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When I checked the time, it was already past 13:00.
More than five hours have passed since then.
I’ve been consistently adding more Modoki every hour, but they are still going strong.
“It seems like they’re hanging in there,” I remarked.
While observing their struggles from a distance, sipping tea feels exceptional.
The use of firecrackers and fireworks seems to be aimed at confusing the Modoki with sound and smoke.
Initially, they seemed to have a lukewarm response, but now they mercilessly kill the Modoki with a crossbow and homemade Molotov cocktails.
However, it’s only Jinguichi who is executing the killings.
“Rather than kindness, it’s more like indulgence.”
“The spirit of self-sacrifice is something to be proud of.”
“I’d love to make those people from the village, who forced us to do the dirty work, drink the essence of their own filth.”
The mainstream members, who were enjoying the delicious broth without getting their hands dirty.
The claim of attaining the Six Divine Powers was merely a façade. In my era, their sole focus was on creating superhumans and reaping the benefits from it.
If they can twist the Modoki’s plan into something favorable for themselves, they would freely distribute funds and throw everything at us while indulging in luxury.
Their only miscalculation was the presence of Tsu.
Tradition dictated that the most skilled individual would become the leader, but they couldn’t bend that rule and had to appoint Tsu.
He had been obedient, pretending to be subservient, and never defying the elders’ words with a constant fake smile, except in front of me.
Once he became the leader as planned, Tsuu changed his attitude completely and criticized the old regime. He tried to initiate a revolution within the community.
“What do you think Tsu would feel once he learns about the current situation?”
“Undoubtedly, he would reprimand you, Mikishima-sama.”
In the end, I didn’t tell Tsu about the Modoki plan because I knew he would oppose it.
The purpose of this plan was not to destroy the world. It was to create tools to eliminate those who would hinder Tsu. That was the original objective.
I believed without a doubt that Tsu would eventually stand at the pinnacle of this country. His political activities were merely a foundation for that.
Tsu seemed to consider me as an equal friend, but for me, Tsu was more than that. I admired him beyond measure.
From the day he reached out a hand to me when I was at rock bottom and called me a friend, disregarding our positions, I made a decision to dedicate my entire life to Tsu.
The knowledge I acquired, the position I gained, and the elimination of those who stood in the way—all of it was for Tsu.
That’s why I couldn’t forgive that rejection.
“If only I could hear those words, ‘Thank you’…”
On that day when my entire life was denied, I was consumed by rage and committed an irreversible mistake.
“Do you think you’ve found a place to die?”
Shukin often speaks as if he can see through my heart. He disguises himself as an incompetent, but perhaps he can actually use telepathy to read minds.
“After serving for many years, one becomes able to understand to some extent.”
“In your case, it’s suspiciously too accurate.”
“Speaking of accuracy, their responses on the other side are impressive. They anticipate our movements and handle them with precision.”
Their ability to grasp the abilities and movements of the Modoki in advance seems as if they are reading them.
While their movements may be rough, there is no sign of panic.
“Considering they can actually anticipate our moves, it’s not surprising.”
“That’s not what I mean. What do you mean by that?”
Shukin tilted his head in confusion, seemingly clueless.
It was worth staying silent just to see such a rare sight.
“Yae is a psychic. In the context of Rokushintsu, she possesses the ability of Tashintsu. She can read other people’s minds.”
As I assert this, Shukin opened his mouth wide, revealing a foolish expression.
Perhaps he was feeling a sense of astonishment too.
“I never would have imagined such power…”
“That’s why only the older sister was cherished by the elders. This information is known only to the top members of the main faction.”
I knew it because I had access to all the information.
“Due to the accident, her mind became disturbed, and she became a shut-in. It was because of that power. She must have heard the voices of many desires that were tainted.”
“That must have been… very difficult for her.”
I pretend to wipe my eyes with a handkerchief, but not a single tear falls.
“However, there are limitations and activation conditions to her ability. First, she can hear the voices of the thoughts she is currently thinking. Second, Yae can ask questions about what she wants to know. But it seems to consume a considerable amount of energy, so she has to narrow down the things she wants to hear.”
Superpowers may be extraordinary abilities, but they are not omnipotent. They have flaws and limitations, just like Jin’s precognitive dreams.
“Furthermore, she can only read the minds of those she touches. Perhaps she wanted to know their true feelings and find solace through physical contact, which is why she had a lot of physical interactions with her younger brother.”
As a result, her dependency seems to have increased. Accepting and trusting others was likely based on actually touching them and reading their hearts.
“I see. When I heard the story about you being slapped by Yae, I laughed… and was surprised. So, that was the intention.”
“She read my mind in that moment.”
I have a pretty good idea of what she read. It’s safe to assume that our strategy is completely transparent.
However, it’s peculiar. Despite knowing that our strategy has been exposed, Yae continues without making any changes.
Our strategy revolves around overwhelming the enemy with the relentless use of Modokis. The primary objective of this battle is to confirm their abilities. And I am here to observe this spectacle gracefully.
But are there any plans to make changes?
None.
In the moment I was slapped, I deliberately focused strongly on our current strategy.
Therefore, it should have been conveyed to Yae almost perfectly.
My whereabouts, where I confidently stand without exhausting all the Modokis and without any accompanying guards.
I have a concealed handgun for self-defense near my chest, but I have no intention of using it. It’s merely an ornament to appease Shukin.
“It’s about time, isn’t it?”
Standing up from the chair I had been sitting in for a long time, I stretch my back.
Taking a deep breath, I smell the rich scent of greenery.
Amidst the sound of the wind rustling the grass, another sound blends in.
“Welcome, Jin-kun, Yae-kun.”
In front of my gaze appear the Sakurazaka siblings.
They are carrying crossbows in their hands.
“Everything went according to your plan, just as you anticipated.”
“That’s correct.”
“How did you manage to come here? Nobody should have used that road,” Shukin calmly voiced, expressing his doubt towards the sudden appearance of the two.
Having observed from a vantage point, it was certain that nobody had used the road.
“We used blind spots and the lake to our advantage. We came out from the back of the house, crossed the moat, and hopped onto a boat we had previously prepared. We sailed across the lake, and here we are.”
“There was a waterway, huh?”
With a clap of his hands, Shukin expressed his admiration.
“Now then, it seems all the actors are in place.”
“Come on, shoot me with that crossbow. You’re avenging your parents, so there’s no need to hold back.”
Stretching my arms wide, I slowly approached them.
“Were you looking for a place to die?”
Jin aimed the crossbow, aligning the target on me.
“After what you did to Father! How shameless!”
Unusually, Yae raised her voice angrily.
“No excuses. It’s a fact that I killed him. The past cannot be changed. No matter how much I regret it, I can’t bring back a life.”
The power of Zombie Powder cannot resurrect the dead. It can only manipulate the living like zombies; it cannot control the deceased.
Therefore, all my research has become meaningless.
That’s why, at the very least…
“I want to be killed by the child of Tsu.”
That is my wish.
“I see.”
Jin placed his finger on the trigger and took a deep breath.
“Jin…”
Next to him, Yae clasped her hands in front of her chest, assuming a praying pose as she looked at me.
From her face, a different emotion could be seen, distinct from anger.
It was… pity. Sorrow and compassion.
It resembled the expression Tsu showed in his final moments.
“In the end, it’s just a grand suicide act for you.”
Jin spoke those words and pulled the trigger, releasing the arrow.