also have insider to help us in case authority arrest you.

    After they make sure you have no affiliation to bad groups, we will give our friend beer money to issue your release.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Takeo said before taking deep breathe full of relief.

    ¡°Think deeply about what I said and next Saturday we will talk it again if you have something to ask about,¡± Paolo said. ¡°Don¡¯t make a call or come to my place unless I invite you.¡±

    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    ¡°¡°Understood,¡±¡± Hide and Takeo replied at the same time.

    ¡°My shop will be on peak of dinner rush soon, so I have to go back first,¡± Paolo casually ended the conversation.

    ¡°Thanks for the help,¡± Hide said.

    ¡°We really appreciate it,¡± Takeo added.

    Hide and Takeo then returned to their table to continue their meal, while Arianne returned to Paolo.

    ---

    After the simple meal, both the adult and the children worked together to clean the dining hall. At this occasion, Sayaka and her mother tried to make a conversation with Aizawa, but Aizawa blatantly avoided them. Hide saw it, but he didn¡¯t see it as a problem.

    After that the pastor and people who handle church¡¯s daily errand made sure no children would go home alone. Hide was a bit surprise when he learnt that other than the kids from the church orphanage, some children go to the church alone because their parent couldn¡¯t leave their work.

    Fortunately, St. Marry handled the situation properly. Some people who had car had volunteered themselves to provide pick up and drop off shuttle for those children. Crime rate in Nikko was always low, but never zero. Hide really appreciated the thoughtfulness for the children safety.

    Then, before they went home Hide took Aizawa to visit Emily and his mother. This time, Aizawa had big smile all over her face.

    ¡®Emily will be very happy to see Aizawa has big happy smile in her face,¡¯ Hide muttered after he and Aizawa offered a prayer for their mother together. ¡°Next week, will you play piano for the mass again?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa happily replied.

    ¡°I see.¡± Hide smiled before asked another question. ¡°Earlier, what did Mrs. Kiyomasa say to you?¡±

    Aizawa instantly pressed her lips and it took for a while before she replied, ¡°She asks if Aizawa is fine.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Hide asked Aizawa about her encounter with Sayaka¡¯s mother only out of curiosity. He never thought that Aizawa¡¯s expression would turn gloomy as she gave her reply. Wary and curiosity instantly hit Hide.

    ¡°And why did you avoid her?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s because¡­.¡±

    Seeing Aizawa didn¡¯t finish her sentence while giving him a complicated gaze, Hide immediately said, ¡°If they give you a trouble, you have to tell Big Bro so we can handle it together.¡±

    ¡°When Aizawa was still in East Nichiko Elementary,¡± Aizawa said in weak voice. ¡°Aizawa beat Shinji until he cried very loud.¡±

    ¡°You beat that chubby kid until he cried very loud?¡± Hide asked while inwardly he recalled Takeo¡¯s story about Aizawa went snapped after a boy triggered her.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Aizawa admitted while warily looked at Hide.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°He said Big Bro gave Aizawa only instant noodle as a lunch out of hatred,¡± Aizawa weakly said.

    ¡°Did it make you angry?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa firmly nodded. ¡°It made Aizawa super angry because Big Bro doesn¡¯t hate Aizawa.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Hide looked at Aizawa as unbearable pain gripped his heart. At that time, he genuinely hated Aizawa and there was a good chance she knew it, but she tried to deny it with everything she had.

    After having a deep sigh Hide gently asked again, ¡°And so, chubby''s mother and big sis try to make things hard for you earlier.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Aizawa firmly said. ¡°The next day after Aizawa beat Shinji, his mother and big sis came to our house. They wanted to take Aizawa to doctor to make sure Aizawa was fine.¡±

    Surprise instantly filled Hide''s face to the brim. ¡°They came to our house?"

    "Mhm, they also brought a big black forest cake."

    "But you didn¡¯t tell daddy about it?¡±

    ¡°No, Aizawa didn¡¯t even let them enter the front gate.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t even let them enter the front gate?¡±

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Aizawa gave Hide another firm nod. ¡°And after they went home Aizawa threw the balck forest cake to nearby trash dump.¡±

    Question mark instantly popped up in Hide¡¯s forehead. ¡°Why did you throw it to trash dump?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s because they bad-mouthed Big Bro,¡± Aizawa innocently replied.

    ¡°Wait a second, they bad-mouthed Big Bro?¡±

    Aizawa firmly nodded. ¡°Shinji said Big Bro hated Aizawa, after he heard it from dinner conversation between his mother and big sis.¡±

    ¡°So, you didn''t want to accept their cake because they bad-mouthed Big Bro.¡±

    "Mhm."

    "I see," Hide said as he looked at Aizawa with complicated gaze.

    She did everything she could to get on his good side. She even went a bit too extreme, but in the end he left her when she needed him the most. He left her to face the most desperate situation she had in her life by herself, when she was only seven-year-old kid.

    ¡®No wonder, when I came back to her, all she had for me was only immeasurable hatred.¡¯

    Hide couldn¡¯t help but had an urge to bang his head to the wall. The pain in his heart was too unbearable, especially when his gaze met with Aizawa¡¯s clear eyes. It took for a while before he could calm his chaotic heart.

    After taking a deep breathe Hide said, ¡°Aizawa, honestly, what they said is not entirely wrong. Big Bro shouldn¡¯t give you only instant noodles.¡±

    ¡°But now, Big Bro cooks for Aizawa lot of yummy food,¡± Aizawa firmly said. "Even though Aizawa still likes Big Bro¡¯s instant noodles.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± After taking another deep breath Hide continued, ¡°If you don¡¯t want to talk with them, it is fine. Big Bro also doesn¡¯t want to talk to them unless Big Bro has no choice. But, don¡¯t spare any space in your heart and mind for hatred.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Aizawa obediently replied.

    While holding each other¡¯s hand, Hide and Aizawa then leaved the final resting house and regrouped with the Kaede Sensei and the rest before going home.

    All the way, Hide would steal a glance at Aizawa. In the back seat, she was chatting and giggling happily with Kana, Rei, Kei, and Kaede Sensei, and it made Hide have immeasurable grateful to anyone who enabled his return to remedy his mistake.

    ¡®Whoever or whatever you are, I will definitely return the favor with everything I have later,¡¯ Hide muttered before putting back his mind to drive the car.

    *****

 HA3 10.1 - Unexpected Meeting

    HA3 10.1 - Unexpected Meeting

    Monday morning, Hide went to train in Beauty & the Beast as usual and the sparring went rather fierce. Hayashida looked at him like hungry beast, and he worked so hard to put Hide down in the canvas. Initially, Hide intended to take it easy.

    However, he saw a good opportunity in the third round and his body moved on its own to seize it. He smoothly slammed Hayashida to the ground using shoulder throw. Then, before Hayashida could get up, he put him into submission using triangle choke.

    Overall it was basic triangle choke, but with a slight modification. Hide hold Hayashida¡¯s right hand using both hands, as straight as possible to the side of his body, while his right leg coiling around and choking Hayashida¡¯s neck. As for his left leg, he used it to pin Hayashida¡¯s left arm down to the floor with his toe fully went in under Hayashida¡¯s left butt.

    In short, Hide fully immobilized Hayashida¡¯s hands while leisurely choking him. Hayashida thought he could break one-leg-choke using a flip, but he was wrong. No matter how hard he flipped his body, the choked stayed firm in his neck. In the end, after several flips he was out of steam. Then, his eyes rolled back as he fainted.

    After the medic staff confirmed that Hayashida suffered no harm other than lost conscious while drooling like an idiot, Hide immediately went to Coach Kotaro.

    ¡°Always controlling both opponent hands when putting them into submission,¡± Coach Kotaro said as Hide arrived before him.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to get stab in case they carry hidden knife,¡± Hide calmly replied.

    ¡°It¡¯s really hard to control both opponent hands, but you make it look very easy,¡± Coach Kotaro admiringly looked at Hide. ¡°I really want to see, what kind of training that Oniyama Sensei have drilled to your body and mind.¡±

    ¡°Honestly, Coach,¡± Hide said as he recalled the rigorous martial art training he had gone through under Kubota. ¡°It was very painful and tiring training,¡±

    Coach Kotaro lightly nodded. ¡°I bet it was.¡±

    ¡°And Coach, in two week or three, I will need one week off from the training.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Coach Kotaro asked in a drop dead serious tone. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you want to laze around.¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s for my part time job,¡± Hide firmly replied. ¡°I also have to leave the city.¡±

    ¡°Do you really have to pause your training?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, my supervisor put me in a short but big project. I don¡¯t want to miss this opportunity.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After a moment of pause Coach Kotaro continued, ¡°Actually, next week I want to introduce you to new grappling trainer.¡±

    ¡°New grappling trainer?¡±

    ¡°His name is Unagi.¡± Coach Kotaro looked at Hide straight in the eyes as he continued, ¡°Have you heard him?¡±

    ¡°Unagi the Eel,¡± Hide casually blurted out. ¡°I heard a few pieces about him from Oniyama Sensei.¡±

    ¡°Tell me what he said about Unagi?¡±

    After making a quick recall on a few sparring he had with Unagi in his past life Hide said, ¡°He is slick like eel and only a handful people capable to put him into submission or joint lock. On the other hand Unagi¡¯s joint lock is very destructive, especially his ankle locks.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s pretty accurate picture.¡± After a light smile Coach Kotaro continued, ¡°Unagi¡¯s natures dictate him to never show his technique unless he has no choice, I bet Sensei Oniyama knew it from firsthand sparring and he managed to push him to go full throttle.¡±

    ¡°It seems so,¡± Hide said in low voice. ¡°Sensei Oniyama also said that Unagi is very excellent grappling trainer, but it¡¯s really hard to ask him to coach a grappling class.¡±

    ¡°Correct,¡± Coach Kotaro firmly said. ¡°Unagi also won¡¯t like it if you skip his class after the first few meetings. So, I will postpone his class until you can fully attend it without a single day off for the first four months.¡±

    Hide immediately gave Coach Kotaro a deep bow. ¡°Thank you, Coach, and I¡¯m sorry for the trouble.¡±

    ¡°No worry.¡± Coach Kotaro turned his gaze to the still unconscious Hayashida as he continued, ¡°Just keep helping me polish that rascal¡¯s grappling game.¡±

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    ¡°I will do my best,¡± Hide firmly replied.

    After cleaning the fighting mat Hide then went to take morning bath.

    ---

    While having breakfast with Hanna and Aizawa, Hide told them about his business trip. He specifically chose to tell it in front of Hanna and Aizawa to ensure Aizawa understood that, he went to the trip was not because he wanted to leave her alone for a whole week but because he had something he really had to do.

    Surprisingly, Aizawa accepted his explanation with ease. She also didn¡¯t ask him to take her a long in the trip. Hanna also didn¡¯t make a fuss about it.

    After that, Aizawa went to Kitaro using shuttle pick up, while Hide went to his school on foot. Hide walked with casual steps and everything pretty much went as usual, if only a middle-aged man didn¡¯t follow him.

    The man wore baseball jacket, baseball cap, and jeans. From his movement, Hide could tell that he was very fit man. He also knew how to tailing someone, even though it was only at rudiment level.

    And actually, Hide already noticed that two people, one man and one woman, were carrying out surveillance on Hanna. However, after he recognized that from their method, they were most likely people from metro police, he just let them to carry their errand. But now, one of them made a move on him,

    Then, after Hide entered a small and empty alley, the man increased his pace. He closed the distance fast and then said, ¡°Kid, I need to talk with you.¡±

    Hide immediately stopped in his track before turning around. ¡°Who are you?¡±

    The man immediately showed his badge to Hide. ¡°Detective Shorimachi, Nichiko Metro Police.¡±

    ¡°What do you want to talk about?¡±

    ¡°Just a light talk, but we can¡¯t do it here.¡±

    ¡°Do you want to take me to police station?¡±

    ¡°No, let¡¯s just find a quiet corner.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Hide didn¡¯t see the need to avoid Shorimachi, so he calmly followed him.

    ---

    As soon as the two arrived at a quiet corner Shorimachi immediately said, ¡°You are pretty calm back then.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°I am pretty good at MMA.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s get to the point. What do you want to talk about?¡±

    Shorimachi immediately took out a pen and small pocket notes. ¡°Tell me about the crew who hit Villa Tigera.¡±

    Hide instantly creased his brows while looking at Shorimachi straight in the eyes. ¡°I¡¯m Sorry, but I don¡¯t understand. What exactly are you getting at?¡±

    ¡°Damn Kid, you are really good at pretending,¡± Shorimachi said as he gave Hide an admirable gaze. ¡°But, it¡¯s futile.¡±

    Without delay Shorimachi showed a picture where Hide drove the Black Van.

    ¡®Fuck me!¡¯ Hide inwardly cursed before taking a deep breath. ¡°All I know is, six people entered Villa Tigera that night. They all were very calm, spook very little, and wore balaclava.¡±

    After making a small note Shorimachi asked another question. ¡°Any female among them?¡±

    ¡®Female huh¡­¡¯ Hide muttered as he got a hunch that Shorimachi had footage of Shizuka. After a quick ponder he replied, ¡°Two of them are definitely females or trans?¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Shorimachi said as he made another note. ¡°How did a 6-man team defeat dozens well-trained and well-equipped guards without making ruckus?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Hide calmly replied. ¡°I stayed in the car when they threw the party. When I entered the villa, everything was already over.¡±

    ¡°How long you stayed in the car?¡±

    ¡°About 45 minutes.¡±

    ¡°What did you carry in the van?¡±

    ¡°Firearms, tactical gear, document, hard drives, memory card, and other loots,¡± Hide casually replied. ¡°I drop the van in the middle of highway 11. After that, I don¡¯t see it again.¡±

    ¡°How do you know there were firearms in the van?¡±

    ¡°I was the one who loaded it and everything else to the van.¡±

    ¡°What other hit the crew did after Villa Tigera?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°Kid, if I send this picture to Toruma Mafia, they will skin you and your family alive,¡± Shorimachi said in a drop dead serious tone. ¡°Answer me honestly, and I will ensure no one know about your participation in Villa Tigera party.¡±

    ¡°I really don¡¯t know,¡± Hide said in low voice. ¡°They paid me to drive them to hill side above Villa Tigera, and then asked me to move the loot using Black Van.

    Before that, I help them buy daily necessity or taking package from logistic service in the port. After that, we make no contact, but they ask me to be ready in case they need errand boy again.¡±

    ¡°How much they paid you?¡±

    ¡°20.000 Ren per errand, sometimes more. 200.000 Ren for Villa Tigera job.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Shorimachi then write a phone number in a small piece of paper before handing it over to Hide. ¡°If you remember other info, especially something that related to Toruma Mafia, text it to this number. I use it specifically to receive call and text from you.¡±

    Hide received the number and said, ¡°So, now I¡¯m your snitch.¡±

    ¡°Sort of.¡±

    After letting out a deep sigh Hide asked, ¡°If those people call me, do you want me to call you?¡±

    ¡°No, they are pro. They will know if I tail you. After that, they will kill you and disappear,¡± Shorimachi casually said. ¡°But, you have to text me about the errand you do for them, to the smallest detail.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± After a moment of silence Hide curiously asked, ¡°Where is your partner? Doesn¡¯t detective work in pair?¡±

    ¡°I asked her to carry some errand in HQ right now, to ensure I can make a contact with you silently.¡±

    Question mark instantly popped up in Hide¡¯s forehead. ¡°She doesn¡¯t know about our meeting?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Does she know about my participation in Villa Tigera?¡±

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t share that information to anyone yet.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°But don¡¯t try anything funny. If something happen to me and I don¡¯t log in to my second email for more than 48 hours, it will send your picture to Toruma Mafia¡¯s automatically.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Well, you can go, and don¡¯t be lazy with your study.¡±

    Hide nodded and took his leave. On his way to the school, he couldn¡¯t shake off his meeting with Shorimachi from his mind.

    ¡®Damn, now I have another variable I have to wary about,¡¯ Hide dejectedly muttered. ¡®And this is fucking serious shit.¡¯

    As Shorimachi had said, if his participation in Villa Tigera raid was known, deadly consequence would come to him and his family.

    Then, as soon as he arrived at the school, Hide immediately called Takeo and Shizuka to share the latest development about their situation. The three unanimously agreed that they he had to handle Shorimachi properly before Hide and Takeo trip to make their second ID.

    *****

 HA3 10.2 - Transfer to Kitaro

    HA3 10.2 - Transfer to Kitaro

    Monday was slow blue day as usual, but finally the class ended. Hide immediately went to the staff office. This morning, he had submitted a request to absence from school. After receiving it, Watanabe Sensei asked him to talk the detail with him after school.

    When he saw Watanabe Sensei already waited for him in the counseling cubicle, Hide immediately went over to him.

    ¡°Sensei,¡± Hide said as he gave Watanabe Sensei a light bow.

    Watanabe lightly nod and signaled Hide to take the seat before him. ¡°Have a sit, Hide.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Sensei.¡±

    After Hide sat before him, Watanabe Sensei said, ¡°Hide, even though in the request you have submitted, you put the official notification from company that hire you, before giving you the permission for one full week school absence, I still have to talk with your parent first.¡±

    ¡°Sensei,¡± Hide genuinely said. ¡°I don¡¯t think my father can spare his time to talk about my absence request with you.¡±

    ¡°Not even a few minutes of telephone call?¡± Watanabe Sensei asked solemnly.

    ¡°Unfortunately, yeah, he has no time even for a few minutes of phone call.¡±

    ¡°In that case, I shouldn¡¯t give you the permission.¡± After a moment of silence Watanabe Sensei added, ¡°But Isamu Sensei also receive same request from Takeo, and his father already talk about it with him.

    So, I can give you the permission without talking with your father first, for this once.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Sensei,¡± Hide genuinely said.

    ¡°One more thing,¡± Watanabe Sensei said as he put a letter from Ministry of Education in front of Hide. ¡°You can read it yourself.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Sensei.¡±

    Without delay Hide read the letter, and found that the Ministry of Education decided to cancel every acceleration exam for this year and next year. They would replace it with another program that currently was on the final examination before being issued. However, the letter didn¡¯t mention the detail about the replacement program.

    ¡°Sensei,¡± Hide said as he turned his gaze to Watanabe Sensei. ¡°Do you have clue about the replacement program?¡±

    ¡°Not a bit,¡± Watanabe Sensei honestly replied.

    ¡°I see,¡± Hide dejectedly said.

    ¡°I hope it won¡¯t let you down,¡± Watanabe Sensei genuinely said. ¡°And you will maintain your good score as usual.¡±

    ¡°I have no reason to lessen my study,¡± Hide firmly said.

    ¡°Good.¡± After a smile Watanabe Sensei said, ¡°You can go.¡±

    ¡°Yes, and thank you Sensei.¡±

    After giving Watanabe Sensei a light bow Hide then left the room and went straight to school backyard.

    ---

    Hide just exited the changing room and would start the warm up and stretching, when Sayaka suddenly stopped him in his track. He immediately looked at Sayaka straight in the eyes.

    ¡°Do you need something from me?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Sayaka casually said. ¡°I want to ask you a few things?¡±

    ¡°About what?¡±

    ¡°Kitaro Music School.¡±

    ¡°Just download their brochure and talk to their PR staff,¡± Hide nonchalantly replied.

    ¡°My mother already talked it with Kaede Sensei yesterday,¡± Sayaka said. ¡°But, she still asks me to confirm a few things with you.¡±

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    Hide instantly took a deep breath. He still had no good impression on Sayaka, but her mother was a different case. She took her time to check Aizawa after she beat Shinji until he cried very loud.

    ¡®I have to return the favor,¡¯ Hide muttered before asking, ¡°Who will go to Kitaro?¡±

    ¡°Shinji.¡±

    ¡°Your chubby little brother?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Why does your mother want to send him to Kitaro?¡±

    ¡°Right now, Shinji is an outcast in East Nichiko Elementary. He also becomes target of bullying,¡± Sayaka said in low voice. ¡°My mother tries to remedy the situation, but Shinji stubbornly refuse to make a peace with other kids.¡±

    Question mark instantly popped up in Hide¡¯s forehead. ¡°May I know how he becomes an outcast and target of bullying?¡±

    ¡°You already know about the fight between Aizawa and Shinji, right?¡±

    Hide lightly nodded. ¡°I do.¡±

    ¡°Trust me,¡± Sayaka genuinely said. ¡°Shinji said that you hate Aizawa was out of good intention. He really cares about Aizawa.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Hide said nothing and just lightly nodded a few times, and so Sayaka continued her explanation.

    After the fight, Shinji tried to make a peace with Aizawa, but she refused him with everything she had. When other kids started to shun and even bullied Aizawa, he tried to defend her but Aizawa still refused to make up with him.

    After Aizawa went to Kitaro, Shinji still defended her when other kids bad-mouthed her. He kept doing it, and before he realized it other kids started to shun and even bullied him. In the end, my mother decided to transfer Shinji to other school, but Shinji stubbornly refused.

    Until two days ago, on their way home from St. Marry, Shinji said to his mother he wanted to go to Kitaro Music School.

    ¡°Children can go too far when bullying other kid,¡± Sayaka closed his explanation in low voice. ¡°That¡¯s why my mother considers the option to transfer Shinji to Kitaro, but a few things bother her.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°What do you want to know?¡±

    Sayaka immediately said, ¡°Kaede Sensei tells my mother that Kitaro introduce exam and grading system starting from the 1st grade. She gives a very good impression about it, but as you know, it is not common approach for our education culture.

    What do you say about it?¡±

    ¡°So,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°Your mother worries Shinji won¡¯t get the fundamental teaching that we receive from 1st to 3rd grade?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Sayaka firmly replied.

    With ease Hide felt Sayaka¡¯s mother¡¯s worries. He also felt the same thing when he wanted to transfer Aizawa out of East Nichiko Elementary School. The reason was, public elementary school in Nikko adopted a rather unique approach. Their students wouldn¡¯t take any exam until they reached 4th grade.

    There was a strong belief that in first three years of their education life there were far more important lesson to impart to the children than those found in tests and grades. In these years, through their daily school life the school would put the children to learn about proper behavior, respect for all people regardless of financial status, how to become independence while simultaneously building the ability to work in a team, and understanding the importance of valuing and conserving the environment.

    While on the other hand, Kitaro Music School introduced grading and exam system starting from 1st grade. It was natural that Sayaka¡¯s mother worried Shinji would lose very valuable lesson he should have if he went to Kitaro. Fortunately, her worry was unnecessary.

    ¡°Your mother doesn¡¯t need to worry about it,¡± Hide firmly said. ¡°Shinji will still receive the exact teaching that the kids below 4th grade in public school receive.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure about it?¡± Sayaka asked as he looked at Hide straight in the eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯m,¡± Hide firmly said before explaining.

    Kitaro didn¡¯t have janitor like public school, so the kids would have to share the cleaning responsibility. They also have to plant sweet potato and took care of it until the harvesting time. Other than that, Kitaro had small orange orchard in the backyard and every 5-6 kids from the same class would take care of two trees.

    If there was a difference with public school, it was that in Kitaro the kids didn¡¯t eat their lunch in class with their teacher. All students, administration staff, and teacher ate lunch together in mess hall. After the lunch, some of students, administration staff, and teacher would also take turn to help the kitchen staff to clean the mess hall and doing the dish.

    Overall, there was lots of activity where the kids had to work together. Most of all, other than study, they play music a lot. They also read hard-copy manga a lot as Kitaro hired semi-pro manga creator team to make short manga with emphasize on important moral and life value the kids had to learn. Hide had read some of those short manga and they were pretty good. It triggered various emotions from his heart in a very good way.

    ¡°Actually, a huge portion of Aizawa¡¯s homework is reading the manga and write summary about it,¡± Hide closed his explanation.

    ¡°But I hear the kids have to learn math from the 1st grade?¡± Sayaka curiously asked. ¡°Is that okay to introduce math to first grader?¡±

    ¡°They can¡¯t help it,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°There is a saying, music is another form of math that you enjoy through your ear. If they want to study music, they have to be acquainted with math as early as possible.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After taking a deep breath Sayaka said, ¡°And thank you. I will tell my mother everything you said about Kitaro.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°And one more thing,¡± Sayaka said as concern flashed in her eyes. ¡°Shinji is strong kid and when Aizawa beat him, he accidentally hit Aizawa in the stomach because of panic.

    My mother and I tried to bring Aizawa to doctor, but she refused. So, please make sure she is alright?¡±

    ¡°Aizawa is fully alright,¡± Hide firmly replied.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°I took her to get general check-up in Kibou once,¡± Hide said. ¡°The result is pretty good. She is healthy and kicking like goat pup.¡±

    ¡°I see. Glad to hear she is fine.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Hide and Sayaka then separated their way and continued with their training routine.

    *****

 HA3 10.3 - Intel Mining

    HA3 10.3 - Intel Mining

    Monday afternoon, after completing training in Hiking Club, Hide usually would go straight to Beauty & the Beast to have endurance training and sport massage from Hanna. After that, he would go home to check his house before going to Hanna¡¯s place.

    But today, he wanted to carry intel mining on Shorimachi. Therefore, after Hanna gave him sport massage, he told her he couldn¡¯t go to her place tonight. Fortunately, Hanna didn¡¯t make a fuss and just assumed Hide had to carry his part time job with Takeo.

    Of course, it was without a price. This week, he had to give Hanna¡¯s ear cleaning and feet massage, and then take her to Cartel for a few cups of beer.

    ¡®That¡¯s a cheap price,¡¯ Hide muttered while walked down the small street in his neighborhood. ¡®Every woman and without exception, needs to be pampered in regular basis like a husky.¡¯

    Then, right after he made a turn in a corner, Hide spotted a kid sitting alone and reading manga in front of Blue Sora. This kid looked so out of place, as other tables were occupied by kids from East Nichiko Middle School.

    Hide instantly let out a sigh. This lone kid was Shinji, Sayaka¡¯s little brother, and this was not the first time he saw Shinji sitting alone in front of Blue Sora. Actually, almost every day he saw Shinji in such occasion, when he went home from Beauty & the Beast.

    Wasting no time, Hide went in to Blue Sora buying his dinner and some snacks. After that, he went to Shinji¡¯s table and sat in front of him.

    ¡°Are you sure you can hang out here this late?¡± Hide said as he put the snack in the table.

    Shinji gasped for a moment before answering, ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Hide then opened a pack of spinach crackers and a pack of mixed nuts. ¡°Have a snack with me then.¡±

    ¡°I thought Big Bro Hide will go straight home like usual,¡± Shinji curiously said.

    ¡®I¡¯m not your Big Bro.¡¯ That was what Hide almost said, but he canceled it in the last moment. After putting a piece of spinach cracker in his mouth he then said, ¡°Usually, I have lots of school work, but today I can relax a bit.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Shinji said before following Hide putting a piece of spinach cracker in his mouth.

    ¡°You don¡¯t hang out with your classmates huh,¡± Hide casually said.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Shinji openly admitted. ¡°Kids from my class ban me to hang out here at the same time with them.¡±

    ¡°Why do they ban you?¡±

    ¡°We have different opinion about manga and it escalates,¡± Shinji casually replied.

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Even though Hide already knew the real reason why Shinji being shunned by his classmates, he chose not to brought it up. Then, he changed the topic by asking Shinji about manga he read, and once he talked about it Shinji just couldn¡¯t stop.

    ¡°My mom and Big Sis don¡¯t understand this manga and they keep telling me to stop reading it.¡±

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    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t think your mother and Big Sis want you to read manga about high school delinquent,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°Female can have a very different view than male sometimes.¡±

    ¡°But Aizawa like it,¡± Shinji firmly said.

    ¡°Does Aizawa really like it?¡± Hide curiously asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Shinji gave Hide firmly nod before explaining, ¡°We used to talk about this manga a lot. She even borrowed it from me several times.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Hide never thought he would know Aizawa¡¯s another side from Shinji. He felt so grateful that he decided to stop and had a chat with the chubby kid.

    Then, with low voice Shinji suddenly asked, ¡°Big Bro Hide, can you help me to make peace with Aizawa?¡±

    ¡°Help you to make peace with Aizawa?¡± Hide casually asked. ¡°Did you have a quarrel with her?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Shinji admitted, still in low voice.

    ¡°Unfortunately,¡± Hide said as he recalled a few people he had sent to the next world. ¡°I¡¯m not good at making peace with people I have quarreled with. I don¡¯t think I can help you.¡±

    ¡°But,¡± Shinji said as he curiously looked at Hide. ¡°Isn¡¯t adult should be good at making peace with people they have quarrel with?¡±

    ¡°Chubby, you give those adults too much of credit.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I believe nine out of ten adults in this world is suck at making peace with people they have quarrel with,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°And by the way, I¡¯m not an adult yet.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Seeing Shinji¡¯s expression suddenly turned dark, Hide immediately added. ¡°It won¡¯t be easy, but if you want to make peace with Aizawa, you should give it a try. Who know if you learn this craft since early age, you will become good at it later.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Shinji weakly replied.

    ¡°As for now, it¡¯s almost dinner time, let me walk you home.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    After cleaning their table, Hide and Shinji then left. Once they arrived at Shinji¡¯s house, Hide waited until the chubby kid entered his house before going straight home.

    ---

    About 50 meters from Shorimachi¡¯s lodging house, in a rooftop of two-story nursing home, Takeo casually sat. He leaned his back on the guardrail, calmly working with encrypted laptop in his lap. First, he established a connection with database at Nichiko Metro Police. Then, he downloaded the files of every detective in 1st and 2nd Division. His target was only Shorimachi, but to camouflage his intention he downloaded the file of other detectives too.

    Next to Takeo, Shizuka also sat and leaned her back on the guardrail. By using a tablet, she operated a long-range remote camera she set up on top of tripod, facing straight at Shorimachi¡¯s lodging house.

    She already sat next to Takeo for about one hour without conversation, as Takeo¡¯s expression looked very tense and nervous. She thought they would stay silence until they completed their job, but suddenly Takeo¡¯s expression became a bit relax. Wasting no time, Shizuka initiated a conversation.

    ¡°Twig,¡± Shizuka said in low voice. ¡°Do you get the file?¡±

    ¡°I do,¡± Takeo calmly said. ¡°But I still have to download the other files to hide our intention.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it too dangerous to maintain the connection for too long?¡± Shizuka curiously asked. ¡°They can track you back, right?¡±

    ¡°Actually,¡± Takeo casually said. ¡°They are trying to silently track me back since 57 minutes ago.¡±

    ¡°Twig.¡± Shizuka¡¯s eyes widened as she turned her gaze to Takeo. ¡°Don¡¯t you have to cut the connection as soon as they try to track you?¡±

    ¡°Normally, yes.¡± Takeo then pointed his finger at mini-antenna in front of him. ¡°But that mini antenna and this encrypted laptop provide me enough labyrinths to stall the tracking.¡±

    ¡°Is that mini-antenna really that good?¡± Shizuka curiously asked.

    ¡°Not as good as our net-centric tower, but it¡¯s sufficient.¡± After a short pause Takeo added, ¡°But, it will leave a trail.¡±

    ¡°What kind of trail?¡±

    ¡°A brute trail that the hack is being done using mil-grade networking, hardware, and tactic.¡±

    ¡°Will that be a problem for us?¡±

    ¡°Nope, as long as I terminate the connection before they manage to triangulate our position,¡± Takeo said as he shut down the laptop. ¡°And now, they just lost us.¡±

    ¡°Honestly,¡± Shizuka said before turning her gaze back to her tablet. ¡°I never thought you are a type who loves to show off.¡±

    ¡°This is not from me,¡± Takeo protested. ¡°Hide asked me to. He wants cyber team from Nichiko Metro believes they are facing an intrusion from former military cyber warfare specialist.¡±

    ¡°Why Hide ask you to do that?¡±

    ¡°He said he will explain everything to us after we get our hand on Detective Shorimachi¡¯s file.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    A moment later, Shorimachi popped up on the tablet¡¯s screen. He casually walked over to his lodging house. Wasting no time, Shizuka reached her radio and informed Hide¡¯s about Shorimachi¡¯s arrival.

    *****

 HA3 10.4 - Another One from the Past

    HA3 10.4 - Another One from the Past

    Shorimachi¡¯s lodging house had moderate size. It had two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a small kitchen that was connected to living room. In one of the bedrooms, Hide found the files for the case he was working on and it made him furrowed his brow.

    Other than the raid in Villa Tigera, Shorimachi also investigated the raid in Kamui Finance, the ambush to Aizen¡¯s courier, the ambush to Toruma¡¯s courier, and the ambush to Maeda the Fox. The file for each case, including the forensic record was so detail and thorough. Some files also required high-profile security clearance to access it.

    ¡®Only NFP has the budget, skill, and security clearance to compile such files,¡¯ Hide muttered.

    It meant Shorimachi was working with people from NFP. His investigation was also not official, or he wouldn¡¯t put those files in his house, and from his business card Hide learned that Shorimachi was from 2nd Division. It was metro police division that its job was handling white collar crime.

    Other than that, Shorimachi and his partner were trying to put surveillance on Hanna. They tried to figure out her connection with the raid in Kamui Finance. Then, Hide suddenly received a radio call from Shizuka.

    [Pear to Apple, be advised, you have incoming.]

    Hide immediately checked his watch and found it was 21:50. It was about time Shorimachi arrived at his home as usual. Wasting no time, he pressed PTT button.

    ¡°Roger,¡¯ Hide gave Shizuka a reply in whisper, and then hid his presence.

    A moment later, Shorimachi entered his lodging house. He turned almost all the light on, took a can of beer from refrigerator, and then went to the bedroom where he displayed the files from NFP. He took only a glance on each file before went to his room. Then, from one of the drawers, he took a binder files, brought it to living room, and studied it while here and there he gave his beer a sip.

    Usually, Shorimachi would study the binder file for 2-3 hours, but today for some reason he was so sleepy. A moment later, he already fell asleep in the sofa and lightly snoring. Then, Hide came out from his hiding, wearing a gasmask while in his hand he held a small canister of sleeping gas.

    ¡®Sleep well and don¡¯t wake up until morning,¡¯ Hide muttered before starting intel mining.

    In swift manner, he downloaded all files in Shorimachi¡¯s computer and smartphone. After that, he took picture of every case file he could found. It took about two hours before Hide finishing the work.

    After that, he ensured the level of sleeping gas in the room dropped to the lowest level possible before pressing PTT button.

    ¡°Apple to Pear, I¡¯m about to leave, gives me actual.¡±

    [Pear to Apple, coast is clear, you can leave.]

    ¡°Roger, Apple over and out.¡±

    A moment later, Hide already regrouped with Takeo and Shizuka in the rooftop of nursing home. Wasting no time, the three gave the intel they had just got their hand on a quick study.

    ---

    The more Hide learned about Shorimachi¡¯s personal info, the more his expression became darker. The situation was more complicated than what he thought. He couldn¡¯t help but kept letting out a sigh.

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    ¡°This is very tricky,¡± Hide said before gulping down a mouthful of mineral water. ¡°Scare tactic won¡¯t work on him.¡±

    ¡°Why does it won¡¯t work on him?¡± Shizuka curiously asked.

    ¡°He has the gut to make an attempt on Toruma¡¯s elder¡¯s life in the open,¡± Hide firmly said. ¡°With such as nasty gut, scare tactic will only deliver opposite effect.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°We also can¡¯t temporary decommission him until we finish our job by putting him unconscious in hospital,¡± Hide added.

    Another question mark instantly popped up in Shizuka¡¯s forehead, ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Shorimachi younger brother is Naoto Mashima, a high-expert shooter in SDF. He was the one who helped Paolo tailing me and Takeo,¡± Hide said. ¡°Other than gunsmith work and precision shooting he is useless in anything else, but with Paolo¡¯s help he without fail will find us if we harm his older brother.

    After that, he will snipe us one by one.¡±

    ¡°So,¡± Takeo said in low voice. ¡°What is our option?¡±

    ¡°Blackmailing Shorimachi to make him to come into our cause.¡± Hide took a short pause before continuing, ¡°But it will need through preparation. As for now, we will give him information he want and gain his trust.¡±

    After checking a few pictures from the binder file Takeo turned his gaze to Hide. ¡°Do you mean the location of S14 we used to ambush Aizen¡¯s courier, and the Black Van from Villa Tigera?¡±

    Hide gave Takeo a light nod and added, ¡°Until this very moment, Shorimachi is also still trying so hard to locate remains of little girl that Toruma¡¯s elder had killed when he was toying with her. I think I have a clue about it.¡±

    ¡°Who was this little girl?¡± Shizuka curiously asked.

    ¡°She was daughter of Shorimachi¡¯s snitch. He failed to save his snitch, along with his wife and his daughter, and it seems it still leave a deep bitterness in his heart.¡±

    Shizuka nodded and said, ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°And one more thing.¡± Hide showed the picture when Shizuka and Yukino scaled the slope near Villa Tigera. ¡°This picture is not clear enough to identify you. For now you are not under Shorimachi¡¯s radar.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Shizuka couldn¡¯t help but took a deep breath full of relief.

    ¡°What about Shorimachi¡¯s partner?¡± Takeo asked while fixing her gaze on Takayuki Hayami¡¯s picture.

    ¡°She is incredible investigator, but Shorimachi doesn¡¯t share the information about me with her,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°She is not dangerous factor for now.¡±

    ¡°It seems he also doesn¡¯t share that info with NFP¡¯s agent he works with.¡± Takeo concluded. ¡°Can you guess the reason?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t tell for sure,¡± Hide said, ¡°but I believe it¡¯s because he has his own agenda. Sooner or later he will reveal it to me to ask my assistance.¡±

    ¡°What about his surveillance on Hanna?¡± Takeo asked another question.

    ¡°It¡¯s not a problem for now.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Takeo calmly said.

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s for tonight. Let¡¯s go home.¡±

    ¡°¡°Okay,¡±¡± Takeo and Shizuka replied at the same time.

    Wasting no time, the three left the rooftop. Takeo and Shizuka left first, while Hide left about 20 minutes later. He walked to nearby bus stop before calling a taxi, and as soon as he sat inside the taxi he fell into deep ponders right away.

    Actually, there was info about Takayuki that Hide didn¡¯t share with Takeo and Shizuka. In his previous life, Takayuki was the metro police detective who handled his father murder case. When she knew that Hide ran away from his home because of panic after knowing his father already passed away, Takayuki also went out of her way to find him.

    She then gave him consolation, encouragement, and rent a small lodging house for him. At the same time, she was also regularly visiting Aizawa in the orphanage. When Hide started to be able to stand up on his own feet, she gave him suggestion to take volunteer work or enter SDF.

    The idea was, Hide needed sometime and something to help him figure out what he wanted to do with his life. He definitely couldn¡¯t stay doing nothing and stopped caring for his own life. In the end, Hide chose to enter SDF.

    In the registration form, he chose to apply to logistic or administration unit. However, because he carried out each PE as if he tried to punish himself, he unintentionally got a very high score in PE assessment. Without his consent, the chain of command then put him in infantry unit.

    After finishing the six months of basic training, his unit was then being deployed to reinforce first line defender in southern island. Before the departure, he wanted to visit Aizawa in orphanage, but Takayuki said that it was not the time yet.

    Unfortunately, five months later Hide received news that Takayuki died in traffic accident. Later, he found out that it was intentional murder. He managed to kill people who made the plot and the man who executed the job, but he lost the bridge to reconnecting to Aizawa for good. In the end, it took him more than a decade before he had the gut to try reconnecting with Aizawa, but it was already far too late.

    ¡®People from my past show up one by one,¡¯ Hide muttered while gazing out of the window. ¡®And it seems I have to kill people who go after Takayuki¡¯s life a bit earlier than the schedule.¡¯

    *****

 HA1 11.1 - Armed Opponent

    HA1 11.1 - Armed Opponent

    Time flew fast, and the day where Hide had to go to make his second ID finally arrived. He didn¡¯t have to go to school today and Aizawa also slept at Kitaro last night, but Coach Kotaro wanted to have a spar with him, so he woke up as usual like any Friday morning.

    After taking a bath, doing his daily chores, and packed change clothes for today unscheduled MMA class, Hide went to have small bowl of oatmeal as his breakfast. Then, he just calmly enjoyed the oatmeal when his father suddenly came out of his room. His hair was messy, but he wore his pajamas and not his working clothes. He also didn¡¯t have smell of alcohol.

    ¡°I read the message you put in the fridge,¡± Hide¡¯s father said as he passed Hide. ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s fine to let Aizawa stays in her school for a whole week?¡±

    ¡®Well, right now it¡¯s the best option I have. I have no confidence to put her in your watch yet,¡¯ Hide casually muttered. ¡°It¡¯s perfectly fine.¡±

    Then, while making a cup of tea for himself he continued, ¡°Is the part-time job pay you properly?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide casually replied.

    ¡°Good.¡± Hide¡¯s father then took the seat in front of Hide. ¡°If they dare to ask you to leave your school for a week, they better pay you properly.¡±

    ¡°They do. You don¡¯t have to worry about it.¡±

    After giving his tea a sip Hide¡¯s father said, ¡°If you have interest in programing industry, I can put you as part timer in my company. I can make it that you work directly under my supervision. That way, I can pass down my knowledge to you.¡±

    Question mark instantly popped up in Hide¡¯s forehead. ¡°You are not project manager anymore. Are you sure you have the influence to put me as part-timer under your direct supervision?¡±

    ¡°If I agree to become project manager again,¡± Hide¡¯s father confidently said. ¡°Letting me to exert a bit of nepotism is small price the board have to pay. They will agree right away.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°After you complete your current contract, just give me your CV. I will take care of the rest.¡±

    After a moment of silence, Hide said in serious manner, ¡°Dad, I appreciate it, but after completing my current contract, I don¡¯t think I will take another part-time in programing industry.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Hide¡¯s father asked while giving Hide a casual glance.

    ¡°I plan to enter medical school. It will absorb most of my mind and attention. I can¡¯t take part-time that require heavy thinking and attention,¡± Hide explained, still in serious manner.

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°In that case, do your best,¡± Hide¡¯s father said while got up to his feet. ¡°I will support whatever path you want to take, but I will beat you into pulp if you do it half-baked.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Hide¡¯s father then returned to his room, while Hide fell into ponder. From their conversation just now, Hide could see that his father started returning to his old self. It was so sudden, so it gave him a mix filing, but at the same time hope and happiness grew in his heart. They day where his family would become a whole again finally emerged in the horizon.

    ---

    Today, Hayashida had no sparring schedule with Hide, but he decided to pause his training and went to watch Hide¡¯s sparring with Coach Kotaro. When he saw Hide was doing pre-sparring warm up, he immediately walked over to him.

    ¡°Little Rascal,¡± Hayashida said as soon as he arrived before Hide. ¡°Do you know why the Old Fart wants to have unscheduled sparring with you?¡±

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    ¡°I have no idea,¡± Hide gave Hayashida an honest reply.

    ¡°It¡¯s because he want to give you a traumatic experience.¡±

    ¡°Why does Coach Kotaro want to do such thing?¡± Hide curiously asked.

    ¡°From the spar with me, you suffer almost no set back,¡± Hayashida said. ¡°So, he wants to give you some, and usually it will take a whole week before anyone who receives set back from him regain their confidence to resume their training.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°As I will skip the training for the whole week, Coach Kotaro want to use it as a chance to shape my mentality.¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Hayashida said before grinning from ear to ear.

    ¡°Well, I need every bit of Coach Kotaro¡¯s wisdom. I will gladly take this traumatic spar.¡±

    After a moment of silence Hayashida said, ¡°You are a really brave kid.¡±

    Then, Coach Kotaro suddenly signaled Hide to come to him, and as soon as Hide arrived before him he immediately said, ¡°Don¡¯t listen to Hayashida¡¯s rubbish.¡±

    ¡°Yes, coach,¡± Hide calmly replied.

    ¡°In today sparring, I will introduce you to the fight against armed-opponent.¡± Coach Kotaro then took a rubber sushi knife from table in front of him and continued, ¡°What do you say about this knife?¡±

    ¡°Size of knife gives presence and intimidation,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°The user usually take it out before the fight either to stop the fight from occur, or to paralyze their opponent and end the fight as quickly as possible.

    But the bigger the knife, the more the user has to follow certain body mechanic when using it, or it won¡¯t be effective. Ineffective use of big knife work well against amateur, but will get you killed in split second if your opponent know how to counter armed-opponent.¡±

    Coach Kotaro immediately nodded his head. ¡°It seems you are not fully clueless about armed-opponent.¡±

    ¡°I know about them to some extent.¡±

    ¡°Well, I will use this sushi knife then,¡± Chief Kotaro said as he used his finger to swirl the sushi knife¡¯s handle, as if it was just a small and light ballpoint. ¡°Let¡¯s see how far you can put your knowledge about armed-opponent to the fight.¡±

    Wasting no time, Hide and Coach Kotaro went to the fighting mat and stood face to face. A moment later, the sparring began.

    Swish!

    In a casual manner, Coach Kotaro made a swing to Hide¡¯s throat. It was beautiful and lightning speed swing, but Hide managed to avoid it by stepping back right before the knife touched his throat.

    ¡°Good reflex without unnecessary movement, you really have the knack to become a fighter,¡± Coach Kotaro happily gave Hide a praise. ¡°It seems you can also see my hand.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide casually replied, but at the same time cold sweats drenched his forehead.

    Coach Kotaro¡¯s swing was faster than his estimation. Most of all, his swing also showed that he was an excellent knife user. He trained in way of knife not just a mere hobby. He deeply fell in love with it.

    At the same time, Coach Kotaro got impression Hide didn¡¯t understand that the evasive step he just made was a master piece. His face showed no sign of shock nor panic even after seeing is lightning speed swing.

    ¡°Hide, if you know that only a handful people managed to avoid the swing I just threw at you, you won¡¯t take it lightly.¡±

    ¡°Coach, I don¡¯t take it lightly,¡± Hide firmly replied.

    ¡°Good, let¡¯s see how long you can keep avoiding my swing.¡±

    Wasting no time, Coach Kotaro launched a series of swing, a swift and flowing swing that went straight at Hide¡¯ thigh, belly, chest, or throat. However, Hide managed to avoid it by making side step and circular step and the sparring continued in this manner for two minutes straight. In the end, Coach Kotaro started losing his patience.

    He suddenly made a big step forward while making a backhand swing at Hide¡¯s throat. His intention was simple. His big step would accommodate Hide¡¯s back step. He did indeed had to sacrifice his footing to make this step, but his knife would definitely make solid connection to Hide¡¯ throat.

    However, Hide didn¡¯t take a step back to avoid his swing. He took a step forward instead, while raising his right arm to block his swing.

    Pak!

    Coach Kotaro felt an impact in his right arm just below his wrist. It was solid block to his swing, follow by strong push. Unfortunately, he already lost his footing so he couldn¡¯t generate enough power to hold the push back. With ease, Hide pushed his arm until it was pressing his chest, and then a small but swift sweep hit his legs.

    Baam!

    With a loud thud, Coach Kotaro¡¯s back hit the matt. At the same time, Hide already gripped his wrist and put the knife in his hand right at his throat. It took time to explain, but everything happened in split second.

    While Coach Kotaro was still trying to figure out what had happened Hide casually said to him, ¡°It seems I bag this round, Coach.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Coach Kotaro calmly replied, but the shock in his face was still clearly visible.

    At the same time, Hayashida went over to Coach Kotaro and kneeled next to him. ¡°Old Fart, how the fuck a newbie can put you down in the mat when you hold a knife?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s beginner luck.¡± Coach Kotaro tried to treat Hide¡¯s victory as a fluke, but his expression showed that he didn¡¯t really belief it.

    ¡°No one in this gym has done such feat,¡± Hayashida mockingly said. ¡°If it¡¯s beginner luck, then Hide¡¯s luck must be bigger than this world.¡±

    Coach Kotaro said nothing to reply Hayashida. He just got up to his feet with Hide¡¯s help. Then, he deeply looked at Hide straight in the eyes.

    ¡°It seems I underestimate you too match.¡±

    Seeing the cold gleam in Coach Kotaro¡¯s eyes, Hide instantly got a chill. ¡°Coach, it¡¯s just a fluke. Don¡¯t treat it too seriously.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s start the second round and see about that,¡± Coach Kotaro said in determined tone.

    *****

 HA3 11.2 - Second Round

    HA3 11.2 - Second Round

    Swish swish swish swish!

    Sw-swish!

    Swish swish swish!

    After Coach Kotaro switched to the smallest training knife, his swing became faster, more relentless, and more erratic. This kind of swing would deliver only shallow cut. It wouldn¡¯t kill you right away, but it would slow you down, or even bleed you to death if the amount was too many and didn¡¯t receive proper treatment in time.

    Most of all, it was very difficult to block this type of high-speed and formless swing, as Coach Kotaro could switching back and forth between conventional grip and reverse grip without pausing his attack.

    As the result, Hide was being forced into total evasive mode. He had no chance to launch counter attack. He couldn¡¯t even see Coach Kotaro¡¯s hand, so how he would counter his swing. Coach Kotaro also faithfully maintained deep and firm footing while chasing him like a madman.

    In a glance, it looked like it was just a matter of time before Hide received a cut or two. Yet, after four minutes of tight cat and mouse game, Hide still didn¡¯t suffer any cut. He did indeed have to step out of fighting mat several times, but other than that he did a really good job at distance management and movement reading.

    And finally, the relentless chase came to a halt. Coach Kotaro had run out of breath. He needed some time to catch it back.

    ¡°Hide,¡± Coach Kotaro said as he stepped back and maintained some distance from Hide. ¡°Your skill to fight armed opponent won¡¯t go to anywhere if all you do is evading my swing. Try to block it even only for once.¡±

    ¡®Nope, no thanks, Coach,¡¯ Hide calmly muttered.

    To launch a block, he had to stop his evasive movement. However, even if he was lucky enough to get a perfect block, he had no confidence to stop Coach Kotaro follow up attack, especially if he switched to rapid stabbing.

    In short, as soon as he stopped evading Coach Kotaro¡¯s chase, he would either receive fatal attack or become walking mincemeat. That was not so bright of prospect.

    After taking a deep breath Hide replied, ¡°Coach, blocking your swing is one hell of risky move.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the point of training,¡± Coach Kotaro calmly said. ¡°Facing challenge head on and learn how to properly take a risk.¡±

    ¡°Hide, don¡¯t listen to that Old Fart,¡± Hayashida suddenly blurted out. ¡°He wants you to make a rush move and give him window to bag this round. Right now, he has only one thing in his head. He has to regain his honor at all cost.¡±

    ¡°Shut up, you Damnable Rascal,¡± Coach Kotaro vexingly said. ¡°Don¡¯t just randomly spit out nonsense.¡±

    Actually, what Hayashida said was true. Coach Kotaro really had only one thing in his head right now. He had to regain some of his honor. If his martial buddies knew he suffered a clean defeat from a newbie when he had knife in his hand, for the next several years they would use him as laughing stock every time they have drinking gathering.

    ¡®I definitely can¡¯t let that happen. I have to make the score even by bagging one round from Hide,¡¯ Coach Kotaro muttered as he strengthened his resolve to defeat Hide by all means. ¡°Hide, you are young. It¡¯s fine to be hot blooded in occasion.¡±

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    ¡°Shameless Old Fart,¡± Hayashida couldn¡¯t help but blurted out another painful remark for Coach Kotaro.

    ¡°Shut up, don¡¯t disturb Hide.¡±

    In the end, Hayashida could only shake his head. At the same time, Hide caught the similarity between Hayashida and Coach Kotaro. The two were sore loser to the core. They were truly like father and son even though they had no blood relation.

    ¡®It seems I have triggered Coach Kotaro¡¯s fighting spirit in a wrong way, but I won¡¯t back down. I will end this round quick,¡¯ Hide muttered before saying, ¡°Coach, let¡¯s end this sparring.¡±

    ¡°Hide,¡± Coach Kotaro said in a drop dead serious tone. ¡°This round won¡¯t end until one of us down in the mat.¡±

    ¡°Coach,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°I don¡¯t mean disrespect, but in long run I will win this round even though all I do is evading your swing. You are not young anymore. Your stamina will betray you sooner or later.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll see about that.¡±

    After a short pause Hide said, ¡°How about this? Throw your best swing at me. If I can catch it, it¡¯s my win. If I can¡¯t or move my feet to avoid it, it¡¯s your win.¡±

    Big question mark instantly popped up in Coach Kotaro¡¯s forehead. ¡°Are you sure about that?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Hide firmly replied. ¡°I have seen your swings enough. You also have slowed down a bit. I will definitely catch your wrist before your knife can touch me.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After an ear-to-ear smile Coach Kotaro said, ¡°It¡¯s nice to be young. Reckless and brakeless, enjoy the challenge to the fullest.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide said while loosened up his body and arms.

    A moment later, Coach Kotaro darted his body towards Hide. He was sacrificing his footing to enable the fastest swing he could deliver. He had no intention for follow up swing. He bet his chance to bag the round on this one single swing.

    Then, he saw Hide¡¯s shoulder started to move, but he didn¡¯t see he moved his arm. Then, as he launched a swing at Hide¡¯s throat he realized something was wrong, but it was already too late.

    Baam!

    Without a warning, a round-house kick made a solid connection to Coach Kotaro¡¯s temple. As the result, his consciousness arrived in Black Land even before his body landed in the mat with a thud. If he didn¡¯t wear hard-headgear, the medic staff would already call ambulance before rushing in to give him first aid.

    ¡°It seems I also bag this round, Coach,¡± Hide calmly said before stepping aside and gave the medic staff a room to check Coach Kotaro¡¯s vitals.

    Hide really had no choice but to go full power with his kick. He did not only trick Coach Kotaro, but also kicked him in the head. If Coach Kotaro didn¡¯t lose his conscious from the kick, he believed he would continue the sparring with intention to chop him for real.

    At the same time, in the edge of fighting mat Hayashida looked at Hide with complicated gaze. ¡®This Little Rascal¡­ He even has the gut to trick Old Fart as if it was nothing.¡¯

    ¡°Hide,¡± Hayashida said as Hide walked over to him. ¡°Congrats, since the Old Fart started this gym, only you have ever bagged two solid consecutive rounds from him.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide took a deep breath before continuing, ¡°But, I get a hunch. Coach Kotaro will skin me alive next week.¡±

    ¡°No, he won¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure about that, Senior Hayashida?¡± Hide curiously asked.

    Hayashida gave Hide a firm nod. ¡°He will look at you like a sulking toddler and ask you for a rematch, but he won¡¯t do anything else other than that. He won¡¯t even scold you for tricking him.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°However, when you are away, he will train himself like madman, so brace yourself for the rematch.¡±

    ¡°I will.¡± After a short pause Hide continued, ¡°Senior, you really know a lot about Coach Kotaro.¡±

    ¡°We bicker a lot, training together a lot, and eating together a lot,¡± Hayashida casually said. ¡°It¡¯s natural that I know him like my own palm.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After a moment of silence Hide asked Hayashida another question, ¡°Do you know what return gift I can bring for Coach Kotaro?¡±

    ¡°Just buy him the cheapest local whiskey you can get from liquor store. He loves to use it to make Highball and ask me to make fried chicken to accompany it.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¡°But don¡¯t buy him more than two bottles,¡± Hayashida said in a drop dead serious tone. ¡°He drinks only booze he got as a gift, and three bottles a month is the limit before it can affect his health.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Hide firmly said. ¡°And what about you and the others in the gym?¡±

    After a short ponder Hayashida said, ¡°Just bring us three boxes of lemon pound cake. We eat only sweets we got as a gift.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    After gulping down two mouthful of water Hide went back to the medic staff. Then, under the various gaze from everyone in the gym, he helped the medic staff to lay Coach Kotaro¡¯s ¡®remains¡¯ in infirmary.

    *****

 HA3 11.3 - The Departure

    HA3 11.3 - The Departure

    Inside his mother¡¯s office, Takeo casually played puzzle with Rei and Kei. He would be away for one whole week, so he wanted to spend his time as much as possible with Rei and Kei before the departure time. Then, her mother suddenly entered the room.

    ¡°Are you sure you already bring anything you need?¡± Takeo¡¯s mother gently asked.

    ¡°Mom,¡± Takeo calmly said. ¡°I already check it three times. Everything is good.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s too bad Hide can¡¯t come here to have a meal with us before your departure.¡±

    Takeo nodded and said, ¡°It can¡¯t be help. He has morning training and he want to spend his time before the departure with Aizawa.¡±

    ¡°Maybe we should talk about it one more time with him, that he can let Aizawa to stay with us while he is away,¡± Takeo¡¯s mother firmly said. ¡°It¡¯s much better than letting Aizawa stay in her school for one whole week.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kei suddenly said while nodded her head a few times. ¡°If Big Sis Aizawa stays with us, we can play with her every night.¡±

    ¡°Can we just take her to our house after Big Bro and Big Bro Hide depart?¡± Rei proposed an idea.

    ¡°What do you say about it son?¡± Takeo¡¯s mother happily said. ¡°Can we do it?¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t,¡± Takeo firmly said.

    ¡°Why do we can¡¯t?¡± Rei asked curiously.

    ¡°When it comes about Aizawa, Hide is very protective like duckling mother. He will be very angry if we take Aizawa from her school without her consent.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Takeo¡¯s mother calmly said. ¡°We won¡¯t take Aizawa from her school, but we will visit her.¡±

    ¡°I guess a visit is fine.¡±

    After hearing they would visit Aizawa in her school, Rei and Kei immediately had big smiles in their face. At the same time, Takeo received notification in his tablet. Paolo was about 5 minutes away from his family restaurant.

    Wasting no time, Takeo hugged Rei, Kei, and his mother in turn. After that he said his goodbye to his father in the kitchen, and then went to wait Paolo in nearby bus stop. He didn¡¯t need to wait for long before Paolo showed up driving a grey SUV. After putting his luggage in the trunk, he then took passenger seat.

    ---

    After sending a message to Shorimachi, Hide bought several packs of bread, bags of potato chips, and boxes of juice in convenience store near Kitaro. After that he went straight to visit Aizawa. Then, right after he took a turn in the last corner, he saw Sayaka and her mother, and Kaede Sensei stood in Kitaro¡¯s front gate.

    They talked and laughed, and then Sayaka and her mother gave Kaede Sensei a small bow before they went to their car and gone. At the same time, Kaede Sensei turned her gaze to Hide¡¯s direction. She instantly recognized him and smiled at him. Then, she waited until he arrived before her.

    ¡°Good afternoon, Sensei,¡± Hide said while giving Kaede Sensei a small bow.

    ¡°Good afternoon, Hide.¡± After a smile Kaede Sensei added, ¡°Shinji join us starting today. Per your request, I put him together with Aizawa and Kana.¡±

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    ¡°Thank you, Sensei.¡±

    ¡°No problem, it¡¯s nothing.¡±

    ¡°What instrument he will play?¡±

    ¡°Trumpet.¡±

    ¡°So, it will be a team of piano, violin, and trumpet.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, and I get a hunch it will become a very good team.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°And if you want to see Aizawa before your trip, she is in the side yard with the other two,¡± Kaede Sensei casually said. ¡°Usually, I can¡¯t let outsider enter the side yard unless we have festival, but for you I will make an exception.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Sensei.¡±

    After giving Kaede Sensei another small bow, Hide immediately went to the side yard. Like any Saturday, after the lunch the kids who stayed in Kitaro had no class and lots of them would enjoy their spare time by chatting in the side yard or the longue.

    With ease, Hide spotted Aizawa, Kana, and Shinji sat together in one of stone tables in the side yard. He then took detour and stop in the last corner because he wanted to listen to their conversation.

    ¡°Chubby,¡± Kana said. ¡°Per tradition in this school, the newest member you will become errand boy in our team.¡±

    ¡°Are you saying I have to buy you soft drink and snacks?¡± Shinji curiously asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s one of your jobs as errand boy.¡±

    ¡°What do you want me to buy?¡±

    ¡°Three bags of potato chips and three boxes of juice,¡± Aizawa said. ¡°You can buy it from vending machine near the front office.¡±

    Shinji immediately took a small wallet from his pocket, took a piece of 100 Ren coins from it, and put it in the table. ¡°But this is all the money I have right now. I will receive my weekly allowance on Monday, can we wait until then?¡±

    ¡°Chubby, we are not bully you,¡± Kara said. ¡°We will put in together our money. It¡¯s not just your money.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Aizawa then put three 100 Ren coins on the table. ¡°For today, you don¡¯t need to chip in.¡±

    ¡°We will cover your share,¡± Kara said while putting another three 100 Ren coins on the table.

    ¡°Wait a second.¡± Shinji looked at six 100 Ren coins in the table as he continued, ¡°How can you have so much money in the weekend? How much is your allowance?¡±

    ¡°500 Ren per week,¡± Aizawa said.

    ¡°Me too, 500 Ren per week,¡± Kara added.

    Big question mark instantly appeared in Shinji¡¯s forehead. ¡°500 Ren per week, but you still have 300 Ren in the weekend. Don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t buy snack in the weekday.¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t,¡± Kara casually said. ¡°Or to be precise, we don¡¯t need to.¡±

    ¡°In the weekday, we receive snack twice, at 9 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon, and the snack is super-duper tasty. Our pastry staffs are really good at making snack,¡± Aizawa happily explained.

    ¡°I see.¡±

    At the same time, light smile bloomed at Hide¡¯s lips. Honestly, Hide felt bad for indirectly making Aizawa lose her first manga buddy, but now the two would have the chance to resume their manga talk again. Wasting no time, Hide then stepped out from his hideout.

    ¡°Yo,¡± Hide casually said while putting the convenience store bag he carried on the table.

    ¡°Big Bro,¡± Aizawa said while looking at Hide with sparkling eyes. ¡°You have not departed yet.¡±

    ¡°Nope, it¡¯s still about one hour before the shuttle come to picks me up.¡± As he arranged the snacks on the table Hide added, ¡°Before that, I want to have chat with you all.¡±

    While having big smile in his face, Hide then sat next to Aizawa. A moment later the chat began.

    ---

    On the bus stop near Kitaro, Hide casually stood. He just had a good chat with Aizawa, Kara, and Shinji, so he barely could hide his grin. Then, a grey SUV smoothly stopped before him. Wasting no time, he put his luggage in the trunk and then hopped in to the back seat.

    ¡°Ready for the trip?¡± Paolo asked while looking at Hide through the center rearview mirror.

    ¡°Absolutely.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± Wasting no time Paolo then stepped on the gas. ¡°You will receive your pocket money and the money you will use to open the bank account after you land in Italica.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¡°As for now, you can turn your phone off and take out the battery.¡±

    Wasting no time, Hide and Takeo carried out Paolo instruction.

    ¡°Hide,¡± Paolo casually continued his instruction. ¡°In the small bag next to you, you will find two wigs and two fake glasses. You and Takeo should put it on.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Hide immediately checked the small bag next to him. Then, he handed over a pair of wig and fake glasses to Takeo, while put the other pair on himself.

    After giving a quick glance on Hide and Takeo new appearance Paolo said, ¡°Now, no one will recognize you unless they make a conversation with you.¡±

    Wasting no time, Paolo then took the grey SUV to enter the express way that connected Nichiko and Aida. The journey to Shiba Airport in Aida City normally took about 90 minutes, but Paolo completed it at 75 minutes.

    Then, he brought Hide and Takeo straight to maintenance depot of an airfreight company from Italica. About 45 minutes later, Hide and Takeo were already in the air, inside a jumbo airfreight that flew straight to Italica.

    *****

 HA3 12.1 - Unfulfilled Promise

    HA3 12.1 - Unfulfilled Promise

    As usual, after the lunch Shorimachi casually sat in his table. Other than carrying out the parallel investigation, he was also working on regular white collar crime. Then, Takayuki who just returned from her lunch sat in front of him.

    Shorimachi immediately turned his gaze to him, ¡°How is it?¡±

    ¡°My colleagues in Cyber Crime said they can¡¯t say for sure if the breach to download personnel data from First and Second Division is being done by people who launch cyber-attack at Chikara Tower,¡± Takayuki calmly explained.

    ¡°Do they have a clue or two about the attacker identity?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s already more than a week and they are still not figure out the attacker.¡±

    ¡°All they can say is, it¡¯s being done using unregistered mil-grade network, encrypted hardware, and military cyber warfare tactic.¡±

    ¡°Our military or foreign military?¡±

    ¡°Our military, but one generation behind.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Shorimachi instantly recalled the record from cyber-attack at Chikara Tower. It was also being done using unregistered network, but it was highly sophisticated networking with subtle nature. With correct operator, it would take control the target server and network and manipulating without alerting anyone. This cyber-attack was one of the main reasons why NFP believed the involvement of foreign black ops unit.

    ¡°What about the damage assessment?¡±

    ¡°Personal data of detectives from First and Second Division are not top secret. It is being store in server under human resource management, and it¡¯s connected to server of other agency under department of justice. If the file is what they want, they can just attack the weakest server. Yet, they pick the strongest one,¡± Takayuki calmly explained. ¡°Right now, people from Cyber Crime conclude it¡¯s just a show off from a nerd with too much of spare time.¡±

    ¡°So, no sensitive file or undercover file being downloaded in that breach?¡± Shorimachi curiously asked.

    ¡°Senior Shorimachi,¡± Takayuki gently said. ¡°Sensitive file and undercover file are being stored in closed system without connection. To make a copy of a file from this system, you have to make physical contact with the server, and pass two heavily guarded doors before that.

    The other way is by getting the security clearance and submits a request for the file.¡±

    ¡°How do you know about this?¡±

    ¡°Detective academy,¡± Takayuki casually said. ¡°The administrative procedure to take sensitive or undercover file.¡±

    Shorimachi nodded his head and then nonchalantly said, ¡°It seems I skipped the class when they talk about this procedure.¡±

    ¡°It seems so.¡±

    Then, Shorimachi second smartphone suddenly buzzed off. He immediately gave it a check and found a message from Hide, ¡®I heard some info. Maybe it¡¯s useful for you. I write the detail in the attachment. I will also be off the city until next week. I beg your pardon if I don¡¯t reply your message.¡¯

    Wasting no time, Shorimachi opened the attachment, and the more he read it the more his expression became tense.

    ¡°Senior, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Takayuki warily asked.

    ¡°We need to check something,¡± Shorimachi said as he got up to his feet. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ---

    In the intersection to enter Highway 11, stood a semi-finished building that was on suspended due to a land dispute. In front of this building, Shorimachi stood while scanning the surrounding area.

    ¡°Senior, what are we looking for?¡± Takayuki who stood next to Shorimachi curiously asked.

    ¡°Do you still remember the ambush on Aizen¡¯s courier in Highway 11?¡±

    ¡°A few things suggested it was being done using Aizen Chief¡¯s S-14,¡± Takayuki casually replied. ¡°But, all traffic cameras that can provide undisputed evidence for this conclusion were offline. We need to find Aizen Chief¡¯s S-14 before we can draw final conclusion.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± After a short pause Shorimachi continued, ¡°The traffic camera all the way from Aizen Minimart to Highway 11 and some areas around it were offline, but we know for sure the S14 was in this dark area that night, and it never left it or the online traffic camera would record it.¡±

    ¡°But people from traffic and highway patrol already conduct wide area search in these areas and found nothing,¡± Takayuki said.

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    Shorimachi immediately pointed his finger at the semi-finished building before him. ¡°It seems they didn¡¯t check this building.¡±

    ¡°This building?¡± Takayuki looked at the semi-finished building while furrowing her brows.

    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s check it.¡±

    Wasting no time, Shorimachi walked to the basement parking lot under the semi-finished building, and Takayuki tacitly followed him. When they started entering the dark area, they turn the flashlight in their smartphone on.

    A moment later, they saw remain of sedan in a corner. It totally got burned, but Shorimachi could still recognize its mainframe. It was S14 with shark¡¯s eyes style headlight, the same model with Aizen¡¯s Chief¡¯s S14. Then, when Shorimachi checked the passenger seat, he found dozens of 5.56 cartridges, the same round that killed Aizen¡¯s couriers.

    ¡°It seems the info I got from my snitch is legit,¡± Shorimachi casually said.

    ¡°Your snitch?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± After a short pause Shorimachi added, ¡°I also got a hunch the ambush on Aizen¡¯s courier is done by same crew who hit Kamui Finance.¡±

    ¡°Senior, wait a second,¡± Takayuki said as she tilted her head to the said. ¡°The ambush to Aizen¡¯s courier did indeed being accompanied by cyber-attack like the hit in Kamui Finance.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°However, unlike the sophisticated cyber-attack on Chikara Tower¡¯s security office, the cyber-attack on main terminal that control traffic camera was being done using civilian and registered network. The suspect also most likely uploaded the email that contained the virus using ordinary smartphone.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°So, how can you get a hunch it is being done by the same crew?¡± Where did I miss the dot?¡±

    ¡°Like I said, it¡¯s just a hunch. No rational line of thought behind it,¡± Shorimachi casually replied.

    After a moment silence Takayuki asked another question, ¡°What about your snitch? Why do you not share about them to me?¡±

    ¡°Sorry about that,¡± Shorimachi said in low voice. ¡°But the last time I share the identity of my snitch, he, his wife, and his daughter met with tragic end as the result. I won¡¯t repeat that mistake.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Takayuki calmly said. ¡°In that case, you don¡¯t need to share it with me.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your understanding,¡± Shorimachi sincerely said. ¡°Now, help me call forensic to check this car. I need to call people from First Division and share the other info I got from my snitch.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ---

    For the last several weeks, the remains of Villa Tigera was no different than a haunted cemetery. It was quiet and eerie. Even hiker who usually loved to enjoy the natural trail around it ceased their routine.

    But this afternoon, bustling activities took place in this eerie and quiet place. Under the watch of a forensic team, dozen police officers were busy digging a hole under the orchid garden in the villa backyard. Another three dozens of police officers were securing the perimeter around the villa, half of them already finished their turn for the digging work.

    While in the parking lot, Shorimachi and Takayuki stood next to each other and leaned their back on the Lan Evo. The info he got from Hide mentioned that Toruma Elder buried bodies of little girls under the purple orchid garden. After reading about this information, the first thing that popped up in his mind was the remains of his snitch¡¯s daughter.

    Hide¡¯s information about Aizen Chief¡¯s S14 was accurate, so he hoped this information would also accurate. Then, a pair of NFP agents suddenly came over and stopped right before Shorimachi.

    ¡°Detective Shorimachi,¡± one of the NFP agents said. ¡°The info about the black van is accurate. It totally got burned, so I don¡¯t think we will got any forensic trace from it, but are you sure that car was being used to transport the loots from Villa Tigera raid?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Do you know what kind of loots?¡±

    ¡°I will write the detail in the report later.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After a moment of silence the NFP agent continued. ¡°We just finished the digging.¡±

    ¡°And?¡±

    ¡°We found four skeletons. Based on visual examination, they belong to little girls.¡±

    ¡°Bring me to them.¡±

    ¡°Follow me.¡±

    Wasting no time, Shorimachi and Takayuki followed the NFP agents. A moment later, they arrived before four body bags. Shorimachi immediately checked the body bag one by one. He found each skeleton had one similarity. They wore fancy clothes. Then, on the fourth skeleton he found she had a bracelet with charm to ward evil in her left wrist.

    Shorimachi instantly recognized the bracelet. He was the one who gave this little girl the bracelet. At the same time, when she saw her remains, unbearable pain suddenly gripped his chest. It was as if every single fiber of his being recognized the little girl and couldn¡¯t accept for her death.

    ¡°This is Little Miko. My snitch¡¯s only daughter,¡± Shorimachi said while zipped back the body back.

    He then got up and walked back to the Lan Evo. With each steps he recalled the forensic report about the killing of his snitch and his wife. When he realized Toruma Mafia knocked his door, his snitch immediately held the door with everything he got, while asking his wife to hide Miko and asked her to call him from her hiding.

    His snitch only managed to hold the door for two minutes, before Toruma goons breached it and stabbed him 14 times. His wife who had just hid Miko under the bed in the guest room tried to attack Toruma goons using kitchen knife, but she got stabbed 18 times instead.

    With ease the Toruma goons then found Miko and dragged her from under the bed, while she had a call with him. Shorimachi would never forget Miko¡¯s cried for help. He even could hear one of the goons slapped Miko to make her stop her scream and cry. Then, he heard Leader Torumada said, [You won¡¯t be able to safe this little girl. I can guarantee you that much, Detective.]

    And that was the end of the call. When Shorimachi arrived, it was already too late. He only found his snitch and his wife cold body lied in the floor. The attempt to track Miko¡¯s whereabouts using traffic camera also bore no fruit.

    Now, he found. Until her last moment, Miko wore the bracelet he gave her along with promise that if bad people came for his family, he would safe them no matter what. However, he had failed them, every single one of them.

    As soon as he arrived before the Lan Evo, Shorimachi immediately entered the passenger seat. Then, his wailed exploded while his hand kept hitting the dashboard as hard as he could.

    Takayuki who followed Shorimachi instantly stopped her steps. Throughout her life, she never heard such painful wailing. Then, after taking a deep breath, she decided to stood next to the Lan Evo, leaned her back on it while folded her arms on her chest. Her intention was simple. She would let Shorimachi had his mourning time undisturbed.

    A moment later, the two NFP agents arrived before Takayuki. After looking at Shorimachi who was still wailing and hitting the dashboard, one of the agents said, ¡°Detective Takayuki, we need to talk with your partner about his snitch, right now?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid right now is not the correct time,¡± Takayuki calmly said.

    ¡°Detective, we are NFP. We are the one who decide the correct time.¡±

    ¡°Fuck NFP!¡± Takayuki said while a cold gleam flashed in her eyes. ¡°Now scram.¡±

    ¡°What did you say?¡±

    The NFP agent wanted to confront Takayuki¡¯s nasty attitude, but his partner stopped him and dragged him.

    After that, Takayuki waited until Shorimachi was a bit calm before driving him home.

    *****

 HA3 12.2 - Good Offer

    HA3 12.2 - Good Offer

    Time flew fast. Eight days already took place since the digging in Villa Tigera. Lots of thing happened in this time span. After writing every piece of information he knew in his report, Shorimachi then ended his part in parallel investigation.

    Goto respected Shorimachi¡¯s decision and left him alone. The only problem he had to deal with was the NFP agents who worked with First Division. They didn¡¯t believe Shorimachi¡¯s snitch who gave them legit info had died. However, they could do nothing as Shorimachi faithfully stick to the report he submitted and didn¡¯t budge to their pressure.

    Then, the forensic finished their investigation and Shorimachi could cremate her and then put her remains together with her parent¡¯s in St. Marry final resting house.

    ¡®Finally, they can stay together as family again,¡¯ Shorimachi muttered as he fixed his gaze on Miko¡¯s bright smile.

    Then, he turned his gaze to the three urns in the next slot. Each urn had a picture of sweet little girl, with bright smile in their face. They were the other little girls that were found together with Miko. People from First Division and forensic managed to identify them, but their parent refused to take them back. Even after Shorimachi kneeled in front of them, and begged them to take their daughter home, they refused.

    They said the little girls were not their daughters anymore. They belong to Toruma Mafia. They were afraid if they took them back, Toruma Mafia would use it as excuse to punish them. In the end, Shorimachi held the departure rite for the girls, cremated them, and put their remains in St. Mary final resting house, just next to his snitch and his family.

    Takayuki who stood next to Shorimachi suddenly let out a sigh. ¡°Their family sold them, and it led them to tragic end, and after years of waiting to be found, these poor girls still can¡¯t go home.¡±

    ¡°Every child deserves a parent, but not every parent deserves a child,¡± Shorimachi said before closing the slot.

    ¡°True. Parent who doesn¡¯t have the resolve to raise a kid should never have one.¡±

    ¡°I experience it firsthand by the way,¡± Shorimachi casually said.

    ¡°Pardon, Senior?¡±

    For some reason, Shorimachi had an urge to tell Takayuki about his own childhood, and so he started the story.

    ¡°Naoto, my younger brother, is a very cheerful kid. He would smile or laugh at even the smallest thing that made him happy. He was also not fussy about our living condition, even though it became very crappy after our father left us to have an affair with another woman. If there was a championship on how to become a cheerful kid under shitty circumstances, Naoto definitely would win the first place.¡±

    And just before his third birthday, Naoto took initiative learning how to fold his own clothes. After that, every time Shorimachi returned from school, he would found his clothes were already being not so neatly folded in his room. Shorimachi would then give Naoto a thump up and it gave him more confidence to help with other house chore.

    Naoto did all of that, his cheerful smile, his effort to fold the clothes, and helping with the house chore because he wanted to lighten their mother burden, and prevent her from leaving the two like their father. In the whole world, Shorimachi believed Naoto was the only three-year-old kid who had such mature disposition.

    On the other side, having a hardworking and cheerful little brother around, made Shorimachi thought that their live was not so bad. He was the only kid in his school who didn¡¯t receive pocket money and wore worn out clothes, but every time he remembered Naoto¡¯s cheerful smile, his embarrassment and bitterness was gone without a trace.

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    It¡¯s just that, their mother had different view than them. One morning, she dropped Shorimachi and Naoto in front of St. Marry orphanage front¡¯s gate, along with small backpack of their clothes, two pieces of 1000 Ren bill, and a letter that Shorimachi had to give to anyone who open the front gate. And just like that, Shorimachi and Naoto became a pair of orphan. He was eight, while Naoto was three at that time.

    ¡°After that, Naoto became a timid kid. He kept asking me why our mother left us, and the only answer I could give him was that the woman who left us was not our mother. That¡¯s why she didn¡¯t want to raise us.¡± After a short pause Shorimachi added, ¡°Naoto knew I was lying, but he didn¡¯t want to argue or make a fuss, so he would just sob silently and I will hug him as tight as I could while holding my own sob.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Takayuki let out a sigh before saying, ¡°Every child deserves a parent, but not every parent deserves a child.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I hate people who force couple to give birth regardless their willingness or ability to raise a kid, like Felon Mush,¡± Takayuki genuinely said.

    After making a light snort Shorimachi said, ¡°If I meet that bastard in the street, I will shoot him in the face.¡±

    ¡°Me too, I will definitely shoot the bastard in the face if I have the chance.¡± After taking a deep breath Takayuki then asked, ¡°Senior, do you miss your mother?¡±

    ¡°Not even once, and I know her whereabouts actually,¡± Shorimachi casually said.

    ¡°You know her whereabouts?¡±

    ¡°After leaving us in orphanage, she married a rich widower with one kid from Aida, and gave birth to another kid.¡± After a short pause Shorimachi added, ¡°She still lives happily in Aida with her family right now, and has several grandkids who adore her.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s not talk about her.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    After a moment of silence Shorimachi then continued the conversation, ¡°And I¡¯m sorry, for selfishly leave the parallel investigation with NFP. It¡¯s a good opportunity for you to score good point in front of higher-ups honestly.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Takayuki casually said. ¡°Agent Goto offer me a chance to continue the parallel investigation actually, but I have no interest in NFP¡¯s work.¡±

    After lightly nodded his head Shorimachi said, ¡°I see.¡±

    After giving the poor little girls who couldn¡¯t return to their home another complicated glance, Shorimachi and Takayuki then left the final resting house.

    ---

    After Takayuki dropped him off in his lodging house, the first thing that Shorimachi did was enjoying a can of beer while looking at the bandage that fully wrapped around his right fist. He had destroyed it beyond recognition, and now he reaped what he sowed. His doctor said it would take a whole month before his right fist fully recovered.

    ¡®Fuck!¡¯ Shorimachi cursed as the throbbing in his right fist suddenly became unbearable.

    Then, he put down his beer in the table and took his second smartphone. Hide should have returned from his trip. Initially, he planned to meet him on his way to school at Monday, but he couldn¡¯t wait anymore. Wasting no time, he dialed Hide¡¯s number and a moment later he was connected.

    [Yeah?]

    ¡°Are you back?¡±

    [I just enter the city vicinity.]

    ¡°I see.¡± After taking a deep breath Shorimachi said, ¡°Thank you for the tips. It helps us have better understanding on the crew you assist.¡±

    [What understanding you got, if I may know?]

    ¡°They have no political goal. They also have no intention to stir a change in underworld. They won¡¯t hesitate to use their best skill to clear an objective, but they will avoid public attention as much as they can.¡±

    [In my understanding, what they go after is simply money and gold. They also told me. After another job or two they will be gone.]

    ¡°Can you set me up a meeting with them?¡±

    [If they know I talk about them with a police officer, they will kill me.]

    ¡°I have a good offer for them. If their main objective is money and gold, they will gladly accept my offer.¡±

    [Even if they gladly accept your offer, they will still kill me.]

    ¡°Can you find a way so they know my offer, but without putting your life in danger?¡±

    [¡­]

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to come with the method right now. Take your time to think about it.¡±

    [Write your offer in detail and the number they can contact you. I will try to drop it in their place. After that, they contact you or not, is beyond me.]

    ¡°Okay, and by the way I already destroyed your footage.¡±

    [Thanks.]

    ¡°By any chance, do you bring me sweet souvenir?¡±

    Beeeeb!!!

    ¡®What a rude kid,¡¯ Shorimachi muttered before reaching out for his beer and gave it a sip.

    *****

 HA3 13.1 - Return to Nikko

    HA3 13.1 - Return to Nikko

    After 17 hours of flight, Hide and Takeo landed in Pisa Airport. Then, they got a very delicious welcome pizza, which being said was a way to ward off evil intention. After that, Takeo went to and stayed in a rural town called Rada, while Hide went to and stayed in a border town between Switzerland and Germane.

    For the whole week, the two tried their best to ingrain their second ID to their heart and mind, and learned the craft to maintain it. It was not easy and just two days before their return flight, unforeseen circumstance occurred. They had to help their host killed a few intruders.

    But overall, everything went according to the plan. At Friday night the next week, Hide and Takeo returned to Nikko using two different business flights. It took another 17 hours before Hide arrived at Karita Airport, one of the biggest airports in Nikko and located about 30 minutes from downtown Nichiko.

    Now, Hide calmly stood in the line, waiting for his passport to receive the stamp that would authorize his stay. He wore a jeans, grey T-shirt, and suits, along with short-curly wig and neutral glasses. The wait took a few minutes, and finally his turn arrived. Wasting no time, Hide handed over his passport to female immigration officer behind the locket.

    After checking his name and taking his picture and fingerprint, the immigration officer said, ¡°Mr. Asahi Otto, may I know your purpose of visit?¡±

    ¡°Work,¡± Hide casually replied. ¡°I¡¯m a massage therapist and I receive a contract from Nirvana.¡±

    ¡°Nirvana,¡± The immigration officer said. ¡°Isn¡¯t that VIP massage parlor that specialized themselves in service to deliver sexual pleasure?¡±

    ¡°Correct.¡±

    ¡°How long is your contract?¡±

    ¡°Two years.¡±

    ¡°What is your plan for your place to stay?¡±

    ¡°Nirvana helps me rent a lodging house.¡±

    ¡°Other than people from Nirvana, do you know anyone in Nikko?¡±

    ¡°Nope.¡±

    ¡°Does Nirvana send someone to pick you up?¡±

    ¡°They send me a driver.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After giving Hide¡¯s passport arrival stamp, the immigration officer said, ¡°Mr. Asahi, welcome to Nikko and we wish you good fortune with your work.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    While having a smile in his face Hide took back his passport. A moment later, he was already walking among the people who would leave the airport. Then, he saw a middle-aged man holding a sign board with his name on it. He immediately walked over to the man.

    ¡°Are you Driver Ren from Nirvana?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m,¡± The middle-aged man politely replied. ¡°Are you Mr. Asahi Otto?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m.¡± Hide gave Driver Ren a slight bow as he continued, ¡°Nice to meet you, Driver Ren, and thank you for coming to pick me up.¡±

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    ¡°Nice to meet you too, Mr. Asahi, and please don¡¯t be too courteous. It¡¯s my job to come and pick you up,¡± Driver Ren said while returning Hide¡¯s slight bow. ¡°And honestly, I never thought you can speak like local so damn good.¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s one of main condition to get contract from Nirvana, so I work very hard learning how to speak and read like local.¡±

    After a smile Driver Ren said, ¡°I see.¡±

    Wasting no time, Driver Ren took Hide to a White MPV with Nirvana¡¯s logo, and drove him to his lodging house.

    ---

    About 15 minutes from Karita Airport, stood a lodging house called Hikone. It had three floors of 12 rooms each, and most the rooms were still empty. There were a few shops, dinner, and one office complex for logistic company around Hikone, but most of the area was still undeveloped and empty.

    With swift steps, driver Ren took Hide to a room in Hikone¡¯s second floor. Then, while putting Hide¡¯s luggage in middle of the room he said. ¡°This is your lodging. You already paid it for one full year, but if you want to move to other lodging near the downtown, Ms. Akari can arrange it.¡±

    ¡°Can I check it first?¡± Hide casually said.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Hide immediately checked the bathroom. It was located just next to entry door. It had sitting toilet with shower and was very clean. The water also flowed vigorously. After that he checked the kitchen. It had small electric stove, small sink, and small dish rack. While in the mid-size compartment under the dish rack he found a frying pan, small stock pot, three mugs, and three sets of eating utensils.

    ¡®I only need to buy a microwave and laundry machine later,¡¯ Hide muttered. ¡®As for the fridge, I don¡¯t think I will need it. I will sleep here only in occasion.¡¯

    Hide then went to check the living room. It had 24¡± LED TV and a foldable table. They were not new, but they were still in a very good condition. Hide also found brand new sleeping mat, a blanket, and a pillow was being neatly folded near the TV. It meant the living room was also the sleeping room.

    Last but not least, Hide checked the small balcony with three clothes line to hang his laundry. Then, he went back to Driver Ren.

    ¡°This lodge is more than sufficient,¡± Hide firmly said.

    ¡°Are you sure about that? This place is like a tinny shoe box. Only backpacker will rent it on daily rate.¡±

    ¡°I plan to sleep in my customer¡¯s place a lot. Small lodge will ease my effort to maintain its hygiene.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After a moment of silence Driver Ren said, ¡°I mean no offense, but if I may say, you give me an impression of a Hitman character straight from detective-thriller novel.¡±

    After a small chuckle Hide said, ¡°I¡¯m honored, but I¡¯m only a massage therapist.¡±

    ¡°Seriously, Mr. Asahi,¡± Driver Ren firmly said. ¡°Your demeanor is too fit the character.¡±

    ¡°What demeanor?¡±

    ¡°Very calm, read and speak as good as local, easily blend in with situation around you. Most of all, you rent a cheap lodge near the airport for a year, but who know if you will only use it for a month or two before leaving the country.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After lightly nodding his head a few times Hide said, ¡°That will be very cool if I¡¯m really a Hitman, but like I said, I¡¯m just a massage therapist.¡±

    Then, Hide¡¯s smartphone suddenly buzz off. He checked it and found it was Shorimachi. Hide immediately turned his gaze to Driver Ren.

    ¡°Can you give me a moment?¡± Hide politely said. ¡°My father calls me to check my situation.¡±

    ¡°Sure, I will leave the key hanging in the door.¡±

    Wasting no time, Driver Ren left the room and Hide waited until he reached the stairs before taking Shorimachi¡¯s call. He made the conversation as short as possible, but he managed to figure out that Shorimachi wanted to use him to fatally hurt Toruma Mafia¡¯s financial power, most likely by robbing them.

    He would think about it when he received the detail of his offer. As for now, he used his smartphone to check the latest news about Villa Tigera, and he instantly took a deep breath full of relief after finding out that the metro police already discovered the unfortunate little girls that being buried under the purple orchid garden, and took proper measure for them.

    In his previous life, metro police learned the Toruma Elder¡¯s habit of burying little girl he killed under the purple orchid garden from an interrogation to one of his bodyguards. But in this life, Hide already killed every single of his bodyguards.

    When he realized that he almost made the remains of the unfortunate girls would be undiscovered for eternity, cold sweat instantly drenched his back. But now, he had remedied his error so he could take a deep breath of relief.

    ¡®That was close,¡¯ Hide muttered as he recalled his carelessness.

    Then, after drinking a mouthful of water from the sink Hide immediately left his lodge and leaving behind his entire luggage. A moment later, he already resumed the drive with Driver Ren.

    *****

 HA3 13.2 - Brute Massage

    HA3 13.2 - Brute Massage

    From the draft of his contract, Hide knew that Nirvana was located at 27th floor of Chikara Tower, and it gave him mixed feeling. It seemed in this life he would have lots of karma with this tower. First, he had his workshop and training facility in this tower. Then, he carried a mid-size hit in one of its floor. Now, he had his second ID tightly connected to massage parlor in this very tower.

    Then, the lift opened and Driver Ren led Hide to enter Nirvana¡¯s lobby. While Driver Ren talked with one of the female receptionists, Hide took his time to check his surroundings. Nirvana was renting the whole floor. That¡¯s why they could have spacious lobby, with a caf¨¦ as waiting room. In one of the caf¨¦ walls, Hide also found the close up picture of every available masseur. All of them were young and had nice appearance.

    ¡°Mr. Asahi,¡± Driver Ren suddenly woke Hide up from his reconnaissance. ¡°Ms. Hikari is ready to meet you.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Wasting no time, Hide followed Driver Ren entering an office with glass wall in all sides, located just behind the reception desk. It was nice office with one big working desk and a big set of sofa in the middle of the room.

    A female in her early 30s casually sat in the working desk. She had shiny black and long straight hair. She wore regular office attire, but it couldn¡¯t fully hide her nice body line and figure. Most of all, she had charming and beautiful face.

    Hide recognized her almost instantly. She was Kawakami Hikari, a former top hostess in Nichiko. Three years ago, she established Nirvana and it became one of the most successful adult service establishments in the country. Right now, Nirvana had a branch parlor in every metro city.

    ¡°Ms. Hikari,¡± Driver Ren said as soon as he arrived before the working desk. ¡°I bring Mr. Asahi over.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Driver Ren,¡± Hikari calmly said. ¡°You may leave.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    After giving Hikari a light bow, Driver Ren left the room. Then, Hikari pointed her finger at the chair before her.

    ¡°Sit.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am.¡±

    ¡°How should I call you?¡± Hikari said before putting a cigarette in her cherry lips, lit it, and took a puff. ¡°Asahi or Otto?¡±

    ¡°Asahi,¡± Hide calmly replied.

    After lightly nodding her head Hikari said, ¡°I¡¯m sure you have read the draft of your contract and get a hang of it, but let me remind you some of the most crucial points.¡±

    ¡°Please.¡±

    ¡°I can help you laundry the money you get out there, from whatever job you do, legal or illegal,¡± Hikari said before taking another puff from her cigarettes. ¡°The rule is, the money will get 21% tax cut for foreigner, and 9% fee for me.

    So, let¡¯s say you give me 100 thousand Ren. I will transfer it to your bank account 70 thousand Ren, as salary from Nirvana. It¡¯s clean, taxed, and ready to be use. As for the salary slip and tax slip, I will send it to your email.

    If people from immigration or tax authority want to run audit to your account, just show it openly along with the salary slip and tax slip. Once they read the slip and found Nirvana already taxed your income, they will direct the audit to me to ensure I have sent the tax cut I take from you to the tax authority¡¯s public account.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Just don¡¯t put untaxed income in your bank account. If the tax authority finds some, they will cut the tax from it along with a big chunk of penalty.¡±

    After lightly nodding his head Hide curiously asked, ¡°May I know who back this place?¡±

    ¡°A group of right wing bastards, and just a friendly reminder,¡± Hikari casually said. ¡°Don¡¯t pick a fight with them. They love foreign money, but they hate foreigner with passion.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t like them too. They are assholes among assholes, but they provide better protection than the mafia.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°And I put an upper limit for my fee at 100 thousand Ren per transaction. If you give 2 million Ren, my fee won¡¯t go higher than 100 thousand.¡± After a moment of silence Hikari asked, ¡°Question?¡±

    ¡°Who are the customers?¡±

    ¡°Female from inactive couple or female singleton, mostly between 25-48, some are high-profile figure, while some others just ordinary woman.¡±

    ¡°How many masseurs do you have here?¡±

    ¡°About 80s, but only one-third of that number is active every week.¡±

    ¡°How much is their average income?¡±

    ¡°300-400 thousand.¡±

    Wasting no time Hide put five thousand Dillar in the table. ¡°This is will be my first salary.¡±

    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    After counting the money, Hikari gave Hide a receipt. ¡°This is temporary receipt, as I will transfer your money to your bank account in the end of the month.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°So,¡± Hikari curiously looked at Hide as she continued, ¡°What do you do for living?¡±

    ¡°Give me your best guest,¡± Hide casually said.

    ¡°Well, you are young, fit, have the look, and very calm in front of a woman you meet for the first time,¡± Hikari said as he carefully inspected Hide. ¡°You are a male whore.¡±

    ¡°Nope,¡± Hide replied before puffing his left cheek in displeasure. ¡°I¡¯m a massage therapist.¡±

    ¡°I know you are a massage therapist. Your masseur certificate is being issued by Rotte, a school massage that famous of giving birth to world class masseur,¡± Hikari casually said. ¡°But, why you go so far away from your home country to a country that¡¯s famous to have high demand for adult service? I bet it¡¯s because you want to double your income by giving intercourse service too.¡±

    ¡°Nope,¡± Hide firmly said. ¡°I don¡¯t mind giving massage to deliver sexual pleasure, but I don¡¯t give intercourse service.¡±

    ¡°Well, in that case,¡± After a moment of silence Hikari added, ¡°If you want to give massage service here, I don¡¯t mind. I just have to test you to ensure you have the skill.¡±

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s do the test. You can lie in sofa or sit in my lap.¡±

    ¡°Not on me idiot,¡± Hikari protested.

    Then, she called one of the female receptionists. After receiving the explanation from Hikari, the female receptionist gave Hide a light bow.

    ¡°Mr. Asahi, nice to meet you. My name is Hiromi. I will become your partner in your massage test.¡±

    Hide immediately returned the bow, ¡°Nice to meet you Ms. Hiromi, and thank you for helping me out.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal. This is one of my jobs and I enjoy it.¡± After a short pause Hiromi continued, ¡°May I know if you familiar with the law for adult service in Nikko?¡±

    ¡°Genital-to-genital contact is prohibited and can bring legal consequences. So, other than massage to stimulate the sexual drive, at most it will be fingering, licking, or the use of vibrator and other tools.¡±

    ¡°Correct,¡± Hiromi happily said. ¡°If genital-to-genital contact take place and the customer use it to sue you and Nirvana for sexual harassment, believe me, we will lose the fight in the court regardless the right or wrong. So, when performing the massage here, please stick to the law no matter what.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a bit scary, honestly,¡± Hide admitted before gulping hard.

    ¡°Well, in Nikko, providing legal adult service for female is tricky business, both for the business owner and the worker.¡±

    ¡°I see, but what if the customer insists I have to give them intercourse service?¡±

    ¡°If you encounter such customer, call one of the receptionists right away. We will handle it.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°At the same time, we have tons of good customers who deserve our best service. So, stays positive is very important.¡± After a pause Hiromi added, ¡°And one more thing, some females can¡¯t accept fingering inside their genital as it will hurt them. Therefore, you have to listen and pay attention to them very carefully. And coincidently, I have this oversensitive condition, please be gentle with me.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Wasting no time, Hide sat in the sofa and asked Hiromi to sit in his lap. After gently hugging her and kissed her snow white neck, Hide took her office jacket off. Then, he lifted her skirt up before sending his finger straight to her private area.

    This direct and straightforward move made Hikari who watched from the side widened her eyes. Even a normal woman would need a proper foreplay and stimulation. As for oversensitive woman like Hiromi, she would scream in pain if someone went straight to her private area without proper foreplay.

    Yet, Hiromi didn¡¯t scream as Hide¡¯s finger slowly entered her private area and gave her fingering. Then, her shoulder started going up and down as her breathes became erratic.

    ¡°Mmmmm¡­. Mmmmm¡­ ther¡­..re¡­.¡±

    Hiromi¡¯s body suddenly slumped down as she lost all her strength. Hide then took out her finger out from her private area.

    ¡°Did you just come?¡± Hikari curiously asked Hiromi.

    ¡°I did.¡±

    ¡°That was too fast.¡±

    ¡°I also don¡¯t get it how I can come that fast.¡±

    Hikari instantly turned her gaze to Hide, but he just casually unbuttoned Hiromi¡¯s shirt and lifted up her bra. Then, he put her right hand around his neck. That way, he could with ease put his mouth to lick and suck Hiromi¡¯s right tit, while his left finger toying with Hiromi¡¯s left tit. At the same time, his right hand resumed the fingering inside Hiromi¡¯s private area and here and there Hide would also skillfully touch her clits.

    Previously, only fingering on her private area was already more than enough to defeat Hiromi a blink of one eye. Now, when the three most sensitive spots in her body were getting stimulated at the same time, she instantly went crazy.

    She was twisting her body left and right, while pressing her lower lips to suppress her moan, but it was futile. Her moan in the end came out like a flood. Then, she lost all strength and could only accept her fate as wave of climax hit her one after another.

    However, even when Hiromi was already over climaxed, Hide didn¡¯t stop. He put her down in sofa, belly up. Then, he pulled her stocking and panties down to her knee, and continued the stimulation and drowning Hiromi in another series of climax.

    ¡°Mr. Asahi¡­.¡± Hiromi weakly said as she looked at Hide. ¡°Please¡­ I can¡¯t take it anymore. Any more than this and I will go crazy.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. You can go crazy.¡±

    ¡°N-nooo¡­ I don¡¯t want to become a slut.¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t.¡±

    Hide said before covering Hiromi¡¯s mouth and nostril using his right palm, while his left hand continued gave her private area fingering. A moment later, Hiromi¡¯s lower body started to lightly convulsing, and then she passed out after hitting the hardest climax in her life.

    However, Hide did not finish yet. He stripped Hiromi buck naked before giving her chiropractic massage.

    Crack! Crack! Crack!

    Hide skillfully adjusted and decompressed Hiromi¡¯s joint while she was unconscious. When, she wakes up in the middle of chiro massage, he would drown her in a series of climax until she passed out again, and then he continued the chiro.

    In the end, after she fainted for the third time, Hiromi didn¡¯t wake up anymore until Hide finished the chiro.

    ¡°How is it?¡± Hide asked Hikari right after he finished the massage.

    ¡°The way you deliver the climax is very brutal, but it will do,¡± Hikari said as she looked at the Hiromi at the sofa.

    She just laid buck naked and powerlessly, bathing on her sweats from head to toe. Her legs widely open, exposing her super wet private area. Her head tilted to the side, with half-rolled back eyes. People who didn¡¯t know what had just happen would definitely think a whole football team had just roughly gangbang Hiromi, and misunderstood the thin smile in her lips as her painful cry.

    ¡°This kind of full service will give you 25.000 Ren after the tax and my fee,¡± Hikari casually said. ¡°You can come over here to give massage service whenever you have time.¡±

    ¡°I will come once a week, at night,¡± Hide said as he put a pillow under Hiromi¡¯s head and cover her with thick blanket.

    ¡°Okay, we operate 24/7, come whenever you want,¡± Hikari casually said. ¡°But don¡¯t ever fuck your customer here. If you want to screw them, do it when you they invite you to their place. I don¡¯t want any legal problem here.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Hide firmly replied. ¡°And by any chance, do you want me to give you a service?¡±

    ¡°No thanks,¡± Hikari firmly replied. ¡°In a glance I can tell you are an apex predator. If I let you to touch me, I will end up as your slut.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Hide casually said while muttered. ¡®She is too sharp.¡¯

    Hikari then asked Hide to sign the contract, and that concluded their meeting.

    *****

 HA3 13.3 - Takeos Experience

    HA3 13.3 - Takeo''s Experience

    After Hide signed his contract with Nirvana, Driver Ren offered him a free tour around downtown Nichiko, but he politely refused. He also managed to convince Driver Ren that he would be fine on his own. After using a public rest room to change his look back to the high school kid Uesugi Hidetada, Hide then went straight to Nichiko¡¯s central station.

    A day before his flight to Italica, he had ordered rolled-puff pastry that became Aida City¡¯s specialty. Overall, it was pretty much puff pastry, being rolled into a thumb-size piece instead of being folded into triangle. The only different was the filling. It used heavy but smooth sweet potato cream as the base, and then being infused with fruit syrup, cheese, chocolate, coffee, and other flavor.

    Once you chewed it in your mouth, you would find the light and crisp pastry was going really well with the heavy but smooth sweet potato cream. Most of all, its calorie and sugar content was only a half of similar product that used pure heavy cream as filling, but the taste no less delicious. In his previous life, Hide often used this rolled-puff pastry as sweet souvenir for his colleagues in SDF, so he knew it well.

    Then, after taking the rolled-puff pastry, he went straight to Tohru Ramen. Similar to his previous life, after an overseas trip, Hide wouldn¡¯t be able to feel at home until he ate local food like ramen or curry rice.

    Then, while having big smile in his face Oldman Tohru delivered Hide¡¯s order. ¡°One soy sauce ramen, one spicy fried rice, and one serving of gyoza.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Oldman Tohru,¡± Hide happily said.

    ¡°Where is your sister?¡±

    ¡°She stays in her school until afternoon today.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why you come here alone?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, and I just come back from a trip actually, and I can¡¯t get my heart settle until I eat local food, so here I¡¯m.¡±

    ¡°I see. You are like me. After a trip, my heart will also refuse to settle until I eat local food I used to eat.¡±

    After a smile Hide said, ¡°Glad to know that someone is like me, have heavy addiction to local food.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± After returning Hide¡¯s smile Oldman Tohru said, ¡°Have a nice meal.¡±

    Hide lightly nodded, and after Oldman Tohru went back to the kitchen, he immediately wolfed down his food. A moment later, Takeo entered the shop and went straight to Hide¡¯s table. After placing an order similar to Hide, he turned his gaze to the big bag next to him.

    ¡°I thought you will go straight to your home,¡± Hide casually said.

    ¡°That¡¯s my plan,¡± Takeo said while pouring a glass of water for himself. ¡°Until I see you sit here.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    After gulping down a mouthful of water Takeo then turned his gaze to the big bag next to Hide. ¡°Is that the rolled-puff pastry?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide casually replied. ¡°Help me to bring the portion for our teachers.¡±

    ¡°Do we really give our teachers a sweet souvenir?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a bit embarrassing, and at the same time I feel it¡¯s like we are showing off.¡±

    ¡°We are not showing off. Just tell them it¡¯s an instruction from our parent.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    After a moment of silence Hide looked at Takeo straight in the eyes. ¡°How is your company?¡±

    ¡°Small but very decent.¡±

    ¡°Tell me about it.¡±

    Takeo nodded and immediately started his story.

    ---

    Pretty similar like Hide, Takeo landed in Karita Airport, about one hour after Hide. After putting his luggage in one of lodges in third floor of Hikone, he then went to a law and financial consulting firm called The Begin. It was small firm located in an office building in downtown Nichiko, and only had one manager, two staffs, and one driver, but Takeo had been warned to not look down on this small firm.

    ¡°Welcome, Mr. Matteo Yuuto,¡± A middle-aged man offered his hand as Takeo entered his office. ¡°My name is Akio Shiri, The Begin¡¯s manager, and nice to meet you.¡±

    ¡°Nice to meet you too, Mr. Akio,¡± Takeo said as he shook Akio¡¯s hand.

    After giving his driver a signal he could leave, Akio pointed his hand at the chair before him. ¡°Please have a seat.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    ¡°I have coffee, black tea, green tea, and Belgium Choco, which one do you prefer?¡±

    ¡°Black tea with a bit of sugar, no milk or cream.¡±

    ¡°Right away.¡±

    ¡°Honestly,¡± Akio said as he made two cups of black tea. ¡°I¡¯m a bit surprised when learning your certificate as software engineer is being issued by Blue Rock.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just level 2 software engineer. I still need to learn a lot.¡±

    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    ¡°You are too humble. I see lots of top IT student from top IT universities, failed to even get a Level 1 certificate from Blue Rock.¡±

    ¡°I heard that a few times,¡± Takeo casually said. ¡°But honestly, I think I just have a better luck than them.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After sensing that Takeo was not comfortable with the talk about his certificate, Akio instantly decided he shouldn¡¯t pressing the matter further. ¡°In that case, let¡¯s get to the point of our meeting.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°And let¡¯s do the talk while having a tea,¡± Akio said as he put the tea he just made in the table. One was in front of Takeo. Another one was in front of him, and a sugar cup in the middle. ¡°In Nikko, the tax cut for foreigner is 21%, while my fee is 9%.

    If you give me 100 thousand Ren, I will transfer 70 thousand Ren to your bank account as paycheck from IT Company you work as freelancer. The money is fully clean, taxed, and ready to use.¡±

    ¡°The IT Company is legit company, right?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    ¡°Absolutely legit. I don¡¯t use a paper company to laundry money.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Akio gave his tea a sip before adding, ¡°With a Level 2 certificate from Blue Rock, I also can get you a freelance programing job in a range of 40-80 Ren, 3-4 times a month.¡±

    ¡°I have my own project, so I will gladly take two jobs a month.¡±

    ¡°Noted,¡± Akio happily said. ¡°I will put you in the freelancer circulation starting next week, for two jobs a month.¡±

    ¡°What if I put untaxed income in my bank account?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    ¡°If the tax¡¯s authority finds it and they most likely will find it, they will cut the tax from it, along with a big chunk of penalty.¡±

    After a moment of silence Takeo said, ¡°Honestly, I never imagined there is a firm who do money laundry in personal level.¡±

    ¡°After the end of cold war, thousands of people who previously were part of the war effort, suddenly wanted to put everything behind and start new life. However, these people brought secret that couldn¡¯t become public knowledge no matter what. Their very own country will even kill them to prevent the leak.¡± Akio gave his tea a sip before continuing, ¡°And so, a service to address this complexity is born. For some reason, the demand for this service remains high until now.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After lightly nodding his head a few times Takeo put 5000 Dillar in the table. ¡°Please process this money for me.¡±

    After counting the money and gave Takeo a receipt Akio said, ¡°You will receive it in your bank account in two weeks, along with the paycheck slip and tax slip in your email.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Yuuto, please answer me honestly,¡± Akio said in a drop dead serious tone. ¡°Is this your first time in Nikko?¡±

    ¡°This is my first overseas trip,¡± Takeo casually replied.

    ¡°I see.¡± After a short pause Akio continued, ¡°May I give you an advice?¡±

    ¡°Please.¡±

    After taking a deep breath Akio said, ¡°People in Nikko is very quiet, polite, and some are full of smiles, but they are not permissive people. Please pay attention to local customs, traditions, and public rules as best as you can and don¡¯t break it.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Takeo firmly replied.

    It was a bit weird to hear someone describe people of Nikko as serious jerk who followed customs, traditions, and rules to the letter, but after he gave it a deep thought, Takeo couldn¡¯t really argue about it. Lots of people in Nikko really loved customs, traditions, and rules.

    ¡°Second, most people in Nikko have a really unique disposition. A friend of mine, an Americ who married a Nikko¡¯s woman describes it as, an allergic to anything that not made in Nikko. How high the level of this allergy, it depends on lots of factor, and people with very high level allergy is the folk that we called right wing bastard.¡± As his expression turned serious Akio added, ¡°Please avoid the right wing bastard as much as you can. They will take your presence as insult even when you are doing nothing wrong.¡±

    ¡°That pretty disheartened,¡± Takeo warily said.

    ¡°Unfortunately, that¡¯s the reality,¡± Akio said in low voice. ¡°Fortunately, people of Nikko are just human like us.¡±

    Question mark instantly popped up in Takeo¡¯s forehead. ¡°Just human like us?¡±

    ¡°It means they have heart, and if you touch their heart correctly, they will become your friend.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think it will be easy.¡±

    ¡°Correct.¡± After a smile Akio added, ¡°But at least, let me tell you a story about foreigner who manage to gain local acceptance.¡±

    ¡°Please, I¡¯m all ears,¡± Takeo eagerly said.

    Wasting no time, Akio told a story about a botanist from Eisrel. He married a Nikko¡¯s woman and lived in a small rural town in Yamagata, where he did a research for various food crops. Lots of local made a weird gossip about him because he was an Eisrel. It was pretty standard anti-Semitic stuff and some were very vile, but he just ignored it.

    Then, one day, he invited his colleagues to have dinner in his house, and they all were very surprised when after the dinner, he helped his wife to clean the table and did the dish while kept chatting with his colleagues. It couldn¡¯t be help. Most of his colleagues and neighbors treated their wife like a housemaid. That was the common way of living in the area for the last hundreds of years. And so, another series of weird gossip about him started to circulate after that dinner.

    After he had his first daughter, people would also often see him fed her daughter or played with her in nearby park every weekend, and like his habit to help his wife doing house chore, his habit of feeding and playing with her daughter also became source of weird gossips.

    One day, when his daughter just entered the 4th grade, his neighbor¡¯s son said to her, ¡°Your father is spineless coward and can¡¯t put his wife at her place.¡±

    However, it didn¡¯t make her daughter angry. In casual tone, she replied the boy using the answer her mother taught her, ¡°You are just jealous because your father never feed you, bath you, play with you, cook for you, or read you bedtime story.¡±

    The boy instantly cried, went home, and in front of his parent he protested, ¡°Why does his father never feed him, bath him, play with him, cook for him, or read him bedtime story? Is he just an adoption kid and not his real son?

    Why does someone who they are badmouthing so much can show more love and care to his child?¡±

    At first, the father wanted to scold his son and smacked his butt as hard as he could. However, after seeing his son didn¡¯t even flinch after seeing he raised his hand like he usually did, and just looked at him straight in the eyes while continued crying so pitifully, he had no heart to scold or punish him.

    After that, the area experienced a subtle change. If you went to nearby park at weekend, you would find a father or two accompany their kids playing, or some just sat slightly bending forward in the bench, reading newspaper while their toddler tightly clung in their back like baby koala.

    ¡°Moral of the story, don¡¯t try to lecture the locals, just be kind, be gentle, and be genuine, and some locals will definitely accept you,¡± Akio happily closed his story.

    ¡°That¡¯s a great story,¡± Takeo genuinely said before giving his tea a sip.

    ¡°Indeed.¡±

    ¡°And I never thought there is an Eisrel botanist who came to Nikko and married local woman.¡±

    ¡°Eisrel people from 1970s-2000s have heavy fetish on Nikko made car and Nikko agriculture,¡± Akio happily said. ¡°They import tons of car and heavy agriculture equipment from Nikko, and develop their agriculture sector base on Nikko¡¯s technology and knowledge in this field.

    That¡¯s why, lots of agriculture folk from Eisrel come to Nikko to study or do a research, and some decide to stay permanently.¡±

    Takeo gave his tea another sip before turning his gaze to Akio. ¡°Is the Eisrel botanist your friend, Mr. Akio?¡±

    ¡°He is my grandfather,¡± Akio proudly said.

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Well, if nothing else, let me say,¡± Akio happily said, ¡°Welcome to Nikko, Mr. Yuuto, may good fortune embrace you.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Takeo firmly replied.

    ¡°I will do my best to help you maintain your working visa. It is part of the service from your fee so don¡¯t be too courteous about it. Most of all, if you have problem with locals, don¡¯t hesitate to come to me as fast as you can,¡± Akio firmly said. ¡°We will figure out the best exit together.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    After shaking Akio¡¯s hand, Takeo then left. Akio offered him his driver to take him on a tour around Nichiko, but he politely refused. After using a public toilet to change his look back to Takeo, he then went home using subway.

    *****

 HA3 13.4 - The Next Hit

    HA3 13.4 - The Next Hit

    As usual, as the sun was gradually setting down in the west, Hide nervously standing in front of his house. Now and then, he would check his smartphone. It felt like a forever, but finally a white MPV popped up from a corner.

    Hide instantly took a deep breath full of relief and calmly waited until it arrived before him. Then, the MPV¡¯s sliding door gently opened and exposed Aizawa¡¯s bright smile.

    ¡°Big Bro, you are back,¡± Aizawa cheerfully said while hopped down from the MPV.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Hide gently rubbed Aizawa¡¯s head before adding, ¡°Wait for a moment, okay?¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡±

    Hide immediately brought several boxes of rolled-puff pastry to the MPV¡¯s driver. ¡°Driver Ichikawa, can you help me bring these sweet souvenirs to Kitaro?¡±

    ¡°I can,¡± Driver Ichikawa casually replied.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Hide said before explaining, ¡°These two boxes are for Kaede Sensei, these two is for you, and these five is for Kitaro¡¯s teacher and staff. If you put it in the room temperature, it will last for three weeks so you don¡¯t need to put it in fridge.¡±

    While looking at the two stacked boxes Hide prepared for him, Driver Ichikawa asked, ¡°You specifically prepare some for me?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, and I hope you will accept it,¡± Hide genuinely said.

    ¡°Why do I won¡¯t accept it?¡± Driver Ichikawa happily said. ¡°Thanks, Kiddo.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡±

    After fastening the sweet souvenir in the passenger seat, Hide then closed the sliding door. After that, Driver Ichikawa started the return journey to Kitaro. At the same time, Hide kneeled in front of Aizawa.

    ¡°Give Big Bro a big hug,¡± Hide said while opening his arm as wide as possible.

    ¡°Mhm.¡±

    Wasting no time, Aizawa gave Hide a big and tight hug.

    ¡°Big Bro super-duper misses you.¡±

    ¡°Aizawa also super-duper misses Big Bro.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After a smile Hide gently asked, ¡°Are you good in the school?¡±

    ¡°Mhm, Aizawa is super good in the school.¡±

    ¡°Do you have a fight with Shinji?¡±

    ¡°No, Shinji right now is still training his lung before he can start using trumpet, Aizawa and Kana help him a lot.¡±

    ¡°Good, teammate should help each other out.¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡±

    Hide then gave Aizawa a kiss in the cheek and forehead, before lifting her up and carried her to the house. Then, while Aizawa took afternoon bath he went to prepare dinner, and he did it while lightly humming.

    His trip made him realized that making dinner for Aizawa was giving him so much happiness. It also made him realized that Aizawa was not a crybaby anymore. It was clearly visible she grew strong both mentally and physically.

    ¡®I will maintain the best growing environment for Aizawa as long as I can,¡¯ Hide happily strengthened his resolved while setting up the table. ¡®Soon, father will also back to his old self and it will also boost Aizawa¡¯s growth.¡¯

    Then, Aizawa joined Hide to set up the table while having big smile in her face. A moment later, the two already enjoyed their dinner while having happy chat.

    ---

    After making small preparation for tomorrow school, Hide went to his bed, but he didn¡¯t immediately sleep. By using a spare cellphone, he checked the detail of Shorimachi¡¯s offer he just sent him. Shorimachi opened his offer by explaining two taboos that Toruma Mafia had committed.

    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    First, they tried to invite foreign power to settle in Nikko¡¯s underworld and became their ally. The other big mafia groups had taken care of this effort. Second, they tried to produce illegal drug domestically. Shorimachi had taken care of it, and it cost him his snitch and his family.

    The question was, with two taboo violations, how Toruma Mafia could maintain its position as the third biggest mafia group in Nikko. The answer was simple. They received strong protection from the people in power, and paid at least 150 million Ren a month for it.

    Even now, when Toruma Mafia maintained low profile after losing their whole tactical squad, they were still one of the richest mafia group in Nikko and no one dare make a move on their business, both the legal and non-legal.

    And to pay the protection money, Toruma Mafia had to use cash and direct delivery. Shorimachi didn¡¯t know the delivery method, but he knew the exact location where Toruma Mafia put their stash money, and they ensured this stash house had at least 500 million Ren all the time.

    ¡®Robbing their stash house huh¡­¡¯ Hide had guessed that Shorimachi wanted to rob Toruma Mafia, but he never thought it would be a big target.

    In his previous life, Hide knew that Toruma Mafia didn¡¯t store their gold and cash in their HQ or in Toruma elder¡¯s safe house. In their HQ and in Toruma elder safe house, Toruma Mafia only had 10-20 million Ren and several pieces of gold bar. They put most of their money in bank using third party name. As for the cash they used for bribery and protection fee, Hide didn¡¯t manage to find its location.

    As for Shorimachi, he could find the stash house because he had another good snitch. She was the Leader Torumada¡¯s mistress. Toruma Mafia used her mansion as their stash house. They even used her biometric as locking mechanism for the vault.

    If Hide agreed with the offer, Shorimachi wanted to meet with him to talk the detail about the mansion security and how they would hit it. The primary condition Shorimachi had put forward was, Hide¡¯s team had to ensure his snitch could leave the mansion unscathed. Shorimachi also wanted to bait Leader Torumada to come to the stash house so he could kill him.

    As for the money, they would divide it eighth share and part their way for good once the job was done.

    ¡®Well, he doesn¡¯t know my team consists only of three people,¡¯ Hide calmly muttered. ¡®And I better let it that way.¡¯

    Then, Hide heard a light step approaching his room. He immediately turned off his cellphone and a moment later Aizawa entered his room and went straight to his bed.

    ¡°Big Bro, can Aizawa sleep here with Big Bro?¡±

    After a smile Hide replied, ¡°Of course you can.¡±

    Wasting no time, Aizawa crawled up to the bed and used Hide¡¯s shoulder as pillow.

    ¡°Aizawa super-duper loves Big Bro.¡±

    ¡°Big Bro also super-duper loves Aizawa,¡± Hide replied before giving Aizawa¡¯s back a big rub.

    Before long, Aizawa already fast asleep. Hide immediately moved her to his side and then tightly hugged her from behind.

    ¡®It¡¯s feel so good to be at home with Aizawa,¡¯ Hide muttered.

    ---

    Never did Shizuka imagine that when Hide and Takeo were away, it would be lonely. She was not being cast out, but she felt very disconnected with other kids in the school. As the result, the school became boring as hell.

    Therefore, when Hide called her to have meeting after his trip, she couldn¡¯t help but went to the school main building¡¯s rooftop with big smile in her face. As soon as she saw Hide and Takeo sat in top of air conditioner, she immediately went over to the two.

    ¡°So,¡± Shizuka said with complicated tone. ¡°You two fucker are finally back.¡±

    ¡°Why do you so hostile?¡± Takeo said while giving Shizuka a deep look.

    ¡°This fool!¡± Shizuka vexingly said. ¡°I¡¯m not hostile, but miss you two so much.¡±

    ¡°Here,¡± Hide said as he handed over a box of rolled-puff pastry to Shizuka. ¡°A sweet souvenir.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    Shizuka immediately opened the box and put a piece of rolled-puff pastry in her mouth. Then, she chewed it and her eyes widened.

    ¡°This is so good,¡± Shizuka said before giving the pastry another happy chews. ¡°My father love to bake soft bread and fill it with cream made of taro and butter. It¡¯s really good but I thought it weird.

    But it seems it¡¯s really not that weird. People this day even make heavy cream out of sweet potato and it¡¯s really good.¡±

    ¡°Glad you like it,¡± Hide calmly said.

    ¡°So,¡± Shizuka said before putting another rolled-puff pastry in her mouth. ¡°What we will talk about?¡±

    ¡°I receive an offer from Shorimachi.¡±

    ¡°What offer?¡± Shizuka curiously asked.

    Wasting no time, Hide explained Shorimachi¡¯s offer, while Takeo and Shizuka listened to him attentively.

    ¡°That¡¯s nice offer,¡± Shizuka said after Hide finished his explanation.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide expressed his agreement. ¡°500 million Ren is abnormally big for a stash house. Other than protection fee, Toruma Mafia must have to bribe lot of people.¡±

    ¡°Will we take it?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    ¡°We will,¡± Hide firmly replied. ¡°But I will tell Shorimachi we need a few weeks to think about it.¡±

    Shizuka nodded and said, ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°So,¡± Takeo said. ¡°We will have three jobs waiting for us. Kamui¡¯s guest house, Toruma¡¯s stash house, and Knosses job.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, and for now we will focus our attention on Kamui¡¯s guest house and ignore the other two.¡± Hide then gave Takeo a memory card while continued, ¡°This is the procedure to plan a hit. What info you have to collect and how you should collect it, how to identify the entry and exit, and the other things.

    I want you and Shizuka to plan the hit on Kamui¡¯s guest house. This is also a chance for you to get a kill or two, and test your resolve before the Knosses job.¡±

    ¡°I already killed a few when we were in Italica,¡± Takeo firmly said.

    ¡°Triggering Claymore under my instruction to ambush people, doesn¡¯t not count. Not to mention, you don¡¯t even see your victim.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Takeo replied before taking the memory card.

    After putting another piece of rolled-puff pastry in her mouth Shizuka asked Hide, ¡°When we will resume our firearm training?¡±

    ¡°In a week.¡±

    ¡°Can we resume it starting tomorrow?¡± Takeo asked while giving Hide expectant gaze.

    ¡°Just follow my schedule. I have solid reason for it.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°If nothing else, let¡¯s go back to our class.¡±

    ¡°¡°Okay.¡±¡±

    *****

 HA3 13.5 - A Wizard

    HA3 13.5 - A Wizard

    ¡°Mmmmm¡­. Yes, there, there¡­ A bit stronger right there.¡±

    Hanna casually sat in the sofa, slightly leaning her back on the arm rest, while Hide was attentively massaging her feet.

    ¡°Right here, right?¡± Hide said as he used his thumb to press a spot in the middle of Hanna¡¯s feet.

    ¡°Ye-e-aahhh¡­ right there.¡±

    Hanna was not sure how Hide did it, but it felt so good when he used his thumb to press some spots in the sole of her feet. It also made her feet loosen up and very relax.

    ¡°Hide,¡± Hanna happily said as Hide kept massaging her feet. ¡°If you develop it properly, I think you can make a good living using your massage skill.¡±

    ¡°Maybe,¡± Hide casually replied. ¡°But, I will stick to my plan to enter medic school.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After a moment of silence Hanna asked, ¡°How was your part-timer trip? Was it going well?¡±

    ¡°A bit tired me, but overall it went better than my expectation,¡± Hide replied.

    ¡°Glad it went better than your expectation.¡±

    Hanna looked at Hide while putting a smile in her face, but actually it was an act to hide her inner thought. A few days ago, by using her connection in the banking network, she made a dig on Elven Robotic¡¯s transaction record. The result was she found nothing. The company didn¡¯t even pay electric and water bill, or office rent.

    It meant Elven Robotic was faker than even the fakest paper company. At the same time, Hanna found Takeo was significantly helping his parent paying their debt, while Hide was putting deposit in Totsuka Firm with total amount beyond his father¡¯s financial capacity, both for himself and Aizawa.

    ¡®The money and their skill in programming are real, but the company is not,¡¯ Hanna muttered in silence. ¡®Most likely, it is a hacking job, and then they build a simple website of Paper Company to explain their income.¡¯

    Even though Hanna didn¡¯t know the detail of Hide¡¯s ¡®part-time¡¯ activities, she firmly believed it was illegal work. However, Hanna really didn¡¯t want to lose Hide right now. Therefore, she chose to keep her finding to herself for the time being. For how long she would keep it, honestly, she had no idea.

    However, she knew one thing for sure. In case shit hit the fan she would be able to get Hide and Takeo out of the legal trouble, as long as they didn¡¯t kill anyone when carrying their illegal work. She would display her real power and influence without hesitant. After that, she would let Hide to decide the continuity of their relationship. If he wanted to end it, she would accept it. If he wanted to go deeper, she would also accept it.

    Hanna then casually said. ¡°In case you forget, we already a few days pass our schedule.¡±

    ¡°I remember it.¡± After a smile Hide added, ¡°Let¡¯s do it after I finish the massage.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    A few minutes later, Hide finished his massage. He then gently pulled down Hanna¡¯s short and widely opened her legs. After giving her a bit of foreplay, he went straight to ride on her. He pushed down her in gentle but also with enough power, making Hanna¡¯s moaned in pleasure.

    After a series of pushing down and up, he then switched to circular motion, moving his lower back clockwise while pressing down Hanna. As the result, Hanna¡¯s moaned became louder and longer. Her breathing also became more erratic. Then, her back formed an arc and stayed that way for a few seconds before slumping down powerlessly.

    Wasting no time, Hide tightly hugged Hanna¡¯s powerless body and went to creampie her with a very strong unload.

    SPLURT SPLURT SPLUUUUURT!!!

    After catching his breath Hide gently asked, ¡°Do you have a good time?¡±

    ¡°I have,¡± Hanna replied while looking at the ceiling. ¡°It¡¯s really a good time, and I never thought you know how to deliver a gentle climax.¡±

    ¡°Gentle climax?¡± Question mark popped up in Hide¡¯s forehead as he continued, ¡°Did I usually do it too rough?¡±

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    ¡°It¡¯s not a rough in a bad way, but it¡¯s definitely forced and brute climax,¡± Hanna said while gently rubbing the back of Hide¡¯s head. ¡°It¡¯s as if you drowning me with unbearable pleasure, wave after wave, while I¡¯m gasping for the air.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After gently kissing Hanna¡¯s snow white neck, Hide asked her another question, ¡°Between the gentle climax and brute climax, which one do you like the most?¡±

    ¡°Both,¡± Hanna firmly replied.

    ¡°Both?¡± Another question mark popped in Hide¡¯s forehead. ¡°Isn¡¯t that too greedy?¡±

    ¡°Hide,¡± Hanna gently said. ¡°As long as it¡¯s the man they like, woman is very greedy with the sexual pleasure they can deliver. Brute climax or gentle climax, they will just gladly accept them all.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± After kissing Hanna¡¯s snow white neck one more time Hide said, ¡°Let¡¯s go with a brute climax for the second round.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Hanna happily replied.

    Wasting no time, Hide put Hanna on top of him, facing the ceiling. Then, he used his left hand to stimulate her left tit, while his right arm went straight to fingering her private area. When, Hanna¡¯s breathe started becoming erratic and her lower body started to convulse, Hide covered her mouth and nostril while continued fingering her private area.

    As the result, Hanna hit the climax very hard while trying to gasp for the air, and Hide only let his gag just a moment before she passed out. After that, Hide just repeated the process. In the end, Hanna hit the brute climax six times in row before she passed out with her eyes slightly rolled back and saliva dripping from corner of her lips.

    ¡®What a greedy gall,¡¯ Hide happily muttered while hugging the fainted Hanna.

    Actually, he had deep knowledge about gentle climax and brute climax. Gentle climax was being used to develop a lover, while brute climax was being used to develop a sex slave. However, he would play ignorance and deliver the brute climax to Hanna as many as he could.

    ¡®First, I will conquer your body. Then, I will conquer your heart,¡¯ Hide muttered while continued pounding the defenseless Hanna. ¡®I know it¡¯s despicable, but that¡¯s the only sure way I know to snare you.¡¯

    ---

    By using the excuse that his body was still too tired from the trip, Hide skipped Monday MMA class. Then, Wednesday MMA class finally arrived. After putting three boxes of lemon pound cake in the staff office, Hide immediately went over to Coach Kotaro.

    ¡°So,¡± Coach Kotaro said as he looked at Hide like a sulking toddler. ¡°Are you ready for the rematch?¡±

    ¡°Before that, Coach,¡± Hide cheerfully said as he put forward a box of small pound cake. ¡°You should enjoy this pound cake.¡±

    Coach Kotaro was puffing his left cheek before saying, ¡°That pound cake can wait after we finish our rematch.¡±

    ¡°Coach, that¡¯ won¡¯t do,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°I ask the pastry chef to use whisky to glaze this pound cake, and it can wait for too long.¡±

    ¡°Using Whisky to glaze a pound cake?¡± Chief Kotaro curiously asked.

    ¡°Yes, normally, you glaze pound cake using lemon juice, grape juice, or brandy,¡± Hide explained as he opened the box. ¡°But I find a good pastry chef who can use Whisky to glaze pound cake.¡±

    Sniff Sniff Sniff!!

    As soon as whisky¡¯s aroma hit his nose, Coach Kotaro couldn¡¯t help but put his nose closer to the pound cake and sniffed it a few times.

    ¡°It is Hakaido whisky,¡± Coach Kotaro said while trying his best to hide his smile.

    ¡°Correct.¡±

    Hide then put the pound cake in the small table in front of the gym. Cut a slice of pound cake and served it to Coach Kotaro using a small paper plate and small fork.

    At the same time, Coach Kotaro got a hunch Hide was up to something fishy. Most likely, he wanted to stall the rematch. So, he strengthened his resolve with everything he got. However, his resolved instantly crumble as soon as the slice of pound cake arrived before him.

    Coach Kotaro¡¯s hand just moved on its own, happily accepting the pound cake, and ignoring the resolve he built in his heart. Then, before he realized it he already sniffed it a few times and put the first big piece in his mouth and happily chewed it.

    ¡°Damn, this pound cake is so good,¡± Coach Kotaro said before putting second big piece in his mouth.

    ¡°I told you,¡± Hide happily said. ¡°And you should enjoy it when the whisky¡¯s aroma and flavor are still in its peak.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely, or it will be a waste of whisky.¡±

    Coach Kotaro then sat in the chair, right next to the pound cake. Wasting no time, Hide served him the second slice and so on, and a moment later Coach Kotaro had fully forgotten about the rematch.

    ¡°Bwahahahahahaha!!!¡± Coach Kotaro was laughing breathlessly while using his right hand to keep slapping his knee. ¡°Hide, that¡¯s fucking hilarious.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, Coach.¡±

    Hide just threw a simple old joke, but it managed to make Coach Kotaro laughed so happily. Of course, it was not because Hide was very skillful at telling a joke. He was very crappy at telling a joke actually.

    However, Hide could concoct an effective secret weapon to make people laughing nonstop. This secret weapon called laughing agent, and he put a proper dose on the first two pound cake slices he served to Coach Kotaro.

    ¡®It always works as expected,¡¯ Hide happily muttered while looking at laughing Coach Kotaro.

    In his previous life, he used the laughing agent to make a prank on Naoto, and he deliberately overdid it to the point Naoto had to be sent to ER because he couldn¡¯t stop laughing like a maniac. In this life, he effectively used it to null Coach Kotaro¡¯s fighting spirit and he achieved great succeed.

    ¡°Coach, let¡¯s postpone today rematch. This is a good day to slack off. You should enjoy it to the fullest.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I guess I need to slack off once in a while. It feels so damn good,¡± Coach Kotaro happily said.

    Wasting no time, Hide gave Coach Kotaro two bottles of Hakaido whisky. Then, he went to get warm up and had sparring match against Hayashida as usual. This was his first sparring after more than a week off, so he just took it easy.

    At the same time, almost every people in the gym looking at Hide with complicated gaze. Last week, he just casually kicked Coach Kotaro in the head until he fainted, and today he managed to make the ultra-discipline demonic coach to slack off and even nullifying his thirst for rematch.

    ¡®This kid is a wizard,¡¯ They thought.

    *****

 HA3 14.1 - Re-Training

    HA3 14.1 - Re-Training

    A week had passed since Hide talked with Takeo and Shizuka about their next targets. Today, they finally resumed their firearm training.

    ¡°Huehehehehe¡­¡± Shizuka had big smile in her face as she checked her VP9. ¡°Finally, I can touch my baby again.¡±

    After looking at Shizuka for a moment Hide said, ¡°Let¡¯s start with you.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Prepare two fully loaded magazines and run your gun with silencer. I will give you human-size targets at 8 meters. Try to hit the first three using conventional stance, and then hit the second three using contra-terrorist stance and aim without sight.¡±

    ¡°Double in the head, right?¡± Shizuka asked while preparing two magazines and swiftly loaded it.

    ¡°Yup.¡±

    A few minutes later, Shizuka carried out the drill and the result was rather disappointing. She could hit her first three targets using conventional stance even though it cost her one fully loaded magazine, but she failed to hit the second three targets using counter terrorist stance. She didn¡¯t even graze the second three targets.

    ¡°Your turn,¡± Hide said to Takeo as Shizuka dejectedly returned to back area.

    Wasting no time, Takeo carried out the drill and the result was pretty similar like Shizuka. He could hit his first three targets using conventional stance, but he failed to hit the second three targets even after using every single round he had.

    Hide then asked Takeo and Shizuka to gather before him. ¡°Do you realize something?¡±

    ¡°Our accuracy with contra-terrorist stance is gone without a trace,¡± Takeo dejectedly said.

    ¡°Correct, and that¡¯s the weakness of instinctive shooting or aiming without sight. In our training cycle which is about 3-4 times a week, one day off means a whole week to get your instinctive shooting back. Two days off will take one whole month worth of re-training, and three days off will force you to train your instinctive shooting from scratch.¡± After a short pause Hide continued, ¡°This is the very reason why only a select few chose instinctive shooting.¡±

    ¡°Hide¡­¡± Shizuka couldn¡¯t help but giving Hide a frustrated gaze. ¡°Why do you ask us to train using a shooting method that has a very big drawback?¡±

    ¡°Because other than nasty drawback, it also possesses a nasty advantage,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°Give me three targets at 8-10 meters and I will show it to you.¡±

    Hide then turned around and face the back area while holding a silenced VP9 in his chest. At the same time, Takeo arranged three holographic targets for him.

    ¡°Shooter, are you ready?¡± Takeo asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m ready.¡±

    ¡°Go!¡±

    Beeb!

    As soon as the timer started, Hide turned around facing the target and pushed VP9 in his hand forward. Then, he took aim without sight and squeezed the trigger.

    Phut-phut!

    Phut-phut!

    Phut-phut!

    Three double tabs hit three different center mass in quick succession. Then, Hide turned around facing the back area one more time.

    ¡°Give me the second three,¡± Hide said.

    ¡°Roger.¡± Wasting no time, Takeo arranged the second three targets and signaled Hide. ¡°Shooter, are you ready?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m ready.¡±

    ¡°Go!¡±

    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

    Beeb!

    Once again, as soon as the timer started, Hide turned around to face the target and pushed VP9 in his hand forward. Then, he took aim without sight and squeezed the trigger.

    Phut-phut!

    Phut-phut!

    Phut-phut!

    This time, three double tabs hit three different head in quick succession. Then, Hide cleared his VP9 before putting it in the holster.

    ¡°Check the result and compare my first three and my last three,¡± Hide calmly said to Takeo.

    ¡°Roger.¡±

    Wasting no time Takeo using the tablet connected to the range¡¯s control panel to check and compare Hide¡¯s shooting drill. A moment later, he turned his gaze to Takeo.

    ¡°Three double in the center mass and three double in the head, approximately, at the same speed.¡±

    ¡®Pheeew¡­ my hard work to re-train myself for the whole week bear a good fruit,¡¯ Hide took a deep breath full of relief before saying, ¡°That¡¯s the nasty advantage of instinctive shooting. Once you master it to certain level, you will have same speed and same accuracy no matter what spot you want to nail.¡±

    ¡°Put it simply, shoot your target at their arm to disarm them, shoot their head to kill them,¡± Shizuka said. ¡°And you will have same speed and same accuracy no matter what choice you take.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hide firmly replied.

    ¡°How fast is the instinctive shooter you know?¡± Takeo curiously asked.

    ¡°By using a silenced handgun and at 6-10 meters distance, he cans headshot the third man even before the first man has the time to bleed from the new hole in his face,¡± Hide casually replied. ¡°Instinctive shooter is a death god in close quarter gunfight.¡±

    ¡°So, someone who can shoot that fast exist,¡± Shizuka said.

    ¡°Yeah, he has excellent kinetic vision and motoric vision, while his hand can move faster than any eye can follow." After a short pause Hide pointed his finger at Shizuka¡¯s nose. ¡°The good news is, you also have excellent kinetic and motoric vision, and can move your hand faster than any eye can follow.¡±

    ¡°Me?¡± Shizuka asked in disbelief while pointing at her own nose.

    ¡°Yeah, you,¡± Hide firmly replied.

    ¡°I knew I can move my hand very fast and my eyes have excellent sight, but I don¡¯t know if I can head shot third man before the first man has the time to bleed from new holes in his face,¡± Shizuka hesitantly said.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t skip your training, in 4-5 months you will be able to,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°That¡¯s when we carry Knosses job.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure about that?¡± Shizuka asked as she gave Hide a hesitance look. ¡°Don¡¯t you forget, when we started the firearm training, my pace to increase my accuracy was slower than you two?¡±

    ¡°At that time, you had hard time increasing your accuracy because your hands and eyes were too fast. That¡¯s why it was very hard to synchronize them,¡± Hide calmly explained. ¡°But now, when you are re-training yourself, you won¡¯t have that problem anymore. You have built up some experience and both your body and mind already know what you want to achieve.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Wait a second,¡± Takeo said as he gave Hide a drop dead serious gaze. ¡°I know Shizuka has a very fast hand. She always uses it to prank on me since we were in the kindergarten. But, how do you know she has excellent kinetic and motoric vision?¡±

    ¡°She has certain habitual training in her karate that sharpens her motoric vision and kinetic vision to the extreme,¡± Hide casually said while looking at Shizuka straight in the eyes. ¡°Right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Shizuka openly replied. ¡°It¡¯s a training to face armed opponent to be precise.¡±

    After lightly nodding his head Hide said, ¡°Well, let¡¯s test it then.¡±

    Wasting no time, Hide took a golf ball from his bag and wrote ¡®3x2?¡¯ on it. Then, he turned his gaze to Shizuka.

    ¡°I wrote a simple math problem in this ball. Try to answer it before you catch it.¡±

    Without warning, Hide then threw the ball straight to Shizuka¡¯s face.

    Whooozzz!

    ¡°Six.¡±

    Catch!

    With ease, Shizuka gave Hide the correct answer before catching the golf ball using her left hand.

    ¡°Show the math problem to Takeo,¡± Hide casually said.

    Shizuka immediately showed the math problem in the golf ball to Takeo, and his eyes instantly widened.

    ¡°You are not human,¡± Takeo said in low voice before turning his gaze to Hide. ¡°Please tell me honestly, do I have the knack to become instinctive shooter or not?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t tell for sure,¡± Hide honestly replied. ¡°But, if you train both your instinctive shooting and conventional shooting, you will be faster than regular shooter. Second, you have a very good knack to become a precision shooter.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    A thin smile instantly bloomed in Takeo¡¯s lips after he heard he had a knack to become a precision shooter.

    ¡°Well then, let me give summary of what we have just gone through,¡± Hide calmly said. ¡°In conventional shooting, you put a brake on your instinct to finish the fight as soon as possible. The goal is, to instill caution in your way of fighting as a member of unit. It¡¯s to prevent friendly fire, chaos or panic under intense combat stress and fatigue, and such.

    While on instinctive shooting, you throw away the brake, and do your best to accommodate your instinct to finish the fight as soon as possible.¡±

    ¡°¡°¡­¡±¡±

    ¡°Now, how will we train ourselves on both instinctive shooting and conventional shooting effectively? It¡¯s pretty simple. We will randomly throw hostage situation or mingled-civilian in our shooting drill, and you have to adjust your stance accordingly.¡±

    ¡°¡°¡­¡±¡±

    ¡°Starting the next firearm training, we will also spend 2-3 hundred rounds per person and will starting learning the room clearing. The formation will be, I and Shizuka will take turn as point man and striker, while Takeo will become rear guard or precision shooter.¡±

    ¡°Got it?¡±

    ¡°¡°Got it.¡±¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Hide happily said. ¡°For today firearm training, let¡¯s just try to hit the target as much as we can, using both contra-terrorist stance and conventional stance. Then, we switch to the gym.¡±

    ¡°¡°Roger.¡±¡±

    Without delay, the three started the firearm training.

    *****

 HA3 14.2 - Painful Spar

    HA3 14.2 - Painful Spar

    After finishing the basic menu and getting enough warm up, Shizuka immediately put her protection gear on while having big smile in her face. The last time she had spar against Hide, she ended up biting the mat like an idiot. After that, lots of thing happened and they couldn¡¯t have another spar.

    And now, finally, the time to return the favor had arrived. After Takeo helped the two to check and fastened their protection gear, Shizuka and Hide immediately went to the fighting mat, and stood face to face about 3 meter apart.

    ¡°Hide,¡± Shizuka calmly said. ¡°Even though your physical capacity is only at the top of beginner level, you are definitely not an ordinary fighter. I will not hold myself back, or to be precise, I can¡¯t afford to.¡±

    ¡°Last time we had a spar you didn¡¯t hold back at all,¡± Hide protested.

    ¡°Yeah, but this time I won¡¯t hesitate to go after your head.¡± Shizuka then raised her guard and took karate stance.

    ¡°I see.¡± While raising his guards Hide calmly replied.

    Without warning, Shizuka then darted her body forward. It was smooth and lightning speed footwork. In a blink of one eye, she already arrived before Hide and launched a right front kick straight to his gut. This was the similar strike she used in the last spar, and it perfectly hit the home.

    Unfortunately, this time Hide managed to avoid it using a side step. Of course, Shizuka didn¡¯t stop after her ambush fail. In a swift motion, her left leg or her pivoted leg took off to the air and formed a beautiful back spin kick straight to Hide¡¯s head right after her front kick hit nothing.

    However, Hide once again managed to avoid it. He made a swift step back just before Shizuka¡¯s heel landed on the side of his head. He also didn¡¯t only take one step back, but fully creating a healthy distance of 4 meters from Shizuka.

    ¡°Why did you move so far away?¡± Shizuka asked while slowly lowering her left leg. ¡°You can try to hit me when one of my legs in the air you know.¡±

    ¡®This sly chick,¡¯ Hide muttered in amusement. ¡°Staying in your range when you are in the middle of kicking cycles is very dangerous.¡±

    While giving Hide a deep glance Shizuka asked, ¡°And why is that so?¡±

    ¡°If you use correct cycles, your body momentum will increase your kicking speed several folds,¡± Hide casually said. ¡°Simply put, if a moment ago I tried to hit you, your third kick, probably a side kick, will land in my face before my punch touch you.¡±

    ¡°You are truly not an ordinary fighter,¡± Shizuka said before raising her guard one more time. ¡°In 2-3 months you will start to become an annoying opponent, but before that, I will rack perfect KO from you as many as I can.¡±

    ¡®Well, even right now, I¡¯m already at the level that can give you lots of trouble, as long as you are on the offensive. Unfortunately, you can¡¯t see that,¡¯ Hide muttered while strengthening his resolved to give Shizuka a painful lesson. Then, he looked at Shizuka straight in the eyes. ¡°Give your all so you won¡¯t have any regret later.¡±

    ¡°As you wish.¡±

    Wasting no time, Shizuka darted her body forward, closing the distance between herself and Hide in a blink of one eye. Then, she launched another front kick straight to Hide¡¯s gut. This time, Hide avoided it by taking a back step, and in swift movement Shizuka chased him before launching a punch to his face.

    Paa!

    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    Hide blocked Shizuka¡¯s incoming fist by lowering his knees while raising his right arm vertically, and then he smoothly slid it until his fingers reached Shizuka¡¯s wrist, gripped it as hard as he could, and pulled it down diagonally from her body axis.

    ¡®Cheap trick,¡¯ Shizuka muttered as she felt Hide pulled her arm down.

    She could clearly see Hide¡¯s intention. He tried to shift her bodyweight to her front leg. After that, he would lift her body and then threw it or slammed it to the mat. If she tried to resist the pull, Hide would push her body weight to her rear leg.

    Fortunately, she had faced such situation thousands of times. Therefore, she knew how to handle it properly. She only had to lower her knees while maintaining her center of gravity in the middle, right between her legs. This stance would make her stood like a little castle, and could resist the pull in her arm with a proper amount of power.

    A thin smile instantly bloomed at Shizuka¡¯s lips as she felt Hide had stopped his pull, but then she had a bad hunch as she found Hide also had thin smile in his lips.

    ¡®Shit!¡¯ Shizuka cursed as Hide suddenly made a light jump and pulled his knees as close as possible to his chest.

    After that, before Shizuka could react, a pair of heel already landed on her stomach and it sent her body to the air. Worst of all, Hide was still gripping her wrist. Therefore, when Hide¡¯s body landed in the mat and gave her a yank, she instantly got slammed to the mat.

    BAAM!

    With a loud thud Shizuka¡¯s body hit the mat. Then, before she could get up Hide already put her under rear triangle choke. He held her right arm using both hands, pulled it as straight as possible to his side, while his right leg was coiling around her neck and choking it. As for Hide¡¯s left leg, it tightly pressed her left arm to the mat with his feet tucked in under her butt.

    It was a rear triangle choke that controlled both opponent arms. Hide used it once on Hayashida and the result was pretty good. However, unlike Hayashida who started learning how to counter grappling just several months ago, Shizuka had years of experienced of fighting grappler. She had done it since she was 10, right after she got her black belt.

    In a calm manner, she made a preparation to flip her body to break free from the choke. At the same time, Hide felt his choke was a bit loosening up as Shizuka raised her body to an arc while pushing him upward. He got a hunch if he let Shizuka to flip, she would break free from his choke.

    Wasting no time, he let a go his choke and raised his leg as high as possible, and then his heel hammering down straight to Shizuka¡¯s stomach in full power.

    Baam!

    ¡°Keuk!!¡±

    Throughout her martial carrier, this was the first time Shizuka received a full-power axe kick to her stomach, when she was laying in the matt. She did indeed have protection gear, but it still hurt like a hell.

    ¡®This bastard! I will skin him aliv¡­.¡¯

    Shizuka muttered as Hide resumed his choke. This time, she had not strength to resist and a few second later she fainted with saliva dripping from corner of her mouth.

    ¡°I guess I bag this round,¡± Hide said as he casually released his choke.

    Takeo then walked over to Hide and kneeled next to him. ¡°Is she okay? Your axe kick to her stomach is really too savage.¡±

    ¡°She is fine,¡± Hide said after checking Shizuka¡¯s vital. ¡°She is tougher than you think.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Help me move her out of fighting mat,¡± Hide said as he grabbed Shizuka¡¯s right ankle.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Takeo replied before grabbing Shizuka¡¯s left ankle.

    Wasting no time, the two then dragged Shizuka¡¯s ¡®dead body¡¯ out of the fighting mat.

    Then, Hide turned his gaze to Takeo. ¡°Your turn.¡±

    ¡°O-okay,¡± Takeo couldn¡¯t help but got a chill in his nape as Hide smiled at him.

    ---

    Hide had promised to Takeo that he would teach him how to use baton stick. In today sparring, he fulfilled that promise.

    ¡°Left, right, left, right,¡± Hide said as in moderate speed he made a series of slash toward Takeo, using rubber knife. ¡°Good, that¡¯s it.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°Swing your baton to stop the knife, while moving your body away from the slashing direction.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°Once the baton swing and the evasive step become your second nature, no knife user will be able to harm you as long as you have baton stick in your hand.¡±

    ¡°How long before they become my second nature?¡± Takeo curiously asked while kept moving his feet and hand to avoid and block Hide¡¯s slash.

    ¡°I can¡¯t tell for sure,¡± Hide honestly replied. ¡°But, if you constantly have shadow baton stick training, let¡¯s say two times a day, 20 minutes each, before the bath, in 4-5 months you will become a decent baton user.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°And in 2-3 week, I guess you will be ready to have real baton sparing against me.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°For now, can you continue the baton stick training on your own? Shadow training while imagining my attack will do.¡±

    ¡°I can, but what will you do? We still have lot of time for martial art training.¡±

    ¡°I need to introduce Shizuka to rock climbing training.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Hide then left Takeo to train on his own, and went to resurrect Shizuka from her ¡®death¡¯.

    *****