Chapter 200: A New Seeker Clan
The South Observation Deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building overlooks Tokyo.
This popular spot, usually bustling with foreigners, is now deserted. Amidst the emptiness, a man gazed out of the large window at the collapsed buildings.
The heart of the city displayed a tragic scene, so different from what it once was.
“I thought I’d find you here.”
Called out from behind, the man turned around.
His cheeks involuntarily relaxed at the sight of a familiar face.
“Honda… how did you know I was here?”
“I asked someone from the Ground Self-Defense Force, and they suggested this place. You often come here when you have something on your mind, right?”
Mikoshiba smiled faintly.
“Ah, that’s true. I have a lot to think about.”
The two stood side by side, looking at the changed cityscape. Even so, it seemed that complete destruction had been avoided.
It was said that reconstruction was possible, though it would take time.
“If it weren’t for him, it wouldn’t have ended this well.”
At Honda’s words, Mikoshiba replied, “Yes.”
“I heard you retired from your position as Chief of Staff in the Ground Self-Defense Force.”
“…I have to take responsibility for what I’ve done. I’m just grateful I wasn’t arrested.”
“I’m sorry, Mikoshiba. I ruined your career because of me.”
Mikoshiba chuckled.
“I don’t regret it. I only did what I had to do. Are you alright? Didn’t you lose your position at the company?”
“The president is furious. I’ve been removed from my position as general manager. But I’ll still be able to stay with the company. Thanks to the current Prime Minister, who suppressed the issue.”
After they laughed together, they fell silent for a while. They both had things on their minds, but couldn’t bring themselves to say them.
However, Honda needed to state the purpose of his visit.
“Mikoshiba, if you haven’t decided what to do next, why don’t you come to Elceed? The company is prepared to accept you.”
Mikoshiba shook his head and looked at Honda.
“I’m thinking of getting involved in the reconstruction of Tokyo. I appreciate the offer, but I’ll have to decline.”
“I see… then there’s nothing I can do.”
“Well, my situation isn’t a big deal… but what about him? It seems like things will be even tougher for him from now on.”
Honda agreed with Mikoshiba’s comment. It was unclear what Mitaka Yuma would do in the future.
What was clear was that his future actions would have a significant impact on the world.
Mikoshiba and Honda, no longer at the center of administration, had no way of knowing his movements. They could only watch how things unfolded.
◇◇◇
A few days after destroying the wall of the Prime Minister’s Office, Yuma was once again summoned to the office.
He was in the same conference room as before. Sitting nervously in his chair, he waited for Serizawa to arrive.
He felt uneasy because he had come alone this time, and more than anything, he was worried about being scolded for what had happened the other day.
However, Serizawa, who entered the room, showed no such signs.
Yuma was relieved for the time being.
“Mitaka-san, about the dispatch to India we talked about the other day…”
“Yes, what happened?”
Yuma asked Serizawa, swallowing hard.
“It has been officially decided.”
“Really!?”
His voice involuntarily rose. This meant there was a possibility of saving Kaede. A path had opened up.
“There were various opinions against it at the cabinet meeting, but Prime Minister Takakura managed to push it through.”
“I’m sorry for the trouble. Thank you very much!”
Yuma’s use of violence must have become an issue. He must have pushed through, including that.
He was nothing but grateful to the Diet members who had supported him.
“However, there is one condition for the dispatch.”
“A condition?”
Yuma looked puzzled.
“It’s difficult to dispatch only Mitaka-san alone. Each country is hoping for Japan to dispatch a Seeker Clan. They won’t be satisfied with just one Seeker.”
“Well… I guess that’s true.”
“Also, there may be some things that are difficult for Mitaka-san alone. We have decided to have several people accompany you, including for support. Please consider this a government decision.”
“Are they all Seekers?”
“Yes, we have already contacted Elceed and Fameel and had them select suitable personnel. They are here at the Prime Minister’s Office, would you like to meet them?”
“Eh!? It’s already been decided?”
Yuma was taken aback by the suddenness of the news. Even though it was a government decision, would he be able to get along with Seekers from such elite companies?
Feeling slightly uneasy, he stood up at Serizawa’s urging.
They were apparently waiting in another conference room. Feeling a little nervous, Yuma followed behind Serizawa.
“Here it is.”
They stopped in front of a door. Serizawa knocked on the door and said, “Excuse me,” before entering.
Yuma followed him into the room.
“What took you so long? I’ve been waiting for ages!”
“Eh?”
Yuma involuntarily looked up at the familiar Kansai dialect.
It was Akito from Fameel. He was sitting casually on the conference room table.
“Akito!? Why…”
“Well, Fameel got an interesting offer. So I raised my hand and volunteered to participate.”
“I see.”
Yuma was surprised to see Akito, but then he noticed another person in the room.
A young man with chestnut hair wearing a serious-looking suit. He gave Yuma a gentle look.
“Rui!”
“Yuma, I’m accompanying you as Elceed’s representative. I’m worried about you being alone.”
“I-is that okay? Did the company really give you permission?”
Yuma was relieved that his childhood friend Rui was coming with him, but Rui was said to be Elceed’s hope.
He couldn’t believe the company would easily give him permission.
“I told you, I’ll cooperate in any way I can to save Kaede. The company has given me permission, and Tennoji-san and my colleagues have sent me off with their blessing. They told me to do my best because it’s also for the sake of the world.”
Yuma felt a warmth in his heart. He had said he wanted to collect the White Magic Gem for his own selfish reasons, but there were people who would go along with him.
“Well, it’s just the three of us, but this should be enough to form a Seeker Clan. Nice to meet you, Mitaka Yuma!”
Akito got off the table and extended his hand to Yuma.
They shook hands firmly. Rui also approached and raised his right hand. Yuma gave his hand a strong high-five.
He never thought that people who had been fighting each other until recently would form a Seeker Clan.
He knew their strength well enough.
Before leaving for India, he had gained strong allies.