The scene unfolded in the hallowed corridors of the SDA headquarters, set within the historic confines of Osaka Castle. Sai found himself entangled by chains intricately designed to restrain his curse. These chains, linked to strategic points in the room, held him firmly in place, contrasting sharply with the serene exterior of the castle.
The room throbbed with a palpable, supernatural energy, starkly different from the peaceful ambiance outside. Shimmering under dim lights, a calm pool of water encircled Sai, serving as a literal and symbolic barrier against the curse that afflicted him.
Satomi faced the challenging task of delving into Sai's mind. With determination, she gently placed her hands on Sai's temples, her eyes emitting a majestic white glow. She delved into his consciousness, seeking clues about the devastating events at the Sakaisuji-Hommachi train station.
On the sidelines, Sato and Saitama exchanged uneasy glances. Despite having witnessed Satomi's psychic dives numerous times, Saitama couldn't shake off a sense of unease each time it happened.
("She's done this countless times, and it still creeps me out every time,")
Time seemed to stretch on indefinitely before the team regrouped to discuss their findings. They proceeded to the office of Yasuko, the respected head of the Osaka department, who awaited their report with a mix of anticipation and concern.
"How did the mission go?" Yasuko asked, her voice tinged with worry as she surveyed the team assembled in her office.
Saitama didn't hesitate. "Not great. We were too late; the incident resulted in numerous casualties, with only one survivor. We've secured him. Satomi will have more details about the suspect."
Stepping forward, Satomi conveyed her findings with a calm authority that belied the gravity of the situation. "The survivor has been afflicted with a curse. The full circumstances are unclear since his memories are fragmented. However, it's crucial to understand that he attempted to intervene during the incident at the train station."
Yasuko absorbed the report with a stoic grace. After a moment, her features softened into a warm smile.
"Thank you for the report, team," she said, her mind already racing through possible strategies and responses.
The implications of their findings were profound, and she knew the decisions made next could affect not just Sai but potentially many others. The weight of leadership pressed upon her, yet she remained undeterred, prepared to navigate whatever challenges lay ahead.
The cell that confined Sai resonated with the heaviness of his situation, every chain a loud echo of his curse. As despair loomed, threatening to engulf his spirit, a light shone through in the form of Yasuko, the cheery head of the Osaka department of the SDA.
Her presence was a stark contrast to the gloom of the cell, her demeanor radiating positivity. Sai, bewildered and weary, caught her eye, his voice trembling as he broke the silence.
"Why am I chained up? What's going on?" he stammered, grappling with the unfamiliarity of his environment.
Yasuko approached with a smile that seemed to soften the harsh lines of the cold metal chains.
"It's for your safety, Sai," she reassured, her tone soothing as a gentle stream. "We couldn't risk any further outbursts while you were under the influence of curse energy."
Confusion creased Sai's brow. "H-How do you know my name... and what?" he queried, his voice a mix of fear and confusion.
Yasuko, maintaining her calm, presented Sai's ID from her pocket, offering it as a bridge to his fragmented memories. As realization dawned, the floodgates of his memory opened, and the darkness that once consumed him began to recede.
("All those innocent people...") Sai thought, the weight of his memories pressing down.
"But fear not!" Yasuko interjected, her voice a beacon of optimism. "In our organization, we recognize the value of every individual," she proclaimed with infectious enthusiasm. "You may be seen as a cursed vessel, but I see potential, dear Sai! Potential for greatness!"
Sai, puzzled yet intrigued, asked, "What's a cursed vessel?"
Yasuko's explanation was brief, almost too casual. "Let's skip over the major details. In short, a cursed vessel is an animated corpse that can control curse energy."
"So I'm dead!?" Sai's shock was palpable.
"Well... more like revived from curse energy," Yasuko corrected with a slight chuckle.
"Huh?" Sai muttered, his mind reeling from the information overload. ("She's not making any sense.")
Yasuko's cheer seemed almost out of place, yet it carried a strange comfort. "On the bright side, you're still alive!" she jested, trying to lift the mood.
("...Yeah, about that, why didn't I just stay dead.")
"And guess what?" Yasuko continued, her grin spreading wider. "We're prepared to offer you a generous compensation package! Three hundred thousand yen each week, just for you!"
Sai's disbelief was mirrored in his wide eyes. ("300 thousand yen each week?") he echoed, his thoughts racing. "I don't even make that much at my job now."
("Shit, did I just say that out loud?")
Yasuko nodded affirmatively. "Indeed. We understand the importance of financial security, especially in times of uncertainty. Consider it a gesture of goodwill from the SDA."
The enticing offer of financial stability tipped the scales for Sai. "Deal," he declared, his voice now steady with newfound resolve.
With a hearty laugh and a twinkle of joy in her eyes, Yasuko unchained Sai, sealing the deal with her unwavering optimism.
"All you have to do is sign here and here," Yasuko instructed, her finger tracing the lines on a document that seemed almost blurred by the dim lighting of the cell. Sai squinted at the paper, his skepticism shadowed by a sense of desperation. Despite his doubts
("It's not like I have much to lose.")
With a resigned breath, Sai picked up the pen and signed where Yasuko had indicated. As the pen moved across the paper, it felt like he was signing away more than just his agreement to join the SDA; he was signing for a new lease on life, uncertain yet filled with possibilities.
Yasuko watched with eager anticipation, her mind already racing with plans for Sai's integration into the department. As the final signature was etched onto the document, her expression transformed with a spark of inspiration. "Aha, that's it!" she exclaimed, her voice echoing slightly in the confines of the cell.
("What with this lady? She's much nicer than other people.")
In the stately room of the SDA headquarters, Yasuko stood before her division with a sparkle in her eye that belied the gravity of her announcement. "I've decided for Sai to join our department!" she declared, her voice bubbling with her usual enthusiasm.
The room erupted with a mix of shock and disbelief. "What!?" came the collective response, their faces a mosaic of surprise and skepticism.
Sato tried to lighten the mood, hoping for some reassurance. "Don't worry, guys, she's just joking... Right?" His voice wavered slightly, betraying his own doubts as he glanced between Yasuko and his teammates.
Saitama, never one to mince words, laid bare his concerns with a gruff tone. "What the hell! Allowing him to roam unchecked poses a potential risk," he asserted, his voice filling the room. "He needs to be dealt with!"
Amid the rising tension, Satomi, always the voice of reason and empathy, spoke up. "Despite the chaos, he still chose to help others who didn't have the power to protect themselves. He deserves a second chance," she said solemnly, her gaze sweeping across the room, inviting her teammates to see beyond their initial reactions. "And despite his cursed state, I believe he could be an ally to the team," she added, her voice earnest and convincing.
Sato, slightly unnerved, remarked, "Hey... can you 'not' speak in our heads, Satomi? It's kinda weird."
Fujimi, ever the pragmatist, cut through the noise with her bluntness. "What is all the fuss about?" she interjected, her impatience clear even as she casually sucked on her lollipop.
The debate was unexpectedly interrupted as Sai entered the room, donning an SDA uniform. His arrival drew startled looks from everyone, particularly from Saitama, who scowled at Sai before storming out of the office.
("What a disgrace.")
Yume and Fujimi were visibly shaken by Sai's presence and the palpable aura of cursed energy that surrounded him.
("W-What is he?") Yume stammered, her voice trembling.
("Thay-that-that's impossible. How is that thing here?") Fujimi muttered in her head, her hand instinctively tightening around her bat.
Yasuko, unfazed by the mounting tension, greeted Sai with a warm smile. "Sai! Thank you for joining us. My apologies for the misunderstanding," she said, her cheerful demeanor a stark contrast to the atmosphere.
The introductions that followed were a blend of awkwardness and formality as Yasuko tried to foster a sense of unity. "I'm Yasuko Tokugawa, Head Priestess of this department. And your team includes Sato Ashita," she gestured towards Sato, who managed a casual wave. "Satomi Gunji," who nodded with a serene composure. "Yume Takamori," who, despite the tension, flashed a vibrant peace sign. "Fujimi Yoshito," whose stoic expression remained unfazed. "And your operator, Saitama Habara. He just needs time to cool off," she added, trying to smooth over the friction.
Sai, overwhelmed by the new faces and the revelation of his circumstances, asked hesitantly, "Is this some type of spy organization?"
"The SDA, also known as The Supernatural Defense Administration or the Sacred Order, are exorcists tasked with protecting the public from supernatural occurrences," Yasuko explained, hoping to provide Sai with a clearer picture of their mission.
However, her explanation only sparked further skepticism among the team. "You didn't tell him about the Sacred Order?" Yume asked, her tone laced with disbelief.
"Sometimes I wonder how she even became Head Priestess," Fujimi remarked sarcastically, her comment drawing a wince from Yasuko.
"Some High Priestess," Sato added, his disappointment palpable.
Stung by their words, Yasuko defended her decision with a firm resolve. "Sai accepted my offer to closely monitor him to spare his life!" she stated, trying to regain her footing.
"I did?" Sai interjected, his confusion mounting.
"And he agreed to undergo training to control his abilities!" Yasuko added quickly, eager to reassure both Sai and her skeptical team.
Sai's inner thoughts betrayed his uncertainty.
("Huh? I don't remember any mention of that,")
He mused, his bewilderment deepening as he tried to grasp the implications of his sudden inclusion in this mysterious yet evidently crucial organization.