Editing Mushi Uta:Volume 2nd Episode 08 (section)

===Part 4===

He had entered the organisation known as the Special Environmental Preservation Bureau.

From the moment he turned the Mushitsuki called Fuyuhotaru into a Fallen, Kusuriya Daisuke began his life of being Kakkou.

Two years had passed since then.

Living without wavering, time passed by quickly.

All the while fighting, hurting others, and barely surviving, he found that he had been branded as the reaper when he looked back.

However, he met the girl called Ichinokuro Arisu.

That time began to slow down—that was no doubt due to Arisu, who dragged him along with her flow. From morning when he opens his eyes till night when he goes to sleep, she would get him wrapped up in all sorts of trouble and give rise to his headache.

Perhaps it was due to his tension loosening, that it became hard for him to get up in the morning recently.

Just speaking of yesterday, if not for Arisu forcefully waking him from his slumber, who knew if he would have woken up—.

Supposing.

If the girl who entrusted her dream with him all those years ago, Fuyuhotaru, saw the current him, what would she think? If it was her who used to have the same dream as him, would her time still continue to flow the same?

[Please proceed forwards for sterilisation.]

Daisuke advanced into the steam-filled world.

''Say, Fuyuhotaru. Do you still remember that promise…?''

As he proceeded, the steam dissipated. Before him stood a sturdy-looking door, and a box on the wall contained a set of black suits. It was made of a thin fabric that hugged the body and a zipper ran from the waist till the neck. On the surface of both arms and legs were plastic zippers. Those were probably meant to fit snuggly with the body, allowing anything hidden to be seen easily. It was the same bodysuit as the one Arisu wore the other time she came here.

They promised each other to never forget their dreams.

As Daisuke passed his arm through the sleeve, he murmured in his heart.

''Could it be that… we made a promise that could not be fulfilled?''

He came before the door.

[East Central Branch member, Kakkou, confirmed. Please enter.]

The sensor above his head glowed red, and the door slid open from both sides.

Following that, another door further in, followed by yet another door, for a total of four doors, opened sequentially.

He was in the underground facility in Akamaki City, the base of operations of the Central Headquarters of the Special Environmental Preservation Bureau. This was the location where civilian members held meetings for the search and experimentation of Mushitsuki, while Mushitsuki members are accommodated and undergo training.

As a result of the inmate uprising the other day, the regulation of security within the facility has been intensified. Most likely out of fear of the Mushitsuki, personal belongings were completely prohibited, and all members are subjected to strict body checks. All Mushitsuki apart from those belonging to the Central Headquarters are required to wear their own suits in the facility.

However, the use of safety chokers had been scrapped after the case with Rina’s Mushi going berserk. Whether or not there would be another system to replace that remains to be seen.

A light commotion was raised when Daisuke walked down the walkway. He was used to such response, but something felt off from the usual.

“…?”

What dwelled in the eyes of those who passed by him in the past was fear towards Kakkou. However, their gazes were different today. They could be said to be indifferent gazes, and there were even some that appears to be sneering.

Knitting his eyebrows, the whispers of the other Mushitsuki members came into his ears. Smiles of scorn appeared on their faces along with, ‘It’s Kakkou’, ‘Yea, it turns out that even the reaper was only human in the end’.

Realising what the situation was, Daisuke was flabbergasted.

''—You said that you were demoted from Blaze Class Rank 1, right. Do you still not get what that means?''

He recalled the words Kasuou said.

Feeling unbelieving, he walked down the corridor.

Not a single person averted from his path. They were all whispering in voices that mocked and cursed him.

''I can’t believe this—.''

From the day he turned Fuyuhotaru into a Fallen.

He had been fighting all these times. He had despatched off all enemies that appeared in his sights without mercy and turned fellow Mushitsuki into Fallen without getting close to any single person. Despite being branded as the reaper and rebuked as a traitor, even so he continued to only face forward and get stronger than anyone else.

''Just from losing the title of Blaze Class Rank 1, everything I’ve done so far… all of it amounts to nothing…?''

His nails dug into his flesh in his clenched fist.

Blaze Class Rank 1.

That was undoubtedly the proof of being the strongest Mushitsuki. The title of the one who stands above all other Mushitsuki as the symbol of fear.

—He would end the fight between Mushitsuki. Until the day comes when Fuyuhotaru can return without fighting.

All the things he had built up from bearing the immense pain and solitude, so much so that he had to gnash his teeth.

They all came crashing down with a roar.

“Damn it…!”

He groaned unconsciously. Fury and regret caused his shoulders to tremble.

Bearing the gaze of disdain on him wherever he went, he reached the room of his objective.

That room was the Navigator Room. It was the room where information for the members engaged in missions were disseminated, and where they received orders from their goggles in real-time.

He placed his palm on the automatic sensor by the wall.

[Fingerprint acknowledged. Please input your verification number.]

Following the voice acknowledgement, Daisuke punched in the number pad next to the sensor.

[Error.]

Words of entry being denied appeared on the display. When he repeated the procedure again, he got the same result. In order to go proceed even further in, he would require the authorisation of those inside, but he couldn’t even make it till that point.

“Damn this—”

Right when he raised his fist in vexation.

“…Kakkou-kun…?”

A familiar voice reached his ears. When he turned around, he found a tall girl standing over there.

It was Yomori Neiko. She was a Mushitsuki that was captured under his hands with Arisu around. With an absentminded look on her face as always, she approached wobblily.

“Nene, huh. Just the right time, lend me your hand for a bit.”

“What…? Overtime practise just ended… I want to return to my room… and sleep…”

“Stop fussing, just come here already. Hey, don't you run away.”

“…Aah…”

“What’s your verification number? And don't tell anyone that I’m the one that entered. Just pretend that you’re the one who entered.”

“But, that’s… a violation of rule…”

“What are you doing, Kakkou?”

A detached voice called out to him from behind.

A group of people in suits stood at the head of the corridor. The one standing at the front was the person who handed down his demotion to him, Miguruma Yaeko.

“K-Kakkou…? That child is…?”

One of the middle-aged man’s expression changed. On the other hand, Yaeko looked towards Daisuke coolly and turned back to the man.

“I shall leave the inspection of the Navigator Room for another occasion, Vice-director. Someone else shall guide you to the Operations Room. I will take my leave here.”

Saying so without faltering, Yaeko turned away from the group and approached Daisuke without waiting for a reply.

Daisuke released Neiko’s arm with a, ‘It’s fine now’. Neiko appeared baffled, but she just left with unsteady footsteps.

“I see you have not replied me. Did you not hear my question perhaps?”

Similar to the other day, she came to within close proximity of him with a gentle smile on her face.

“Can’t you tell with your eyes. Since I couldn’t get into contact with the intelligence team through call due to the invalidation of my verification number, I just came here directly.”

“In light of the re-evaluation due to your demotion, it may take some time for the issuance of a new verification number. I believe this had been explained to you, Kakkou. Aren’t you being too hasty?”

“…”

“I shall pass you my direct contact number. Please direct all reports regarding Hanashiro Mari and Ichinokuro Arisu through here. I shall emphasise once again, do refrain from any overly rash actions. Your current behaviour is grounds for punishment, but I shall turn a blind eye to it this time.”

Narrowing her already thin-slit eyes, Yaeko held out a piece of paper that appeared to be a business card. Daisuke roughly snatched it from her.

“That’s right—this is just the perfect chance. Truthfully speaking, I wanted to consider it for some more time, but seeing as you are already here, let’s get it over with first. Follow me.”

Without waiting for Daisuke’s acknowledgement, Yaeko started walking with a smile plastered on her face.

Daisuke remained motionless while glaring at Yaeko.

“What is the matter? This is an order, you know.”

Now that Daisuke thought about it, it all started since he came to Akamaki City.

How everything he that did failed to turn out well.

Whether be it about Hanashiro Mari, or Ichinokuro Arisu.

Ever since he got caught up in the strange connection between the two girls, he started making all sorts of mistakes. In a situation where he was supposed to prioritise his mission, the mere thought of a girl that slapped him caused him to let escape his only clue right before his very eyes.

In addition—he lost the absolute, intangible authority known as Blaze Class Rank 1.

In order to retrieve everything, to return all to their original position, he had to complete this mission regarding those girls even one second faster.

“A guy known as Sensei was in contact with Hanashiro Mari. —He might be Sanbikime.”

Daisuke spoke in a low voice.

Yaeko’s countenance remained unchanged. Much less move, a slick smile formed on her face as if naturally.

“From whom did you hear that from? I believe that we have decided that the truth is not to be established from Kororo’s ability.”

Daisuke’s face twisted.

“I knew it… You’ve already known about it! Why did you conceal this, answer me!”

Yaeko brought her face close to Daisuke who pressed her for an answer. Her mouth was so close to his ear that he could almost hear her breathing.

“Calm down, Kakkou. Let us speak while walking.”

The coldness of the hand that was placed around his cheek sent shivers down his back. From the close proximity, he seemed to feel a shadow in the depths of her pupil that paralysed his body. It felt as if he was being restrained by invisible chains.

“There is no way that I would hide anything from you. After all, I deeply love each and every one of you, especially you who is excellent. So, please do not hide anything from me as well. Show your love for me too, Kakkou.”

“…”

“Who did you hear that from?”

At a distance where the tip of their nose was about to touch, Yaeko’s gaze queried him.

''What the hell is she—.''

Daisuke scarcely managed to close his mouth that was about to open involuntarily. He struggled to retain his self-control desperately which was being eroded by the abnormal atmosphere projected by Yaeko.

It would be best for him to keep quiet about the youth who named himself as Sehateno Harukiyo. That was what he felt instinctively. Contrary to Yaeko’s words, there were no doubts that Central Headquarters was hiding something important. In order to draw that out, there was a need for Daisuke to hold some cards of his own.

But, at the same time, he felt like clicking his tongue.

''It’s almost as if I don’t even know what I’m fighting against…!''

Seeing Daisuke keep his mouth clamped tight, Yaeko remained all smiles.

“I see, that is fine by me too. Withholding of secrets is a violation of order, but I understand that we have just gotten to know each other. Forming a trusting relationship is of utmost importance. For us to love each other, trusting one another is paramount.”

Her smile unfading, Yaeko walked down the passageway. Daisuke hesitated, but decided to follow behind her a few steps back. Freed from the formless chains, his heart was still beating wildly.

“It is just as you said. We have confirmed that Hanashiro Mari was in contact with an existence that appears to be Sanbikime.”

The clacking of her footsteps echoed in the corridor.

Daisuke frowned. However, before he could open his mouth, Yaeko continued.

“It appears that you have misunderstood something.”

“…Misunderstood?”

“It is not that we have concealed this matter. —Indeed, the fact that we exercised extreme caution in not allowing this piece of information to spread is due to its secrecy. However, if deemed necessary, this information would have been provided to you as well.”

As he walked down the path, Daisuke furrowed his brows.

The bureau members walking down from the opposite direction all made way to them with fearful expressions.

It had already become a common sight to him, but the reason for their fear should have been lost already. Looking more carefully, he found that their gazes of trepidation were directed towards Miguruma Yaeko instead of him.

“One year ago, Hanashiro Mari died from her illness. At that time, it became clear that something thought to be Sanbikime was nearby, and a mission to capture it was executed. The one who was in charge of that mission was me. It was a mission that proceeded in absolute secrecy around one year ago. Around that period, the matters regarding Ichinokuro Arisu occurred. —In other words, these two missions were completely unrelated to each other.”

Daisuke furrowed his eyebrows.

''If what Miguruma said was the truth—.''

“You said you were chasing Sanbikime? Then, the fact that you are here now means—”

“The mission was completed.”

Yaeko turned around to face Daisuke who followed diagonally behind her.

“We succeeded in cornering it to a place called Aoharima Island, and as result of the judgement that capture was difficult, we exterminated it.”

Daisuke widened his eyes.

One of the Original Three was exterminated. This means that there would no longer be any new Fusion Type Mushitsuki birthed.

Yaeko faced the front and started walking again.

“Unfortunately, due to some disturbances, the confirmation for this matter encountered some difficulties, but… with the fact that there has been no new discovery of Fusion Type Mushitsuki up till this day, we may conclude that the existence known as Sanbikime is gone from this world. It is not my intention to withhold information with regards to that, but we can't afford to make the mistake of giving it time and allowing it to escape.”

“…”

“That concludes my explanation. To add on, the nature of the connection between Hanashiro Mari and Ichinokuro Arisu remains a sceptical one to us. A Mushi which remains after the death of its host… not to mention, is capable to possessing another person appears to be far too irregular to our eyes. We also cannot exclude the possibility of it being a wholly different entity, one that merely has the same appearance and ability. Rather, that should be the obvious conclusion, should it not?”

Daisuke understood what Yaeko was getting at.

“But, the memories of the morpho butterfly as shown by Kororo’s ability was that of Hanashiro Mari’s.”

Yaeko made a glimpse at Daisuke. Her lips raised into a smile of satisfaction.

“Excellent, Kakkou. —It is just as you said. The memories of the Mushi does not lie. We cannot deny that the morpho butterfly possessing Ichinokuro Arisu used to belong to Hanashiro Mari. In the aftermath of dealing with the search for Sanbikime—I have returned to the Central Headquarters to hunt down the person who obstructed us then.”

Yaeko suddenly retrieved her mobile phone from her pocket. It seems like she was getting into contact with somebody. He heard her saying, ‘I would like to know the situation of our target, thus, I will be heading over now’.

Without any changes to her pacing, Yaeko ended the call.

Turning around at the corridor, they came before an elevator.

The door to the elevator opened, and Yaeko followed by Daisuke entered. The door then shut, and the elevator began to descend.

Silence fell between the two.

''—What she said was sound.''

Looking at the time frame involved, Yaeko’s explanation made sense. It should have been impossible for the Mushi of a certain Mushitsuki to randomly possess another individual.

However—.

“In that case, why was the incident that occurred at Horusu Seijou Academy assigned to me who belonged to the East Central Branch?”

Looking forwards straight at the door, Yaeko smiled.

“I know that it is not uncommon for other branches to request for reinforcements due to a lack of personnel. However, the mission that was explained to me was far too simple. Haji—that is, my Branch director, often said, ‘You, who is Blaze Class Rank 1, is special’. It would be strange for the mission assigned for me to not be a ‘relatively challenging’ one.”

“Did you not think of this? That that was merely the oversight of Branch Director Haji.”

Yaeko spoke lightly.

“That you are not the caliber of Blaze Class Rank 1. —In actual fact, ever since coming over to Central Headquarters, you have failed numerous times and had been demoted.”

“…!”

“Please don't make such a scary expression. I was just joking.”

Yaeko only gave an amused smile at Daisuke clenching his fist.

“You are overthinking this, Kakkou. It was only a coincidence that when you came to Central Headquarters, you were assigned to the monitoring of Ichinokuro Arisu. That is all. All that is required of you is to put your all into fulfilling the mission.”

Yaeko’s thin-slit eyes looked down at Daisuke. Her constraining smile coiled around Daisuke’s body like a snake.

“You just need to ensure a satisfactory result, one that is worthy of my love in you.”

Daisuke glared at Yaeko grimly.

There were probably some truths in what the person in front of him had said. However, there were also untruths in the crux of the matter. That was what he felt keenly. What a master manipulator she was.

“I see you are finally satisfied. In that case, let me inform you of your mission for today. I have mentioned this earlier, but there was someone trying to hinder us during the search for Sanbikime. We have been chasing him down until recently, but the situation reversed just as we were coming to a close. Perhaps he could be said to be withdrawing when we push, and push while we withdraw. It was just yesterday when he appeared right before us and we apprehended him.”

The elevator display changed above Daisuke who creased his eyebrows. The facility they were in comprised of many different strata. Each stratum was separate from another through considerable distance, and the only thing connecting them was the elevator, the ventilation duct, and the transmission wirings.

“Why was ''he'' impeding our way and why did he choose to appear before us at this time—we are beginning our interrogation of him right now. At first, I was thinking of weakening him by leaving him be for a few days, but… since you are here, we should be able to avert most of the risk. In addition, I request that you keep silent about his matters such that this does not spread out.”

“…?”

Daisuke raised his head all of a sudden.

He had felt a slight tremor. It seems that Yaeko had not felt it.

''What is this tremor…? Also, this smell… something is—.''

An electronic beep rang out.

They had reached their floor.

By that time, the rumbling was getting stronger in intensity. It was as if it had been storing up energy. And now, it seemed ready to burst—.

“Do you understand? I have high expectations of you.”

The sound of air rushing by came from the door.

''Something dangerous… is coming!''

By the time a green checkered beetle appeared on Daisuke’s shoulder, the elevator door was already half-opened.

What he saw was the flames of an explosion heading their way.