Chereads / Echoes of the Cursed / Chapter 30 - CHAPTER 30: Blame

Chapter 30 - CHAPTER 30: Blame

The once-serene headquarters of the organization was now a hive of hushed whispers and furtive glances. Kazu, oblivious to the brewing storm, sat on the balcony, lost in thought. The gentle evening breeze, carrying the faint scent of rain, did little to soothe his troubled mind. His thoughts drifted back to the ethereal encounter with his sister and the comforting conversation with Camron.A sharp knock interrupted his reverie. Minoru, his face etched with worry, stood at the doorway. "Kazu," he began, his voice barely a whisper, "Atama wishes to see you. Immediately."A sense of unease washed over Kazu. "What's wrong?" he asked, his brow furrowed.Minoru hesitated, his gaze avoiding Kazu's. "It's about the Yokai system breach... Someone has accused you of leaking sensitive information."Kazu's heart pounded in his chest. "What? That's absurd!" he exclaimed, disbelief coloring his voice.Minoru shrugged helplessly. "Atama is furious. You'd better explain yourself."With a heavy heart, Kazu followed Minoru to the main hall. Atama, her expression stern and unforgiving, stood at the head of the table. The other members, their faces a mix of confusion and suspicion, sat around the table."Kazu," Atama began, her voice cutting through the silence, "Do you have any idea how critical the information you allegedly leaked was? And how it could jeopardize our entire operation?"Kazu's eyes widened in shock. "I didn't do it, Atama. I swear!""Then how do you explain your login credentials being used to access and transfer classified files to an unverified source?" Atama demanded, her voice rising.Kazu stammered, searching for a plausible explanation. "I don't know... Maybe someone stole my access key or hacked into the system..."Atama scoffed, her disbelief palpable. "Hacked? You, of all people, expect me to believe that? This isn't the first time your recklessness has put us at risk."Kazu felt a wave of anger and frustration. "I would never betray the organization! You know that!""Enough!" Atama interrupted, her voice sharp. "Until this matter is resolved, you are relieved of your duties. Stay out of the command room and do not access any systems without explicit permission."Kazu stood there, stunned and humiliated. He glanced around the room, seeking support, but most faces were averted. Only Unmei and Hanzo met his gaze, their eyes filled with sympathy.Atama dismissed the meeting, and Kazu stormed out of the hall, his mind racing with a whirlwind of emotions. He retreated to the dimly lit park where he had encountered Kami's spirit. The tranquility of the night offered little solace to his troubled soul."Why does this always happen to me?" he muttered, his voice barely audible. "No matter what I do, it's never enough."Unmei and Hanzo soon joined him, their faces etched with concern. Hanzo sat beside him, while Unmei knelt before him, his eyes filled with sincerity."We believe you, Kazu," Unmei assured him.Hanzo nodded solemnly. "And we're going to prove your innocence."A bitter smile crept across Kazu's lips. "Thanks, but Atama's mind is set. She won't listen."Hanzo's determination was unwavering. "Then we'll make her listen."Kazu looked at his two friends, a glimmer of hope flickering in his eyes. Perhaps, just perhaps, he wouldn't have to face this ordeal alone.