“What do you call these things again? Ah, yes. Filler chapters”

He’s really scared

It was the long awaited weekend. After the ordeal at the research facility, Neito went back to his apartment inside Metallica.

It may be an apartment, but it was just a rented single-room one.

Neito had the money to move out, but since it was too tedious to move, he left his room as it was.

His notice would come soon, but he had time to spare.

Of course, his training went on as usual, but lately he has been rather tired.

Neito didn’t schedule anything this afternoon; instead he slept.

[…… I slept well.]

Neito awakened and looked at his watch. It was 10 AM, the second day of his weekend.

He didn’t even leave his apartment yesterday. It had been a long time since he experienced such a laid back lifestyle.

That being said, he opened his refrigerator. There must be something in there…

Last night, he dreamt of deceased people visiting him. His trauma from the recent past having appeared.

He remembered his family, who lived in the lowest corner of society. His father died in poverty, and his mother, who after a few years of work, died leaving him with [a few years’ worth] of money.

They appeared in his dreams, trying to convey something to him.

Since such dreams appeared after he received his operation, he frequently told Maki about this.

[It embodies one’s spirit]… maybe he was seeing those dreams because it was a form of regret in his soul. His silhouette may have affected his memories, triggering those related to his parents.

At least, it seemed that way.

Neito didn’t understand the meaning behind it, but he didn’t bother finding out. In other words, the dreams were merely data points that were useful in determining his mental status.

[…I only have rice…]

He only had rice wrapped in plastic.

He thought to himself,

I’m not that hungry yet, but going out is such a pain.

Neito turned on the television. It broadcasted news about Okinawa.

< the="" scars="" inflicted="" by="" metallica="" on="" this="" island="" half="" a="" year="" ago="" are="" still="" visible…="">

The news caster was talking while past images were compared to the current images of destroyed buildings. They included images of children crying and people who were bleeding.

If I remember right, that was once where a famous politician lived. Where was that again? Ah, it was in the village ok Koza.

< but="" recently,="" there="" have="" been="" no="" signs="" of="" turmoil="" in="" this="" area.="" according="" to="" a.n.a.lysts,="" the="" idea="" of="">

> is widespread among them. Metallica may be involved in the creation of peace>

That’s right. There are no more annoying politicians on the island. Metallica doesn’t tolerate anyone that would oppose them. The island belongs to Metallica.

In return for acknowledging Metallica, the island received something in return. Thanks to Metallica, they founded a factory famous for producing good beer in the area and a famous University acknowledged Metallica for their help.

< again,="" the="" argument="" of="">

> is constantly being argued upon, and some have begun to rally in the streets >

Well, we did do a lot for them…

< and="" to="" the="" special="" ward,="" they="" want="" human="" rights="" too…="">

Ah, the branch manager is doing as I instructed… I’m thankful for him…

< neither="" santana="" or="" ramone="" have="" been="" sighted="">

gt;

And they’ll never appear in Okinawa again…

< as="" the="" civil="" unrest="" calmed="" down,="" okinawa="" seems="" peaceful="" right="" now…="" but="" there="" is="" darkness="" lurking="" in="" the="" corners.="" behind="" every="" person’s="" smile,="" there="" is="" always="" a="" doubt="" that="" something="" is="" moving="" in="" the="" shadows="">

They were now showing images of people living normally. The BGM on the other hand portrayed a mysterious music. When people smiled, the put an edit of a shadow standing behind them.

Neito turned off the television.

… Lost. I’m not lost at all. I am what I am.

[Well then, I guess I’m off to the convenience store.]

He was really starving. Neito left his apartment.

To his right were the slums, and to his left was the regular city.

The convenience stored was on his left towards the city.

As he was walking, 3 youngsters followed him. They were three-four years younger than him, and they were happily chatting. Since they were spread out, Neito leaned close to the corner of the street.

[-And that woman that was with me–]

[What’s with that? Hyahahaha]

[By the way, isn’t he unbelievable?]

Neito who was on the far corner of the street was. .h.i.t in the face by the youngster’s hand while he was trying to convey something. They most probably didn’t notice him there.

[……Ah]

It really hurt. Maybe he wasn’t training his reflexes good enough.

The youngster was holding a can of juice while walking, but as it hit Neito, he dropped it.

[…… Hey, what’s your deal getting in our way?!]

A single youngster called out to him. They were taller than Neito, and dyed their hair in bright colors.

[I’m sorry]

Neito replied.

[It’s your fault I dropped my can of juice, and my s.h.i.+rt is all messed up.]

The youngster’s s.h.i.+rt had juice stains all over it.

[… I’m sorry, please let me off this time.]

Neito lowered his head.

[How unbelievable! Who’s going to cover the cleaning expenses huh?!]

The three of them surrounded Neito. He backed up.

This is bad, I’m really in bad situation here.

[Hey, this guy is scared s.h.i.+tless. Hahahaha!]

He was already familiar with this situation even before he entered Metallica. He didn’t like it one bit. In fact, it was nostalgic.

For example, if he were to transform into his

here and now, their existence would be instantly erased from earth, but that would just create more problems. Besides, he wasn’t up to it right now.

That’s weird… I have fought with countless enemies, and yet I’m still bothered by these guys. I’m sure a hundred of them couldn’t even amount to the dust below Ramone’s feet.

Why am I this fl.u.s.tered? I’m not scared, but fl.u.s.tered.

[I’m sorry…!]

He hesitated, but Neito slipped through the three of them and ran. He tumbled and mud splashed onto him, but he got up and ran again.

[How embarra.s.sing! Is he really serious? He must be really desperate! Hahaha]

[It’s because you scared him too much… How pitiful, being bullied so easily, Hyahahaha!]

Whether it was funny because he fell down, or because he chose to run, he didn’t know. All he could hear was the energetic laughter behind him.

[… They’re not going to chase after me… are they?]

Well, if it’s not related to work I’m a little bit… It’s no good. I wouldn’t mind leaving them half dead, but there should be a smarter way to deal with this…

What would Ikeno do…? I’m sure he’d break one of their elbows and end it there…

What about Niina? He’s the friendly type so no doubt he would befriend them…

Then what about Tsurugi…? There’s no way someone would pick a fight with someone that scary-looking.

Neito entered the convenience store and bought instant curry.

I’ll eat this after I get back home. Yeah, in preparation for this afternoon.

Neito decided to organize his thoughts for the event to come.

[Okay! Time to go home and prepare myself!]

He blurted out to himself. He thought of bringing up his spirit for once.

He had plan schedule in the afternoon.

For the first time in his life, he had plans.

He came up with his plans on a whim, and it was unexpected. Furthermore, he didn’t know how to handle it, so he was a bit worried.

But he was excited. He would be lying to himself if he said that he wasn’t. He was so excited that he wasn’t able to sleep the day before. It took him some time to roll around his futon before he fell asleep. He was uneasy if it wasn’t related to work.

Maybe there were reasons for him to act like that, but honestly, he always had fun when he hanged out with her.

After all, looking outside the box, she was unmistakably a real beauty. Maybe he was mistaken, but he knew she had something for him. After all, they were just co-workers who happened to be on good terms with each other. Looking at her past records, you knew she was a good person.

He also received advice from Niina. Although his subordinate, he was always grinning while he gave some tips. Of course, Neito listened carefully and appreciated the gesture.

A lot happened lately, a lot.

And from now on, a lot more was still to come.

For now he only had one thing to be focused on.  Of course he didn’t forget about work afterwards.

Neito returned home and prepared himself for his date.

I wonder what she’s going to wear…

Neito snapped himself from thinking too much about it.

(TLN: Author’s Notes)

The story doesn’t develop too much here

I’m sorry.

“It may be a filler, but at least the s.h.i.+p will sail… anybody with me?” -Daikyun

“Personally for me; I dare to question…  Which girl?  After all he intends to become a vice in Crimson…  Their bosses daughter is right there and obviously curious.  There was also the lab coat which he’s crus.h.i.+ng on; Neito’s gotten some advice from his subordinate in the past…  Tea over coffee yeah?  However…  He’s eeevvil.  I take Note of his after-date plans…” – Satudo