"Where is the target?"
"It is all the way up north, in Aomori."
Yemon clicked his tongue. It was going to be a long drive if he is going in his car. He informed Hoga on the phone.
"You still have him in your sight, right?"
"Yup."
"Okay, lock on to him till I get to him. I am going there as fast as possible."
If Yemon thought about it then he definitely crossed out his car as the mode of transport. It would take roughly about 20 to 22 hours to travel, that too with unpredictable traffic.
So his best bet would be a train. No traffic, only a few stops as well as it is quicker than a car.
He hung up the phone and Hoga focused on a guy in his late 20s, wearing shabby clothes.
Hoga sighed, knowing that he will have his hawk eyes on him for a long time. So he beckoned Yemon to hurry it up in his mind.
Meanwhile, Jo talked to Yemon.
"You are still recruiting people?"
"We are trying to save the world here, obviously we need as much help as possible."
"How many are you trying to get?"
"Including you, we will have 8."
Jo shockingly replied, "Only 8? Do you think we can do it with only this few people?"
With a reassuring tone, Yemon persuaded Jo very easily.
"You 8 were specially chosen. That means that I regard all of you to be capable. After all, I will be training you."
Jo took his words seriously and was excited as always.
"I can't wait man."
Yemon fiddled with his phone and showed information on a location.
"Listen carefully. 1 week from now on, you are going to meet me here." He pointed at the location, "Can you do that?"
".....Hmmm. Yea, I am free at that time."
"Be sure to be there Jo. I'll be waiting. Your future team members will be there too. Get along with them."
"Sure. Cooperation is key."
"That's correct. Till then..."
Yemon patted him in the back and took his leave. He ran up the stairs and exited the basement, isolating Jo and the unconscious Shin Hye.
Jo stared back at Shin Hye with a different intention.
'Oh man, a Hero. That is my dream!'
Now he did not feel the need to indulge in a sexual intercourse with Shin Hye. He checked in his bag if any of his belongings were damaged during the exchange with Yemon.
Fortunately, there was not any visible scratch so he breathed a sigh of relief.
The last thing he needed to do for the day is to deal with Shin Hye. The most problematic fact was about the place.
'Where should I dump her?'
He took the clown mask and hid his identity. Then, Shin Hye was carried on Jo's shoulder.
"Well, I will think as I go."
He exited the basement with Shin Hye and walked slowly as he was trying to contemplate on places to leave her.
Eventually, the basement was left open but Jo was not that worried. Since its entrance was very well hidden amidst the darkness.
In the middle of the forest, strangely enough, there were not enough animals staying there.
The leaves in the trees made noises by getting brushed with the strong wind and the moon was fully covered for the night, making it darker than usual.
That is why Jo could leave his basement unoccupied for a while.
.....
It was around 5 p.m, club activities have been finished for the Drama club but for the day, Harue had to go somewhere else.
He had already informed Kana and Akane that he would come late a little. They both accepted when Harue told them the reason.
Harue left Kana at the house then continued further down the road.
After a 15 minute walk, he reached his destination. In front of a house, he rang the doorbell as he signalled his arrival.
"Coming!" A girl's voice answered behind the door.
It opened and unveiled a middle schooler, still in her uniform of a red skirt and white T-shirt accompanied with a red collar and ribbon.
"Tsuru-chan. I am here today."
"Ah, Harue-nii? I assume that Onii-chan will be late, right?"
"Yes, club activities."
Tsuru's brother, Kouki occasionally practice swimming till late. His motive was understandable.
He wants to be the best.
He was not the ace of the Swimming Club without a reason. Kouki topped athletically not only in this school but regionally.
Amongst the teenage elites that participate in the competition for the Swimming Tournament, Kouki's name will surely be heard.
So, staying late to practice and his tenacity brought him to such a position and responsibility for the club.
It is also his passion that led him high up in the first place. Now, to keep going, it was obvious that the current level he was at right now is not enough.
That's why he did not abandon the practice. He continued exhibiting effort, more than anyone.
Tsuru sighed at his brother's hard-working attitude but momentarily after, welcomed Harue into the house impatiently.
"Come in Harue-nii. I cannot wait for what sort of dish are you going to teach me."
He took his shoes off and entered. He saw Kouki's mother sitting on the sofa watching the T.V. Beside her was the wheelchair she usually travels on around the house.
"Good afternoon, Yukino-san."
"Ara? Harue-kun? Is Kouki going to be late today?"
"Yes." Harue scratched his head as he remembered the time Kouki asked him these favours.
It has gone on since the day Kouki went for swimming lessons. He loved it so he continued going and eventually became athletic.
Some adults saw how gifted he physically was and enrolled in the same high school as Harue with a recommendation.
Otherwise, with his average grade, it would have been difficult.
Until he produced great results, he can stay in high school and get recommended from prestigious schools for training.
To achieve such a desirous outcome, he had to sacrifice some time with his family.
Harue comprehended that Kouki was initially doing it for his family, so he would not mind replacing those lost time in any way possible.
This was one of them.
"Harue-kun. Every time you come here, I am impatient to taste one of your dishes."
Harue embarrassingly replied, "I am glad you liked them. I cook as I usually do."
"Then I am sure your sisters have happy stomachs."
"I guess." He accepted the compliment from Yukino.
From his side, Tsuru grabbed Harue by the sleeve and pulled him to the kitchen.
"Come on Harue-nii. Let's get cooking."
"Yes yes. No need to be in a rush."
Tsuru was looking forward to the cooking lesson from Harue.
It has been around 2 years that Tsuru and Kouki's mother got in an accident which cost her the ability to walk.
Her legs became useless and her life mostly involves moving in a wheelchair. Doing any house chores was far from her capabilities.
The only thing she could do was rely on her two children.
Kouki was in charge of cooking for most of the part and doing the laundry. Whereas Tsuru would fulfil small chores and take care of her mother's needs.
When Kouki is not here, like today, Harue would come and take on the role of cooking dinner or even breakfast.
Not only that, but Tsuru can also benefit from Harue's presence in their house.
Even though Kouki's food was good, compared to Harue's, there was a clear difference. Seeing the chance, Tsuru pounced on that.
Whenever Harue would come, she would stay with him while he cooked. From time to time, she would help him out and learn more efficiently this way.
The responsibility of her brother would lessen and her mother could enjoy more delicious food.
"What are you going to prepare Harue-nii?"
"How about you tell me this time Tsuru-chan. What do you want me to do?"
"Hmm.....Let me think."
With a smile, he waited for the girl's response.
"Well, we have plenty of cooked sushi rice. Can we do something with that?"
Harue pondered of any dish that could use that. Moments after, a light bulb appeared out of his head.
"How does Sushi Lasagna sound?"
Hearing that name itself, made Tsuru's mouth water.
"I have never eaten it but it sounds delicious." She gulped with anticipation.
"Hahaha, then let's get into it. Let me see if there are ingredients to prepare for that."
He checked the fridge and Tsuru was waiting for him, begging that they had what it needs. Because she really wants to eat the 'Sushi Lasagna'.
Harue veered to Tsuru and smirked gently.
"We are in luck. We have just what we need."
Tsuru jumped with excitement and hurriedly brought aprons for herself and Harue.
"Let's get cooking then. Watch me closely, Tsuru-chan."
Tsuru entered into a focused mode and was determined to learn everything. For her brother's sake and mother's sake.
....
Kouki looked at his watch and it was exactly 6:45 p.m. He was drenched in sweat and decided that it was time to leave.
He was wearing only his school uniform and his black pants. whilst his blue blazer was in his bag.
He was near the swimming pool for the club. He had received permission from the club's advisor to stay late and practice.
But it was enough as he reached his limit and fatigue overtook. Plus, he did not want to worry his mother and Tsuru.
Kouki closed the door and locked it. He went his way to the teacher's quarter to return the club's key.
He was dragging his feet slowly, exhausted from all the training he did.
His ear though, picked up noises and he saw light seeping through the door of the auditorium. Curiosity peaked and he wanted to take a look.
The door was left open. He approached the door and pushed it a bit more.
He saw 3 people on the stage in medieval-type clothes.
One of them noticed and called out to Kouki.
"Watanabe-senpai! You are still here?"
It was Adachi Yuna. The other two beside her were Daisuke and Seita.
"I can say the same thing to you 3! You have not gone home yet?"
Daisuke replied, "We are still practising!"
Seita followed after Daisuke, "The tournament is due this Thursday!"
Kouki's tournament too was close this week, so the feeling was mutual. He flashed his smile and encouraged them.
"Be sure not to stay up late! And good luck!"
"You too! Watanabe-senpai!"
Yuna waved at Kouki whilst he did the same. She went back to practising with Seita and Daisuke.
Before Kouki closed the door, he stared at Yuna with his brown eyes. The more he concentrated on her, the more he became like a statue.
Immediately he shook his head and quickly closed the door. His back was against the door.
His face became grim. He looked at his hand and prepared himself.
*Slaps!*
He slapped himself as hard as he could. His mind was diverted and the lingering pain just reminded him of why he lifted his hand in the first place.
"What the hell was I even thinking...?"
Kouki brushed it off and determined himself to forget what was on his mind. He caught the bus and walked home after stepping off the bus stop.
After a 20 minute walk, he arrived at his house and rang the doorbell.
The door opened and Tsuru appeared.
"Onii-chan! Come on quickly! The food is going to get cold!"
Seeing Tsuru so exhilarated, Kouki wondered what happened.
"I'm home."
"Welcome home, Kouki."
His mother was sitting at the dining table, waiting for him. The food in front of her was not touched, signalling that she hasn't eaten yet.
"Mom, you should have eaten."
"I was waiting for you Kouki. Go shower and we will wait for you."
"Go quick!" Tsuru kept beckoning his brother to hurry it up.
Kouki forcibly did as fast as he could despite his exhausted state. Later he returned to the table and sat alongside his mother and Tsuru.
All three of them clasped their hands together and said, "Itadakimasu."
In front of them were Sushi Lasagna that Harue prepared.
Tsuru dug into it faster than them and munched on it.
"Mmm~ It is dewiwious~"
Kouki tried and was elated as well, "Really good!"
Yukino's tone was joyful as she appreciated the food, "Harue-kun is a good cook."
Kouki smiled as he could not return the favour as good as this. He was lucky to have such a friend like him. A best friend.
With his food, it felt like his tiredness was dispelled. This was so good for him.
How was he going to repay this to him?
For now though, he ate the dinner alongside his family members as he forgot the fatigue built up due to training.
....
A man opened a door and entered the house. From a distance, Yemon was observing. It has been a while since the target went into the house so he was getting worried.
"Is he still in there?"
"Yup. No sign of leaving yet."
Hoga confirmed his location. He waited for another minute which made him more anxious. He had enough.
He got out of his red car and informed Hoga.
"Make sure to watch him if he escapes. I am going in."
"Good luck. You probably need it."
"Later."
Yemon hung up and walked to the door. It was not locked. He entered stealthily and scanned his surrounding.
Everything was quiet. No one was to be seen.
He further went in, checking every corner of the house for any abnormalities. Then he arrived at the entrance of what seems to be the dining room.
Yemon stopped as he heard the faint breathing of a man.
".....Hah.....hah....."
He peaked at the situation and found a bloodied room.
Chairs, tables, floor, walls and contents of food atop the table were splattered with blood.
He identified 3 corpses. 2 male and 1 female, 1 male was the age of a toddler.
All the furniture were in disarray, showing signs of struggles. The male, presumably the father of the family, was brutally smashed in the face.
Amidst those corpses, there stood a man with shabby clothes. His clenched fists were coloured with their blood as it slowly dripped on the floor.
A weak voice exited the man's face.
"...So disappointing..."
The man wore an indifferent expression but suddenly, he sensed a presence. He rapidly glanced at the entrance of the room.
Yemon quickly retreated his gaze behind the wall and felt a strange spike of terror. His heart beat faster than ever in his life.
*Badump!* *Badump!* *Badump!*
'...Monster.' Yemon was sweating profusely.
Among all of the targets he met, he was undoubtedly the strongest.
"Come out! I know that a little rat is hiding there."
The man grinned as he found another toy to play with.
Yemon felt his heart drop at that terrifying creature called out to him.