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Tl: Sam

…

“Excuse me.”

I stepped inside the room labeled “Special Conference Room.” Inside the room were Dojima-san and a man in a suit. I’ve seen this person on the news before… ah, that’s right. He’s definitely a high-ranking police official. Had they been discussing the matter regarding Suda with Dojima-san?

“Welcome, Tanaka. This is Superintendent General Gonda.”
“So you’re the one from the rumors… It’s an honor to meet you.”

The stern-faced man called Gonda stood up and extended his hand toward me.

“I’m Tanaka Makoto. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

Though a little nervous, I took his hand and exchanged a handshake. It was a rugged, strong hand. This person must be formidable as well.
After exchanging handshakes, Gonda-san and I took our seats. Then, Dojima-san looked at me and asked.

“We will deploy skilled Awakened throughout Tokyo to prepare for monster appearances. And in parallel with that, we’ll track down that Suda fellow’s whereabouts. Tanaka, what do you intend to do?”
“It’s already decided. I’m going to take down Suda.”

I answered immediately. This was something I had already resolved.

“Suda’s objective is you. Wouldn’t showing yourself before Suda play right into his hands? You could leave it to us and hide somewhere, you know.”
“……True, thinking about it normally, there might be no need for me to step forward. Giving in to a criminal’s demands is usually foolish, after all.”

Having said that much, I added, “However.”

“This is a ‘fight’ between me and Suda. In that case, there’s no way I can stay out of it. When I resigned, we parted ways half-heartedly, which is why things ended up so tangled like this. This time, I have to settle this grudge with him once and for all.”

When I resigned, I punched him once. I felt refreshed after that, but for him, it only caused his anger to intensify. That was my failing. Back then, we should have purged all the accumulated ‘poison’ between us.

“Even if Dojima-san stops me, I’m going. I know I’m asking for something selfish, but please grant me permission to step forward.”

I bowed my head and pleaded. Dojima-san closed his eyes for a moment as if pondering, then opened them and looked at me.

“‘This is my fight,’ is it? Fufu, that brat from back then has turned into a real man before I knew it. Very well, go wild to your heart’s content.”

Dojima-san smiled cheerfully and accepted my words. I’m grateful. I don’t want to antagonize Dojima-san, who has taken such good care of me.

“Are you sure about this, Ryuichiro? Won’t they grill you in the Diet again?”
“Hah, they’re going to complain no matter what I do anyway. In that case, it’s better to just do as I please.”
“I see. Well, if you’re convinced, I won’t say any more. Do as you like.”

Superintendent General Gonda-san said that, then turned his eyes toward me.

“If you’ll lend us a hand, it’ll be like having the strength of a hundred men; we appreciate it on our end as well. There’s never enough manpower, after all. If there’s anything the Metropolitan Police Department can do to help, we’ll lend our strength, so don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Really? In that case…”

I made a certain request to Gonda-san and Dojima-san. The two looked surprised, then pondered for a moment… and granted me permission.

“Give us a little time, and… it’s possible. But can you really pull off something like that?” “Yes. I’ve never done it before, but I believe it’s possible.”
“Understood. Then I’ll make the arrangements immediately. Is that alright with you, Ryuichiro?”
“No problem. I wanted to test that anyway, so it works out just right on our end.”

Having successfully secured their cooperation, I pumped my fist in my heart. I never expected permission to be granted so quickly. It never hurts to ask.

“Just wait, Suda. I’m taking you up on that ‘fight’ of yours.”

Recalling the face of my childhood friend, I muttered quietly to myself.

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