"A gun can be used to protect people, but at the expense of taking lives. It can be used to defend yourself, but the conclusion is still the same. The moment you pick up a weapon, you have to prepare for the situation where you are the last one standing. You have to prepare to stain your hands." Masaru trailed off. "There is still a strict law in place about carrying guns in Japan. However, some places have gradually lifted the weapon ban law due to the growing number of delinquents."
"Are you saying even normal civilians can carry a gun now?"
"There are some places. It seems the police have issued guns to certain public members who they consider to be high members of society to protect themselves. But isn't that weird? These people know nothing about guns, but now they have the power to end lives too."
"I think the police are the ones who have the most mixed feelings on this topic. Before they were the only ones who could carry guns, they used those guns to uphold the law and their form of justice. But now delinquents and even regular citizens that have nothing to do with this world of crime can carry them."
"That's correct, lady; you're as sharp as ever."
Sumire sighed deeply. "I don't want to live my life as a clueless fool."
"Indeed. But unfortunately, we are not in the position to question the government or police. Even if the underworld has grown increasingly large, we still have to bend to their will if a bad situation arises."
"A bad situation?"
"If the underworld gets out of hand and crosses the line. Everybody involved will end up in prison cells and executed."
"Is that why you're trying to push me away too? You and Ru-"
"What we want for you, lady, is for you to live a happy and normal life."
"That is ridiculous, and you know that. Do you know how many lives I have claimed in the past three years? Even if I suddenly stop doing this, it does not change what I have done."
Masaru reached over and patted her hair. "We all know that too. This is why I am more subtle about this, unlike the others. I won't stop you as much as them. But if anything that exposes your identity to the media happens, you must stop immediately, and I will step in."
"I understand. I will be careful." Sumire mumbled.
"Good."
Sometimes Masaru-senpai treats her as a child. It's true he is older than her, but the age difference is only a year.
"Did you come here to tell me about the government issuing guns to politicians and important figures in society?"
"Correct. It's something that happened last week, but there are recent frequent sightings of people carrying weapons. The general public is starting to notice too."
"Like you said, we are not in a position to complain. Normally people like us shouldn't be allowed to wield them either. But, I don't like the idea of people who have nothing to do with this world carrying such weapons."
"That's why we have to get stronger, so we have already finished the job before they pull the trigger."
Sumire sighed. "Then show me how you got that three-pointer despite shooting from a strange angle."
Masaru laughed. "Yes, yes, whatever you say."
As Sumire watched him, however, she couldn't help but think about the people in the casino the other day. No precisely her target. "The guy I killed not too long ago had a gun on him."
"I see."
If she judges from Masaru-senpai's tone, he does not seem surprised.
"Do you think we can obtain a list of people who the police have issued a gun too?"
"Do you suspect normal citizens have them now?"
"My target from the other day isn't a politician. He was just a greedy man who climbed his way up after engaging in illegal activities. But, he definitely had a weapon with him."
It was the reason why she cut his hands off first, because if she didn't. He would have reached for his weapon. It's not like the situation would have changed even if he did that. But she definitely saw a gun on him.
If normal citizens are able to get their hands on guns, it means the politicians are the ones supplying them. If so, they ought to extinguish the corruption in the government.
Moreover, she does not like the idea of regular innocent citizens obtaining a weapon that could take a person's life. There are many selfish and greedy people in this world. What if a bully gets hold of it and uses it to threaten someone? What if robbers get it?
Just thinking about the consequences of guns being distributed gave her a headache. Isn't it enough that the riots are taking up many of the delinquent group's resources?
She supposes the best move right now is to directly investigate the black market. If it is a place where loads of different people gather, she will surely get more information.
"I'll take a look at the black market lady."
"I can do that."
At those words, she suddenly felt the tip of the gun on her forehead. "How careless. You are clearly not in a good state; otherwise, you would have dodged that."
Sumire sighed and looked down, frustrated. "Alright, I understand. I will do some background work and reports instead."
"That's good."
"Move that thing away already."
"Oh? You know I could kill you right now and dispose of your body nicely."
She sighed again before swiftly pulling out a blade and pointing it toward his neck. "I wonder which one will be faster if you do that?"
"You're as scary as ever, lady." Masaru drew the gun back, and she did the same with her blade. "No matter what people say, it's true that right now we need somebody as strong as you around. But you should still be careful. The media are like hyenas recently; they want to search for even a small flaw about you."
"I know." Sumire waved her hands and began to walk off. "Keep me updated if you find anything."
It's worrying, though. She ought to keep her guard up and be warier of her surroundings. If there is a risk of any normal person getting their hands on a gun, her gaze dimmed.
What about if her haters get their hands on it? A girl's jealousy is nothing to laugh at; they would surely target her.