The three of them ran all the way back to the hot spring hotel, finally stopping at the entrance to catch their breath.
Since embarking on the Sequence Path, Ren's stamina had vastly improved compared to before.
Ran, who had begun following the path of physical strengthening, was barely affected by short-distance running.
"Ha… ha…"
On the other hand, Sonoko who rarely exercised was completely out of breath after running nearly a kilometer.
"Sonoko, you really need to work out."
Seeing her friend panting so heavily, Ran couldn't help but comment.
"L-Let's… talk about it… after we get inside…"
Sonoko, her face flushed from exertion, could barely get the words out.
At this moment, all she could feel was the burning sensation in her throat.
This was the result of years of avoiding physical activity, sudden exercise took a serious toll on her stamina and endurance.
After taking a moment to regulate her breathing, she finally calmed down.
"Alright, let's go in."
"Wait."
Just as Sonoko was about to step inside, Ren grabbed her wrist, stopping her.
Without explaining, he turned toward the entrance and pushed open the door.
Less than 200 meters outside the hotel, a woman in a short skirt and suit was leading a fully armed SWAT team toward them.
They had arrived faster than expected.
And…
Activating Spiritual Vision, Ren scanned the SWAT officers.
Their etheric bodies had a strong presence, and their auras carried a certain weight.
It was clear that these SWAT members had undergone rigorous training.
Their riot shields, submachine guns, pistols, grenades, and ammunition, all of it added up to at least 30 kilograms of equipment.
Without extensive training, moving quickly with such a load would be impossible.
At a steady but determined pace, the team covered the remaining distance in no time.
Standing upright, the female officer leading the group took a deep breath, then pulled out her police ID.
"Hello, Ms. Suzuki."
"I am Sato Miwako from the Metropolitan Police Department's First Division of Criminal Investigation."
"We received intelligence that drug trafficking is taking place on this island. We are about to commence a sweep operation to arrest all suspects."
"In order to prevent any retaliation from the drug dealers, we are here to ensure your safety."
"I hope you will cooperate."
After Sato Miwako finished speaking, Sonoko immediately nodded.
"No problem."
"But we'd like some details."
"How did drug dealers end up operating on an island so close to Tokyo?"
"And why is the Metropolitan Police only discovering this now?"
Her line of questioning was rather direct.
It was as if she was pointing at the police and demanding. What exactly have you guys been doing this whole time? How did you not realize drug dealers were operating so close to the capital?
Sato Miwako's expression darkened slightly.
She wasn't happy about the question but she couldn't deny that the Metropolitan Police Department had indeed failed in their early investigations.
Although they had been tracking the sources of illicit drugs in Tokyo, they had never managed to pinpoint their origin.
If it weren't for the tip-off they received this time, they might have never discovered that the dealers were hiding on Tsukikage Island.
"Forget it, Sonoko."
Ren interrupted before the situation escalated.
"Sure, the police took a while to locate the drug dealers but at least they're here now."
"As long as they arrived in time, it's not too late."
Hearing this, Sato Miwako relaxed slightly and bowed as a formal apology.
"I sincerely apologize. This was an oversight on the part of the Metropolitan Police Department."
Since Ren had taken on the role of the mediator, Sonoko who had been playing the bad cop decided to let it go.
"Fine."
"But the fact remains, this wouldn't have happened if the police had done a better job investigating."
After making her point, Sonoko's expression softened.
"Anyway, I won't dwell on it."
"Thanks for coming."
Sato Miwako let out a quiet sigh of relief.
At least the situation hadn't escalated further.
And honestly, the police did bear some responsibility for failing to discover the drug dealers sooner.
Given that these young women had actually been in danger, a little criticism was understandable.
"Come inside."
Now that she had gotten her frustration out, Sonoko allowed the officers to enter the hot spring hotel.
It wouldn't be good to leave a fully armed SWAT team standing outside.
They needed to keep a low profile, especially since the Tsukikage Island sweep operation was about to begin.
"Everyone, spread out and secure the hotel."
"Ensure that no unauthorized individuals enter before the operation begins."
"Yes, ma'am!"
The SWAT officers, well-trained and efficient, quickly spread out to cover all key points.
Each officer had a radio communicator, allowing them to maintain coordination and provide real-time updates.
After ensuring the defensive perimeter was set up, Sato Miwako exhaled and reported to Inspector Megure.
"Inspector Megure, all security measures are in place."
"Good work, Officer Sato."
"Stay on high alert. The Coast Guard has arrived and is advancing toward Tsukikage Island."
Sato Miwako felt a sense of relief.
The drug bust was officially underway.
With the Coast Guard's manpower and specialized equipment, the operation would be even more effective.
However—
"There's a high probability that a large number of drug dealers are hiding in the mountainous area behind the village."
A sudden voice startled Sato Miwako.
Turning around, she saw it was Ren, the same boy who had just calmed down Sonoko earlier.
"Are you sure?"
Ren shook his head slightly.
"I can't be 100% certain."
"But when I went for a morning run, I passed the boundary between the residential area and the back mountain."
"I noticed a sentry post a few hundred meters away. There were surveillance cameras installed outside, and a landslide warning sign was posted nearby."
"I have a strong feeling that the villagers of Tsukikage Island are being kept away from that area for a reason."
Sato Miwako immediately understood the implication, something suspicious was definitely being hidden in the back mountain.
"In addition, I also saw several protest signs scattered in the village while running."
"They were all about environmental pollution."
"I suspect that the local fishery has been affected, and the villagers have noticed something unusual."
Drug production causes environmental damage.
Sato Miwako's eyes widened.
It all made sense now.
The signs of pollution, the restricted area, the guards and surveillance, everything pointed to one thing.
There was a drug manufacturing facility hidden in the back mountain.
Inspector Megure, who had been listening through the radio, had also reached the same conclusion.
"Officer Sato, securing your location is now your top priority."
"I'll contact the tactical team and have them move in immediately!"
***
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