Fuchu-Shi Software Co., Ltd. was located at 1-14, Koshigoe 1-chome, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture. The white RX-7 made a left turn onto the Yokohama New Road and continued toward their destination.
Sitting in the driver's seat, Rei was in a foul mood because the person in the passenger seat wasn't Ritsu, but Akai. Worse yet, the guy seemed to be having a nicotine craving and casually rolled down the window to light up.
A shift in the wind sent the smoke straight toward Rei. Finally losing patience, he gritted his teeth and said, "Rye, can you not smoke in the car?"
"Oh, sure."
Akai obediently stubbed out the cigarette. He hadn't expected the newcomer to be another non-smoker, life was going to get uncomfortable.
Meanwhile, sitting in the back seat, Ritsu was holding a laptop, studying their tactical plan. According to Rei's arrangement, he and Akai would disguise themselves as technicians to infiltrate the company. Their work IDs were already prepared.
"There are more cameras on the 15th floor than expected. Avoiding them won't be easy," Ritsu said, quickly calculating the coverage of each camera. "There are three blind spots. Rye, memorize them, I've sent the images to your email."
"Got it."
Having worked with Macallan twice, Akai knew his capability well. His tactical planning was highly efficient, making missions feel almost effortless. Even small issues Akai deliberately created were quickly resolved.
As expected of Gin's trusted subordinate, his combat and shooting skills were on par with Akai's. More importantly, he wasn't just strong; he was smart. Someone like that couldn't be underestimated. If he continued to grow, he might become a second Gin.
Unaware of Akai's thoughts, Ritsu remained focused on devising the best approach. Avoiding unnecessary violence was ideal, he didn't want to rack up more lives during his undercover work.
After an hour and a half, they finally arrived at Fuchu-Shi Software. The two put on their earpieces and ID badges before getting out of the car. It was early evening, just before the end of the workday.
Rei stayed in the driver's seat, holding a laptop. After switching on the comms, he asked, "How is it? Can you hear me?"
"Loud and clear. We're heading in now. Can you see the feed clearly?"
They wore specially modified glasses issued by the organization. At a glance, they looked like thick-lensed prescription glasses, but they were actually bulletproof and equipped with recording capabilities. The footage streamed directly to paired devices.
"Yeah, no problem."
Exchanging a glance, Ritsu and Akai stepped inside the company. At the entrance security checkpoint, they presented their IDs and were allowed through after inspection.
Heading toward the elevators, they passed many busy employees. With the end of the workday approaching, everyone seemed rushed, no one wanted to stay late working unpaid overtime.
"There's a camera on the left ahead, be careful not to show your face."
They successfully avoided the cameras along the way. At the elevator, both lowered their heads slightly to avoid being captured by the camera inside.
Pressing the button for the 15th floor, Akai wiped away any fingerprints left on it with a handkerchief, thorough as ever.
Ding!
The elevator doors opened slowly. Following their plan, they moved through the three blind spots and reached the secured entrance to the research area. No guards were stationed there.
Ritsu took out the fingerprint data Bourbon had given him. After scanning it, he quickly entered the 12-digit code. On the screen appeared the name "Maiko Itahashi," along with an ID photo of a woman with wine-red hair.
Clearly, she was the company president's daughter Rei had gotten close to.
The heavy security door slid open, it was even the same type used at the organization's base. Slowing his steps, Ritsu tapped rhythmically on his earpiece, transmitting a message in Morse code. They were close to the software development office, better not use voice communication.
After decoding the message, Rei replied, "The software engineer is Katsumi Tomioka. His office is the innermost one on the left. At this time, he should still be working, so you—"
Before he could finish, a low voice suddenly cut into the channel. Recognizing it, all three frowned.
It was Gin.
"Macallan, activate the thermal imaging on your glasses. Once you confirm Tomioka's location, give him one minute. If he can't be recruited, eliminate him."
Ritsu tapped his earpiece once in acknowledgment and switched on the thermal imaging. It didn't take long to locate Tomioka inside his office. He seemed to be searching through a bookshelf, completely unaware that he was about to face a one-way choice between death and betrayal.
Ritsu shot a glance at Akai. Understanding immediately, Akai moved to the doorway to stand by. Any disturbance might attract attention, he needed to buy time for Macallan to secure the software. Splitting up was the best option.
Standing outside the office door, Ritsu took out the same fingerprint access he had used earlier and unlocked it effortlessly.
Hearing the door, Tomioka realized something was wrong. He tried to grab the desk phone to call security but Ritsu was faster.
Pfft—
A suppressed gunshot rang out. The bullet struck his thigh, deliberately avoiding a fatal point. Tomioka stumbled and collapsed onto the carpet. Realizing the situation, he still tried to crawl forward, reaching for support to stand again.
Seeing this, Ritsu already had his answer. One option in the "choice" had been eliminated.
Watching the live feed on his laptop, Rei clenched his fists. He hadn't expected Gin to intervene. As expected, any equipment provided by the organization could be easily monitored.
"Negotiate with him."
"…Understood."
Walking quickly over to Tomioka, who was bracing himself against the desk, Ritsu stepped on his wound without hesitation, then pressed the gun under his chin. His cold blue eyes were devoid of emotion as he asked, "Come with me, or die?"
Glancing at his watch, he muttered, "You have 50 seconds."
Tomioka didn't answer. He simply stared at Ritsu with a faint smile, eyes filled with hatred, as if trying to memorize the face of the one about to kill him.
"20 seconds."
Still no response. No resistance either, just silent defiance.
"…5 seconds."
Ritsu didn't want to kill. But if the man was determined to die, there was no other choice.
"Do it."
With Gin's final command, his finger tightened on the trigger.
At such close range, blood burst outward. Ritsu raised a hand to wipe the splatter from his face, his throat tightening. No matter how many times it happened, it always made him feel sick.
That was a life.
A real, living person.
He turned and left the office, now filled with the metallic scent of blood, heading toward the research department. The next step was simple, retrieve the software and design files, then regroup with Akai and get out.
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Bonus chapter @20 PS