“This is team A. Taking defensive position.”
“This is team B, same. No suspicious people spotted so far.”
“Everyone, stay alert. A lot of people’s safety hinges on your attentiveness. If you spot anything weird at all, report it right away.”
The day of the Water Thanksgiving Festival… A corner of the city was used as a venue, with many people gathered.
Yuugo was surprised by how lively it was. One would not think there was chaos caused by a criminal organization the day before.
He did not really understand, but was the Thanksgiving Festival that important… He thought as he told himself this meant it was even more important to do whatever he could to protect people there.
He was currently with Jinba and the others in a countermeasure office set up near the venue, ready to move out at any time.
Jinba made this decision based on the fact that Regen recognized him the day before, and being in the place where they gathered information meant they could act swiftly.
He was restless as he heard people like Jinba and his boss talk, and Setsuna, who was also standing by, spoke to him.
“Yuugo I understand being restless, but trust Melt and the others who are patrolling.”
“Yes, you’re right… All we can do is wait…”
They had guards in purposefully conspicuous positions to limit Regen’s movements, but also plain clothes guards in positions they picked. It was a very orthodox approach.
Melt and Marcos, and Melt and Sakura were dressed as students attending the Thanksgiving Festival, and had the same role as the guards patrolling.
Phi and Yui were not present because it was dangerous, and Raiha was also not there because she had other duties.
Setsuna was on standby with Yuugo so she could attack the birdcage from afar once they had confirmation that a suspicious person they spotted had it.
The guard’s snipers were also on standby, but they hoped that Regen was not aware of the magic item from Yamato, and Setsuna could use it to catch them off guard. Yuugo and the others had been assigned duties that were more important than they knew.
Preventing the escalation of damage, and saving the captured children… Yuugo felt significant pressure thinking they held the key to achieve this.
Meanwhile, Setsuna was as cool as always, and seeing that made Yuugo take a deep breath.
“That’s amazing, Setsuna. You’re just like you always are, even though you have a more important role than me.”
“Sniping is all about presence of mind. An archer’s technique is decided by how much you can hold back your excitement and nervousness when releasing an arrow. The decisive moment is exactly when I should be calm. Nothing is more important.”
Said Setsuna plainly, which suggested she knew the necessary techniques to achieve this.
As Yuugo thought she was calm and serene, he took another big breath and exhaled, and remembered the conversation he had with Jinba the previous day.
Thomas, his partner and the owner of the bowgun, was a great sniper.
But he lost his cool when Jinba was taken hostage, and it led to his death… Yuugo remembered how Jinba looked when he said this, and Jinba then spoke.
“Are you okay, Yuugo?”
“Y-yeah. I’m okay, yes.”
“…Sorry, I didn’t think asking you to have my partner’s memento repaired would lead to this.”
Jinba smiled awkwardly as he thought that his request was what dragged Yuugo into this.
Yuugo spoke while looking at the side of his face.
“I really am fine. I’m more worried about you.”
“Me? Why?”
“You seem like the type to get absorbed into all sorts of things… I understand very well that you want to avenge your partner, but don’t think about sacrificing yourself to do it, okay?”
“…”
Yuugo’s worried words brought silence and a serious expression to Jinba.
As Yuugo and Setsuna both watched him, Jinba suddenly laughed.
“I really look unreliable being worried about by two students. It’s okay, don’t worry. I understand!”
“Okay then… But don’t forget, a (deka) detective is all about fighting coolly with a burning heart.”
“Ah! What is that? I really don’t get you…!”
Jinba smiled awkwardly, not understanding what Yuugo meant, but knowing he was concerned about him.
After hearing it, he exhaled, and a moment later, spoke.
“…Yuugo.”
“Hn? What?”
“…Thanks.”
Jinba sounded embarrassed as he said that with a smile.
As they talked, a communication arrived that signaled the case was on the move.
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