Kaina sat across from Keigo and Naomasa Tsukauchi, her eyes heavy with the burden of the story she was about to tell. The weight of her past hung in the air like a storm, and the two men could see the torment in her expression. She took a deep breath, preparing herself, and then spoke.
"I'll start from the beginning…" she said quietly, her voice trembling but resolute.
Keigo gave her a soft nod of encouragement, pulling out his recorder and placing it gently on the table. "Take your time," he said. "Whenever you're ready."
Kaina exhaled deeply, her fingers tightening slightly as she prepared to relive the painful memories. "It all began when I was eighteen… two years ago," she started, her voice raw, as if each word was pulling her back into the nightmare she had lived.
Flashback 2 years.
Kaina stood in front of the imposing HPSC building, her hero costume clinging tightly to her form, the weight of her decision settling in her chest. "This is my first step... toward something bigger," she thought, a determined smile curling her lips. With a deep breath, she made her way inside, her boots echoing against the marble floor.
As she entered the reception area, she spotted the receptionist sitting at her desk. Kaina approached her confidently, her smile soft but full of purpose. "Excuse me," she said. "I'm Lady Nagant. I'll be working here from now on."
The receptionist looked up, immediately recognizing the name. She returned the smile warmly. "Welcome, Lady Nagant. The president is on the top floor. Take a right, and his office will be at the end of the hall."
"Thank you," Kaina replied, nodding politely before heading to the elevator.
As she rode up, the weight of the moment sank in. This was what she'd been waiting for—a chance to make a difference, to prove herself. When the elevator dinged softly, announcing her arrival, she stepped out and took a right as instructed. The plaque on the door read: "President, HPSC." Her heart quickened, but she maintained her composure, knocking firmly.
"Come in," a voice called from within.
Kaina pushed the door open, stepping inside. Seated behind a large mahogany desk was a man in his thirties, dressed in sharp, formal attire. His gaze was fixed on her, a faint smile playing on his lips. Surrounding him were five other figures, all dressed in identical black coats, their expressions unreadable.
"Good morning, sir," Kaina said, her voice steady but respectful. "I'm Lady Nagant, the newly appointed hero."
The president smiled, leaning back slightly in his chair. "Welcome, Lady Nagant. We've been expecting you."
Kaina nodded, feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves. "Thank you, sir."
"Well, it's your first day," he continued, his tone conversational. "How are you feeling?"
Kaina kept her composure. "I'm feeling good, sir. Ready to serve."
His smile widened slightly, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Excellent. I see here that your quirk is 'Sniper,' correct?"
"Yes, sir," Kaina confirmed with a nod.
The president exchanged glances with the others in the room, his smirk deepening just a little. "Good. From now on, you'll be assigned certain missions."
She noticed the subtle shift in his tone and couldn't help but feel a hint of apprehension. Still, she trusted the path she had chosen. "What kind of missions?" she asked.
"Don't worry," he said with a casual wave of his hand. "The missions will be easy for someone like you. And through your work, Japan will know peace."
Kaina's heart swelled with pride at his words. "I will do my best, sir."
"Very well," the president replied, leaning forward slightly. "There are no missions for you at the moment, but rest assured, when there are, we'll contact you. For now, get comfortable and settle in."
She nodded again, bowing slightly in gratitude. "Thank you, sir."
As she turned to leave the room, she couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation. Her first real mission was just around the corner, and she was ready for it. As she walked back down the hall, she smiled to herself, excitement bubbling up inside her.
"I can't wait for my first mission," Kaina thought, her steps light and confident.
A few days later, Kaina received the call she had been waiting for. Her first mission. The excitement bubbled in her chest as she entered the president's office, the energy buzzing beneath her skin. But as soon as she stepped inside, a chill settled over her. The president sat behind his desk, that same unsettling smile plastered on his face as he greeted her.
"Welcome, Lady Nagant. I trust you're eager for your first mission?" His voice was warm, disarming even, but Kaina couldn't shake the feeling that there was something lurking behind it.
She beamed, though the unease gnawed at the edges of her excitement. "Yes, sir. I've been waiting for this."
The president chuckled softly, his eyes never leaving hers as he slid a folder across the desk. "Good. Then let's not waste any time. Read this."
Kaina reached for the folder, opening it eagerly. Her eyes immediately landed on a man's face. Beneath the photo, the name was printed: Mirrormind. Her brow furrowed, and her fingers tightened around the edges of the file as she scanned the details. "He's my target?" she asked, glancing up.
The president gave a slow, deliberate nod, his smile not faltering. "Indeed. A dangerous man, as you'll see."
Kaina blinked, her enthusiasm faltering. She hesitated. "So... I'm supposed to take him into custody?"
A smirk curled at the corners of the president's lips, but it didn't reach his eyes. "No, Lady Nagant." His voice was like silk wrapped around steel. "You're going to kill him."
The words hit her like a punch to the gut. Her heart stilled, blood rushing in her ears. She stared at him, disbelieving. "What?" she whispered, the shock evident in her voice.
"You heard me," the president said, his tone still casual, almost as if discussing the weather. "Mirrormind is a threat that cannot be contained. He's committed atrocities—murdered innocents. His existence is a stain on society, and we are the ones to remove it."
Kaina's hands trembled as she gripped the folder tighter, her voice weak, shaken. "I... I'm sorry, sir, but I can't—" She struggled with the words, her pulse quickening. "I can't kill someone."
The president's smile flickered, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly. But instead of lashing out, his expression remained calm, almost patient. He tilted his head, watching her as though she were a puzzle he had already solved long ago. "Can't?" he repeated softly, as if tasting the word. "Lady Nagant, do you truly believe that?"
She opened her mouth to respond, but the words stuck in her throat.
The president leaned back in his chair, his gaze never wavering from her. "You're thinking too small, Lady Nagant. This isn't about your comfort. This is about the balance of power. Do you think a man like Mirrormind can be contained by our system? Do you truly believe that locking him away in a cell will stop him from spilling more innocent blood?"
Kaina shook her head, trying to focus. "But we have prisons, we have—"
"Tartarus?" he interrupted with a soft chuckle, as if the idea amused him. "A temporary solution at best. Tell me, what happens when he escapes? When his connections, his influence, free him from those walls? Can you truly guarantee that he won't strike again?" His voice lowered, taking on a conspiratorial tone. "If he escapes, the blood will be on your hands,Lady Nagant. The innocents he kills afterward... they will haunt you. All because you couldn't make the hard decision today."
She opened her mouth to argue, but he wasn't finished. His gaze softened, as though he were the one offering comfort now. "You have the power to prevent suffering, to end a cycle of death. You are a hero, are you not? You exist to protect." He leaned forward, his voice a whisper now, yet commanding. "Does it matter how you achieve that protection, as long as it's done?"
Kaina's resolve faltered. The weight of his words pressed against her chest like a vice, suffocating her convictions. "But... I..."
The president stood up slowly, walking around his desk until he was standing beside her. "You still don't see it, do you?" he murmured, his voice low and dripping with quiet authority. He gently took the folder from her hands and placed it back on the desk. "Let me remind you of something." He paused, his eyes darkening. "Your father. That 'accident' of his... you know that wasn't just fate, don't you?"
Kaina's breath caught in her throat. Her pulse hammered. "What are you talking about?"
The president's smile returned, but it was colder now, like the edge of a blade. "I believe I've made myself clear. Your mother is all you have left, isn't she?" He took a slow step closer, his voice soft yet terrifying. "Finish the mission, Lady Nagant. Or else... she might find herself facing the same 'unfortunate accident.'"
Her mind spiraled, the room seeming to tilt around her. The walls felt like they were closing in. Her mother. The only person left that she loved, the only family she had.
He had planned this. He had known how to trap her, known what buttons to push long before she had ever stepped foot into his office.
The president stepped back, smoothing his suit as though nothing had happened, as though he hadn't just dismantled her life in a few simple sentences. "You will finish the mission," he said, his tone lighter, like they were simply discussing the weather again. "It's inevitable. There's no need to dwell on it any longer. We'll send you the location soon."
Kaina's lips trembled. She wanted to scream, to run. But all she could do was nod, her voice barely a whisper. "Yes... sir."
The president's smirk widened. "Good. Make sure you don't fail."
As she left the office, the weight of his words settled heavily on her shoulders. The air felt suffocating as she made her way down the hall, her heart in turmoil. She had come here to be a hero, to bring peace and justice to the world. But now, she found herself caught in the twisted hands of the very people who claimed to stand for that peace.
"I... came here to be a hero..." she thought, her hands shaking as she clenched them into fists. But what kind of hero was she becoming now?
As Kaina sat silently on a bench, her thoughts weighed heavily on her. The notification on her phone jolted her back to reality. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized it was time. The location was nearby. She stood up, her legs feeling weak beneath her as she walked, each step slower than the last.
"I can do this," she thought, trying to steel herself, but doubt clung to her like a shadow. "If I don't… what will happen?"
She reached the building, a tall structure that loomed over her, casting a long shadow. Her feet felt like lead as she took her position, scanning the area for her target. And then she saw him—Mirrormind. His head gleamed like polished glass, reflecting the surroundings in an unsettling way.
Kaina extended her rifle from her right elbow, her quirk activating instinctively. She locked onto the target, but her hand trembled, her finger hesitating on the trigger. Her mother's face flashed in her mind. The warmth of her smile, the only family she had left. Kaina clenched her jaw, trying to steady her breath, to steady her hand.
Her hair fell across her face as she shook her head, clearing her thoughts. "I have to do this," she whispered, but her voice wavered. She loaded the rifle, but the weight of the decision was crushing her. Her hand shook as she hesitated. And then... she pulled the trigger.
The bullet flew straight, piercing through the air before hitting its mark. Mirrormind fell instantly, cold and lifeless. The sound of the shot echoed in Kaina's ears, but all she could hear was her own ragged breathing. She stared at the body, her vision blurring as reality sank in. Her hands felt foreign, stained in invisible blood.
Her phone rang, snapping her out of her trance. She fumbled with it before answering. "Good job, Lady Nagant," the president's voice came through, cold and indifferent. "Your mission was a success."
Kaina's voice was hollow, barely above a whisper. "Yes, sir."
"You'll get used to it. Don't worry. Just wait for the next mission. Until then, do as you like," he said, before hanging up.
She stared at her phone, a flicker of anger flashing across her face. Her hand clenched tightly around it as her thoughts swirled. "I'm a murderer now," she thought, her chest tightening. "This isn't what a hero is supposed to do. This… this isn't what I wanted."
Disturbed, she tried to steady her breath, to calm the storm inside her. She descended from the building and walked the streets aimlessly, her mind heavy with the weight of what she had done. Her phone rang again. This time, it was Itachi.
She looked at the screen, a faint smile tugging at her lips despite everything. "He always knows when to call," she thought, answering the phone.
They talked for a while, his calm voice soothing her nerves. But she didn't mention her mission. She couldn't bring herself to. This was a secret she would carry alone, just as she had done with the other missions that piled up—more than she cared to count. Each one left a scar on her soul.
Kaina became a weapon to kill villains under the name of justice. At that time, she had killed more than 6 villains, which was causing her mental stress… and after that. Kaina's got another mission, and this time, it left her in disbelief. As she stepped into the president's office, her cold, unblinking eyes locked onto him. Silence filled the room like a dark cloud, her presence heavy with tension. She didn't need to speak; her rage was palpable.
The president, unbothered, sat behind his desk, a placid smile playing at his lips as he slid a thin piece of paper toward her. Kaina's gaze narrowed as she reached for it, her hands stiff. Her eyes darted across the details, and her heart froze in her chest.
The target was a pro hero.
Her fists clenched by her sides, every muscle in her body wound tight. When she finally spoke, her voice was cold as ice. "What is the meaning of this? First villains, and now pro heroes?" The disgust in her words could have burned through steel.
The president leaned back, his expression calm, almost amused, like a cat playing with a mouse it had already caught. His gaze never left hers as he spoke, his voice soft but condescending. "I see your loyalty to the title of 'hero' remains... unshaken." He sighed, a mocking edge to his tone. "These so-called 'heroes' are nothing but illusions of the very corruption they claim to fight. In the shadows, they have done far worse than some of the villains you've already eliminated. They kill, manipulate, and betray for power, not justice."
Kaina's expression didn't change, but inside, her rage churned violently. The president's calm, almost detached demeanor only fueled the fire burning in her chest.
"Tell me, Lady Nagant," he continued, a slow smirk creeping onto his lips, "what is a hero to you? A symbol of justice? A beacon of hope?" He shook his head, his tone dripping with disdain. "It's a façade. Power corrupts all, even those who wear a smile and call themselves heroes. Your target has committed atrocities behind the veil of heroism. If you were to dig deeper into their past, you would find blood on their hands, more than you can imagine."
She stared at him, the coldness in her eyes deepening, but her silence betrayed nothing.
The president's smile grew sharper, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You hesitate because you still believe in them, don't you? You think there's a line between hero and villain, that killing a hero is somehow different. But tell me... if a 'hero' does the very things we abhor in villains, does the label really matter anymore?"
Her insides twisted at his words, but she kept her voice level. "I know what you're trying to do. But killing them won't make me like you."
A low chuckle escaped the president's lips, his eyes gleaming with something darker. "Make you like me? Oh, Nagant..." He stood slowly, walking around the desk with a casual grace that felt predatory. "You and I are far more alike than you'd like to admit. After all, you've already taken lives. What difference is one more?"
Kaina's fists tightened, knuckles white as she bit back the fury rising within her. "I kill villains, those who choose to destroy and harm without remorse. But heroes—"
"Heroes," he interrupted, his voice low but filled with an unsettling calm, "are simply villains who hide their crimes better."
He moved closer, his eyes sharp, dissecting her resolve with every word. "This world is not black and white, Nagant. You still cling to that illusion, but deep down, you know the truth. These heroes..." His voice softened, but the weight of his manipulation pressed down on her. "They're no different from the villains you've already killed. The only difference is the mask they wear."
Kaina's breathing grew heavier, but she remained still, locking eyes with him.
"And if you refuse?" He stepped even closer, lowering his voice to a whisper that crawled up her spine. "Well... you know what happens. Your mother will learn the cost of your 'heroic ideals' firsthand. And unlike the heroes you still hold so dearly, I will keep my promises."
The threat lingered in the air like a heavy fog. His smile remained serene, but there was no mistaking the malice underneath it.
Kaina's mind burned with anger, but also with the grim realization that he had anticipated every move, every argument she could make. He had wrapped his fingers around her life and twisted it until she had no room to breathe, much less fight back. She knew refusing him was a battle she couldn't win—at least, not yet.
Without a word, she turned on her heel, the venom in her thoughts boiling just beneath the surface. As she walked away from his office, her heart pounded with fury. Count your days, you bastard, she thought bitterly. Your time is running out.
Shortly after leaving, her phone buzzed with the mission location. She headed toward it, her steps heavy with the weight of what she was about to do. The reality of it gnawed at her. Killing villains was one thing, but a pro hero? Someone who was supposed to protect people?
She was deep in thought when her phone rang again. It was Itachi.
Her breath hitched as she answered, forcing herself to sound composed. "I'm busy, Itachi. I'll call you later."
His voice came through softly, with a sense of concern. "Alright, Kaina. Take care."
She hung up, steeling herself for what lay ahead. The target was in sight. Her hands, though steady, felt heavy with the burden of her actions. She locked onto the hero, her rifle extending from her elbow, and before she could let herself think, she fired.
The hero dropped, lifeless.
Her heart pounded, each breath heavier than the last. She looked down at her hands, as if expecting to see the blood that wasn't there but felt all too real. She hated this. She would never get used to it.
The phone rang again. Her eyes flickered to the screen, and she answered. "Mission complete," she said flatly.
"Good," the president's voice replied. "We'll be in touch for the next one."
Kaina lowered the phone, her fingers tightening around it as her rage simmered beneath her cold exterior. This wasn't what she had envisioned when she became a hero. Each mission eroded a piece of her soul, leaving behind only anger and bitterness. She knew she couldn't keep this up forever—something would have to give, or she'd break.
Day after day, the missions began to take their toll on Kaina. Each time she was handed a new target, the weight of her actions bore down on her more heavily. Villains, corrupt heroes—it didn't matter anymore. They all fell by her hand, and with every shot, a piece of her humanity crumbled. She had thought she could endure it, that the constant reminders from the president about her family's safety would keep her focused. But she was drowning in the blood that she could never wash away.
One day, however, no mission came.
The silence was almost unnerving. For the first time in what felt like forever, Kaina wasn't given someone to eliminate. She tried to tell herself it was a relief, but the emptiness gnawed at her. She had become so used to the numbness of her work that now, without it, the pain resurfaced with an intensity she hadn't expected.
To clear her mind, she decided to take a walk through the park. It was a rare, sunny afternoon, and the warmth of the sun felt foreign on her skin. She had been appointed as one of the top three heroes, her reputation soaring in the eyes of the public despite the secret darkness she carried. Children playing in the park spotted her almost instantly, their bright eyes lighting up with recognition.
"Lady Nagant!" they called, running toward her in excitement.
Kaina paused, looking at the small group of children gathering around her. For the first time in a long while, she felt a flicker of something warm inside her. She managed a small smile as they approached, their innocence a stark contrast to the heavy burdens she bore.
"Hello," she greeted them softly, trying to match their enthusiasm, though her heart was still heavy.
The children were bursting with excitement, asking her about her quirk and how it worked. One of the younger boys marveled at her sniper abilities. "Can you show us how you shoot from your arm? That's so cool!"
She chuckled lightly, shaking her head. "I don't think I can do that right now," she said, her smile faltering slightly as she tried to hide the weariness in her voice.
One of the little girls shyly asked if she could shake hands with her. Kaina hesitated for a moment, looking at the girl's outstretched hand. It was such an innocent request, and the other children eagerly followed, their hands also extended toward her, eyes filled with admiration.
Kaina swallowed hard, forcing herself to push past the fear gnawing at her. She gently reached out and shook their hands, one by one. But as soon as her fingers made contact, the illusion shattered. In her mind, she saw blood—so much blood—coating her hands, dripping down her fingers, staining the hands of the innocent children reaching for her.
Her breath caught in her throat, and she quickly pulled her hand away, her heart pounding in her chest.
The children looked at her in confusion, their small faces turning to concern. "Are you okay, Lady Nagant?" one of them asked, eyes wide with worry.
She forced a shaky smile, but her voice cracked as she spoke. "I-I'm sorry… but I have to go," she muttered, backing away from them.
Without another word, Kaina turned and ran, her boots pounding against the pavement as the voices of the children faded behind her. "Lady Nagant!" they called after her, but she didn't stop. She couldn't.
Tears filled her eyes as she ran, blurring her vision. She tried to blink them away, but the overwhelming flood of emotions she had buried for so long now broke free. She could feel the invisible blood on her hands, the guilt clinging to her skin like a second layer she couldn't wash off.
She collapsed against a tree, hidden from view, her chest heaving as the sobs she had held back for so long finally escaped her. The weight of everything—the killing, the corruption, the manipulation—came crashing down on her. She was supposed to be a hero, but all she saw was the monster she had become.
"Is this really what I wanted?" she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible through her tears.
Her mind raced back to when she first joined the commission, bright-eyed and hopeful. She had wanted to make a difference, to protect people and bring peace to Japan. But instead, she had been turned into a weapon, a tool for those in power to maintain control through violence and fear.
As the tears streamed down her face, Kaina wiped them away with trembling hands. She knew she couldn't keep running from the truth. Something had to change—because if it didn't, she wouldn't survive much longer in this endless spiral of guilt and bloodshed.
For a while, Kaina endured it, pushing down the guilt and suffocating under the weight of her actions. But things were starting to shift. She had grown suspicious of the Hero Public Safety Commission (HPSC), and her desire for the truth led her to investigate. One evening, Kaina found herself in a room filled with endless files, documents of government operations and secret dealings. The dimly lit room smelled of old paper and dust, but she ignored it, her focus solely on uncovering the truth.
Her fingers flipped through the files rapidly, scanning for anything that could explain the constant missions and the twisted justifications. Then, she found it—a databook labeled Financial Records. As she opened it, her eyes widened in horror. Page after page revealed details of money laundering operations, carried out under the government's watchful eye, funneled through secret organizations. The people she had been killing? Many of them had backed out of these corrupt operations, posing a financial threat to the commission.
Kaina's breath hitched as she read further, discovering links to quirk donations and illegal experiments. And then her stomach dropped—there, buried in the files, was a name she recognized: Takashi Yaoyorozu.
Itachi's father? she thought, her heart pounding in her chest.
Panic swelled inside her as the pieces began to fall into place. She had unknowingly been a pawn in the president's game of eliminating threats to his empire, including pro heroes who had refused to cooperate. Five of them were on the list. Five heroes she had killed.
Her hands shook as she connected the final dots. The commission wasn't after peace; they were after power, wealth, and control. And now, it seemed, they would eventually turn their sights on Itachi's family. The realization made her stomach churn with disgust.
As she continued reading through the files, something caught her eye that made her freeze. Her breath hitched as her gaze locked onto a name she never expected to see: All for One. Her heart pounded in her chest, and her hands trembled slightly as she stared at the page, unable to look away.
With mounting urgency, she flipped to the financial records once more, her eyes darting to the final page. There, in black and white, it was confirmed—all the money had been funneled directly into a new organization he was building. A bitter taste rose in her throat. He's still out there, pulling the strings.
She flipped through the documents further, her fingers moving faster as dread settled in. There were articles clipped to the files—old reports of battles between All Might and All for One. One in particular had a crude, hand-drawn circle around it. She frowned, her mind racing.
Why circle this? she wondered, the knot in her stomach tightening. It felt deliberate, like a hidden message, but she couldn't grasp its meaning. The world around her seemed to shrink, the weight of what she had just uncovered pressing down like a vice.
Determined to gather evidence, Kaina pulled out her phone, ready to take pictures of the incriminating documents. But just as she was about to click, the door creaked open behind her. She froze, heart racing. Quickly, she shoved the files back into place, her mind scrambling for a cover story.
A familiar voice broke the silence. "What are you doing here, Lady Nagant?"
She turned to see one of the president's lackeys standing in the doorway, his eyes scanning the room with a smirk. Kaina straightened herself, masking her fear with a cold, hardened look.
"I'm reviewing criminal files," she said icily, keeping her expression neutral. "Getting information for my next target."
The man's smirk only grew wider. "If you're free later, why don't you come to my office?" His tone was sleazy, dripping with entitlement.
Revulsion surged through her. Without hesitation, she extended her rifle arm, the barrel stopping inches from his face. "Watch your mouth next time," she said, her voice low and threatening.
The smirk faded as the man stepped back, a flicker of fear crossing his face. Kaina brushed past him, her heart pounding in her ears. As soon as she was out of sight, her cold mask crumbled, and she blinked back the tears that threatened to spill. She was disgusted—with the commission, with herself, with everything she had become.
I don't want to be a hero anymore, she thought, her heart aching with each step.
Back in her room, she sat down heavily, her mind spinning with everything she had uncovered. Her reflection in the mirror was unrecognizable—a woman broken by the very system she had sworn to uphold. Tears welled in her eyes, and she let them fall, feeling the weight of all the lives she had taken press down on her chest.
I can't take it anymore… she thought, shaking her head. I'm done with this.
Without a second thought, she stood up, her resolve hardening. "Fuck it," she muttered under her breath, storming out of the room. She wasn't going to be a pawn in their game anymore.
As she made her way home, the tension in her body was unbearable. She could feel eyes on her, watching her every move. And then she saw them—two agents stationed near her house, hiding in plain sight. They were here to keep tabs on her, maybe even waiting for an opportunity to eliminate her if she stepped out of line.
Her blood boiled.
Kaina turned toward a tall building nearby and quickly ascended to the roof, positioning herself to get a clear view of the agents. She didn't hesitate. She extended her rifle from her elbow, locking onto the targets. Her breathing was steady, her hands no longer trembling.
With cold precision, she fired. The shots rang out, and the agents dropped dead before they even knew what hit them.
Kaina stood there for a moment, staring at their lifeless bodies from her vantage point. Her chest heaved with each breath, and for the first time in a long time, she didn't feel guilt. She didn't feel remorse. What she felt was anger—an all-consuming fury at the system that had turned her into this.
As she holstered her rifle, her tear-filled eyes hardened with resolve. The HPSC had used her for far too long. Now, it was her turn to fight back.
Determined to end this once and for all, she marched into the HPSC building, her mind set. The moment she stepped inside, her eyes fell on Keigo, standing casually near the entrance. He had been working here for a year now, she remembered, though that seemed like a lifetime ago. His golden eyes lit up when he saw her.
"Hello, Tsutsumi-san," he greeted with a friendly smile. "It's been a while, hasn't it?"
She met his gaze, her expression cold and distant, a far cry from the warmth she once held. Keigo blinked, surprised by her icy demeanor, but before he could say more, she spoke, her voice flat and commanding.
"Move aside."
Startled, he stepped to the side, muttering, "You could've asked nicely, you know…"
Just as she brushed past him, his voice stopped her. "By the way, have you heard anything about Itachi?"
She froze mid-step, eyes widening slightly at the name. Keigo noticed, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. "Yeah, I saw his reel. They're calling him the 'most handsome hero.' I'm so jealous."
Her heart twinged at the mention, sorrow flickering in her gaze for the briefest moment. "I'm sorry, Takami," she murmured, her voice softer now but still distant, "I don't have time for this." She turned away, her movements brisk and unyielding.
Keigo watched her, a frown slowly forming on his face. Her eyes—there was something different about them. They weren't the same as before. No light, no warmth. Only cold, lifeless resolve. A shiver ran down his spine.
"O-okay…" he muttered, stepping back, but something nagged at him. Something isn't right.
As she moved further down the hall, he couldn't shake the unease growing in his chest. His instincts screamed that something was off, and so, with a flutter of his wings, he decided to follow her, silently slipping into the shadows.
She headed for the elevator, and as the doors closed behind her, Keigo flew up to the higher floors, carefully keeping out of sight. He landed softly near the corner of the hallway, watching her emerge from the lift.
She walked straight to one of the cabins, her steps sharp, purposeful. His brows furrowed as he saw her approach the door. Whatever she was doing, it wasn't business as usual. What are you up to, Tsutsumi…?
Hidden in the corner, he remained out of sight, ready to see where this would lead.
Kaina knocked on the door, and upon hearing a voice from inside, she stepped into the room. He sat there, relaxed as always, his posture one of ease and control, that same unnerving smile tugging at his lips as he looked up at her.
"No missions today, Nagant. What brings you here?" His tone was casual, almost amused, as if he had already anticipated her arrival.
But Kaina didn't return the smile. Her eyes were cold, her voice devoid of any warmth as she spoke. "I know your secret."
For the briefest of moments, his smile faltered, his eyes narrowing with a calculating gleam as he leaned forward slightly. The shift was almost imperceptible, but Kaina noticed. His voice, though still calm, carried a harder edge now. "What do you mean by that?"
"You made me kill every single person who stood in your way," she said, her gaze unwavering. "I did your dirty work."
He stared at her, and then his lips curled back into a slow, dark smile. "And what of it? They were parasites—germs infecting society. I did you a favor by removing them. You should be thanking me."
Her voice sharpened, cutting through his façade. "Then why did you fund the villain organization? Why did you create the chaos I was trying to stop?"
His eyes widened for a brief second before his smirk returned, more dangerous than before. The tension in the room thickened as he leaned back in his chair, clasping his hands together, the epitome of control. "Ah... so you've uncovered that, too." He chuckled softly, as if the revelation were a mere inconvenience. "I see you've grown, Nagant."
His grin widened into something twisted, cruel. "But then, I suppose that means you don't care about your family anymore, do you?" His fingers drifted toward his phone, dialing a number with slow, deliberate movements—the number for the people who had been tracking her mother.
Silence.
He pressed the phone to his ear, waiting. No response.
Kaina watched him with a chilling calm, her expression unchanged. "Are you trying to reach them?" she asked softly, her voice as cold as ice.
The realization struck him, and for the first time, his smile truly vanished. His eyes flickered with shock as he lowered the phone. "You... killed them?" he whispered, disbelief coating his words.
She didn't flinch, her voice steady. "Now it's your turn."
His smirk faded completely, and for the first time, cracks appeared in his carefully maintained composure. "You think you'll walk away from this?" His voice rose in pitch, desperation creeping in. But then, just as quickly, the panic was swallowed by something darker—calculation. His eyes gleamed as if he had found a new angle to exploit. "Nagant, listen to me. You don't understand. Everything I've done was for you."
She extended her arm, the rifle hidden in her elbow clicking into place, the cold barrel pointed directly at him.
He didn't flinch. Instead, he smiled—a smile that held no warmth, only twisted satisfaction. "Do you really think killing me will set you free? You'll be even more of a prisoner than before." His voice softened, dripping with false concern. "After all, who gave you your power? Who shaped you into what you are now? Me." He gestured to himself, blood slowly seeping through his fingers as he clutched the wound in his shoulder. "Without me, you're just another lost hero, drowning in a system that eats the weak alive."
Kaina's finger hovered over the trigger, her expression unreadable.
His voice dropped to a whisper, smooth as silk. "You won't pull that trigger, Nagant. You know why? Because even if I die here, I win. Everything you've done, all the blood on your hands—it's irreversible. You've already fallen too far." His smile widened, more sinister now. "Killing me won't wash away your sins. It'll only deepen the stain."
Sweat began to bead on his forehead, but he maintained his chilling composure, playing his final card. "Think about your career. Think about what will happen to you after this. You'll be branded a murderer, a traitor. Do you really want that for yourself? You'll lose everything... and for what? Revenge?"
Kaina's hand trembled, but she steadied it, her gaze unwavering. "My career was ruined the moment I trusted you," she whispered, her voice laced with quiet fury. "You stole my hope... my future."
His grin faltered again, but he pressed on, his voice taking on a frantic edge. "Wait—don't do this! You'll be alone, Nagant. After this, you'll have nothing. You'll be hunted, despised, just like them." His words turned sharp, desperate. "Think about your future. Think about—"
Bang.
The gunshot echoed through the room as the bullet tore through his shoulder, his words cut off in a strangled cry. He winced, clutching the wound, his voice trembling now. "Y-You're ruining everything! This is bigger than you! You can't even comprehend what's at stake!"
Kaina's eyes, cold and unyielding, bore into his. "You've already ruined me," she whispered. "And you'll never manipulate anyone again."
His eyes flickered with something like fear, but still, he tried to regain control, tried to twist the narrative one last time. "Nagant... if you pull that trigger, you'll be no better than me. You'll be trapped, just like I always said."
Another shot rang out.
The bullet struck him in the head, and the dark manipulator, who had once held so much power over her life, slumped lifelessly onto his desk.
Kaina lowered her rifle, her hands steady now. Her chest felt lighter, though the weight of everything she had done remained. There was no victory here—only the quiet, cold finality of ending a chapter she had long been enslaved to.
The president had fallen, but his words echoed in her mind: "You'll never be free."