Work Text:
Somewhere during the morning hours at Random Play….
“Eh nah! Enh-na-na!”
Wise stands in front of the counter, listening with his hand placed under his chin.
“Yes….interesting. That’s not a half bad 18. How much did we end up with?”, he questions.
The bangboo thinks for a moment, holding out both of its hands as if counting with non existent fingers, before finally replying.
“Ehn-ne!”
Wise nods in affirmation.
“I see. That’s a decent amount. But unfortunately, I don’t think we’re out of the woods just yet. Although that is an increase since last month, we still need to try and raise it as much as possible. But you know…. just between you and me….”
Wise pauses, then turns, looking through the door at the HDD system suspiciously, before returning his gaze back to 18, giving the bangboo a quiet whisper
“…it would be much easier if somebody wasn’t using so much electrici-“
“Master. A heat signature is detected nearby”
Wise jumps a bit at Fairy’s sudden declaration, but manages to collect himself before responding.
Ahem! R-right! Much appreciated Fairy. I’ll see to it in a moment”
“Understood. Was there something you were saying before that….Master?”
“Oh uh, nothing really. Just asking 18 here about last month’s sales! Ha”, he sputters out. Cursed he may be…for nothing gets past the AI.
“Anyway…I’ll go check around”
The store had just barely opened and they’ve already had a customer? Belle was still asleep, so it falls to him to handle the early birds this time. He nears the door and readies himself to pull it open, but it does so before he gets the chance, and the suspect enters.
“Heddy? You’re here early.” Wise says, one eyebrow raised in confusion at her sudden arrival.
“Yes, precisely manager! Because look what I’ve brought~” she says as she enters with a decently sized cardboard box.
“More tapes I figure?”, he says as she sits the box on the counter.
“Yep! Including some pretty good classic and action films. I think there’s even some documentaries in the mix as well.”
Wise looks through the box, pleasantly surprised at the movies choices.
“I also came in contact with some hack and slash thrillers! They seemed pretty interesting too. I wasn’t able to fit them here, but there were plenty I haven’t even heard of! Oh! Like there was one even involving a shapeshifting thiren, who used it’s close relationships to others to feed off of and devo-“
“I-It’s ok! Heddy. You can spare the details. I’m sure they’re…great films”
Wise interrupts, not wanting to hear more of such a plot. Not that it creeped him out or anything. No, not at all.
“But, thank you for this particular batch. They all seem to be in good quality as well.”
“No problem manager! Just doing what I can. The store is only getting more popular after all. There’s always new faces around!”, she says.
“Well, I do try my best”, he replies smiling, scratching the back of his neck.
The video store had indeed seen several surges of new customers. Mostly thanks to their new promoters. And he could usually tell who did the promoting by listening to the customers requests. He’d get some complaining about almost being spoiled and they should just buy the tape anyway because of it, so he figured it was Anby. Or how they would come in looking for the horror movie ‘that the one PubSec thiren officer was afraid of’. To which he figured they meant Seth. And there were also some members of Section 6. Harumasa and Miyabi. The former being easy to convince, as he mainly saw it as an opportunity to slack off…more.
“Good to hear! Well, that’s all I had. Oh! And can you let me know how those tapes do? A couple of them are some of my favorites!”, Heddy states, eager to know how they’ll perform.
“Of course. I’ll let you know.”
“Great! Thanks manager! I’ll be going now. Tell Belle I said hi!”, she says as she makes her way out of the door, leaving with a small chime of the bell.
He turns to 18.
“So…what do you think? New future best sellers?”, he asks
“Eh…..ehn-eh!”, he exclaims, throwing his mini arms in the air.
Wise laughs at 18’s excited confidence and rubs his head.
“Yea. I think so too. Heddy’s been on a hot streak with finds lately. I just hope that the tapes she gets are acquired using….legal methods.”
”Eh? Enh-nhe!”
”Hm? Ironic you say?”, Wise asks with a slight chuckle. “When did you become so judgmental…”
“….Anyway. You can hold it down for now yea? I’ll go get breakfast for me and Belle. Hopefully before she wakes…”
18 nods, letting out a cheerful ‘Enuh!’
“Alright then. I shouldn’t be long. If she does wake up before I’m back, let her know I’m out”
After stashing away the new tapes, he sets off for a morning meal.
He arrives at Lumina Square, having decided on the meal he wants to buy. Now through the lively street, he searches for the nearest store that sold the delectable red bean buns. If he could recall, there was one near here….
The memory returning, he finally spots the store and makes his way there. The line was decently long, likely due to the sale going on at the moment. The ‘buy one get one free’ sorta deal. Which basically meant you could get tons and half would be free! A deal like that is hard to ignore. He decides it would be well worth the wait.
The pillowy soft bread…
The sweet, exquisite bean paste…
Truly a pleasantry like no other. A minute passes, then another, then several more, but eventually, he is ready to order. They’re fairly sizable, but Belle, he guesses, would probably want more than he thinks she does. So he opts to get extras just to be safe. A bunch extra, knowing her morning appetite. He knows better than to say that aloud near her though. Now with the red bean buns secured, he begins towards the direction he came.
“Wise? Is that you?”
He turns to see Section 6’s Deputy Chief herself.
“Oh! Yanagi. I should’ve figured I’d run into you here.”
“Really? What makes you say that?”
“Why these of course”, he says, signaling to the bag in his hand, filled with steaming hot red bean buns.
Yanagi eyes widen for a moment before returning to normal. She pulls up her glasses.
“Ahem! I see. Yes, I suppose you’ve got me figured out. That is strictly what I came for. I heard of the sale as well. Though I was hoping for the line to be a little less crowded. I do have to get back soon”
Wise scratches his head.
“But… it looks like you just got here, right?”, he asked, more concerned than curious as to how busy she must be to have such little time to spare. For a meal no less.
“Precisely. But I must maintain a consistent work routine. Even when the unexpected comes along”, she argues.
“I-“ he begins but stops. “Alright sure. When do you have a break then?”
“I have one right now actually”
”….”
Of course she did
“So you have a bit of free time right now and you still want to go back to work early?”
“Yes”, Yanagi puts a finger on her chin. “Though to be fair, I haven’t actually began working just yet. I simply planned on grabbing something before heading back for an early start.”
He’d have to force her to take a moment of rest at this rate….
“Ok well…when’s the last time you did anything non work related?”, Wise asks, letting out a small chuckle.
“Non work related…”, she repeats softly, mulling it over.
“I suppose it’s actually not too long ago when I watched that heinous movie that I picked up from your store”, she states, her tone completely nonchalant.
“Ouch. How heartless of you”, he jokingly jabs, feigning offense at her comment.
“Oh my apologies! I didn’t mean to insult one of your tapes. That was actually the reason I sought it out. Those ones in particular are notably effective in aiding my sleep, due to how utterly bad they are. Ah! Shoot! I did it again! Sorry! There isn’t anything wrong with them really, it’s just my particular taste!”,Yanagi says, words quickly spilling out in an embarrassing manner, prompting a small laugh from Wise
“I’m kidding Yanagi….it’s quite alright. I get what you’re saying”
“S-still, I found just what I was looking for. I was asleep in record time in fact. And of course, a tape was rented from your store. So it was really a success on both ends!”
She continues
“And if I’m being honest, I think it adds even more charm and variety to your stock. There are people who enjoy such interesting….tapes after all. So it’s better to have them as an option as opposed to not having them”
Wise nods.
“That is true. Though I think you’d have a better chance at winning the lottery than coming across someone who actual enjoys a plot revolving around a robo-shark fighting a crocodile….”
Yanagi laughs at his comment.
“I guess so. I’ll have to stop by again and see if I can find an even cheesier one. They really do work wonders”
“Hey. As long as it gives you an actual break from working, I’ll happily let you rent or watch any tape you’d like”
“Sounds good then!”, she says, before looking down to check her watch.
He notices.
“I assume you’re going to head back now?”
“Indeed. But it was nice speaking to you today Wise…”, Yanagi says before giving a small sigh as she glances towards the convenience store briefly.
Remembering her prior words, he decides to make her an offer.
“Uhh. Look. To save you time, how about I give you these. My treat”, he says as he holds up the bag of red bean buns.
As if hypnotized, Yanagi quickly glances up at the bag in hand. Try as she might, she could not hide her love for the delicate sweet.
“Really!? I wouldn’t want to trouble you”
Wise nods, giving her a small smile.
“Of course, and it’s fine. I know your workload is probably pretty heavy after the whole thing with Bringer. So I guess I can actually help you work this time around”
He hands her the bag to which she happily takes.
“There should be extras in there if the rest of the team would like some as well”
Yanagi gives a small bow before replying.
“Thank you! Your kindness is much appreciated!”
He waves off her compliments.
“Ah. Don’t mention it, but just be sure to give yourself some nice time off when you can. Taking a break is just as important as doing the actual work”
”Will do! You don’t have to worry. Oh! And about the whole err…incident. I was wondering if you’d received th-“
“Oh. My. God! Tsukishiro Yanagi from Section 6! I can’t believe it! Is Hoshimi Miyabi with you!? Please can I talk to her! Please! Tell her I forgive her! Tell her tha-“
The woman stops half way through speaking and shoots Wise an unpleasant look.
“…oh. It’s you”
Wise turns and realizes he recognizes this woman. It was the same Miyabi super fan from when she went into one of her training modes…or…training trances?
The woman then surprisingly, lets out a defeated sigh
“Well. It would not be right to hold any grudges against you now….and….I guess since whatever you’re doing makes Miss Miyabi happy, so be it…but….”
Great. How does he deal with this woman now? Just play along? Why does he keep getting caught between Section 6 and their rabid fans. Yanagi probably doesn’t have the time to answer her questions either. He pinches the bridge of his nose.
“…would you relay her a final message for me? Please. As her fiancé, I’m sure you have close contact”
“…”
“…”
Ah. I had forgotten about that part
Yanagi stands, eyes widened with shock and confusion, a small blush dotting her cheeks. Bean buns still in hand, her eyes dart from the woman, back to Wise. Looking at him as if asking what this was all about.
Before Wise can reply, the woman continues, beginning to tear up.
“If she doesn’t remember me *sob* it’s okay. I know she’s probably tired after all of the fighting and being so amazing that….”
They listen as the woman goes on and on, with no sign of her stopping. Yanagi simply stands there, motionless, for what feels like forever, having briefly forgotten about her rush to get back. She finally shakes herself out of her stupor.
“O-oh well, would you look at the time! I think I’ll be going now. Those papers aren’t going to fill themselves! Ahem! Thanks again for the buns Wise!”, Yanagi says before rushing off.
Wise turns back towards her, but it is of no use. She is too quick. Damn. He didn’t even get a chance to say what was going on with this woman
….
Several minutes pass, and after not listening to whatever the woman had to say, he sent her on her way. Her crazed shenanigans aside, he’s happy that at least he was able to help Yanagi secure a meal. There was still himself and Belle to feed, so making his way back to the store, he began his wait once more.
Slice.
Another has fallen. But more lie in wait. The ether energy radiating in the air is almost palpable. Sheathing her blade temporarily, she continues her trek. Moving apace, each step measured, calculated. She knows that though this Hollow may seem abandoned, it is anything but. For that, she is certain.
There
A group of ethereals on top of the sky-rise. 13 total she counts. An unexpected ground to be gathered upon. But it matters little. They will be slain all the same.
She looks around momentarily, seeking a proper route to her enemies.
There is enough debris from buildings around that will allow her to access it fairly easy. That in mind, she makes her way there, hand on her scabbard, readying herself to unveil the cursed blade when the distance is right. Jump. Sprint. Jump. Jump. And like a gannet swooping down to secure its prey, she strikes. Two are down before the other’s corrupted bodies can turn her way. By the time they do, three more are already gone.
8
Four charge her way. She chooses to sheathe her blade, eyes never leaving the enemy. They get closer, yet she waits. Even more, she still does not move. Until finally, with her stance now perfect, the blade comes unsheathed in a blink of an eye, letting off multiple cuts that pierce straight through the ones unfortunate enough to charge her directly.
4
She looks up to see those that remain, and waste no further time in making her move. Two are ranged attackers, so they’ll be the easier of the few to deal with, she reasons. They attack, but their attempts are made futile as she effortlessly dodges. Left. Left. Right. Slice. Slice.
2
They have the benefit of armor. One strikes, and she dodges. But the other is quick to follow up, carrying out an attack on her weak side. She stops the strike from the second with her sword, and delivers several quick but lethal strikes to its body. They are much too slow for her. While the second is dazed, she turns back to the first, who is reeling back for another strike. She doesn’t give it a chance. Attacking its armor with maximum offense. It freezes, and with a singular cut more through the abdomen, it is no more. The other has recovered, but its armor is damaged. And once more taking a stance, she moves at an increased speed, right through the last ethereal. So fast that it seems as if she didn’t draw her blade, but the now deceased ethereal suggests otherwise. She begins to sheath the blade but stops…
Silence.
Her surroundings are now void of any foe….yet….
She closes her eyes, listening. Then as quickly as they were shut, they open, wide as she comes to a realization.
Below
She moves with haste, attempting to jump out of the way, but the massive blade from the giant ethereal manages to reach her through the floor, and she is sent flying across the roof of the building. She managed to block most of the impact with her sword in time, but the damage felt was still considerable. Enough to know that this was certainly the cause of the ether energy she sensed before. She gets back on her feet, watching as the beast reveals more and more of itself as it comes from wherever it was hiding. Its size making her a mere ant in comparison.
To purposefully wait until my guard was down
She figured the ethereals left at the top before were too easy to deal with. This should have been expected. They must’ve been the bait. And she, the ever biting fish. This must have been what it wanted. To limit the fighting area to such a confined space. And with a blade like that, she is placed at a much greater disadvantage.
It lets out a powerful roar, as if it could possibly intimidate the void hunter. Unphased, she draws her weapon, and it does the same. Their intent being nothing less than to fully end the other.
“Chief”
“….”
It seems like the beast can speak. It changes nothing though.
“Chief Miyabi!”
“…”
“…”
And…it knew her name. Well, that was indeed odd. But odd as it may be, it will make the kill all the more satisfying. She readies herself to attack….
But that attack never comes. As in a blink, she’s no longer on the sky-rise being sized up by a behemoth of an ethereal. She is at her desk, in Section 6’s office.
Oh
“Chief! There you are!”, Yanagi says, taking a deep breath. “I’ve been going at this for a full minute, but it seems like you’ve already started one of your meditations!”
She moves her attention away from the papers below her, and up at Yanagi.
“Apologies Yanagi. I got distracted whilst taking care of paperwork”, she replies, motioning to the stack in front of her.
“Y-yes…but it looks like you haven’t even started”
“Correct. I was just getting ready to start before feeling bored”, she says, unenthusiastically as ever.
“How did y-“ she starts. “Forget it. Anyway, I was able to get a bag of red bean buns, and fortunately enough, have just enough to share with everyone. Would you like some?”
Food
“Yes. That would be nice.”
“Great! I left them over there. So help yourself. In the meantime….”, she says, narrowing her eyes towards the direction of Harumasa, who was propped up with his elbow at his desk, fast sleep. His gentle snoring audible from their position.
Miyabi gets up from her seat and makes her way towards the bag of buns. Passing by Soukaku, who is already scoffing down the dish, with no attempt at showing it the slightest bit of mercy.
“Oww! H-huh! Hey! What’s the big idea Deputy! I swear I was just….uhh resting my eyes! No sleeping!”
As Yanagi continues to admonish him, she indulges herself in the saccharine scent of the red bean buns, before grabbing some and making her way back to her desk.
Now sat, she can properly delve into the treat.
….
A few minutes past and Yanagi seems to be done talking to Harumasa as she walks away, while he is left rubbing at his head. He now finishes his bean bun in silent agony.
“Ughhh! Nagi! Are there any more? I’m still hungryyyy!”
“I’m afraid that was all Soukaku. It was Wise who’d given them to me, so I don’t think he planned on getting that many. But I do have some candies if you want”
Miyabi slows her dining, right ear flicking up in curiosity at the mention of the proxy.
“Oh! Yes yes! Thanks Nagi!”, Soukaku shouts, practically jumping into Yanagi with a hug before taking the candies.
Yanagi pats her head before Soukaku returns to desk, reveling in the flavor of her new snack.
“So these were given to you by the proxy?”Miyabi questions.
Yanagi turns to her.
“Yep! I’d assume he was out to get breakfast like me when I ran into him. The store seemed pretty full though, so I decided to do without the buns for today. But then he decided to give me those that he’d bought himself to save me some time. A kind gesture indeed!”
He was kind, yes. Among other things. She wondered if all other proxies held similar traits, or was he among the few, or was one of the only. How good can people partaking in illegal activities be? A mystery it was….
“I see. How selfless. I’ll be sure to thank him the next time we meet”, she replies with a nod, moving her attention back to the bun.
“Which will probably be sooner rather than later, given your father’s invitation”, she says. “Ah! I didn’t even get a chance to ask if he’d gotten it. If only it weren’t for that one weird woman…who…….”
She slows down talking, her words fanning out and eyes now wide as if coming to some sort of realization. She straightens her posture and adjust her glasses, the faintest bit of pink on her cheeks.
“Ahem! A-actually Chief…there was something I was meaning to discuss with you”, Yanagi states, a bit flustered as she moves closer to Miyabi’s desk, sparing a brief look around to confirm the other two were not listening.
“Go on”
“Well, let me begin by saying I trust your decisions, and you have my full support on most….but I have to ask….”
Miyabi listens, clueless as to where this is leading
“…what exactly is your relationship with Wise?”
“…”
Relationship….with Wise?
They were partners of course. Hollows would prove much more difficult without his help.
“We’re partners, Yanagi. We have been for a while now”, Miyabi states, her face retaining its expressionlessness.
This revelation only makes her more flustered, even in her attempt to hide it
“I-I see….”
Her persistent nervous-like mannerisms only further confuses Miyabi
“Yanagi…”, she adds, concern evident in her voice despite her calm attitude, “Are you alright? If there is something on your mind, you needn’t hide it from me”
Yanagi collects herself before replying
“I’m fine! Just surprised is all!“
Surprised…? Hadn’t she worked with the proxy as well? How was she surprised at their partnership?
“Why would you be surprised? You are also his partner by association. Asaba and Soukaku included”
Now it was Yanagi’s turn to be confused.
“Wait! What do you mean? Like work partners. As in, partners on the battlefield?”
“Precisely”
Yanagi lets out a deep exhale, as if releasing all the worry she had bottled up inside of her
“Pfttt…right! Y-yea! That makes sense! Of course we’re partners. The work kind….”, she says, her words coming out a bit forced. Soon after, she puts a finger to her chin, appearing to be recalling something. “But now I’m wondering what happened for that crazed fan to conjure up such an idea about Wise…”
“Might I ask what happened?”
“Ah it’s nothing really. Just some fan who was under the impression that Wise was your fiancé. Likely from seeing you two out and about. Seems the whole thing was probably just a misunderstanding from what I can gather. Wise must’ve said that to rid of the fan that wouldn’t leave you alone. And you don’t seem to remember it, so I would guess that you were….”
Miyabi stays silent as Yanagi continues her rambling. A minute passes.
“…which at that time, you were probably out of the trance by then….or….thats my theory anyway”, she finishes, looking down at Miyabi.
“Well! Glad thats handled. I’ll be going to check with H.A.N.D now! I need to make sure supply distribution is fine for next month. I’ll be back shortly!”
She hurriedly rushes out of the office and through the exit, leaving before Miyabi could say anything. The three of them were all that remained now. Harumasa was surprisingly awake, and more surprisingly working, with Soukaku eating away at the remaining candies she was given. Miyabi’s mind, too, was occupied. Occupied at the conversion that took place a moment ago.
It was quite frankly a silly scenario that she had found herself in. She remembers the fan…..and then remembers Wise standing there, having supposedly waited hours until she was out of her trance. Considerate, she remarks. She hadn’t known how exactly he managed to drive away the fan at the time, but she was thankful for it all the same. Finding out how he did it was….surprising….but in any case, it was all behind her now. Yet, her thoughts continued…
Wise was very much helpful in Section 6’s endeavors. No. Not only to Section 6. But to everyone. She’d seen his relations from the likes of the Cunning Hares, to even the Sons of Calydon. It was evident that his experience and expertise was of major value and help. So naturally, they would pair well together.
And through their pairings, she can say for certain that she trusted him. How could she not? There was no misinterpreting his clear selflessness to others and conviction towards the truth….his obvious compassion and kindness. Not at all. She saw that firsthand. And anyone who dared argue against it, she’d see to herself.
Simply put, he was a pleasant person to work with and be around. No matter if it was during a mission, or a simple outing between….friends
…
That thought brings back the source of her musings to the forefront of her mind.
Fiancé
Though the well renowned void hunter was seen as a great weapon against evil, a semblance of hope in a world of the hopeless, and a foe to be feared by the enemy….she was still a young woman. So, her mind further wanders, if only for a bit.
To a time where evil has long since been vanquished. Where children and parents can venture outwards, fear no longer plaguing their thoughts. Where those heavenly views can be seen, far and wide, uninterrupted and unblemished by the likes of Hollows. Where her former comrades stood, at ease, no longer pressured by the coming battles
And where he stood…
Wise. Waiting. Waiting to show her the intricacies that a life without her blade had to offer. He would wave as she walks his way, her steps relaxed, yet all too eager to join him. She’d arrive at his side, and he would take her hand. She would let him be her guide. A feeling all too familiar. Where they would go, she did not know. Maybe to the Riverside Trail, where they would be in awe of the beautiful ocean view. There would be kids near the playground, smiles beaming as they chased each other around. They would talk until sunset, then further through the night. Many memories would be recalled, and many laughs would be shared.
Miyabi feels her heart beat a bit faster as her thoughts continued….
“Chief~”
….or tried to anyhow.
“Why does the sleeping fox count hens in their dreams?…”
Miyabi looks up, a bit annoyed at how she’d just been pulled from such a pleasant image.
She momentarily narrows her eyes his way, but doesn’t respond. Though Asaba continues speaking as his lips curl upwards into an inevitable smile. She gives a small sigh.
“To see what hap-”
“Asaba. Your jokes are only slightly better than Yanagi’s”
He seems to take offense to that.
“W-what? You didn’t let me finish! No way her’s are even close to mine! They’re infinitely better. She sounds like she gets her jokes from those cheesy riddle books!”, he says crossing his arms.
That was true. Though Miyabi herself lacked the ability to humor people most times, she could still understand a pun here or there. But even she was unsure whether or not you could classify what Yanagi says as ‘jokes’.
“Anyway, I only said that to see what you were daydreaming about that had you all over the moon”
“What do you mean?”, Miyabi questions, more so because she does not understand his terminology
“You had an expression on your face similar to when you’re eating melons so I assume you were thinking happy thoughts”, he says, giving a small laugh, before snapping his fingers suddenly. “Wait! You were daydreaming about melons, right? Must’ve been a special kind too with how distracted you looked”
A special….melon?
The proxy wasn’t exactly a melon. But, she liked working with the proxy….and she liked eating melons. They both made her feel calm, content even. So were they that different? Well yes. One was a human. The other was a food. A melon came in multiple forms. Yet the proxy, only one. No. That wasn’t true. Proxy could also use their cute little bangboo. Well, a melon could come in different flavors. The Proxy could not. No no. That wasn’t quite true either. Flavor is to food what emotions are to humans. Strange. It seems as if there is no real difference. Maybe the Proxy is a special melon. Perhaps it is something li-
“Ahem!”, Asaba coughs into his hand. “So….chief….am I right? A little melon dreaming instead of working?”, he teases.
Thoughts now interrupted, she turns to where he is seated, legs placed lackadaisical on the desk with his arms behind his head. His smile still apparent
“A melon can come in any form, so yes…I suppose that this person is a ‘special melon’”
“This person?”, he questions.
She doesn’t get a chance to reply.
“Asabaaaaa!”, Soukaku interrupts.
He turns to his left to see Soukaku standing by his desk, holding her now empty bag of candies
“Are you gonna finish that?”, she says, eyes sparkling with excitement as she points to his second bean bun that he has not yet eaten.
Miyabi simply watches the two.
“Jeez! I’ve barely even finished my first! Can’t a guy enjoy a nice snack?”
“Pleaseeeeeeee!”, she begs with a small pout.
He sighs as he signals to the bun.
“Fine. Go ahead”
“Yayyyyyyyy! Thank you! Thank you!”, she yells, quickly taking the bun and inserting it in her mouth and taking off.
“Yea yea”, he says as he waves her off, before finishing by saying something under his breath. “I might just die of starvation before the illness at this point…”
Unfortunately for him, Soukaku managed to hear his last statement. She turns back towards him, her eyes already watery. He realizes, though a bit too late
“Ah crap! Wait Soukaku! I didn’t mea-“
He is then interrupted by her loud crying. Her face already wet with tears.
Miyabi watches as he tries to cheer her up. Saying that he was actually ‘already full’ and that he certainly will ‘not starve’ with her taking the red bean bun.
This was a usual occurrence, so she knows they’ll make amends in no time. Probably. She turns her attention back to her paperwork. Or….she tries to at least. Despite her efforts to focus on the work at hand, she still cannot get the proxy and Yanagi’s conversation out of her mind. This was not good. But….was it? It was a pleasant, calming feeling thinking about the proxy…..about Wise. For whatever reason. So why couldn’t she then? Because it was distracting of course. And there was work to be done. But to be fair she’s never really been known for being as efficient with paperwork as she was with her blade. Even less so with her reverie about the proxy.
Hmm
This reflection only leaves her now wanting to see the proxy. Maybe then she could put these thoughts to rest. But, she couldn’t do that unless she pays a visit to him and his sister’s video store. She supposed that is reasonable. It’ll just be like taking a small break to clear her head.
Grabbing a nearby pen, she leaves a small note for Yanagi about taking a break from her hard work. Even though there was barely any done. Her eyes move to the stack of papers. Then she looks up at Asaba to see that he was still consoling Soukaku, flexing his arm in an attempt to show her that he was surely strong enough to not perish so easily. Seeing them distracted, she carefully places half of the stack inside a drawer. Out of sight, out of mind. At least, temporarily. Hopefully it fools Yanagi enough that she can come back and finish them all in one fell swoop.
She then calmly makes her way out of the office with her sword in the scabbard and the scabbard in tow. The remaining two team members fail to notice that she has left.
“Ahh. Everything went surprisingly smoothly! That should take care of supplies for ourselves and soldiers for the hollow expeditions for at least 5 dozen more operations”, Yanagi states, now entering the office.
Much to her non-surprise, she is greeted by a tearful Soukaku, an Asaba who attempts to undo whatever he did to make her upset, and the chief’s now empty desk.
She sighs.
”It was only 8 minutes and 28 seconds this time….