Unusual Fate Records

Chapter 190, Section 021: An Old Friend Visits
Fujiwara Chizuru narrowed her eyes and said, "Don't you ever think before you speak?"

"Haha, don't worry about the details," Ling laughed, "What about the clues?"

"The other side has a large number of people. Although the rain has washed away a lot of traces, the muddy conditions indicate that there are at least fifty people."

"In addition, the other party's weapon may have been a knife or sword, as there were many slash marks left at the scene."

“Yes, that was also seen on the surveillance cameras along the highway,” Ling nodded.

Fujiwara Chizuru curled her lip: "I knew it. With so many people, how could there not be any clues? It's a pity I don't have the authority to access those video surveillance videos."

"Furthermore, the enemy's assassins probably cannot be called human, or rather, they are devoid of reason."

"Yes." Ling replied casually.

"You all already know this, so why are you still contacting me?" Fujiwara Chizuru said, annoyed.

“That’s because the resources and information on both sides are unequal. In this situation, the fact that you can obtain similar information makes me wonder if they are too incompetent or you are too outstanding.” Ling said with a smile, “Alright, I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. Now I’ll reveal some new information to you, which is about the city’s underground hub, which leads to the real world of the Others.”

"Underground?" For some reason, Fujiwara's heart was stirred upon hearing this news.

Just hearing this word evokes images of a dark, underground place with crisscrossing roads radiating out like a spider web, towering underground cities, sculptures symbolizing imperial power, vast bonfires, and altars overlooking all living beings... These images flash through one's mind.

"I understand now, the underground is the true passage for the White Walkers?"

"Yes, otherwise the sun would be so strong, you'd get a tan."

“You don’t need to sunbathe, your heart is already black,” Fujiwara said.

"Huh?" Ling's tone was a mix of disbelief and feigned surprise. "How can I accept such a sudden compliment?"

"..."

Fujiwara Chizuru straightened her expression: "Are you saying that these assassins disappeared through the underground hub?"

“Absolutely right.” Ling snapped her fingers playfully.

"So you're planning to ambush them on the underground transportation routes, but you don't know their address?" Fujiwara Chizuru quickly followed the train of thought.

"Fujiwara-chan is so smart, when will you start your job?"

“I can probably guess where they are, but I’d like to decline the offer of the position.”

"tell me the story."

“Considering the previous cases, the targets of the assassinations were all conservative political figures, while the radical faction vehemently denied it. If the other side wants to continue to sow discord between the two sides, it will definitely escalate the conflict. Currently, there is only one incumbent political figure with real power in the left-wing conservative faction of Kyoto.”

“Vice Mayor, Mr. Akira Akahoshi.” Rei said knowingly.

“Actually, there’s another one,” Fujiwara said carefully, “General Furukawa Takashi was also…”

"Ah, you might not know about that side. This old man's troops, each with a magazine of bullets, could pierce through Zuojingdu inside and out. Although he claims to be retired, his personal guard has never suffered any losses. They are stationed in the underground area of ​​his manor."

Ling's tone was languid, clearly indicating that she didn't have much affection for the powerful old man.

“Then their target is most likely Mr. Akira Akahoshi.” Fujiwara finally acknowledged Rei’s idea.

“That’s right, that makes things a bit troublesome. Uncle Chixing is going to the seminar in the next couple of days. Should we inform him?” Ling said.

“He probably knows it himself,” Fujiwara said. “With so many murders, the officials in the Left Capital are all on edge.”

"No, given this guy's upright character, he's probably already sharpening his knife." Ling seemed to understand people of this social class very well; even through the phone, you could sense her helplessness as she rubbed her forehead.

"If we really have to deploy troops, we should focus on Mr. Akahoshi and wait for him to tire himself out," Fujiwara Chizuru analyzed. "The premise is that we need to be fully prepared. The enemy was able to kill even Grandpa Kojou in a short time, so we probably need more intelligence."

"If we were to launch a search, we originally intended to investigate the main roads near Mr. Akahoshi's residence, but after hearing what you said, perhaps the key intersections of Mr. Akahoshi Akira's underground passage deserve more attention."

“OK, as expected of you, Fujiwara~chan~ I’ll contact their adjutant to discuss the specifics with you. Now, there’s another important issue,” Ling said.

"Miss Ling, please speak."

"Then—" Ling took a breath and asked cheerfully, "Have you missed me?"

"beep--"

The phone went dead.

……

Amidst the turmoil and uncertainty, undercurrents are stirring within the heart of the capital.

While the outside world was worried about Akira Akahoshi's safety, this famous figure in the 16th Ward's Otherworldly world was peacefully reading the newspaper.

“Father, Mayor Suzuki has come to visit you,” Akashiro said respectfully.

"I understand. Please let him in." The middle-aged man had a stern face, and his square face exuded a strong and martial aura.

Soon, a man with shiny combed hair came to Akira Akahoshi's house and sat down on the futon by the door.

“Akahoshi-san.” The man’s expression was solemn. Although the years had etched wrinkles and bags under his eyes, they could not conceal his heroic air. He wore a dark blue patterned haori hakama, making him seem less like a political adversary and more like a friend he had known for many years.

"I never expected that the only person to come and visit me would be my old rival." Akira Akahoshi simply returned the other's gaze.

Akira Akahoshi continued, "There aren't many people in this world who I can call my rivals, and Suzuki-kun is undoubtedly one of them."

Takashi Suzuki said, "Akahoshi-san, if it weren't for our different positions, I would love to raise a glass with you and have a sip of sake."

"Suzuki-kun, if you want to have a drink with me, you can do so anytime." Akira Akahoshi sat upright, his sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes now showing a hint of gentle respect.

“I remember when I first took office, Lord Huang was already a powerful nobleman. At that time, I was young and impetuous, and I inevitably offended you. I thought, so what if there are White Walkers? Even if it's the sky, I will fight them.”

Takashi Suzuki looked on with a sense of nostalgia, his gaze serene.

"Unexpectedly, after so many years of fighting, I admire your stubbornness more and more. You are truly an upright person."

Akira Akahoshi pursed his lips slightly: "It is my honor to receive such praise from Mayor Suzuki himself."

Takashi Suzuki remarked with emotion, "I now understand that what has been fighting alongside me for so many years is not fate, but an enemy who is both a mentor and a friend."

Akira Akira didn't speak, waiting for the fire by the stove to boil the well water in the kettle.

“The Akira I know is courageous and resourceful, upright in his actions, and once he makes up his mind, he never goes back on it.” Suzuki Takashi lowered his head, his expression gradually becoming sorrowful. “I just want to confirm one more time, are you really determined to set off?”

"Glug glug—" The water boiled, and steam rose from the kettle spout.

Akashi Akira's eyes were like a cold pool, and his resolute face showed no change. He held the handle and poured water. The boiling water scalded the evenly distributed tea leaves, making them tumble and roll. The withered tea branches seemed to emit a silent wail in the scorching heat.

As the water flooded Jinshan Temple, the tea leaves unfurled upon contact with the water, and soon white mist rose, carrying the subtle aroma of tea.

"Please have some." Akira Akahoshi held the tea in both hands and gently pushed it in front of Takashi Suzuki.

Takashi Suzuki lowered his eyes. The tea was clear and bright, with a rich aroma, but the tea leaves had turned into dregs and sadly sank to the bottom.

"I see."

The man, dressed in a crested haori hakama, bowed, picked up the ceramic teacup, and felt the warmth as it entered his mouth, along with the lingering fragrance.

(End of this chapter)