Chapter 17: The Truth of the Situation
“First, regarding the information about those attackers, they are a mercenary group hired by a rival company.”
Josuke sat down on the sofa and began to explain to Hayato and Tsuyoshi in a low voice.
“It seems Hayato’s intimidation was quite effective. We intercepted their radio transmissions, and they reported, ‘There’s a man with the eyes of a demon.’ When they were fleeing, there was also a conversation: ‘Don’t touch that man. If you value your lives, retreat immediately.'”
“A demon, huh?”
Tsuyoshi and Hayato chuckled lowly upon hearing their assessment.
“It seems Hayato-dono hasn’t lost the dignity of a Hero from another world.”
Hearing that, Hayato scratched his head, looking a little troubled.
“Well, if it was helpful, then that’s good.”
While saying so modestly, inwardly, he felt a sense of relief and pride that his experiences from the other world were still alive within him. He hadn’t expected them to be useful in the modern world, though.
“Now, as for why they hired mercenaries, it seems there’s a company planning to interfere with the negotiations with the current mine owner. They’ve been making threats to get the Tetsumura Group to back out of the negotiations.”
“When we investigated beforehand, I heard that talks to acquire the mine had fallen through several times. The reasons were unclear, but it’s likely those people were obstructing the negotiations.”
Tsuyoshi put his hand to his chin, lost in thought.
“And then, there’s one more big problem.”
Josuke’s tone of voice changed. It conveyed that he had become more cautious.
“A problem? What is it?”
“It’s likely that one of the guards has been leaking information to the mercenaries.”
Lowering his voice, Josuke glanced towards the corner of the room where the bodyguards were working, ensuring they wouldn’t overhear.
“Is that true?”
Tsuyoshi’s brows furrowed. Tension ran across his face. This was unexpected information for him.
“Yeah. That guard seems to be connected to the mercenaries. It looks like they leaked our entire schedule, allowing them to grasp our movements.”
Josuke took a bundle of documents from his breast pocket. He pulled out call records showing the exchange of information—who knows where he got them from—and showed them.
“This is it. I’ve brought proof that the collaborator received money.”
Saying that, he pulled out several sheets from the documents. They showed detailed records of the money flow and actual bank account statements. Multiple transaction histories noted unnatural amounts and transfer timings.
“You investigated thoroughly in such a short time.”
“The account information was easy to look up using software I had Riri create.”
Josuke explained, a little proudly. He took out his smartphone and showed a special app. Complex code and financial data streamed across the screen.
I couldn’t believe he’d asked Riri to develop software in advance. And Riri, who accepted the request and completed the software, was amazing too. The software that tracked Hayato down from all over Japan, and now this software to investigate the information we needed. Her IT skills were clearly top-notch.
Riri had helped us out too. Still, to gather so much information in such a short time was impressive. Josuke had been reliable in the other world, and he was just as dependable in this one. His information-gathering skills seemed to be as first-class as ever, which was a real help.
“Is it just that one person?”
Tsuyoshi asked.
“Yeah, it seems they acted alone. I don’t think there’s anyone else among the bodyguards who would be a problem. At the very least, they shouldn’t have any hostile intent.”
Josuke asserted. Tsuyoshi seemed relieved by his confident expression.
With the mastermind behind the attack and the collaborator identified, the three of them began to discuss how to deal with the situation next.
“Should I dispose of the mercenaries and the collaborator right now?”
Josuke’s suggestion meant secretly eliminating them behind the scenes. He proposed it because it was possible for him. However, Tsuyoshi shook his head.
“There’s no need to get our hands dirty. Let’s deal with this according to the ways of this world. Not by settling it quietly, but through official channels.”
“Understood. I’ll leave it to you to do as you wish, Tsuyoshi.”
Josuke readily agreed and withdrew his proposal to eliminate them secretly.
Hayato also accepted Tsuyoshi’s decision. During the ten years he had spent in the other world, Hayato’s values had changed considerably. Of course, he had no intention of actively taking lives or condoning killing for pleasure. However, he had come to consider taking a life as one of his options, depending on the circumstances.
Both Josuke and Hayato decided to entrust the judgment to him.
Tsuyoshi summoned the leader of the bodyguards and relayed the information about the suspicious individual. He calmly explained while handing over the documents serving as evidence.
“N-No way! Ishimura…?”
The leader was speechless, his expression one of disbelief. After confirming the information Josuke had gathered, he understood it was undoubtedly true. His face showed a mixture of anger and frustration at the betrayal, and a sense of responsibility for failing to manage his subordinate.
“Confirm it.”
When Tsuyoshi urged him, the leader, his face pale, replied, “Understood,” and walked away. He would probably confirm it immediately. On his back, one could sense a determination to reclaim his pride as a professional.
As a result of the fact-checking, the collaborator readily admitted his guilt.
“I-I never thought it would become such a big deal. I just leaked a little information, and I got so much money for it, so I just…”
He had little sense of guilt and no sense of danger. He confessed that he had been blinded by money and leaked the information, despite the high probability that he could have been eliminated along with the others. His expression showed the foolishness of not understanding the gravity of his actions.
He was immediately detained and was to be deported. The details of his punishment would reportedly be discussed after his return to his home country. The leader watched Ishimura leave with a cold gaze, then returned to Tsuyoshi.
“I am truly sorry. It was due to my inadequate supervision.”
He bowed deeply. In his posture, one could see his resolve to bear full responsibility for his subordinate’s betrayal.
“We will continue the inspection.”
“But, the danger… Wouldn’t it be better to return to Japan once more and regroup…?”
The bodyguard leader countered Tsuyoshi’s words. His face changed to one of anxiety and impatience.
“If we stop here, things will proceed exactly as the masterminds intend. I don’t want that.”
Sensing Tsuyoshi’s strong will, the leader fell silent. Conflict was visible on his face.
The betrayal from within his ranks, which had led to a dangerous situation, caused the leader to feel great anxiety about future protection duties. He became paranoid, wondering if others besides Ishimura might be lurking, planning to cause trouble. As the leader, he truly wanted to cancel the inspection here and return to Japan immediately. That was his honest feeling.
However, Tsuyoshi, his employer and the one he was assigned to protect, had ordered the continuation of the inspection. He was forced to make a difficult decision.
“We will continue. Carry out your duties.”
When Tsuyoshi said it again, the leader bowed deeply and said, “Understood. This time, I am truly sorry.”
“Regarding future security arrangements, we will consider strengthening measures. We will operate under the assumption that hidden elements are always watching. Furthermore, we will increase the number of reliable local collaborators and expand our information network.”
The leader declared, as if to show his professional pride.
Tsuyoshi didn’t completely trust the bodyguards. But now, he had two companions he could trust with all his heart. That was why he didn’t feel particularly threatened.
Nevertheless, he felt a little apologetic for getting Hayato and Josuke involved. He turned to the two of them and said with a sincere expression.
“I never expected things to turn out like this. I’m sorry for dragging you into this, Hayato, Josuke.”
When Tsuyoshi apologized, Hayato and Josuke, who had been dragged into it, smiled gently, as if to show they didn’t mind.
“That level of danger is no problem. Besides, I’m glad I was able to protect my companions. You don’t need to worry about it.”
“Yeah, that’s right. An attack of that level is nothing. We gathered the information easily too. If it helped, then I’m glad.”
Josuke agreed. He shrugged, acting as if he had done something perfectly natural.
Hearing that the two of them genuinely didn’t mind this incident, Tsuyoshi expressed his heartfelt gratitude.
“Thank you for helping me.”
Bound by a strong bond, the three of them renewed their determination to overcome this difficulty and ensure the success of the inspection.