Editing Mushi Uta:Volume 5th Episode 19 (section)

=== Part 5 ===
—The following is the report about my last mission.

Like always, it was supposed to be a simple job that no one would even think about. However, this time I was attacked by a strange girl, so it was a bit different.

Oh? My wounds?

Ehehe, it's fine already. After what happened, a person called Nene with healing powers came and patched me up. But since I didn't have enough blood, I had to lie down for a while.

Even Ichinokuro-san told me "Thank you" with a smile.

Smiles are like fuel to me.

Since I was given fuel, I want to start my next job already.

Umm, I want it to be safe, but more importantly—

"I can't believe you… You were attacked by an assassin because you took a detour. If you dare put even a single scratch on my creation I'll crack your head open—uh. Stop with that creepy smile immediately."

I was being scolded.

At a certain workshop at West Central Branch, I received complaints about my job one-on-one by Chika-chan, alias Sakura.

But I felt no pain.

Because I would finally be able to obtain what I desired.

It would be no exaggeration to say that I risked my life on this mission for this very moment.

I presented both arms toward Chika.

"More importantly, Chika-chan. Give me what you promised!"

"Oh, you mean ''that''. I won't admire you for doing your job just for the reward, but a promise's a promise. I created it, of course. I did create it, but… well… how do I put it…"

The manly Chika unusually found herself hesitating on words.

When I tilted my head, I felt the presence of a certain person from within the factory.

I heard the voices of my other comrades, some sounding proud, some displeased.

"Oh, you mean that toy? Those circuits were like child's play, so I managed to recreate some of it. Hehe, rub your head against the floor and thank me."

"…I can't believe you've gone and used me and my sister's rare metals for something like that. I'll never give it to you again."

"That's not ecological at all. Electricity is behind the times. So I switched in another power source, like I thought the energy of the future is definitely light, and the drill at the front is a bonus."

It went without saying that my smile was frozen.

In front of my shaking body a spectacular object was presented.

When I saw it, something broke inside me.

The "thing I desired"—or rather its remains were revealed in their sorry state to me.

"Uwaaah! This is horrible, it's too cruel, I can't believe it!"

"A complete replica of AX… is what it was."

It was supposed to be the one and only model in the world that fully recreated shape, functions and mobility, but it no longer had any vestiges of AX.

Also… what did it mean that it wasn't able to move?

Chika bitterly averted her face.

"Also, because that guy touched it… it broke."

"Waaaaan!"

"Like I thought, we're not suited for joint work. That rod is nothing short of a miracle."

On the other side of the sighing Chika, the door to the workshop opened.

The girl hidden on the other side of the door called out timidly.

"Welcome back, Kuuga. You know, earlier the branch head looked at your report, and since there's no date written you need to rewrite it… oh, no, it's fine. Sorry. I'll just write it again and it'll be fine, sorry."

"This is a disaster! I risked my life and worked hard just for this!"

"Also, there was this Mushitsuki who claims knowing you that 'turned herself in'. She's called Yuuko and she said something about having promised this, but I don't really understand the circumstances… oh, this isn't the time for that right now. Sorry."

Even when bad things happen, I will not give up.

It was a job no one cared about, but I believe that tomorrow I will deliver something to someplace as well.

"My AX…"

"Annoying. Someone make him shut up."

"If you hit the back of his head he'll shut up."

"Tears aren't ecological. Energy's leaking."

"That Yuuko girl shouted at me. She said to bring Kuuga out. Sorry for being so useless."

"So, I'll go back to work…"

I'm part of the West Central Branch Special Division, Kuuga.

As part of the West Central Branch that mainly works on equipment development, my job is delivering their equipment and other materials. My categories are small to medium-size luggage, and I specialize in close to middle-range delivery.

Tomorrow, just like yesterday, my easy job will continue.

Where will I go next time? 

<noinclude>