Léon: The Cat Killer

Recalling the terrifying moment when the monster used non-linear movement to place a knife directly at Jessica's neck, almost slicing open her junior's throat, Nana paused for a moment and said:

"It's something of the same type as me."

Nana is an assassin, and the most dangerous time for an assassin is when they unknowingly become their prey.

Unless it's someone as self-disciplined as Saria, who is on guard almost at all times, even for an operator as strong as Blaze, facing an assassin who transcends the conventional three-dimensional space, the danger is among the most dangerous of the targets Nana has ever handled.

Just as the professor was staring at the tablet in front of him, seemingly lost in thought, Nana suddenly remembered that the group of people had identified her as the 'Last Knight'... Although she didn't feel it was that important, Nana still meticulously reported it.

But when faced with such a matter that even involved events from sixty years ago, even the seemingly all-powerful doctor, who commanded the winds and rains on the battlefield, couldn't help but show a slightly blank expression.

"This... is a little beyond my comprehension... Kal'tsit, do you have anything to say about what Nana said?"

Kelsey?

Following the doctor's gaze, Nana looked at the airlock alarm not far away. A moment later, Kal'tsit, unusually not wearing the potted plant skirt suit, but a one-piece isolation suit... which was the inner lining of a full-size positive pressure protective suit, walked out of the gate.

Seeing that Kal'tsit's emerald hair was still sticking to her forehead with sweat, Nana looked around and then found something that looked like a disposable towel or a bed sheet in a Rhodes Island box labeled 'medical supplies'. She used it to wipe Kal'tsit's forehead, temples, and neck. At the same time, the floating cat finally landed and brought a glass of cold water from the water dispenser.

"...The Last Knight, who is said to have 'died' while charging into the giant waves...That man was indeed connected to the Church of the Deep Sea and Agora. It is said that his relics were buried with important items of an engineering master who left Agora. I myself was planning to send people to find his relics after leaving Lungmen...Now it seems that what this knight did back then was not just 'charging into the giant waves'."

As she spoke, she finished the glass of purified water. Kal'tsit's cracked lips clearly indicated that she had been conducting intensive research in the laboratory provided by Lungmen for a long time... Nana didn't care whether her bonsai boss was researching the Sea Child or a demon; that wasn't something she should care about.

"So, do we need to respond to this misunderstanding?"

"The reason for interacting in an organized manner on this land is either to worry that the other party will misunderstand us, or we are worried that what we do will be misunderstood by the outside world... And what are the actions of Rhodes Island's 'Knights' in Lungmen that require interaction with the outside world?"

When asked about Kal'tsit's question, Nana remained silent for a moment before slowly shaking her head.

"Since that's the assessment, then we don't need to worry about it... Although the emergence of news about 'The Last Knight' will definitely attract the attention of the Kazimierz side, we're not worried about any negative impact. In fact, you could say that Kazimierz's attention to Rhodes Island is part of the plan. So there's no need to have any mental burden; just proceed as usual..."

Seeing Nana nod, Kal'tsit noticed that the white kitten had tried to sneak away with Nana while the adults were talking, so she picked it up. Rosemary immediately frowned and realized that Kal'tsit was about to give her another lesson.

The attempt to offer water had no effect whatsoever!

The kitten screamed inwardly, and then got a smack on the head from its damned mother.

Although Kal'tsit couldn't see the interaction between the kitten and Cole, she noticed that the little one in her arms looked downcast. Kal'tsit, who was very good at taking care of children, immediately rubbed the kitten's ears, and Rosemary showed a comfortable expression almost instantly.

"Furthermore, regarding the Mountain and Sea Clan... Before the Great Yan allows us to intervene, getting too involved too directly could affect the harmonious cooperation we've worked so hard to build... The 'giant beasts' are to the Great Yan what 'demons' are to Ursus; they are in their core interests, so we shouldn't be too proactive in matters concerning the Mountain and Sea Clan."

"However, since the matter involves the Sea Siege and something like the Demon Chimera has appeared, it would be too passive to do nothing... While the Guard Bureau is currently sorting through the relics of the Deep Sea Church and using high-pressure water cannons to clean up your battle site, Medic, you can go back to the Rhodes Island main ship to take a look."

"That injured ninja is currently undergoing cognitive assessment over here... Also, have you forgotten about the other two new recruits you need to mentor?"

Hearing Kal'tsit's reminder, Nana recalled who the newcomer was, and just as she was about to say that Aya would take care of Suzuran and Angelina... she suddenly saw Aya, who was carrying a stack of documents, also only wearing the inner lining of her protective suit, come out of the isolation door.

"……Eh?"

Seeing Nana's dumbfounded expression, Aya also let out a confused "Eh?" until Nana asked Aya in a somewhat panicked tone about the two little foxes she had brought back from Syracuse. Only then did Aya point speechlessly towards the distant port:

"They're doing well. They're currently interning as support operators... kind of assisting the medical department... As for now, it seems they're accompanying that Lungmen ninja lady for a cognitive test?"

Seeing Nana's "why" expression despite not saying anything, Aya shook her cat ears, which were thicker than those of a normal film, and continued:

"It seems that Suzuran is very curious about 'ninjas'? Anyway, if you want to find them, then come to the main ship."

PS: Waaaaaah, kitty

PSS: Alright, let's take down some Sea Kings, then it's time to move on to the Year of the Rift. Today, I, Nana, am going to unleash a barrage of Ora attacks on everyone!

9th Dragon Gate Seafood: 357 Rabbit, Fox, and Weasel

Knowing that her colleagues in various departments, including Ya Ye, were assisting Longmen and researchers from all over Da Yan in studying a series of methods for identifying, treating, and isolating Hai Si, she had no time to help take care of her child.

The thought that she might have left the two little foxes she brought back in a completely unfamiliar place for several days filled Nana with anxiety.

She had promised Lisa's mother that she would take good care of her, and Angelina was going through a sensitive and volatile adolescence... The two children had traveled thousands of miles from home to live on Rhodes Island, but by sheer coincidence, they ran into a disaster involving both film and demons, a chaotic mess. Whether this was an opportunity to broaden their horizons or simply bad luck, even Nana couldn't quite say.

Based on Nana's understanding of the current personnel agent, Zilan, the lady who claims to have been taking care of problem children could handle Popka, her former little kitten, so she must be able to get along with a well-behaved girl like Suzuran and a teenager like Ange with ease.

Ultimately, Rhodes Island had no reason to treat its operators differently, and the only reason that drove Nana to run to the port area without even having a drink of water was simply Nana's own sense of unease.

Once upon a time, Killer 77 was someone who knew no fear, and could even be considered the embodiment of fear... But now, it's hard to say whether the Rosemary incident has given Nana an abnormal desire for control, making her more human or taking her further and further away from the 'normal person' she longed for.

Wearing the white lab coat she had taken from Kal'tsit before leaving to cover her tactical equipment, Nana handed over command of the scene to Amiya and, after confirming with the Doctor that there would be no combat mission for the time being, decided to drive back to the Rhodes Island main ship.

Although it seemed that her main purpose in returning was to confirm the information about the Mountain and Sea Clan that she had missed with the ninja codenamed 'Snow White,' Nana's first action upon returning was actually to contact the two little foxes and arrange to meet them at the door of another of her subordinates' hospital room.

"So, sir, do you really have to make it sound like my condition has worsened and I'm on my deathbed? The last time I saw a doctor in a white coat with two assistant badges rushing into the ward... I vaguely remember it was a dark and stormy night, and the room was filled with screams..."

Looking at the child lying on the hospital bed, who was complaining but also had a slight smile on his face, Nana carefully checked the child's medical records. After finding nothing wrong, she looked up and asked with a slightly puzzled expression:

Are you frequently hospitalized?

"Um...no, I was just...going to the hospital to pick up some supplies...well, although the purpose was indeed medicine..."

Seeing An Suo's slightly embarrassed finger tap, Nana didn't press further, but simply patted the little guy's head:

"It's alright. From now on at Rhodes Island, in addition to the operator's own medical insurance, things like Oripathy inhibitors will also be employee benefits... If nothing unexpected happens, you won't need to go to those public hospitals anymore."

"Really?! So Hoshiguma-neechan really did find me a good job~ I'll have to find a chance to treat the two officers to a meal next time~ Commander... oh, I should say Captain?"

"Whatever you like, it's fine with you."

"Well! Captain, what did you think of Grandpa Dong's place that we visited before? His Scale Balls are indeed the best in Lungmen, and even I can afford the price!"

Seeing the girl's bright, sparkling eyes and seemingly drooling lips, Nana chuckled and poked her cheek.

"You actually have savings?"

"No! Miss Zilan said she specially approved my salary for this month!"

Seeing that the girl seemed completely unaffected by the near-death experience, and that her physical and emotional state were stable, Nana felt relieved. After exchanging a few words with Ansuo, and feeling the curious gazes of the two girls behind her, Nana turned to let the other two little ones come to Ansuo's side:

"Come on, let me introduce you. This is Ansel, my current support staff in Lungmen... She was introduced by the local Guard Bureau and joined as a special operations agent... Although we directly included Ansel in the operations team because of the Guard Bureau's introduction, you are essentially colleagues."

Seeing that An Suo unconsciously leaned back slightly after meeting Ling Lan's innocent gaze, as if feeling ashamed and wanting to look away, Nana gave Ling Lan an encouraging look. The golden-haired little fox then swished its long tail and stepped forward gracefully to introduce itself:

"Hello, Sister Ansuo, I'm Lisa, codename Suzuran. I'm currently interning as a support operator... Did you really think I looked like a helpful person when I walked in just now?!"

Faced with the bright, sparkling eyes of the blonde fox, An Suo scratched her cheek sheepishly.

"...Oh, right...Sorry, I'm not very good at judging the age of other races...Are you actually very young?"

"Lisa is twelve years old. She's already an adult who can live independently without her mother."

Seeing the little fox twitch its ears smugly, An Suo, who had left home at a similar age and was only seventeen, covered his mouth in surprise, then looked at Angelina with even greater astonishment.

Feeling that as an adult she should be more reserved, Ms. Angelina maintained a smile throughout, hoping to make a good impression on this woman who was, in a sense, her fellow student… but…

"Are you twelve years old too?!"

"...Why would you come to such a conclusion?! We're practically the same age, aren't we?!"

Seeing Ange's tail wagging anxiously as her composure was shattered by a single sentence from Suan Suo, Nana covered her mouth slightly with amusement.

She could understand why An Suo reacted this way; it was probably because the little rabbit had been treated by Su Su Luo at the frontline hospital.

For the average person, seeing this wouldn't warrant a special attention to their age or other personal details. Even if they did know, they would simply remark, "You look so young," and move on.

But Ansuo was a pickpocket by trade, and this street-smart little rabbit must have his own theories about observing the details of his targets. And the driver's license on the back of Sussuro's work badge, and the Syracuse identity card in her wallet, clearly stated her age... This is why Ansuo judged that Suzuran, who had a similar build, was an adult, and instantly connected it to the fact that he might be about to die.

I have to say, the little guy has a pretty quick and easy way of thinking.

As for Angelina, who was still arguing that she was the same age as him and not an old woman, and trying to make Anso realize that Wolper was the right person... well, although she was a little pitiful for being accidentally hurt, the three of them seemed to get to know each other very quickly, and Nana's goal was achieved.

After letting the little ones make a fuss for a while, the topic gradually shifted to how the little rabbit got injured, and then fast-forwarded to Nana's current progress.

Nana didn't stop Anso from telling his new friends the story of the 'sea monster destroying the house'. After all, no matter how detailed the description, Anso, who had been watching from afar, was still far from the real secret... And seeing Suzuran and Angelina so engrossed in the story as if they were there, Nana hoped that they would forgive her for leaving them on the ship and forgetting about them for two whole days, now that they knew how dangerous things were.

However, reminded by Ansuo's animated description of how Medic transformed into a knight and fought the sea monster, Nana herself remembered why she had chosen Ansuo's ward as the meeting place.

She was also going to meet the ninja lady who was resting in the VIP ward on the same floor. Apparently, Aya said that Suzuran and Angelina were in charge of the reception work.

After An Su finished recounting how she outwitted and outmaneuvered the sea monster, using Medic's bulletproof suit to deflect the deadly crossbow bolt, Nana took a sip of water from her paper cup, her throat dry, and asked Suzuran about the ninja.

"Medic, are you talking about that ninja? Hmm... I'm a little concerned because I overheard something about our hometown..."

"So that's why you took this job from Aya?"

Seeing the girl nod uneasily, Nana tried to touch the little fox's ear like Kal'tsit had done. Although Suzuran looked a little startled and showed a surprised expression, she did not dodge Nana's hand.

"Don't worry, the fact that you took the initiative to do the work shows that Suzuran has a great sense of responsibility... Aya really praised you."

Of course, this is a lie... Aya, who was so busy under Kal'tsit that she couldn't find her way around, didn't have time to praise the little fox in front of Nana. She even came out to deliver a document and told Nana about the person she had almost forgotten about on the main ship before plunging headfirst into the NBC laboratory... Only Nana, who has an extremely strong sense of empathy, could make such a statement that was not a lie even with her eyes closed.

To be honest, Aya does feel better when she talks about Suzuran... Clearly, her life in the gang in Syracuse hasn't caused any educational problems for the little one. Although she hasn't met many people yet, she already shows signs of having excellent interpersonal skills that make her universally loved.

Seeing that Nana seemed eager to meet her after asking about Snow White's location, Suzuran, who was only nominally an intern and actually waiting for Kal'tsit to free up time to teach the children, eagerly tugged at Angelina beside her. Then, together with her older sister, they grabbed the hem of Nana's white coat.

"Um! If you don't mind, let us lead the way!"

Watching the little fox sway its tail, hands on its hips, as if deliberately trying to show 'I'm comfortable here,' Nana turned to look at Ange. Compared to Suzuran, Ange's behavior was perhaps more normal... Nana meant, more like the awkwardness a normal person would feel in an unfamiliar environment.

"...Although I'm not sure if leading the way counts as a support operator's job, we have indeed become quite familiar with Miss Snow White these past two days. With us there, Miss Ninja might be more relaxed."

Nana noticed Angelina's slightly strange expression when she mentioned ninjas. She knew that the girl must be thinking of that guy from her hometown who made a threat and then ran away. Perhaps they really did have a connection with 'ninjas'?

"Well then, please."

"Okay! Well... Sister Ansuo, you should get some rest too! This time, you can't sneak out in the middle of the night to rummage through the vending machines again!"

It seemed that Suzuran had inadvertently said something extraordinary, but Nana was busy with other things, so the black cat in the white coat just stared speechlessly at the scratching little rabbit, then turned around and closed the door helplessly.

Upon meeting Suzuran and Angelina's gaze, Nana said helplessly:

"Next time, bring her some food supplies or snacks..."

"So, Ansuo was hospitalized because of a special nerve injury, right? Can she eat those things?"

Clearly, Nana, who only has expertise in external injuries, would find it difficult to answer Ange's question... The three of them looked at each other in silence, it seemed that whether or not they could have an extra meal would ultimately depend on what the attending physician, Susuluo, would say.

I wonder when Sussuro, who is also from Volper, will be able to meet up with Nana again. It seems like the two haven't seen each other for a while.

Sigh, the dorm rooms are just a few steps apart, but they're treated like they're worlds apart. Is this what it's like to be a medical worker?

Completely bewildered, Nana arrived at the VIP ward in the medical department on the same floor. The assassin could sense that someone was indeed inside; even Suzuran and Angelina could hear the not-so-suppressed conversation... It seemed the ninja wasn't alone in the room?

Regardless of the situation, after Suzuran volunteered to press the doorbell to ask if she could enter and received permission, the little blonde Wolper tiptoed and swiped her assistant staff card to open the VIP ward's access control.

Watching Nana smilingly as she carefully placed her work card into her breast pocket, the little fox earnestly wagged her finger and said:

"Sister Aya instructed us that as assistants, our work cards grant us access to most areas, and we must make sure to keep them safe in our pockets after use!"

"Yes, that's a good habit, keep it up!"

Although it was a bit strange for Nana, who often attacked innocent security guards in order to seize access rights, as the automatic door to the ward opened, the white-haired girl of the Anati race appeared in front of Nana in a slightly weak state, having removed her mask.

Also appearing here is a one-horned ancient person dressed in Eastern-style brocade and adorned with gorgeous accessories. Who is she?

"Ah, Aunt Wenyue."

"Oh, we meet again, Little Lily of the Valley, Little Ange... and this one... Hmm, let me guess, since you're wearing a white coat, you must be a doctor? But, I don't think I've seen you before?"

Just as Nana was about to introduce herself, hearing the wary undertone in the calm tone of this early inhabitant, she was interrupted by Shirayuki on the hospital bed:

“Madam…this person…is the one who rescued me the day before yesterday. He seems to know Lisa and the other person well, so he should indeed belong to Rhodes Island.”

Although Bai Xue's tone sounded somewhat awkward, as if she wasn't used to the Da Yan language, seeing that the atmosphere had eased slightly, Nana still put on a professional smile and decisively stepped forward:

"I'm Medic from the emergency department, and also the head of Rhodes Island's trauma team. The frontline work is now over, and because I was a little concerned about our Lungmen partners, the injuries of our newly joined operators... and the new recruit I forgot about on the ship, I hurried back home..."

He spoke with a slightly self-reproachful tone about how he had entrusted Suzuran and Ange to Rosemary, thinking that the two newcomers would be handed over to Aya afterward. However, he ended up witnessing Aya discovering at the front-line research institute that the child might be left without anyone to care for him, which was rather alarming...

Nana managed to get by by patting the two little ones' heads amidst Suzuran's "Lisa doesn't care" and Angelina's "Senior, your reaction is too exaggerated. We're just newcomers, not newborns."

Although she did indeed act with the goal of visiting them, her visit to Shirayuki had another purpose... This was even an action taken with efficiency in mind. Nana was worried that this might impure feelings between the three of them, and it was also the kind of thing that the assassin girl still couldn't understand at all.

Upon hearing that Nana was the person in charge of the rumored 'Rhodes Island's final defense line', and after checking Nana's work card to confirm her identity, she introduced herself as 'Fumizuki'. The young lady from the ancient people, who didn't seem to come from an ordinary family, immediately shed the distance she felt at the beginning of their meeting.

"So you're the elite agent who rescued Bai Xue. You really can't judge a book by its cover."

"...Looking inconspicuous is my habitual way of dressing, after all... it would be too conspicuous to be fully armed in a mobile hospital."

Nana's statement unexpectedly drew confused glances from Shirayuki and Fumizuki, given that Rhodes Island had quite a few fully armed personnel.

The security checks from the public floor to the medical floor are multiple times, and in the lower areas there are also suspicious places like the Lico Lico Café, which is frequented by former intelligence agents. Snow White would never mistake that kind of familiar aura.

But since Lungmen and Rhodes Island are currently in a honeymoon period, there's no need for Shirayuki to point out the oddity in Nana's words on this issue.

The ninja in the hospital gown simply bowed.

"DEMO, Shirayuki DESU. A mere ninja is nothing to mention, but please allow me to introduce... the young lady—Madam Fumizuki, the governor's wife."

Watching the other person stammering out lines that only appear in period dramas, Nana almost forgot about the identity of this ancient person in front of her.