Chapter 569: A Time of Many Events
“I understand most of the situation. I’ll leave the Five Mountains Shrine to our two disciples,” said Hamano Tsukasa, the old man seated at the head of the table. He put down the information in his hand, his expression unchanged, and looked around at the crowd before speaking.
“Master Kashi, you called for me. Is there a problem?” Sato Shin’ichi, standing behind Hamano Tsukasa, somewhat reluctantly put down the documents in his hand. He scratched his head awkwardly and spoke.
He recalled his previous sniper mission in Gen City. Although he was only there to provide support, he not only let the target escape but also created a “hell rift” that could endanger the entire country. He heard that the Spirit Realm had put in a lot of effort to resolve it. He, who was not very old, had already been delayed for a long time. He initially thought that his master brought him here just for a show, but he unexpectedly got assigned the support mission again.
“What are you thinking about? Last time wasn’t your fault, and with your senior brother Crimson Flame guiding you, what could go wrong?” Hamano Tsukasa glared back at his clumsy disciple and then turned to the others. “Takeru Kamikami has more contact with people from the Spirit Realm and has collaborated in battles with Spirit Realm psychics several times. He understands their combat methods and has rich experience in this aspect. Crimson Flame, on the other hand, has extensive experience in hero activities and is powerful enough. The two of them supporting the Five Mountains Shrine will certainly be no problem.”
“Crimson Flame, do you have any thoughts?” After speaking, Hamano Tsukasa turned to another red-haired big man behind him and asked.
“I obey master’s arrangements.” Crimson Flame nodded. His answer was simple and powerful, clearly having no objections to his master’s decision. His response made Hamano Tsukasa subconsciously raise his eyebrows. Disciples are a bit… His disciple is a bit… He completely lacks his own ideas. In this regard, although Sato Shin’ichi is usually a bit reckless, he still has his own thinking ability. However, considering the current situation, Hamano Tsukasa did not speak out about it separately. He tapped his fingers on the table a few times, waiting for others’ opinions.
“Since no one has any objections, this matter is settled. Other support personnel will remain as originally planned. Ensure communication with the local immigration police and provide timely support if a situation arises.” Hamano Tsukasa’s voice was calm and powerful, echoing in the conference room. “If an executive-level enemy appears, tell the local heroes and police not to easily engage in battle. Focus on evacuating the surrounding area.” His gaze swept over everyone present, ensuring that each person understood their mission and responsibilities.
The atmosphere in the conference room remained somber, but with Hamano Tsukasa, the pillar of support, making the arrangements, the expressions of everyone relaxed a little. “Alright, if there are no other issues, everyone proceed according to the plan. Thank you all for your hard work.” Hamano Tsukasa said finally, his tone carrying an unquestionable authority.
The crowd in the conference room rose one after another and began to leave. However, Kirishima Yuujin remained seated without moving. Hamano Tsukasa, Sato Shin’ichi, and Crimson Flame, seeing that he hadn’t moved, also stood behind him like two iron towers, motionless.
“Yuujin, how is the situation over there? Have you informed him of the current situation?” After everyone else left, Utagawa Kabe Mitsuki closed the conference room door with interest before Hamano Tsukasa spoke to Kirishima Yuujin beside him.
“Senior Hamano, I have already notified the group about it. His condition is still stable, but I am worried that Shadow will focus their attention on this side. Your body is no longer suitable for prolonged high-intensity combat,” Kirishima Yuujin nodded, his brow furrowed. He looked at the white-haired old man in front of him, his dark gray eyes filled with worry.
“You don’t need to worry about my body. Knowing the situation is enough. With us here, the safety of Kyoto can be guaranteed,” Hamano Tsukasa waved his hand, looking nonchalant and dismissing the other’s concern.
“Senior, how many high-ranking officials can the police department guarantee to guard Kyoto?” Looking at the nonchalant old man, a hint of helplessness flashed in Kirishima Yuujin’s eyes, but he continued to ask seriously. After all, the reason Hamano Tsukasa was late before was because he personally went to the police headquarters to discuss cooperation on this matter.
“Not many. The ones who can stay and guard Kyoto are guys like Kitahara. Recently, due to the matter of the Life Foundation, all their high-end personnel have been deployed to that. The defense level can only be maintained at the usual standard,” Hamano Tsukasa shook his head and replied.
“Then they won’t care about the safety of Kyoto, or even the entire country! The guy that Senior Touma is guarding is about to be released. Besides you, who else can deal with him?” Kirishima Yuujin’s voice became agitated. “Moreover, Kitahara’s abilities are similar to those of the generals from the Shadow organization who were rescued before. I don’t think someone of his age can match the strength of that enemy who has lived for nearly a hundred years.”
“What exactly are the police doing?!” Hamano Tsukasa’s words agitated Kirishima Yuujin. As a constant guardian, he understood the information behind it, and his voice became anxious.
“Calm down, Yuujin. The police have their own difficulties. I have a general understanding of the Life Foundation’s situation. Those guys are brewing something very dangerous. If it’s not intervened and dealt with in time, the consequences will also affect the entire country, so we really can’t count on them.” Hamano Tsukasa continued, “Kitahara was also injured during the pursuit, which is why he was assigned to guard Kyoto. Now, we really can only rely on ourselves.”
Kirishima Yuujin frowned, clearly angered and helpless by the current situation, but he knew that this was not the time to lose his temper. “I understand, Senior.” He took a deep breath, doing his best to calm his emotions.
“But even Kitahara was injured. I don’t remember the Life Foundation having such powerful individuals, do they?” After calming his emotions, Kirishima Yuujin refocused his attention on the matter at hand. Because Kitahara was responsible for the Kyoto area, Kirishima Yuujin often interacted with him. He didn’t expect him to be injured during this pursuit.
“That’s their troublesome aspect. They’ve developed a special potion that can release all their abilities at once. It’s even more terrifying than the energy-stimulating potions they developed before. After taking this potion, the user’s abilities are instantly amplified several times, and then they explode, causing a powerful impact. Kitahara was injured because of this,” Hamano Tsukasa’s expression became even more grim as he relayed the information he had learned from the police.
“A suicide attack with abilities amplified several times?” The new information made Kirishima Yuujin inevitably take a deep breath, but he still understood what needed to be done now. “In that case, Senior, we really can’t count on the police. Our situation here is also very urgent. I will find a way to recall some retired heroes. The personnel at Leiming Valley still need a few heroes to be dispatched for missions. I won’t disturb you any longer, Senior.” Yuujin stood up directly. Kirishima Yuujin’s gaze was several times more solemn than before, but it was still as firm as steel. He nodded to Hamano Tsukasa in farewell and walked out the door.
Only Hamano Tsukasa was left, quietly looking at the bustling and peaceful cityscape outside the window and the cup of hot tea on the table that had not been touched. “A time of many events.”
