"Lies are the chains we forge ourselves, and deception is the key we use to bind others."
Maria barely managed to attend class, her stomach hurting. After school ended, Ms, Tanaya treats her, And tells her ti take rest, Manabu thanked her and took Maria with him, Manabu asked if she was alright. She said she was fine but needed help walking home. Taiju and Mai joined them, and they reached home. Manabu took Maria to her room, helped her into bed, and went out to get some food. Meanwhile, Mai and Taiju were talking using Manabu's phone.
"Hello world! Same you, same me! All worthless," Sidekick Robot said.
Sidekick, the robot assistant, looked at Taiju and asked, "What's wrong with your colorful hair? Do all humans have such weird hair color?"
Taiju, confused, asked, "Are you talking about me?"
Sidekick replied, "Who else? But this red-haired girl is also weird."
Mai, getting a bit angry, said, "For your Fucking kind information, I would like to tell you, I have a name—it's Mai."
Sidekick said, "Now I understand the meaning of the phrase 'What a colorful world we live in' Orange hair, red hair, and the girl over there with white hair. Even Manabu has white hair."
Taiju added, "Mion has pink hair."
Sidekick replied, "Huh? Who is Mion? And why do humans have such weird hair colors?"
Taiju explained, "Well, it's natural-born color. It has no particular reason."
Then the doorbell rang. It was a parcel. Taiju and Mai opened the door. A delivery guy said, "Hello, I am from 'Wishlist' I have an order for Satoshi Manabu. Is this the right address?"
Taiju confirmed, "Yes, it is Manabu's home."
The delivery guy said, "Good, this is your package.", Taiju asked about payment but the owner payed already but Taiju and Mai brought it inside and decided to open it. They found a clock-type machine body inside the box, wrapped in plastic and paper.
The Sidekick robot exclaimed, "Oh! I forgot, it's my new body!"
Taiju and Mai asked, "What?"
The bot replied, "It's really uncomfortable being inside a phone. Now I have a body. Hurry up, let me see it."
Taiju picked up the phone and showed the body to the bot. It looked like a clock but had hands and connectors. They connected the AI to the clock machine, and it displayed many options, asking for a name.
The bot started talking, "Well, we can decide on a name for me later. I'll leave this option for now."
Manabu came back with food and medicine. "What is this?" he asked, noticing the clock.
Taiju, surprised, responded, "Oh, Manabu, you're back?"
Manabu repeated, "What is this and who bought it?"
Taiju said, "Well, wasn't it you who bought it?"
At that moment, the bot started talking, and the clock popped out hands and legs. "Hey Manabu! See, I got hands! I bought this."
Manabu asked, "Who paid for it?"
The bot replied, "You. I paid from your account."
Manabu screamed, "What!? How much did it cost?"
The bot replied, "1,000 American dollars."
Manabu screamed again, "Huahhhhhhh!!!"
The robot explained that he told his creator to make a body for him, and he did. After that, the bot asked Manabu to give him a name. They discussed many names but didn't like any of them, deciding to talk about it later. Finally, they all went out.
Maria was silently laying on her bed in her bed,Looking at the chain he had with her, It was a thin chain Leon gave to her, she took the necklace in her hand, recalling the day Leon had given it to her last year, before she knew his true nature.
Leon had said, "I no longer need this, but make sure to take care of it. It's somehow precious to me." She slipped the necklace around her neck, feeling a nostalgic comfort. Stretching, she walked to the balcony, flexing her arms. She saw Manabu and others walking out but didn't bother them, opting to go back to sleep instead.
Meanwhile, Kami was stressed, burdened by numerous public issues Manabu knocked on the door. "Can I come in?"
Kami approved. Manabu could tell Kami was stressed,He leaves the coffee on his table Kami asked him about Sasha.
"Oh! Today she got hurt in physical activity class, She's a little hurt, but she's fine and resting," Manabu replied.
Kami sighed. "The party scheduled for next month has been postponed due to the current problems. They fear the place might be targeted."
Manaby wanted to ask him something, Manabu's face was etched with doubt as he asked, "Are you actually my dad?"
Kami's gaze was steady, but he could see the discomfort etched on Manabu's face. He asked, "Are you uncomfortable with me? Do you want to go back?"
Manabu shook his head. "My grandmother used to tell me, 'One day your mom and dad will come to take you with them.' She believed you were alive. I've never seen you since my childhood. She raised me and taught me to love people and never hurt anyone. Why did you both disappear? What happened? Granny never told me. She used to cry, but she hid her tears for my sake! Where have you been?"
Kami stood calmly, his expression inscrutable. "Follow me," he said, leading Manabu out of his office. They walked to a car, and Kami gestured for Manabu to sit inside. Manabu, nervous and scared, fidgeted in his seat. As they drove, he asked, "Are you mad at me?"
Kami remained silent. They arrived at a modest, yet charming house. Kami motioned for Manabu to enter.
"This is where my family started," Kami said, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "My happiness. Come in, Manabu."
The interior was clean and elegantly furnished. Kami ran his hand over the furniture. "Your mom, Kana," he said. Manabu followed silently, observing the surroundings.
Kami continued, "She loved fancy things. We bought these by saving our money, building our little dream." He unlocked a door with a key and invited Manabu inside.
"This was our bedroom," Kami said. As Manabu looked around, he saw a picture of a young family—Kana, Kami, a tiny Manabu, and his sister. "This is your mother, this is me—this is you and your sister. You were just three months old. Our happiness was beyond imagination when you were born."
Manabu looked at Kami, who had unwrapped his face bandages, revealing tear-streaked cheeks. "Why do you have bandages on your face?" Manabu asked quietly.
Kami's eyes reflected deep sorrow. "When I was a child, my face was crushed. I lost hope. People hated me... But Kana never left me. She stood by my side. We fell in love and married. I loved her more than anyone. But…" Kami's voice broke as he continued, "She was taken from me."
Manabu's gaze shifted to an album in a drawer. The pictures showed Kana and Kami together, their wedding, and happier times. "Why?" Manabu asked softly.
Kami's expression grew somber. "I was a political leader. Fourteen years ago, a critical issue led to conflict between countries, escalating into war. A Japanese and Chinese dictator emerged, and our family was caught in the crossfire."
Manabu listened intently as Kami explained, "In 2012, when things went awry in our country, I decided to send you and Kana to Japan with my trusted associates. But the Japanese dictator showed his true colors, and the man I trusted betrayed me. I couldn't go to Japan. Kana's mother was with her, and your grandmother took care of her. Then, I received news that my family was attacked by civilians. I went mad with grief. I wanted to see you. Eventually, many political leaders, including me, managed to prevent a world war and were hailed as saviors. But when I tried to reach your mother, I couldn't find any trace of her. I thought you had been killed. I didn't lose hope, though. I sent my men across Japan. One day, I found Maria. She was raised by a nun, and she told them about me. When I met her, she hugged me and said, 'Dad, welcome back.' My eyes filled with tears. She embraced me tightly. I spoke with the priest, who was delighted by Maria, but they hadn't found Kana. After the day she entrusted Maria to them…"
Kami embraced Manabu, his voice trembling with emotion. "Now I have found you too. I am no longer alone. I have found my treasure."
Tears welled up in Manabu's eyes as he returned the embrace. "Forgive me, Dad," he whispered.
Kami held him close, and for the first time in a long while, both felt the warmth of family restored.
They went back from the place, Manaby asked Kami "Dad, why is the guy doing it?He must have a reason,Right? " Manabu asked,
Kami shook his head. "Well,I have no idea."
Manabu hesitated before asking, "Dad, do you think Leon is the one behind this?"
Kami looked at him intently. "Why do you think that?"
Manabu explained, "He's not someone you can trust. He can do anything for his own selfish reasons."
Kami nodded. "You're right. Leon is not a trustworthy person. In fact, he is one of the most evil and smartest criminals ever existed. But we can trust him right now, and there's a reason."
"Why?" Manabu asked, his doubt clear.
Kami's expression was grave as he began to explain, "Leon was arrested for murder. He also tried to assault a girl, but she was rescued. Unfortunately, due to the shock, she lost her memory. That was two years ago. For various reasons, the head of the special task force—the [Special Reconnaissance Unit](a)—issued an order to use certain prisoners for covert jobs and tasks. Initially, Leon's name wasn't on the list. However, due to his extreme behavior and heinous deeds, he caught my attention. I was shocked to learn that a boy, just fifteen years old at the time, had killed so many people. He is, without a doubt, a smart serial killer who used various names and identities to commit his crimes."
Manabu's thoughts immediately flashed to the Santa case. Kami continued, "When the police were sent to retrieve Leon from prison, they couldn't do it. The prisoners refused to let him go. I had to meet him personally. The officers told me that many prisoners were willing to die rather than allow Leon to be taken away. Leon had manipulated them, and they were willing to serve him, standing as a shield before him. When I arrived, I saw every prisoner standing beside Leon, refusing to move. Some prisoners were even trying to break their cages, kicking the walls and bars, screaming, and threatening to burn the entire United States if anything happened to Leon. They wouldn't listen to anything until Leon told them to calm down and sit. Only then did he agree to come with us."
Kami paused, remembering the scene vividly. One of the prisoners had shouted, 'They will shoot you! Don't go, Leon!' But Leon, unfazed, had told them, 'Don't worry; everything will be fine.'
Kami continued, "It was two years ago when Leon first met me. He was called to a round table meeting with many officers, the head of the special task force, politicians, lawyers, and some prisoners. Leon was brought in unarmed, chained tightly. He sat at a chair, and the head of the special unit began questioning him about his history and family. Leon denied everything, saying there was nothing to know about him."
Kami's tone grew more intense as he recounted the moment the officer mentioned Leon's sister. "'A little girl lives with you, right? Her name is Sumi, and she's around four or five years old,' the officer had said.
Leon's eyes narrowed as he replied, 'So you're going to use family as bait?'
The officer denied it, saying, 'No, we won't. But we can take any necessary steps if needed.' The head asked him again, 'Is she your real sister, Leon?' He replied, 'Yes.' But we knew it was a lie. She wasn't his real sister; he had adopted her."
Kami continued "I told him there was no need to lie. We had the adoption paperwork. She was adopted with the help of an officer named Kenzo, a former Japanese. He helped Leon adopt Sumi, right? Leon admitted it. Then he asked, 'What do you want?'
The head of the team said, 'We need you to work for us.' Leon immediately declined, saying he never worked for anyone. I told him, 'If you do, we will spare you from your crimes and give you a peaceful life. You have a sister you care about, right?' Leon replied, 'Yes.'"
Kami's voice softened as he continued, "I told him, 'You're still young, and it's unbelievable that you've committed such heavy crimes. You killed more than seven people. If you work for our special task force, we will give you a peaceful life, and both you and your sister will receive an education. All criminal charges will be removed.' Leon thought for a long time. An officer urged, 'Think, Leon. It's an opportunity to make things right. Do you want to die like a criminal in your sister's eyes?'
After a deep breath, Leon agreed. He asked what he had to do. I told him, 'The tasks will be given to you from time to time. You'll have to sign this agreement. You can't break the law, and if you do, you'll regret it.'"
Kami concluded, "Leon agreed to the contract. The head of the force said, 'You will be released after a week and will go with Kami. Do whatever you are ordered to do. Also, we have our men watching you 24/7, so don't try to be smart.' That's how Leon was released. After the meeting…"
Manabu interrupted, his curiosity piqued. "So Leon is assigned to special tasks?"
Kami nodded, "Yes. Right now, Leon is supposed to work on the terrorism case. He's already in action. Today, I went to meet him at the hospital. He might not be on duty for a few weeks, maybe even months. So, his friend Roy will be with you guys and take care of everything Leon usually handles."
Manabu furrowed his brow in confusion. "Why months? His wounds weren't that bad."
Kami's expression darkened. "It's not the wounds, Manabu."
"Then what?" Manabu asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Kami sighed heavily before replying, "Leon has cancer. He's in the hospital for surgery."
Manabu's eyes widened in shock. "Cancer? What?"
Kami nodded solemnly. "Yes, he has cancer. So for now, he's been told to rest and join the job when he's well again. Right now, aside from Leon, there are twelve other prisoners on their way to their missions."
Manabu asked his dad if he could help with the current situation. Manabu had always been drawn to these kinds of things but never got the chance. Kami replied, "You can help but it's risky, and I won't allow any of you to get hurt."
"But still, maybe there's something I can do to help," Manabu insisted.
Kami said, "Well, its not the right time Manabu"
Manabu sights "Fine."
Kami hugged Manabu and said, "Okay then, see you, Manabu. I have to go now." Manabu also went home after the conversation
In "Sweet Sugar" Coffee shop, a man ordered a coffee and sat at the counter. When the waiter handed him the drink, the man asked politely, "Do you happen to know someone named Leon? I've been looking for him for a long time. I came all the way from the other side of the country." He then showed the waiter a picture on his phone.
The waiter squinted at the image, trying to recall. "He looks familiar, but I don't recognize him off the top of my head."
The man leaned in slightly, his curiosity piqued. "Are you sure? Think a little harder, please."
Sensing the tension, the manager noticed the exchange and approached them, concern evident on his face. "Is there a problem here?" he asked the waiter.
The waiter quickly explained, "This gentleman is looking for someone named Leon." He handed the manager the phone to show the picture.
The manager studied the image for a moment, his brow furrowing in thought. "Yeah, I remember him. He used to work here a couple of years ago, maybe two or three. Good kid, hard worker, but he suddenly disappeared. Why are you looking for him? Is something wrong?"
The man shook his head, a slight smile forming as he took off his cap. "No, nothing like that. It's just some old business. Leon and I go way back." He paused before adding, "If he ever comes back, tell him Mary's brother, Hardy, was here looking for him. Here's my number."
He handed over a card with his contact information. After finishing his coffee, Hardy left the shop, still searching for the man who had once been his sister's tormentor.
To be continued...