Chapter 31: Checkmate—!!! No, Not Yet!
It wasn’t just the Chinese Federation that learned of Kazuma. It was the world. Countries like Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Russia all began scheming to bring Kazuma into their own folds.
These nations had already sent spies to Japan, but this recent incident made Kazuma’s existence particularly prominent. Therefore, they began to make their move, believing they should act before being outmaneuvered by other countries.
However, amidst all this, Japan alone did not act. No, it could not act. There was the reason of lacking firm proof, but more than that, it was because other countries had warned them off. Japan’s position was weak. Due to foreign interference reaching even its political circles, Japan was not permitted to bring Kazuma into its fold.
“…The States requests the protection of Satsuki Kazuma?”
“Yes, that’s correct. He is, if I recall, still a minor, and has no legal guardian, does he?”
“That… is so. Satsuki Kazuma-kun does not have a guardian. A staff member from the facility is acting as his temporary guardian, but…”
“In that case, there would be no issue if we were to take him in, correct?”
“If the proper procedures are followed, I believe there would be no problem…”
“That’s good to hear. Well then, these are the documents.”
The meticulously prepared government man from The States took out documents for Kazuma’s transfer, already completed. The documents were already signed and only needed to be accepted.
“I believe we haven’t confirmed his own intentions yet, have we…?”
“We intend to do that later.”
“If he himself refuses, they won’t be accepted, you know? Are you still fine with that?”
“Hmm… That will depend on the negotiations, I suppose.”
Seeing the man’s overly confident attitude, the Japanese official considered tearing up the documents in his hand out of anger, but it was clear what would happen if he did such a thing. Suppressing his anger, the official returned the documents to the man and sighed.
“Understood. We will speak to Satsuki Kazuma-kun about this. After that, please negotiate with him yourselves.”
“Okay! I’m glad you understand!”
The man, who had been sitting on a luxurious leather sofa, stood up joyfully and offered the official a handshake.
“No, it’s because we are good neighbors.”
Saying so with a smile, the official took the man’s hand and shook it.
(What ‘good neighbors’? Using your position to poach a Gifted from our country! How utterly infuriating!)
(Kukuku. You’re not showing it on your face, but even I can read what’s in your heart. You’re seething with rage right now, aren’t you? You’re barking up the wrong tree. If you’re going to be angry, be angry at your own incompetence.)
America and Japan are nominally friendly nations, but in reality, there’s a clear hierarchical relationship. Japan cannot take a strong stance against America. No, rather than not being able to take a strong stance, they can’t even complain. Japan is, so to speak, a yes-man.
“Well then, we shall take our leave.”
“I’ll have my subordinate see you out. Please wait a moment.”
“No, that’s quite alright. I’d like to do a bit of sightseeing after this.”
“But—”
“Didn’t you hear me? I said it’s quite alright.”
“Tch… My apologies. Please be careful on your way.”
“Hahaha, don’t worry. We have a Witch with us. As long as we’re not up against a King, we’re the safest in the world.”
The man, with a refreshing smile, waved his hand airily and left the room. Only the official and his secretary remained.
The discussion, which was more like semi-coercion than negotiation, ended, and the official sank into his chair, looking utterly exhausted.
“Haaah…”
“Um, shall I make some tea?”
“Sorry. Yes, please.”
“Yes, sir.”
The female secretary, as if to console the official who was likely the most tired he’d been recently, prepared tea. Sipping the prepared tea, the man stared blankly at the ceiling.
“Hey, do you think he’ll go to America?”
“…May I give my frank opinion?”
“It’s just you and me here. Go ahead.”
“I think he will. A sixteen-year-old boy would likely jump at an exceptional offer from America. Moreover, he has no guardian. A facility staff member is currently registered as his temporary guardian, but if a famous Gifted from America becomes his guardian, I don’t think he’d refuse.”
“Yeah, I guess so~~~…”
He understood, but it still wasn’t something he could accept. The man let out a huge sigh and vented his resentment and bitterness.
“Haaah~~~. I wish those damn old geezers would just die already~! What do you mean, ‘we can’t move because there’s no solid proof’?! I know you’re taking bribes from other countries! We’ve already got intel that you’ve been told to let Satsuki Kazuma go! As long as you’re fine, you don’t care about the citizens, huh?! It’s truly a den of scum! That’s why Sanada abandoned us, and why talented Gifted go to other countries with better treatment! Do you even get it, you idiots!!!”
“Um, any more than that is really…”
“I know… But just for now, let me vent.”
Even the secretary, who understood the situation, said nothing more. She couldn’t say anything. The man before her was fighting a lone battle, desperately trying to change Japan, but the enemy was far too enormous. It would likely be impossible to overturn things without something like overwhelming force.
(If, just if, the Crimson Knight were to side with this person…)
The secretary shook her head at the impossible fantasy. It was, after all, a pipe dream. It would likely never come true.
◇◇◇◇
Kazuma received a call from an unknown number. He was wary and ignored it, but no matter how much he ignored it, the ringing wouldn’t stop. Getting truly annoyed, Kazuma answered the phone, rather ticked off.
“Yes, hello!”
“Hello!”
He abruptly hung up. There was no mistaking the voice he’d just heard. It was the Witch who had barged in during the sports festival. There was no way he’d forget. She was a woman who had left such a strong impact.
“Wh-Why?”
While he was confused about how the Witch knew his phone number, his cell phone rang again. The same number as before was displayed on the screen. The Witch. Kazuma wondered what on earth her objective could be.
(No way, has my identity been exposed? No, but it shouldn’t be confirmed yet… Maybe it’s an apology for the sports festival incident!)
Kazuma denied it, but unfortunately, he had been found out. Of course, they didn’t have concrete proof, but they had pretty much concluded that Kazuma was the Crimson Knight.
This call wasn’t something as trivial as an apology. It was an extremely serious matter of being recruited to America, something that would affect his entire future.
“Hello…”
“Why’d you hang up on me earlier—!”
“Well, because you called so suddenly.”
“Oh, right! Sorry about that! Actually, there’s something I want to talk to you about. Can we meet now?”
“What if I refuse?”
“I’ll show up at your house! And I mean me, personally!”
It was practically a death sentence. Kazuma had nowhere left to run. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say he’d been completely found out, Kazuma steeled himself.
“Alright. Where should I go?”
“Where are you now?”
“I’m in the dorm, but…”
“Then I’ll wait in front of the dorm, so come there.”
“Got it. When will you be here to pick me up?”
“Right away. So, it won’t even take ten minutes!”
“Roger. I’ll get ready right away.”
And so, Kazuma quickly changed his clothes. Taking only his wallet and cell phone, Kazuma went out in front of the dorm.
After waiting for a while, fiddling with his phone, an ostentatious-looking luxury limousine pulled up in front of Kazuma.
The windows were tinted so you couldn’t see who was inside. As the glass lowered, operated by someone inside, the one who peeked out from the limousine was the Witch he had met at the sports festival.
She was wearing sunglasses like a Hollywood star, and after glancing at Kazuma, she opened the door.
“Yoohoo! It hasn’t been that long, but it’s been a while! Well, let’s save the catching up for later, get in, get in!”
“Yes…”
Reluctantly, Kazuma was urged by the Witch and got into the limousine. The door slammed shut with a thud, and the limousine smoothly departed, disappearing into the city.