Chapter 36

Godo Genki. Even though we let him escape, we had completed our mission and returned to the hideout.

The time was 6:30 PM. Thanks to the enemy's retreat, we were able to return much earlier. The way back was quick thanks to Shido's ability.

I am now in the boss's room, and Shido is with me.

I had informed Roll via email that we had returned to the base, but I couldn't go back to my room yet because there was a meeting with the bosses.

It was more of a debriefing... or rather, a review of the information on Genki.

The boss was sitting in his usual expensive-looking chair, leaning on the office desk and going through some documents. Shido was leaning against the wall next to him.

In the meantime, I was sitting on the sofa, listening to their conversation.

"Name unknown. Affiliation unknown. Rank is Major.

There are a few combat records, but everyone involved was killed.

...There's hardly any data."

"That's strange, given his ability. Was he young?"

"That could be part of it, but it's also possible that the Self-Defense Forces were hiding him.

In any case, we need to alert the members. His ability... we don't know the details yet, but it's highly dangerous."

"Yes. In the end, he passed through the wall... that revealed the nature of his ability.

Penetration ability... The fact that it can penetrate not just objects but also abilities makes it extremely troublesome."

"No, it's too early to jump to conclusions. There were many points that couldn't be explained by penetration ability.

The trajectory of the knife he swung was distorted, which can't be explained by penetration ability.

Also, there were many instances where he seemed to deliberately expose himself to attacks."

"Hmm. I couldn't confirm that.

Well, the fact that he retreated suggests that his ability isn't invincible."

"That's true."

While listening to their conversation, I thought to myself.

Genki was strong. At least to me, he seemed to be on par with the boss.

And I was thinking.

Should I tell the bosses about Genki?

Unlike the intense battle we just had, I could now think more calmly.

If I told the bosses that Genki was at the same school as me, it might be possible to launch a surprise attack.

We might even be able to gather information using me or Roll.

However, I was hesitant about whether I should tell them.

For the sake of Anonymous, I should tell them. But I've been friends with Genki since before I joined Anonymous.

There are things I don't like about him, and we've had our fair share of arguments. I've even thought that I wished he would disappear, but still, he's my best friend. He's done a lot for me.

I know it's not about betraying him, but I'm hesitant about saying anything that might put him at a disadvantage.

After all, if Genki was hiding his true identity, it was probably something he couldn't even tell his best friend.

If I, who knew nothing, had been told that Genki was a Major in the Self-Defense Forces, how would I have reacted?

I wouldn't have been disappointed to lose our common ground of being powerless.

There were always differences between Genki and me. I don't feel inferior now, and I wouldn't have hated him just because of this.

But maybe Genki thought I would feel bad.

He's a kind person, so it's understandable that he thought that way.

In any case, I don't think Genki is a bad person.

He's in the Self-Defense Forces, so there must be things he needs to keep hidden.

I have things I keep hidden too.

Everyone has secrets. We're the same.

"..."

But still, why do I feel betrayed?

I know it's irrational, but I can't help feeling this way.

I'm betraying him too, after all.

"Shizune, is something wrong?"

The boss's voice made me snap out of my thoughts and look up.

"No... nothing's wrong."

I said this, trying to maintain a calm demeanor.

"Is that so?"

"Shizune-kun worked hard today and might be tired.

It's not right to make him sit through our debriefing."

"That's true.

Shizune, you can go now."

After the boss and Shido said this, I thought for a moment before standing up.

"Sorry. I'll take your offer and leave then."

---

I left the boss's room and hurried to Roll's room.

I wasn't physically tired, but I was mentally exhausted.

I had decided to talk to Roll before the bosses.

It seemed too difficult to think about alone. This was what partners were for.

Roll would surely listen and think things through with me.

I opened Roll's door and entered the room.

Roll was arranging knives on the desk and stopped when she saw me enter.

"Welcome back. What's wrong...?"

Seeing my unusual state, Roll said this with a slightly anxious expression.

"Roll, can you listen to me?"

"Did something happen?"

I told Roll about the events of the mission.

That Genki was a Major in the Self-Defense Forces, his ability, how strong he was, and how he had fought the bosses and escaped.

I tried to be as detailed as possible.

"Is that true? You haven't told the bosses yet, right?"

After hearing my story, Roll said this first.

I answered with a serious expression.

"I haven't told the bosses. I thought I should consult with you first."

"Right. That's nice, but it's a pretty serious issue."

Roll put her hand on her chin and said this.

"Right..."

"By the way, if Genki is in the Self-Defense Forces, isn't it possible that Rin and Hitomi are too?"

"Eh?"

"That's right. Those three are almost always together and sometimes take the same days off.

There's a level of synchronization that can't be explained by excessive affection."

I see. That could be true.

"Of course, it's just a possibility."

"If that's the case, I was completely left out... What was the point of the Powerless Alliance then?

This feels like it was set up to trap me... No, that's not right.

That's not the way to think. I know they're not the kind of people who would take pleasure in belittling others.

So, it's not like that..."

As I was about to enter the Infinite Corridor again, Roll gently took my hand.

"It's okay. I'm here for you, Shizune."

Hearing those words, I couldn't help but look up.

Oh no, Roll looks like a goddess...

"What's that face? Are you dissatisfied?"

"No, can I hug you?"

"Huh? Why?"

"It's a trust hug."

"You sound like an executioner... Fine, just for a little bit."

Hearing her answer, I hugged Roll.

I have no ulterior motives. It just makes me feel better.

Roll, who had her chin on my shoulder, smelled nice.

After hugging Roll for a while, I felt like I could forget everything else and stay like this forever.

"Is that enough...?"

"Just a little longer."

"...Fine, I guess."

I closed my eyes and thought.

Genki is the enemy, but he's also my best friend. What else is there to think about?

He doesn't know my true identity.

If Genki found out who I really am, what would he do?

No, he said he would kill me for any reason...

"Hey, if you were in my situation, what would you do?"

Breaking the silence, I asked Roll.

After a moment, Roll replied.

"Well...

I probably wouldn't tell the boss. I would act as usual."

"I see..."

"But if I met Genki again as a member of the Self-Defense Forces and I was with Anonymous, I would probably kill him without hesitation."

"..."

Roll has been in this world longer, so she can think more pragmatically.

I don't think I can do that yet...

"Thanks, Roll."

I reluctantly let go of Roll and said this.

"It's what partners do."

Maybe because we hugged in the middle of summer, Roll's face was red.

"Your face is red... Sorry, was I too warm?"

"This is... It was hot.

...But I didn't mind."

Roll touched her face and turned away.

I couldn't look her in the eye, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Well, why don't you think about it for a bit?

I can listen, but I don't know what the best course of action is."

"Thanks, Roll.

But I've decided to tell the boss."

"...Why?"

"If we don't have this information and something happens to us, I might feel responsible.

Besides, the boss would consider my situation.

So, I'll tell him about Genki and ask him to let me handle it.

That way, we can respond if something happens, right?"

"That might be the best option.

But that guy might order a covert attack on Genki without telling you.

He's surprisingly ruthless, that old man."

"I'll take that into consideration when I talk to him."

"Well, if that's what you want, I have no complaints.

By the way, I'm hungry. Want to get some food?"

"Sure."