Chapter 62
Translator: penny
Chapter: 62
Chapter Title: The Faltering Great Detective Line (6)
“Welcome. We've been expecting you, Mr. Kitano Sanma.”
Dennis struggled to keep a neutral expression as she greeted the guest who'd arrived at the facility. She held a fairly high position here, but compared to the executives of the Prophets, she was still way down the ladder.
Especially Kitano Sanma, who was also active as an actor. He was someone the boss himself had scouted early on for his abilities and talents—a fiercely loyal and highly capable individual. Lately, his dramas and movies had been hitting it big one after another, elevating him to a key figure within the organization.
“Yeah. Hang up my coat for me.”
Kitano Sanma didn't even glance at Dennis as he tossed his coat carelessly her way. She caught it with telekinesis and hung it on the coat rack in the reception room, speaking up as she did.
“Thank you so much for making time in your busy schedule to come here. I've heard headquarters has high expectations for you, Mr. Kitano. What brings you here this time? Are you perhaps requesting support for the facility...?”
“Nah, nothing like that. I just heard a promising new recruit showed up, so I got curious. Plus, word is there's a big shot in this area. One of our informants got killed, right? What was his name again? Shinnosuke or something?”
“It's Shinsuke.”
“Ah, right, Shinsuke. That guy. He was always so polite. Such a shame. I had high hopes for him. The one with the glasses, yeah?”
Dennis realized Kitano Sanma had no idea who Shinsuke even was, but she let it slide. She didn't have any particular feelings toward him herself.
“Yes, that's right. As expected of you, Mr. Kitano. Your memory is impressive.”
Bang-Bang Man Kitano Sanma's lips curled up at the compliment. He leaned his head back against the sofa, crossed his legs, and said,
“And I've been hearing about this Iwamoto Industry causing all sorts of trouble lately. Sounds pretty interesting. A solid new recruit joins the organization—Serika Iwamoto. But the people Iwamoto Industry hates the most right now? Us Prophets. What the hell does that mean? Is the president of that company some underworld kingpin or something?”
Dennis nodded at Kitano Sanma's offhand question—it had hit the nail on the head. She pulled up the investigation reports and organizational charts she'd compiled so far, explaining the dangers posed by Yoshio Iwamoto.
“...So, taking into account the scale of ability users under his command and his own ruthless temperament, the organization views him as a risk factor that must eventually be eliminated, even if we're currently in an alliance.”
“Why not just have me go take care of it now? I could blow the whole thing sky-high.”
“You're a key player the organization is counting on to lead the new era, Mr. Kitano. It wouldn't do for you to take risks on something like this. We're cooperating with them for now, so I don't think we need to stir things up prematurely.”
Sanma seemed pleased by Dennis's flattery. He flicked the brim of his hat lightly and replied,
“Hmph. Fair enough. I'm truly grateful to the boss for pulling me up from the gutters. I'd give my life for the new era. Tell him that—anytime he needs me, just call.”
“Understood. Is there anything else?”
A steaming cup of coffee sat on the table. Kitano Sanma stared at it for a moment before speaking.
“Like I said, I wanted to see the new recruit's face. Serika Iwamoto. They say she's got some real talent.”
Dennis frowned slightly.
“Won't it be a bit shocking? I hear the drama series you're in is really popular with kids these days.”
“Shouldn't a fellow organization member be thrilled? Why would it be shocking?”
Dennis blinked at that.
He had a point.
Why had she assumed it'd be bad?
Even Dennis herself felt oddly unsettled.
There was an unexpected visitor at the facility when I dropped by for some training after a long time. Bang-Bang Man Kitano Sanma himself. He was sipping coffee in the secret room accessible only to organization members deeper inside, legs elegantly crossed. When our eyes met, he wiggled his fingers and greeted me in a cheerful voice.
“Oh, you must be the new recruit. Nice to meet you. No need for introductions, right?”
This was exactly why I didn't like Bang-Bang Man.
Kitano Sanma, the star of Bang-Bang Man, was a Prophet—and a villain who appeared in the original story. He used his powerful destructive abilities and his 'national treasure actor' status to gather funds from all sorts of places, obstruct investigations into the Prophets, and aid in their crimes.
“Ah, yes. Hello.”
Maybe it was because there were still quite a few years between the original story's timeline and now. The Kitano Sanma who'd been hailed as a national actor in the original was currently starring in a tokusatsu show, and his face looked much younger than I remembered, which felt a bit off.
But I couldn't let on that I hated the guy here. I had to put on the most villainous, sinister expression possible and spit out lines they'd love, full acting mode.
I narrowed my eyes fiercely, flashed a sleazy grin, and said,
“Heh heh, to think Bang-Bang Man was in the same organization... I'm thrilled.”
Kitano Sanma, facing my wicked expression, froze for a second, looking shocked and bewildered. He turned to Dennis, who just shook her head. Glancing sideways, I saw Carmen in the corner, clicking her tongue with a clearly pissed-off look on her face.
“Tch.”
Hmm, being too talented can be a real hassle sometimes.
Kitano Sanma's surprise visit was totally out of left field, but it sparked a great idea.
Bang-Bang Man Kitano Sanma would later get tangled in all sorts of crimes, wreaking havoc on the country and society. And after seeing my expression just now, he'd probably warmed up to me a bit. If I keep stacking up goodwill like this until he trusts me completely, then bam—hit him with a massive betrayal down the line.
Conveniently, there's that police chief's son in our class, right?
If I cozy up to Makoto while also building Kitano Sanma's trust, I could definitely get him arrested later.
Perfect plan.
I'm just too smart for my own good.
I beamed and nodded brightly.
Kitano Sanma's expression softened at my sunny smile, his lips curling in satisfaction.
“What did you think?”
It was Dennis's question after Serika Iwamoto had gone home. Sanma, lost in thought in his chair for a moment, nodded and replied.
“Not sure? She seemed kinda spacey. You sure she's the real deal?”
“Ah, she makes that face sometimes. No idea why, though.”
“Well, that last expression was pretty sinister, I'll give her that. But her abilities? Need to watch a bit more. Can't say for sure.”
“You won't be disappointed if you keep expectations up. She's a good kid.”
That's what Dennis told the skeptical Sanma.
Seduce Serika.
Makoto repeated it to himself, clutching the tickets tightly.
To avoid any misunderstandings, he'd prepared four tickets. He'd already handed them out naturally to two kids whose eyes he'd met. The last one was for Serika, to be given the same way.
He'd lure that arrogant, sneaky girl with Bang-Bang Man tickets, become her friend, and uncover every secret of the Iwamoto family and the Prophets.
And when Serika glared at him in fury, Makoto would point to himself triumphantly and shout,
'You idiot! I'm not Iguchi Makoto! I'm the eldest son of the Shiratori family—Shiratori Makoto! You've just been played by the Metropolitan Police's elaborate act!'
It would be the perfect mic drop.
Serika would scream in denial, and he'd stand tall above her cries, laughing heartily.
Everything was perfectly prepared.
“Iguchi-kun! Thanks! I've been dying to see this!”
“Thank you! Is it really okay to give something like this to me?”
The first two were already gushing with thanks. He'd deliberately picked one boy and one girl. The other kids looked envious but didn't dare ask him for any—they could see him heading straight for Serika, whose eyes he'd 'naturally' met. As she glanced at him indifferently, Makoto approached with a bright smile and held out the ticket.
“Wanna go see this together? Bang-Bang Man. I think you said you liked it.”
Serika's eyes went wide as she looked back and forth between the ticket and him.
Makoto had a whole arsenal of plans ready in case she refused or made excuses. He was confident he could ensnare even a sly fox like Serika if she tried to slip away.
The Metropolitan Police's scheme was that flawless, after all.
“Whoa—I really wanted to go. Thanks.”
But the moment Serika smiled oddly, narrowed her eyes, and grabbed his hand...
Makoto's perfect plan went pure white.