Taiska… Wataru Date had come to ask Jinpei Matsuda for weapons.
Actually, he could have easily retrieved the basic equipment himself—every Daigou Kaiin had ample reserves and access privileges.
It was just that Jinpei Matsuda enjoyed making small modifications, and he happened to be able to discern their habits and quirks from the wear and tear on their weapons. Thus, his casual tweaks would make those cold tools better suited to the user’s preferences.
No one disliked tools that fit them perfectly, so Jinpei Matsuda’s modifications were always popular.
However, Jinpei Matsuda had limited slots for such assistance, and he wasn’t that idle either; ordinary people certainly weren’t qualified to commission him for such minor handiwork.
Clearly, Wataru Date was an exception.
“But Matsuda’s prices are really steep,” Wataru Date remarked, stroking his chin.
Jinpei Matsuda had entered his workshop and hadn’t come out since, leaving both Morofushi Akihiko and Wataru Date outside.
Morofushi Akihiko’s peripheral glance swept over Wataru Date’s waist but didn’t linger for even a second. He was currently carrying an instrument case on his back, inside of which was the sniper rifle Jinpei Matsuda had given him.
The instrument case was also provided by Jinpei Matsuda; his warehouse seemed to be full of all sorts of random things.
“He’s still the same as ever,” Morofushi Akihiko said with a smile, expertly adjusting his new gear. After a sigh of admiration, he followed up on the topic Jinpei Matsuda had just mentioned: “Do you need extra hands for your mission these next couple of days?”
“Are you offering to help?” Wataru Date wasn’t surprised by the other’s initiative.
He, too, was skilled at analysis and deduction, and like Jinpei Matsuda, he quickly assessed Scotch’s current situation.
It had to be said, Scotch’s position was a bit awkward now. Originally a reliable and trusted Daigou Kaiin within Soshiki, he was sent elsewhere as an undercover agent, only to be brought back.
As a result, he now had neither the privileges of a Daigou Kaiin nor direct access to other Daigou Kaiin, all while having to make his whereabouts traceable. He even had to pretend to be nothing more than an ordinary peripheral cleaner, to the point of being roped into being Jinpei Matsuda’s driver.
Which Daigou Kaiin had it this rough?
You say Vodka? Never mind, then.
Morofushi Akihiko chuckled softly. “Actually, I originally planned to ask someone else for help, but after thinking it over, getting promoted too quickly would raise suspicion.”
Morofushi Akihiko didn’t explain who the “someone else” was, but Wataru Date seemed to understand what he meant and nodded. “Just arrange things as you see fit. If you need help, you can always ask me.”
Bringing up assistance again, Wataru Date glanced thoughtfully at the instrument case on Morofushi Akihiko’s back. “As for a sniper… are you free these next couple of days?”
“Hmm?” Morofushi Akihiko joked, a slight smile curling at the corner of his mouth. “I thought I was already your subordinate now.”
“Don’t.” Wataru Date immediately recalled the strange conversation and atmosphere from earlier. He made a stopping gesture, somewhat helpless. “We’re practically classmates, not to mention you earned your Daigou before I did.”
Classmates…
Scotch smiled even more cheerfully. “But right now, I’m just an ordinary peripheral member.”
That said, Scotch didn’t continue the joke about titles. Instead, just before reaching the door, he provided a new email address and said, “Remember to contact me, Taiska.”
Taiska nodded without refusing.
Rather, it was precisely because he understood Scotch's capabilities that he knew how rare an opportunity like this—being able to call someone for help at any time—truly was.
When Soshiki carried out missions, aside from fixed partners or teammates required by the task, which Daigou Kaiin would lend a hand without demanding a corresponding favor in return?
In a situation like this, where he hardly had to pay any favors and could even turn the tables to make Scotch owe him one, who could resist taking advantage of it a few more times?
At any rate, Taiska couldn't resist.
Morofushi Akihiko sat in the driver's seat, his instrument case placed to one side. The currently still somewhat bulky button phone was casually twirled in his hand.
On his phone screen was a new email from Taiska, already replied to.
Taiska had straightforwardly provided a specific time and location—a private room in a restaurant three days later. Not that he intended to go inside, but he needed to scout the area in advance as a sniper to secure coordinates nearby.
Due to the prolonged lack of response, the screen automatically turned off. Morofushi Akihiko stared at the now inactive phone, his elbow resting on the car window as he propped his chin with one hand. The rearview mirror reflected his current expression—utterly indifferent, cold, and even somewhat gloomy.
His eyes, which should have been as clear and blue as a sunny sky, now looked like the sky just before a storm.
He had taken slight advantage of Jinpei Matsuda's straightforward personality—his dislike for pretense—to test and pressure his "friend" into contacting him proactively.
But so far, it seemed the other party was not inclined to reach out.
Running into Wataru Date today was unexpected, and it was distinctly different from encountering Jinpei Matsuda. The latter had already sacrificed his life, while the former was a living police officer.
One unfortunate encounter after another gave Morofushi Akihiko a rather ominous premonition.
A blurred black figure reflected in his gloomy blue eyes, and Morofushi Akihiko immediately snapped back to attention, honking the horn.
The curly-haired young man instinctively looked toward the sound, his expression hidden behind sunglasses.
Jinpei Matsuda walked toward him, the evening glow casting a strangely gentle light over him.
Then he spoke, shattering that atmosphere.
"You're still here?"
Morofushi Akihiko smiled. "Before the job ends, a proper handover is required."
Jinpei Matsuda raised an eyebrow, lazily opened the back door, and stepped inside. "Alright then, let's head back."
Three days passed quickly.
Before heading out, Morofushi Akihiko checked the weather forecast. Today's weather was quite favorable—aside from the slightly low temperature, the wind was weak. In short, it was ideal for sniping.
Before heading to the pre-scouted coordinates, he followed Taiska's instructions to gather first. Upon arriving, Morofushi Akihiko was not surprised to see someone other than Taiska present.
"Sorry, I'm late," Morofushi Akihiko said gently.
"No, you're not late. The timing is just right," Wataru Date glanced at his watch, confirming this.
The moment Morofushi Akihiko arrived, the time on the watch had just ticked to 14:00.
This was exactly the meeting time Wataru Date had specified.
The moment Morofushi Akihiko spoke, the young man who had been facing away from him tensed up, his green eyes sharp as a predator's locking onto his direction.
The long-haired young man seemed not to have expected someone to evade his perception, arriving behind him as silently as a cat.
Relying entirely on past experience, Morofushi Akihiko maintained his unchanging smile at the corner of his lips, sweeping his gaze over the other's not unfamiliar green eyes.
Long time no see, Rye.
"Introduce yourselves. You'll need to cooperate on the upcoming mission," Wataru Date spoke up.
"Kei Midorikawa, sniper."
"Moroboshi Dai," the black-haired young man said calmly.
Not Shuichi Akai?
Morofushi Akihiko's gaze held no aggression or malice, but he wondered what would happen if he shouted "FBI" right now.
In truth, Morofushi Akihiko held no ill feelings toward Rye, who had stopped him before his suicide. In fact, he found the other's words more than 50% credible.
Because long before that, he had encountered a young boy who looked strikingly similar to Rye. The child had blurted out "Shu-nii" upon seeing Rye.
Since the boy seemed on the verge of tears from Rye's intimidating demeanor, Morofushi Akihiko took out his bass to soothe him for a while. During this process, he confirmed the answer.
Moroboshi Dai was a pseudonym. Rye's real name must contain the syllable "Shu."
Shuichi Akai happened to match the boy's address from back then, which was likely his real name.
Yet this still couldn't fully represent Shuichi Akai's stance. Setting aside the relationship between the FBI and Japanese Public Security for a moment, just considering…
Morofushi Akihiko's gaze swept over Wataru Date, and he fell silent for a second.
Even if he had originally been FBI, who could say whether he still was now?
Shuichi Akai felt a sudden chill and glanced strangely at the two normal-looking men before him. He narrowed his eyes briefly before returning to his usual expressionless state.
Wataru Date continued explaining the mission: "Next, I'll conduct a transaction with the target. If they make any suspicious moves, open fire immediately."
This was a fairly basic mission, completely unnecessary for two snipers. And given Rye's skills…
Morofushi Akihiko glanced at Wataru Date and asked Rye—Shuichi Akai—"What's your effective range?"
Shuichi Akai gave a relatively safe number: "600."
No, for ordinary people, this was already far from safe. Noticing Wataru Date's raised eyebrows in surprise, Morofushi Akihiko chuckled softly.
This mission didn't require two snipers. Like Matsuda Jinpei before him, Wataru Date didn't know he was skilled in sniping and was unaware of his range or abilities.
Yet he still included him in the mission without asking about his capabilities beforehand.
This wasn't due to distrust in Scotch's abilities but because what Taiska needed wasn't an operative.
He needed a meticulous and trustworthy observer.
Morofushi Akihiko's eyes curved, his demeanor harmless and calm. He spoke up, "Then, I'll be the observer."
To monitor… Moroboshi Dai, the sniper who had joined the Soshiki on his girlfriend's recommendation and was now executing a sniping mission.
—If they make any suspicious moves, open fire immediately.
This instruction applied not only to the mission target but also to this newly recruited peripheral member of the Soshiki.
Yet this vigilance wasn't consistent with the Wataru Date that Morofushi Akihiko was familiar with.
But this was exactly how Taiska operated.
Morofushi Akihiko held the binoculars, observing Taiska from a distance as he communicated with the trembling mission target, calmly reporting the current wind speed and target information.
"Distance 350 yards, wind from the right…"
Morofushi Akihiko knew that at this range, Rye didn't need a spotter, but he still naturally carried out his duties.
His words paused as he saw through the binoculars the target's abrupt movement after Taiska left. Without hesitation, Morofushi Akihiko quickly made a judgment.
His blue-toned eyes were utterly indifferent as he commanded, "Fire."
"Bang—"
Blood splattered in an instant.