Chapter 23

Gondou: “What do you need for me I wonder. Even bringing a beauty with you, are you planning to show off?”

I visited Gondou’s office again, and it seems that the bloodstains from last time are mostly cleaned.Perhaps they do have some people who specializes in the cleaning of such stains.Though I don’t want to know, and I don’t need to know.

Keisuke: “You’re using a different tone than yesterday aren’t you? So you can properly use polite words now?”

Gondou didn’t respond to my inquiry.He simply grinned while lying back on his sofa.

After what I did, I held Angelica and cast concealment magic on us and flied to this office.We entered the building and right now we’re standing in front of Gondou.It shouldn’t have been alright to let Angelica enter a place like this that looks like a garbage dump.But I need Gondou to grasp who Angelica is.Also—if Angelica saw me intimidating Gondou, she might come to hate me.She’ll be disappointed and give up on me, and she’ll look for another man.If I can do that, then I’ll be a good father.That’s why I decided to bring Angelica with me rather than just showing Gondou her picture.

Keisuke: “You’re just my dog, you remember that? No weapons nor arms of yours could scratch me.”Gondou: “…I look weak when you say that. Well, I’ve set out some youngsters to the ramen store in front of the store as you requested. Everyday they’ll eat over there and if they hear plates crashing they’ll jeer at the shop owner. What’s the meaning behind this anyways? Is your lover working in that store or something? You’re asking me to punish the store owner that’s been bullying your lover or something?”Keisuke: “You don’t need to know.”

Feeling the threatening atmosphere, Angelica firmly held onto my arm.I’ve told her to keep quiet and do what I tell her to do.Bear witness, then scorn me, and be disappointed.

Keisuke: “Gondou, I need an identification papers for this girl. She illegally immigrated.”Gondou: “You’re not that hard of a person are you? Your eyes look like a murderer’s though.”

Gondou said that while stroking his little finger. It was a finger that he lost until yesterday.

When I healed his right arm back yesterday, I unintentionally regenerated back some other parts.The moment the finger that’s been cut years ago grew back, he silently stared in shock.

Keisuke: “Make her a Western passport that fits her appearance. But don’t kill anyone.”Gondou: “You’re unreasonable, you know that? Someone who looks like her would be a very beautiful lady you know? You think there’s gonna be anyone like that who are so despearte for money they’ll sell their passport? They’ll probably sell their body for cash first. I’m telling you there won’t be anyone who’s gonna sell their social status like that. It’s not gonna be possible. No way. There are things even the Yakuza can’t do.”

I guess it’s impossible if I don’t compromise a bit more.

Keisuke: “Whatever white lady’s ID is fine. Do something about it. Forge it of you must.”Gondou: “It’s not like you can’t pose as a Russian brat. That state’s countryside is pretty poor. They’ll probably sell stuff they weren’t supposed to sell. Like their own documents for example.”Keisuke: “That’s fine. This kid looks a bit Slavic too.”Gondou: “But mister Nakamoto, can you give us a bit more for this? This job is a major pain in the ass you know? On top of that we’re working for the guy who whooped our asses yesterday. Working for free is a bit…ya’ know.”

He said that while showing me his creepy smile. It has a different nature than the creepy smile from yesterday.This smile of his will convince me that he’s actually a leader of a crime syndicate.

Keisuke: “What, what do you want split in half?”Gondou: “Oi oi, that’s dangerous. Rather than muscles, you get work quickly aren’t you?”

He lifts both his arms and his lips curved.

Gondou: “How about it, Mister? Do you feel like working as our hitman specialist? I want you, ya’ see. This is the condition for your request.”Keisuke: “You’re scouting me, huh?”Gondou: “With you around our family is invincible. If we can become partners we’ll accept your requests with open arms. We were utterly smashed by you but we can strike a deal.”

There’s the part time work at the ramen store and now the Yakuza’s martial constituents.My income might rise.But,

Keisuke: “I can’t do that.”Gondou: “Hoo,”

Someone’s trying to use my fighting power. I’ve thoroughly experienced that during my days as a hero.

It’s not worth it. Besides, I won’t stand being a co-worker of these fools.

Keisuke: “Shut up and do what I say, and do it unconditionally. I won’t be one of your troops.”Gondou: “Negotiation fails, huh?”

Gondou held his hands together behind his head and bent his chest.

Gondou: “If you wanna kill me then kill me. Then you won’t get your hands on that ID, and it’s over. A short temper is a disadvantage, mister.”Keisuke: “I’ll revive you before you die and I’ll kill you again. Do you think you can handle that cycle?”Gondou: “I won’t know until I get there.”

Even after his disgusting giggles are gone, he still had that strange edge.With him in the current situation, he will really stick it out until the last bit if I am to torture him.

Keisuke: “…can’t help it then. I didn’t really want to use this method though.”Gondou: “Oh? Are you doing it? Alrighty then, do it as much as you want. Cut my fingers or carve my back, I won’t even let out a scream you know. I’d better off dying rather than working for you. Don’t underestimate Gondou’s pride.”

I pulled out my smartphone from my pocket and shut my eyes.Sorry. I’ll have to be a demon.At this moment I stopped being a hero, or rather I even stopped being a human.For Angelica, I’ll tread the path of a fiend.

Keisuke: “Look at this, Gondou.”Gondou: “Huh?”Keisuke: “You can take your time and look at it.”

I opened the SNS application and showed the screen to Gondou.

Gondou: “T-This is…!”

Sorry, Rio. I’m using your goodwill in the worst way possible.I’m using the risque selfies you kept sending me this morning as a negotiation material…

Gondou: “Don’t fuck with me! As I thought you’ve laid your hands on Rio haven’t you!? She covered her eyes with her bra and thighs peeking out…this is full of selfies that just spells arrest isn’t this!?”

Angelica and I exited the office feeling exhausted.