Chapter 43

The city, New Road.

As the surroundings grew dim and night was about to fall, we arrived at this town.

The time was just before seven.

We left the center of town, where high-rise buildings lined up, and headed to a izakaya (Japanese pub) on the outskirts of the city, where there had been a sighting of Yoiyami.

However, we were having dinner at a ramen shop in the bustling area.

According to Desuko, "You can't fight on an empty stomach."

"Who is Yoiyami, exactly?"

I, who had finished eating first, asked Desuko this question.

Incidentally, by Desuko's command, our conversation was made difficult for others to overhear.

So, we could talk about the organization in a loud voice without any problems.

"Ah, yeah. She's unusual. Her personality is problematic."

"Is that so?"

I felt that was something Desuko couldn't say.

"To be honest, I'm not really motivated for this mission. It's impossible for Yoiyami to have been asked to return by someone.

Well, I'll do it anyway."

Desuko leaned back in her chair, making it creak, as she said this.

"Hasn't this mission been ongoing since right after Yoiyami retired?"

Rohr, who had finished her ramen, said this.

Since Yoiyami retired, it's been five years.

If she has been refusing for such a long time, it doesn't seem likely that this time will be any different.

"Yeah. This time, Hyde told me to go. He should just go himself, honestly."

"By the way, why did Yoiyami retire?"

"I think it's because she had a big fight with Hyde. I don't know the cause of the fight, though."

A big fight with the boss. She must be quite a character.

"That fight was intense..."

"Ah, right. I think Rohr was one of the few witnesses. It would have been nice to see it myself."

"Rohr, you saw it. What kind of fight was it?"

"There were three witnesses, including me, Hiyashi and myself.

If Shido hadn't helped us escape, we would all have died."

...It was that intense a battle.

"One of our branches was completely destroyed."

The image of Yoiyami as a formidable person was already solidifying in my mind.

I was starting to feel like I wanted to go home.

"Well, since Rohr has finished eating, let's go."

---

We left the ramen shop and came to the izakaya on the outskirts of the city.

We were going to gather information here, as there had been a sighting of Yoiyami...

"Ah, yes. He comes here every day. He seems to love our oden. He should be here soon."

The information about Yoiyami was surprisingly easy to obtain.

Desuko just asked the izakaya owner, and it was a one-shot deal.

If Yoiyami is coming, we have no choice but to wait.

So, we are now sitting at the far end of the izakaya.

The place is moderately busy, a fairly lively and spacious shop. Not bad at all.

While I was thinking this, Desuko stopped a wandering server.

"Ah, can I order? Three beers, edamame, and a set of yakitori for six! And fried chicken and sashimi of chicken breast!"

I tried to stop Desuko, who suddenly started ordering a lot.

"Hey, Desuko. I can't drink alcohol. And Rohr will be driving."

Moreover, we just ate ramen, and she still wants to eat more.

"No problem! If we can persuade Yoiyami to come back, everything will be fine!"

Ah, I see. We can just have Yoiyami drive.

But that seems unlikely.

"It's a do-or-die situation. It's fine.

In the worst case, we can have Shido come and pick us up."

For some reason, Rohr seemed enthusiastic, so I had no choice but to remain silent.

However, since Yoiyami is said to be scary, meeting her sober might make me more nervous than if I had a drink.

I decided to accept this reasoning.

"Got it."

"Understood."

Desuko finished ordering, and the female server went to the kitchen to place the order.

The beer in mugs was quickly brought to our table.

"Let's cheers, then."

Desuko raised her mug and said.

"Sure."

"Before the mission, right...?"

"Don't worry about the details! Let's cheers to Yoiyami's return!"

"Too early. But, cheers."

"Cheers."

The mugs clinked, and I took a small sip of the beer.

After placing my mug on the table, the empty mugs of Desuko and Rohr, who were sitting in front of me and to my side, were slammed down in front of me.

"!?"

"Phew!"

"Huh."

"Hey, Shinoto...?"

Desuko looked at the remaining beer in my mug with a glare.

Please, spare me...

"Desuko. I'm warning you, if you get me drunk, you'll regret it."

"How so?"

"I apparently get very hyper."

In middle school, I was made to drink at Rin's house and made a huge mess.

I broke a pot, attacked Rin, and vomited. It was apparently very bad.

Since then, I've avoided drinking alcohol, but I didn't expect to face such a crisis here.

"Shinoto! If you say that, I want to get you drunk!"

"I also want to see that."

...It seems I can't avoid it.

"...I don't know anything about it."

I said this and drank the beer quickly.

Then I placed the empty mug on the table.

"Bitter..."

"Great! Order whatever you want, Shinoto!"

I still can't taste the beer.

It's bitter and makes me want to spit it out. Maybe I'll be able to drink it when I'm older.

"Let's drink casually until Yoiyami comes. Then, when she leaves the shop, we'll follow her!"

"We're not going to talk here?"

"Well, it would be a problem if she caused a commotion here, right? So, we'll follow her when she leaves the shop. Let's enjoy ourselves until then!"

"Can we do that when we're drunk?"

"No problem! I'm good with alcohol. Ah, excuse me, one bottle of beer! And glasses for everyone, please!"

I wonder if this is okay.

When I looked at Desuko with a worried expression, Rohr said,

"It's not a joke. We need to get a bit drunk and relaxed, or facing Yoiyami will be tough.

Her killing intent is on a different level, and you can't handle it sober."

I've heard from Sigh that the tension from her killing intent can be alleviated with the help of alcohol.

Of course, drinking too much is not good, but it seems we'll be doing that this time.

"Wow."

"Well, it's Desuko's mission, so let's take it easy."

Still, there's no sense of tension.

---

One hour later

"Hahaha! Bring more drinks!!"

"Hehe. You're doing great, Shinoto!"

It's really fun. I didn't think drinking could be this enjoyable.

I'm not drunk. I can still think clearly.

1+1=2.

Yoiyami hasn't arrived yet. Since I have school tomorrow, I want to get her and go home quickly.

"Hmm. She's not coming, Yoiyami. Shinoto is already quite drunk."

"I'm not drunk at all, look!"

I placed my hands flat on the table and tapped the spaces between my fingers with a knife I took from my bag.

It's a trick I learned from Kuroinu.

If I were drunk, I wouldn't be able to do this.

"Look, look! Isn't it fast!? How about it, Rohr!"

"Hey, you're too drunk. You're drawing attention. Put the knife away. It's dangerous."

"Your face is red too, Rohr."

"I just get red easily, but I'm not that drunk."

"You look like an apple. You're so cute, I want to hug you."

I put my hand on Rohr's cheek and leaned in.

Her eyes are blue and beautiful. Her skin is so clear, it makes me feel dizzy just looking at her.

No, maybe I'm just tipsy.

"What are you doing..."

"You're so beautiful, I could get lost in your eyes. You're so cute, even angels would be jealous, Rohr."

"What are you saying, like you're in a daze..."

"I'm going to kiss you!"

Pushed from behind by Desuko, I got even closer to Rohr.

I thought I could kiss her, but I got a headbutt and fell backward.

"Ouch...!"

My head is pounding.

Wait, this is bad.

"You're getting carried away."

"Ugh..."

"Shinoto is going to vomit..."

"No way..."

Thinking it was bad, I held my mouth and dashed to the izakaya's exit.

I considered using a sound attack to blow the door off, but decided it would be too messy and kicked it open.

I ran out of the izakaya and bumped into someone.

I clung to this person to keep from falling.

But it was too late.

I vomited right at their feet.

"Ugh!"

"Are you okay!? Shinoto!"

Rohr and Desuko, who came out after me, rushed to my side.

Seriously, I vomited on a stranger's shoes.

"Are you okay now? You drank too much..."

Rohr rubbed my back as she said this.

"Don't be silly. I can still drink... Let's start over..."

No, I need to apologize to this person. Just as I thought this and raised my head, I heard Desuko's voice from behind.

"Ah, it's Yoiyami. Long time no see."

I couldn't help but turn around and follow Desuko's gaze.

Her gaze was directed at the person I was clinging to.

"Huh...?"

Is this person Yoiyami?