Editing Mushi Uta:Volume 5 Chapter 1 (section)

==1.02 Chiharu Part 2==

<br>

<nowiki>*</nowiki>

<br>

Gently swaying…

Lightly floating…

An intruder barged into the peaceful days of the young Kusuriya Chiharu.

It introduced itself as one of the Original Three, Aria Varei—

''"Here goes. Ready, set."''

The tiresome voice of a girl sounded out inside the gym storeroom installed near the sports ground of the municipal Shiou Elementary School.

—No.

It wasn't heard by anyone except for the lone young girl inside the storeroom.

"Yes, let's do it."

Kusuriya Chiharu, belonging to Year 6 Class 3 of Shiou Elementary School, reached for the rolled gymnastics mat. At her feet lay the red backpack belonging to her.

"Uah!"

Chiharu raised an idiotic utter at the weird sensation transmitted to her fingertips.

Her thin finger stabbed into the thick mat.

No, it didn't pierce it. It was also different from being buried in it.

''"Yeah yeah, well done. Datch my fushion ability, ijn't it great?"''

Fusion—meaning, the mat and Chiharu's finger became one. According to the explanation she received, the ''sellyular formation'' composing her body or whatever cut inside the ''molekyular structure'' or something like this—that was what she was told, but obviously it was all gibberish to her.

"Mm…"

Chiharu puffed her cheeks and detached her hand from the mat. Having used her ability on the mat, her finger became something akin to jelly, a material that offered a slight resistance with a soft sensation. At first it felt creepy, but perhaps she grew accustomed to it as it actually felt quite nice.

"Why are you speaking like that? If I did it well you have to praise me."

Turning around, Chiharu expressed her dissatisfaction.

However, there was no one in her view. Only Chiharu was inside the storeroom.

''"I did praise you! Or rather, you being able to do that is natural! Since we became one, fusing parts of your body with other substances should be as easy as breathing! If you do that with your whole body it'll be another problem though!"''

"Uu…"

The owner of the voice was invisible, yet Chiharu could hear it clearly in her ears to an annoying degree.

The same voice as hers.

In the same tone as hers.

And yet it had a mischievous personality quite unlike hers.

Chiharu had found a blue cocoon a few days ago in a vacant lot, and the moment she touched it, ''it'' snuck inside her.

''It'' introduced itself as Aria Varei.

''"Actually, why aren't you even a bit scared of the fusion power? And it was the same when I entered you! You have to be scared in the beginning, saying something like 'have I gone crazy?' or 'I've been possessed by a ghost!', otherwise it's bullying! Take responsibility!"''

Chiharu lacked the things known as fear and sense of danger as compared to other boys and girls of her age. The people around her often had to stop her from chasing everything that caught her interest due to her strong curiosity. She was often called a "risk-taking child" by those around her.

"Eh…?"

Chiharu bumped her back against the wall with a pale face. The flags used for sports day fell down with a crash.

"You were a ghost, Aria…? Oh no… I'm scared…"

''"You're well aware I'm not a ghost! What's with that realistic acting for nothing! Now I actually want to die! Ugh!"''

"Even though you're the one who told me to take responsibility. You're so easily annoyed. And stubborn."

In a complete reversal from her frightened acting, Chiharu curled her lips and sat down on the mat.

''"I already explained that it's also your fault! Did you forget it already?"''

Aria Varei raised a vehement objection.

Indeed, Chiharu had received some explanations from Aria so far.

"I didn't. Umm… There's these Mushi that eat people's dreams, and those who are possessed by them are called Mushitsuki, right? And you're one of those Original Three guys that create them."

''"Yup, I'm a super scary villain, right? You can be as scared as you'd like!"''

"Unlike the other two, since you can't move yourself, you go inside someone's body and simb…simb… symbiosis? With them and be reborn like that or something."

''"And I've been totally ignored! Aria's shocked! …Well, but most of that is true."''

"And every time you're reborn your personality changes, right?"

Chiharu confirmed while looking up at the dust-covered ceiling. A somewhat exhausted voice replied to her.

''"Yes, my original personality as Aria Varei was already erased from this world long ago. All that remains are instincts. A nonexistent afterimage. My personality as Aria now is a mirror image based off of my host's—meaning your memories and feelings, nothing more than a copy."''

"…It's too hard so I don't understand."

''"It's fine if you don't understand. After all, once your role is over you'll forget everything about me. You'll forget about Mushi too—as well as about the person you will turn into a Mushitsuki. Anything and everything related to Aria Varei."''

If Chiharu told Aria that its voice sounded lonely, would it become mad?

She hugged her knees and looked down.

"Why will I forget?"

''"Because I became like this… is all I can say. But it's because that unlike El and Dio – the other Original Three, I'm always in a sleep-like state. I'm just a wandering dream unknown to anyone—not like a wish, but in the meaning of a dream you see while you sleep; anyway I'm someone who always dreams. Once you wake up, you forget your dream… and the dream wanders in search for yet another person. You are simply someone who's gotten involved in my sleep."''

"So you've always been sleeping huh, Aria."

Aria made no reply to Chiharu's mutter.

Now that the storeroom was enveloped in silence, the shouts of the Baseball club from the playground reached them. The only clubs to have extracurricular activities in Shiou Elementary School were the Baseball and Soccer clubs. Perhaps the result of the declining birth rates, they were due to combine with another elementary school in the coming years. 

''"Truth be told, you're making me troubled."''

Aria's voice said abruptly.

''"You need to be scared more… or even resent me, or this will be hard to do."''

"Resent you? Why?"

''"Asking me why… have you forgotten everything? Me residing in you means that someone close to you has a delicious dream—and you even know who that dream belongs to! You know you'll also forget about him right?"''

"I won't forget."

She said clearly.

Chiharu would never forget. Never. No matter what happened.

''"It's impossible."''

Aria cut her off with these two words.

''"As long as you coexist with me, the 'hunger' will never leave you. And because you'll stay hungry, it'll exhaust you as long as you don't satisfy it. Eventually you will definitely—"''

"Is that so?"

''"It is! Because everyone that Aria Varei has resided in until now were all the same! It's definitely impossible! It's impossible, impossible, impossible!"''

Chiharu rose from the mat.

If she didn't go back home soon she would make her mother worry.

When she tried opening the storeroom's door, she stopped her hand. —She had an idea. Recalling the sensation from a while before, she focused her thoughts.

As if switching herself—or possibly even constructing herself up from scratch, Chiharu was replaced by another Chiharu. 

Her hair fluttered as if fanned by the wind. Its color was dyed blue for an instant. 

''"H-huh? Chiharu…-san?"''

Chiharu, who had turned into Aria Varei, reached her arm to the door.

Starting from her fingertips, Chiharu's body melded with the door without a sound. She stopped breathing unconsciously when her face passed through the door, but there was no need for that.

She passed through the still-closed door in the blink of an eye.

"Ehehe, this sure is convenient."

When Chiharu smiled, her hair had already returned to its previous black.

''"But you've just learned how to fuse for the first time earlier… W-what the heck! Did you have some hidden training? But hiding from me is simply impossible… h-huh?"''

Humming a song to herself, Chiharu walked along to the playground. Her backpack felt chilly, perhaps due to it being left on the ground. 

Gently swaying…

Lightly floating…

Chiharu's happy days hadn't changed.

Even with the appearence of the bizarre roomie known as Aria Varei, Chiharu's daily life would keep going on like this forever and ever more—

''"Oh boy… talking about the first Fusion Type Mushitsuki I had given birth to was a mistake."''

More than regret, Aria's voice was filled with stronger feelings of resignation.

''"Because of that, you're not going to ask any further question such as the reason the Original Three were born… And the worst—you've now come to hate the act of giving birth to Mushitsuki."''

Walking towards the main gate, Chiharu smiled.

''"I thought that being serious and threatening you a bit with that story would be fine, but to think that it had the opposite effect. In a certain sense, I guess you've already been scared since long ago."''

About the first Fusion Type Mushitsuki that the person who first became Aria Varei had given birth to.

Chiharu had heard about this person from Aria.

"The person the first Aria made into a Mushitsuki… got in trouble, was hurt, suffered, and after losing various things, had his dreams eaten… and died. —I never want to create anyone like that." 

She felt as if she could hear Aria's sigh.

"So you can just stay inside me forever, Aria. Isn't it better this way?"

''"Forever… huh. —That's quite a difficult and nostalgic request."''

"It's easy, it's easy."

Perhaps stunned with Chiharu being this carefree, Aria stayed silent.

When she arrived at the front gate, Chiharu found the face she was the most accustomed to.

It was a child wearing a black backpack for boys and was slightly shorter than Chiharu. He had no special features worth mentioning, but his scowling eyes gazed ahead. She felt as if he always looked at everything like that.

He is Kusuriya Daisuke.

Chiharu's one and only little brother.

"Dai—"

Just as she tried calling to him, several boys ran past Chiharu's vision. While laughing loudly, those boys who were about Daisuke's height kicked his backpack and rushed through the gate.

Being kicked from behind, Daisuke fell to the ground. Yet, the boys only turned around and laughed.

"Hey you!"

When Chiharu glared at them and shouted angrily, they just kept laughing. They stuck out their tongues at her, running outside the school gate.

"Those stupid brats… Hey, Aria! Don't you have any killer techniques that can destroy them?"

''"Your character is changing, Chiharu-san…"''

When Chiharu rushed over to him, Daisuke got up abruptly. He only glanced at her once and then walked toward the school gate without saying anything.

"Hey, wait, Daisuke…!"

She followed him from behind as he brushed off the sand stuck to his clothes.

"What's up with those idiots…! Daisuke, did you have a fight with them?"

"Shut up. It's nothing."

Daisuke bluntly asserted, frowning in annoyance. Yet, Chiharu was unperturbed.

"If something's troubling you, you can always tell me! What are their names? I'll definitely take care of them next time!"

"I told you it's nothing! Don't get involved, you're annoying!"

"I'm not annoying! It's normal!"

''"Sorry, I don't really think it's normal…"''

Daisuke couldn't hear Aria's voice. He separated from Chiharu with a trot, walking slightly ahead. 

Normally at this point she would catch up to him and press him for answers.

Yet now, Chiharu held back and kept a slight distance between them.

While smiling.

Even though she wanted to approach him, she restrained herself from getting any closer than necessary. 

''"Say, Chiharu. Isn't it tough?"''

Aria said in a tone with mixed emotions.

''"To have such an exceptionally delicious dream right in front of you."''

She could perceive a surge coming from Daisuke's back.

The sweet, rich and captivatingly fragrant dream.

It was being emitted by her younger brother.

And his older sister Chiharu craved for it.

"…"

Chiharu's hair swayed.

For just an instant, it swayed with a blue-colored ripple.

If she relaxed her will for just a bit, she would want to embrace Daisuke from behind.

She would cling to him and wrap her hands around his neck—and put his dream—to her mouth—

Yet Chiharu didn't come any closer to him.

She didn't want to lose him, so she didn't reach to him.

''"I don't really mind, but don't try too hard for nothing."''

Aria heaved a sigh.

Something touched Chiharu's cheeks as she was watching over Daisuke's back.

''"If you keep dawdling then he might be snatched away by a greedy someone—"''

Puzzled, she touched her cheeks and found something stuck to her fingertip.

It was something grain-like which shone in purple.

She knew what it was from the experience gained during her pursuit of curiosity.

It was—a butterfly scale.

<br>

<nowiki>*</nowiki>

<br>

The living room was enveloped in a silence brought forth by tension.

Chami and Aya's pale faces gazed at Chiharu who was sitting on the sofa while still wearing the swimsuit.

"…And that's as far as I can remember."

Chami became cautiously distant.

"…"

With a sharp gaze, Aya forced her way between Chami and Chiharu. The ground beetle that was eating cans until now clung to her slender left arm.

"Ah, it's fine. Aria's no longer inside me. I also have no powers left."

While Chiharu was smiling unworriedly, Chami stayed alert.

"So you used to be Aria Varei, meaning Sanbikime—you expect me to believe that contrived story…?"

"Sanbikime? Ah, I remember. I heard that the SEPB calls Aria like that. But, you made this sort of reaction because you believe me, right Chami-chan?"

Chiharu elegantly sat down on the sofa, pouting. She felt it was rude for them to exhibit such clear fear if they didn't believe her.

"Meaning to say that the one who turned Kakkou into a Mushitsuki was you, his sister?"

"The memories related to that are still vague, but… Daisuke's a Fusion Type Mushitsuki, right?"

 "…Right."

"See. I turned Daisuke into a Mushitsuki. There's no mistake about that."

She looked at her intertwined hands on her knees.

Chiharu turned Daisuke into a Mushitsuki.

Her memories were still incomplete, but she could remember that sensation clearly even now.

That otherworldly delicious flavor—

The amazing feeling she had after having stuffed herself full of it—

Chiharu had thrusted her brother Daisuke into this hopeless life of having his dreams eaten and being feared by people.

"Daisuke definitely hates me. I'm sure that he's only passed painful days ever since becoming a Mushitsuki. And all of that is my fault. As if that wasn't enough, I had even forgotten all about it and lived so happily… Looking at it from his point of view, he probably hates me so much that he'd want to come over and kill me the moment he knows where I am."

Chiharu said, smiling.

"That's why, when I meet Daisuke—I'll let him kill me."

Her body still tensed, Chami's complexion changed. She raised her hand to her chin and muttered as if brooding. 

"…It sounds completely made-up… No, but… if Sanbikime gives birth to Mushitsuki, erases the host's memories and moves around like that, it would be consistent with there being no eyewitnesses, won't it…  Aria Varei… the prototype Mushi that creates Fusion Types… No way…"

Muttering as she ruminated over Chiharu's explanation, Chami glared at her with a rigid face.

"I thought this was a stupid monitoring mission but… it's absurd. Isn't this something much more valuable than if you were also a Mushitsuki? In a way you're a more powerful card than Fuyuhotaru."

Pushing Aya aside, Chami stood before Chiharu.

"But that's only if what you've told us is true."

"Such deep suspicions. How like you, Chami-chan."

"What else did you recall? How about Oogui or Shinpu's abilities? —No, we can postpone that for later. What I want to know is the core of everything."

Aya, exchanging looks with Chami, stepped forward in front of Chiharu. She thrust the ground beetle clinging to her left arm at Chiharu's nose.

"What are the Mushi—If you really are one of the Original Three formerly, I won't let you say you don't know the answer to that." 

Chami's sharp gaze and Aya's emotionless stare bore at Chiharu.

However, she only scratched her head with a bashful grin.

"Umm. I actually have no idea."

"—Aya."

"Should I try cutting off about half of her head?"

"Eh, eh, what? ''Kyaa!'' There's a strange smell coming from your Mushi's mouth! Is something coming out? I'll die if I lose half of my head!"

Chami grabbed the head of Chiharu who was flustered. She then brought her face close and spoke with a severe expression.

"I have no time to screw around. I'm already on the run from the SEPB because I saved you thinking you could become of use to me. I don't even know when I'll be killed by an assassin. I can't go back. In order to survive I have no choice but to win. Against that shitty organization called the SEPB."

"C-Chami-chan…"

"In order to win against the SEPB, I have to grasp the core better than them. What are the Mushi? What are the Mushitsuki? I have to find that out and get the jump on them. You will be made into a tool for that purpose. I will have you become my pawn. That's non-negotiable. You cannot refuse."

Having Chami lean forward and press her with questions, Chiharu was puzzled.

"I also have plenty of things I'd like your help with. Thanks to you I remembered Daisuke, and you also saved me from Kanata. But just like I said before, I wasn't really interested about Aria at the time."

"You think I believe that?"

"I-it's true! But, if I'm able to remember other things, maybe I'll become more useful to you, Chami-chan…? Aria talked a lot. If I remember anything, I'll tell you immediately. Is that not fine?"

She looked at Chami with upturned eyes. The glasses-wearing girl seemed dissatisfied.

"…''Tch'', I have no choice then. I can't make any flashy moves since I'm injured now, so I have to stay put for a while. If you don't remember anything soon I'll kick you out."

"O-okay. Also, umm, Chami-chan…"

"What now?"

"Now you need to tell me. What's Daisuke doing now?"

Chiharu inquired with a serious expression and Chami's face changed.

"No way you're thinking of making a deal with me, right? That if I don't tell you, you wouldn't hand over any info related to Mushi—"

"N-no! You've got that wrong! It's true that I still can't remember!"

"…"

"Wow, what a look of suspicion you have there, Chami-chan! Do I look like someone capable of thinking of complicated stuff like making deals?"

Chiharu tried making excuses desperately, earning Chami's sigh in return.

"You want to know about your brother and meet him… just to be killed by him?"

Chiharu did not know what happened to Daisuke ever since separating from him five years ago.

She does not know of the Daisuke who had become Mushitsuki.

What sort of life was he leading now? Since he is a Mushitsuki, he was probably suffering. Chiharu had to know it.

And after knowing of Daisuke's agony, she has to be judged by his hands—

"…Yeah."

She smiled.

If Chiharu was to have a dream—thoughts about wanting to become such and such in the future, this would be her wish. 

She does not have the right to wish for her own happiness.

Seeing her smile, Chami grimaced.

"…I don't like it at all."

"Huh?"

"Getting killed by your brother… don't go and pick out your death like that. Since you'll become my tool, you can't die without my permission. I have no need for any disposable incompetent trash. I only want excellent underlings that are able to stand on the stage until the very last."

Was she basically telling her to not die?

Her words were coarse, but Chiharu felt as if Chami was saying that.

"Well, in your position it would be difficult to avoid being killed by other Mushitsuki even before meeting Kakkou, though."

"W-what do you mean?"

"It means that Kakkou—Kusuriya Daisuke is hated by many Mushitsuki."

Chiharu widened her eyes.

"That guy's probably the worst Mushitsuki at present, being the one to turn the largest amount of Mushitsuki into Fallen. He truly is the Mushitsuki's natural enemy, a cruel reaper. There's not even one Mushitsuki who isn't afraid of that bastard."

She couldn't understand what Chami was saying and who she was talking about.

But when she realized she was referring to Daisuke, Chiharu reflexively raised her voice.

"T-that can't be right! Daisuke's a good kid who understands other people's pain!"

"…Your brother obsession is irrelevant right now. I don't know how that guy was five years ago, but at the very least, right now he's no good kid or anything like that. Rather he's treated as the worst killer in the world."

Chiharu was dumbfounded.

Sitting on the sofa on the other side, Chami started recounting. 

Starting from around four years ago, how he had suppressed the coup d'état attempt, by turning each and every one of those assisting in the rebellion into Fallen, irregardless of the fact that they belonged to the same East Central Branch as himself.

Following that, he even turned the fearsome Mushitsuki Fuyuhotaru into a Fallen and captured her.

And how he went on to capture numerous Mushitsuki as a member of the SEPB.

Finally, during last year's Christmas Eve came the final fight with Mushibane. On top of recapturing Fuyuhotaru, he had killed Ladybird, who was Mushibane's leader.

He was a reaper who deprived countless Mushitsuki of their dreams.

That was Kusuriya Daisuke—Blaze Class Rank 1, the strongest Mushitsuki Kakkou, explained Chami.

"Everyone hates that guy, yet no one can rival him. Despite landing in countless near-death situations, he managed to get through all of them. He's even a legend among low-ranked Mushitsuki like me. Kusuriya Daisuke is the kind of guy who would rush straight to the center of any battle involving Mushitsuki."

Contrary to her indifferent expression while she explained, Chami's tone was mixed with envy and jealousy.

"But as I see it, that reaper's also taken care of situations that threatened the entire country countless times. And all by himself. It was like that with the East Central Branch's coup d'état. As with Fuyuhotaru. And with Ladybird. —But he's created so many grudges so that no one wants to recognize that, though."

"…"

"In that meaning, he was probably an essential existence for the SEPB from their point of view. And yet, his clashes with Central Headquarters lately are starting to become an issue. …He's probably already served his purpose by defeating Lady and weakening Mushibane. Now that they defeated their biggest enemies, the overly powerful Kakkou is actually a nuisance and dangerous for them… But since he's backed by the East Central Branch they can't carelessly make a move on him…" 

At some point, the words coming out of Chami's mouth became a monologue.

"So Daisuke—"

A shudder welled up from the depth of Chiharu's body.

''It's my fault—''

Her mind went blank. Feeling dizzy, she shook her head violently. 

"H-hey!"

Chami hurriedly supported Chiharu's shoulder.

She felt as if the temperature of the room had dropped suddenly. A chill ran up her body and her trembling wouldn't stop.

What she heard about from Aria and feared five years ago now became reality.

No, it couldn't even be compared.

What her child-like mind feared was just birthing a single Mushitsuki. 

But this nightmarish reality was all done by Chiharu's hands—

"Don't think everything's your fault."

"…!"

Chiharu's shoulders shook with a start. Chami peeked into her face with an angry glare.

"Don't be so conceited. Even if what you said was true, and that you were the one who turned Kakkou into a Mushitsuki… that's the only thing you're responsible for. What comes after he become a Mushitsuki is his own responsibility. He did it all by his own decision and his own hands after all." 

"B-but…! If I hadn't turned him into a Mushitsuki—"

"I'm telling you that's your conceit. Don't act like you're playing the main role of some tragic heroine."

"I'm not thinking that at all!"

"Certainly there are people who'd think that everything's your fault. No, almost everyone who bears grudges against him will definitely think so. But every last one of them is a spineless baby. They would make their retirement from the stage someone else's fault."

Still grabbing Chiharu's shoulders, Chami frowned.

Chiharu couldn't understand her anger at all. She had no idea what she was baring her hostility against.

"They'd think they lost because of Kakkou… and so it's also your fault since you turned him into a Mushitsuki. Then what's next? Is it Sanbikime's fault for choosing you? And who created it? ''Ha'', how many other people are they going to blame before they're satisfied?"

Had Chami noticed Aya making a small nod at her side?

"Mushitsuki who fight having forgotten their dream will end up losing pitifully and vanishing."

Chami said in a tone full of hatred.

"But those guys who continue to avert their eyes nonetheless are worse. I don't need such an audience. I'll crush whatever started it all and gave birth to Mushi. If I do that it won't be anyone's fault. I won't be just watching from the side. Serves them right."

Chami, who shouted at herself being cowardly, dirty and weak at 'URBAN', now clenched her fists.

Her aspiration was audacious and outrageous. 

But if it came true…

Rather than Chami herself being saved, it would actually mean—

Chiharu could vaguely understand, but she didn't put it into words. Because she knew that Chami would deny it even if she said it.

"I'll smash them—even if Kakkou possibly thinks the same as me."

"…Huh?"

"After all I only know about Kakkou from rumors. I don't know the truth about what's he thinking and trying to do. Small fries like me aren't told everything about such big shots."

As if a switch was pressed, Chami showed her a calm expression.

"What I really can't accept is him killing Lady. Up till now, Kakkou has always turned Mushitsuki into Fallen, so why would he kill only Lady… The damage to Hashiba City being so outrageous is also a question. I only believe in the information I get by my own hands. Maybe Kakkou didn't kill her—"

Hearing Chami, Chiharu's expression sparkled.

"Then, is it possible that Daisuke's actually a really kind and good kid even now?"

"…No, frankly I think that's impossible."

"I'll know if I meet Daisuke right?"

"I won't let you meet him until you fully retrieve your memories. But even bearing that in mind, meeting him would be difficult. He's a Blaze Class Rank 1 Mushitsuki. It would take extreme time and efforts even just searching for his whereabouts…"

"Then, how about someone who've directly met with him? If I ask about Daisuke directly from someone who knows him, I'll find out the truth right?"

Chami frowned as Chiharu bent her body over. Resting her chin on her hands, she made a blunt displeased expression.

"Hey now. I don't have any duty to fulfill your selfish requests—"

"If I clear things up about Daisuke I'll also remember the past! Yes, there's no doubt about that! I suddenly feel like it would work!"

"You… so you ''are'' trying to make a deal…"

"If you won't help me then I won't tell you even if I do recall everything!"

She puffed her cheeks and turned away. Chami squinted her eyes.

"That's different from what you said before. Meaning you're a traitor. —Aya."

"Since you have four limbs, I feel like you'll be okay even if you lose one of them."

"I lied! It was a joke! I'm sorry!"

Raising her arms at the approaching Aya, Chiharu appealed to Chami.

"Then I'll just ask! For example, I'll ask what kind of a person is he. I won't do anything more than that, I'll just want to know what kind of a person is he. Okay? It'll be just that, really!"

Sighing, Chami restrained Aya with her hand. Sending a side-glance to Aya who seemed slightly disappointed, she started thinking with a "hmm". Perhaps she herself also had an idea.

"Someone who's an acquaintance of Kakkou… Anyone of the executives of the East Central Branch would be an obvious choice. But, the difficulty of getting in contact with them isn't much different than with Kakkou. Other than that there are also those who were formerly members of the East Central Branch like Kasuou, Nene or C… but they're now all big-shots in the Central Headquarters. In a certain sense, it would be much more dangerous than contacting Kakkou. Also, I don't want Konoha to make so many obvious moves inside of Central Headquarters too much."

Obviously, the names that came from Chami's mouth one after another were all unfamiliar to Chiharu. And Chami dismissed all of them anyway.

"Maybe one of the other Rank 1s who have a connection with him… Lady's already dead, Harukiyo—I feel like I'll turn into yakitori<ref>Yakitori is a skewered chicken dish grilled over a charcoal fire and typically dressed with sauce.</ref> just thinking about him. I still couldn't find where ''she'' is either… ''Hah'', what's with that all-stars roster. They're all people who seem like they could possibly destroy the country alone if Kakkou wouldn't get in their way."

After smiling sarcastically and counting on her fingers, Chami's expression changed.

"…? What's wrong, Chami?"

"There is one… She's also a Rank 1, but that's outrageous. Even the SEPB couldn't control her… She's the Mushitsuki who created the opportunity for Kusuriya Daisuke to become the dreaded Kakkou. Although she was once a Fallen, she was revived and that monster's on the loose even now…!"

"M-monster…?"

Hearing the term 'on the loose' only gave the impression of some wanted criminal to Chiharu. That person had apparently met with Daisuke several times, but it didn't sound like their relationship was good.

Chami gazed at Chiharu and spoke clearly.

"You've also met her. And quite recently to boot."

"…Huh?"

"Secret Class Rank 1 Mushitsuki, Fuyuhotaru. —Her real name is Anmoto Shiika."

Chiharu's thoughts stopped for an instant.

It didn't take her long to recall the name of Anmoto Shiika.

''—Ah… it's Anmoto Shiika.'' 

The girl who lent her money after she had met her in Nishito City by coincidence. 

Their meeting was not simply recent. It happened only yesterday. 

At the silver tower, 'URBAN'. For some reason, Shiika also appeared in the violent fight that unfolded inside of it. Now that she thought of it, Chami did call the girl who suddenly appeared in the blazing lobby Fuyuhotaru. Chiharu has yet to receive the explanation as to why Chami had been fighting a Mushitsuki in that tower.

"Shiika-chan…? Huh? Fuyuhotaru is Shiika-chan?"

She was a lovely girl with an innocent face. When she had met her in Nishito City, she even thought that she'd like to have a little sister like her. Chiharu reflexively retorted.

"That's… that can't be true! Shiika-chan is a kind, cute and good kid!"

"What, did your brother obsession spread to include other people too…? —Doesn't matter if she's good or bad. The problem is the fearsome power she has. Don't be deceived by her looks. That girl seriously possesses power on par with the strongest even among the Mushitsuki. That's why I also targeted her and fought at 'URBAN'. …I failed, though."

Chami asserted with an unpleased tone, causing Chiharu to be surprised.

"You targeted Shiika-chan just because she's strong? You can't do that! I believed you were a good kid, I'm shocked!"

"Calm down. Also, don't just call people good kids like that. —And targeting her only because she's strong is natural. But that's not all; she's also the only Mushitsuki to have revived from the Fallen state. Taking possession of that girl would basically mean seizing the initiative for everything related to Mushitsuki. That's how the world is right now."

"No way…"

"Also, don't avert your eyes from the most important matter. —Such a kind, cute and good kid was forcibly captured by your brother two times."

Chiharu was lost for words.

Shiika had handed her money without any hesitation despite her being nothing more than a total stranger.

''—But, you look like you really want to go.''

This girl who wore a somewhat reserved smile had been hurt by Daisuke twice.

"She's a girl who has more reasons to hate Kakkou than anyone. If she finds out you're his sister—as expected I really can't agree to it, but well, you'll be undoubtedly killed. Even if you ask about Kakkou, as long as she's not an idiot or some fortunate person you'll probably hear nothing but grudges."

Grudges.

It was obvious. Shiika had the right for that.

"Also Fuyuhotaru's probably closely guarded by Mushibane right now. No matter how you look at it, you can't meet up with a Secret Class Rank 1 Mushitsuki so easily."

"Tomorrow, there'll be a large assembly of Mushibane's executives."

A monotonous voice suddenly cut into the conversation.

Chiharu turned around to the pale-faced girl. 

Sugitsu Aya. —Chami had introduced her to Chiharu as a member of Mushibane. 

"Apparently, Fuyuhotaru will also be attending."

Aya said while petting the head of her ground beetle that started greedily devouring the leg of the fallen table.

"''Hah?'' I didn't hear anything about that! Why didn't you tell me until now, Aya!"

"I got contact from my sister last night. Haven't I told you?"

"Really, what's up with you! Aren't you acting strange lately?"

"Are you worried?"

Aya showed a happy-looking expression for the first time, making Chami lost for words.

Chiharu then inquired Aya.

"So, I can… meet Shiika-chan?"

"It would definitely be impossible to kidnap Fuyuhotaru herself. But, if it's just approaching her—"

"Don't be an idiot! I still can't move properly… Also, Aijisupa and other Mushitsuki are also going to be there! Someone might have leaked information to the SEPB and they might attack that place aiming for Fuyuhotaru in the ensuing chaos—"

"Of course I wouldn't do anything if you don't want to me to, Chami. But, there are plenty of other members gathering there other than the executives. We can hide our faces and I believe the SEPB won't have time to launch an attack. —Also, about the man called Aijisupa, you've said that he looks to be around the level of Blaze Class Rank 3 or 2 to you, right? I don't believe I'm going to lose to him as I am now."

As Aya explained all this with an extremely natural-sounding tone, Chami stared at her in puzzlement. 

"W-what are you talking about? You only have about as much power as a Blaze Class Rank 8—"

"I'm going there either way. Because I'm interested in hearing Fuyuhotaru's plans. So, I'll comply with your orders regarding Chiharu."

Aya raised her face and gazed fixedly at Chami straight on.

"I wasn't able to do anything except for taking care of Owlet until now, but that cat's already gone. I can finally be of use now. Don't leave me alone even after you leave Nishito City. Use me, Chami."

Chiharu looked at Chami again.

"Chami-chan, please!"

Even if asking Shiika would only lead to vituperation.

Even if Chiharu would invite anger and expose her life to danger.

If that would allow her to know the true road that Daisuke had taken…

Then, she wanted to know that answer.

"I want to meet Shiika-chan again!"

She couldn't meet Daisuke without knowing anything—

"…Aren't you two aware I'm the one giving orders here?"

Being exposed to their gazes, Chami made a solemn sigh.