Chapter 13
Both undercover agents now had alarm bells ringing in their hearts, feeling like they'd rescued a kitten and raised it for a while, only to suddenly discover it was actually a leopard that could bite through their throats at any moment.
Even though they'd already been very cautious, repeatedly warning themselves that there must be something the Organization valued greatly about Usuha Izuki, they still couldn't help but relax somewhat. They never imagined this was what the Organization valued!
Fortunately, Usuha Izuki had said it directly...
...But why say it directly? Wouldn't keeping such things hidden allow for better observation of them?
Was Usuha Izuki truly at odds with the Organization and deliberately revealing information as passive resistance, not wanting to work seriously, or—was his saying this also part of the test?
They hadn't shown anything suspicious just now, had they?
Although they wanted to ask "what did you see in me," that would seem like they cared too much.
Furuya Rei's mind worked quickly, and he picked up the conversation seemingly without pause: "I see. If you can analyze what will happen next with just a glance like earlier, that kind of insight would indeed be worth recruiting by the Organization. I hope you can demonstrate your abilities during this mission."
Morofushi Hiromitsu gently changed the subject entirely, giving no opportunity for probing: "Let's not discuss these things outside. We can talk about any ideas when we get back. Usuha-kun, since you're a local, are there any suitable restaurants nearby?"
Although both acted like they didn't care, the system's notifications of increasing suspicion values still exposed their intense and complex psychological activity.
Usuha Izuki always operated on a hit-and-run basis with the Organization, never pursuing advantages, prioritizing his own safety—even if the undercover agents were Red side, anyone willing to go undercover must be prepared to cross moral boundaries. What if he provoked them too much and they decided they had to kill him to keep him quiet!
They wouldn't even need to act personally—just some manipulation during missions that looked like accidents would be enough to give Usuha Izuki serious trouble.
So he acted as if he hadn't noticed how delicate his previous words were, saying nonchalantly: "Sure, follow me."
Soon, Usuha Izuki led them to a restaurant that looked quite lively.
"Oh, isn't this Usuha? Long time no see." The server recognized him immediately by his outlandish outfit. "I heard you changed jobs. Haven't seen you for months—thought you'd gone to another city and weren't coming back... Are these your friends?"
Furuya Rei immediately put on a business smile: "Yes, Usuha-kun said the food here is delicious, so he brought us to try it."
It seemed Usuha Izuki's claim that he'd been living in Fukuoka was true. If they wanted to investigate, they could start from Fukuoka.
"Oh my, thank you all for coming." The server smiled with shared pride. "What would you like to eat? Do you need recommendations?"
After ordering, Morofushi Hiromitsu asked: "Did you work in Fukuoka before, Usuha-kun?"
"What else? I already said I was in Fukuoka before."
"Midorikawa probably thought you were studying in Fukuoka." Furuya Rei cooperated with his childhood friend in extracting information.
Usuha Izuki suddenly smiled: "Rather than worry about me, you'd better pay more attention to the people at the table behind you."
Morofushi Hiromitsu's grip on his cup tightened.
When he'd entered the restaurant, he'd already unconsciously observed the interior environment. If he remembered correctly...
"Isn't that table behind us just college students?" Furuya Rei asked directly, showing undisguised curiosity. "Or did you see something else?"
Usuha Izuki lowered his voice: "Sort of. They're friends of the mayor's son—they hang out together often."
Morofushi Hiromitsu maintained his smile, also speaking quietly: "Are you thinking of kidnapping Mayor Harada's son to make Harada withdraw from the election?"
This restaurant was quite noisy, so even discussing sensitive topics at this distance wouldn't be picked up by listening devices.
But Usuha Izuki's reaction was beyond Morofushi Hiromitsu's expectations.
Usuha Izuki looked at Morofushi Hiromitsu with condemning eyes: "You just said not to discuss these things outside, but you're the first to break the rules. How can someone in this line of work go back on their word?"
Morofushi Hiromitsu: "...??? Weren't you the one who first..."
Weren't you the one who first brought up the mayor's son?!
"I just saw someone familiar and casually introduced them to you." Usuha Izuki looked pained. "I never thought you were this kind of person, immediately talking about kidnapping and such. Too extreme—I really can't stand listening to this."
Furuya Rei was also speechless: "Usuha-kun, no matter how many grievances you have against us, we're at least teammates now. When Midorikawa is working hard for the mission, can't you cooperate a little?"
Usuha Izuki said faintly: "Some people, after joining the Organization, lose even their humanity."
Furuya Rei: "............"
Morofushi Hiromitsu: "............"
—So do you have a problem with us or with the Organization? Make it clear!!
Although the meal caused stomach pain, they at least gained some results.
Mayor Harada's security was too tight, and though his son had some protection arranged, he often acted on his own and snuck out to play with his drinking buddies.
Furuya Rei quickly used the mayor's son's friends as an entry point, investigating this small group.
A few days later, the three held a meeting in the living room.
Furuya Rei spoke first: "How about exposing Mayor Harada's son's scandals to make Mayor Harada voluntarily withdraw from the election?"
"What scandals?"
"Do you remember yesterday's news?" Furuya Rei answered his own question. "A female corpse was found in the wilderness—that was killed by Mayor Harada's son, Harada Yusuke."
Even Morofushi Hiromitsu was shocked: "He just dumped the body so directly?"
Even if this place was chaotic, being so blatant was too arrogant, right? It even made the news!
"After all, this is Fukuoka. Who knows how many police here have been bought off. Even if it makes the news, as long as the mayor has it suppressed, this case will just remain unsolved."
The corruption level of Fukuoka police also deeply shocked Furuya Rei.
He tapped the table with his index finger, suppressing his irritation while pretending to analyze rationally: "The people who came to destroy evidence took another large suitcase from Harada Yusuke's apartment last night. Based on the size, it could fit an adult woman. If it happens repeatedly, it's not impulsive—Harada Yusuke has a hobby of murdering women."
Morofushi Hiromitsu smiled, seeming unaffected by this negative news, showing complete coldness: "So what's your plan?"
"Make Harada Yusuke confess what he's done and what his mayor father has interfered with. This might require interrogation. Harada Yusuke has many bodyguards, so to bypass the security and contact him..." Furuya Rei suddenly looked at Usuha Izuki. "How about you try crossdressing?"
Usuha Izuki: "...Huh???"
Furuya Rei seemed serious: "Harada Yusuke doesn't like the bodyguards his father arranged for him and will shake them off when playing with friends. He should welcome any woman who throws herself at him and will act normal in public. With a little makeup, your gender should be undetectable. You lure him to the destination, Midorikawa and I wait there, and your task is complete."
Morofushi Hiromitsu was somewhat speechless.
He could tell that Rei was just getting a little revenge on Usuha Izuki, making him suffer too.
These past few days, Usuha Izuki had shocked them in visual and communication aspects several times. They had to let this kid know they weren't to be trifled with. After all, from any perspective, they had no reason to keep tolerating Usuha Izuki—being too good-tempered would make the Organization suspicious.
But honestly, Morofushi Hiromitsu was a bit worried about whether Furuya Rei's revenge would be effective.
—Rei! Just look at this kid's aesthetic sense! What if he doesn't think crossdressing is problematic?!
Fortunately, Usuha Izuki had actually been restraining his daily accessory combinations, and crossdressing was something he really couldn't tolerate.
Usuha Izuki immediately objected: "Isn't this plan too casual? It's unlikely to succeed. Haven't you considered the mayor's competitors?"
"Mayor Harada cooperates seamlessly with several major gangs in Fukuoka. His competitors are just going through the motions, all afraid of retaliation—how could they possibly act?"
Usuha Izuki: "...I'm just an information broker. Going into action directly is too dangerous for me."
He had reason to suspect Furuya Rei was settling personal scores.
Just because he'd given them too much mental pressure, making them paranoid and sleepless? This was training for them! How could undercover agents not have strong hearts? They really didn't appreciate good intentions!
Furuya Rei pulled out his phone, apparently planning to compose an email: "Do you have any suggestions then? If not, I'll report this plan to the Organization."
Vodka required their plans to be reported for approval, since new recruits' quality hadn't earned trust yet. What if the rookies were too incompetent and actually hindered the Organization?
Usuha Izuki had originally just come to freeload food and lodging while occasionally grinding suspicion values. He hadn't taken the Organization's mission seriously at all, thinking that with two undercover agents there, the mission would definitely be completed.
He hadn't expected Furuya Rei to come up with such a terrible idea! How did Japanese Public Security train people!
Usuha Izuki refused to get himself into trouble. Although he thought Vodka probably wouldn't approve this plan, having someone constantly wanting revenge nearby still didn't feel good.
Gin and Vodka were different—they wanted revenge but wouldn't act on it. These two who didn't know his value were the troublesome ones, occasionally making him step into traps which really affected his quality of life.
So Usuha Izuki instantly put his brain to work: "If you just want to lure Harada Yusuke out alone, there's no need for such hassle! We'll kidnap his friends and have them call him out! His friends definitely don't have much protection, and he has no guard against his friends! Isn't this much better than your plan?"
Furuya Rei just watched Usuha Izuki quietly.
Morofushi Hiromitsu said faintly: "You don't think kidnapping is excessive now?"
"What's excessive? I call this doing justice!" Usuha Izuki argued righteously. "This kind of scum—an upright person like me can't stand it for even a second. Kidnapping is necessary, absolutely necessary!—By the way, didn't you say interrogation might be needed? I know people in Fukuoka who are good at interrogation. We could outsource that part if necessary!"
Both undercover agents: "............"
—What exactly are your grievances with the Organization? You seem quite suited for it...