Chapter 11: Mission 3: Counter Strike: Global Offensive (Part 2)

Juuzou Kutsuwagi was hosting a guest for a man in his early fifties. Two glasses of half filled alcoholic beverages served to keep the elder men company under the heavy air swirling around them. His guest was a man in his middle of forties whom dressed formally in a light blue suit with a light red tie hung around his neck. A silky smooth black colored business pants covered his legs providing comfort in his walk and seating.

"That's very nice of you Sarashiki. To think that you would stop by at my office to discuss this matter, I thank you."

"Save your gratitude for later until this is over Juuzou." Sarashiki leaned back "The air is heavy. Why don't you ease yourself so we can talk better?"

"That would be until I comprehended the situation."

"As you wish, you are the boss. So, where should I start?"Sarashiki presented a cellphone from his pocket and playing a video to his host. "This press conference is held at 01.00 AM this morning. Here, take a look at the video."

"First of all, I would like to express my deepest apologies to the sudden news about this press conference and my gratitude to any one of you who took a seat to deliver my master's urgent message to the world. Unfortunately my master is currently under the weather, therefore I shall take his stead for this press conference on behalf of him and do assure that his words are worthy to both of your time and those who listen. Hear! For this is what my master, The Nephilim, owner of Sparda Company told me to pass his words to all of you: 'For today, right at one A.M from the time I am laying on my sickbed, I, Nephilim, after these times of conducting joint venture with I.S Academy in I.S and medical R&D, I announced that Sparda Company is finally open to any countries who are interested in partnership with Sparda Company. However, be in mind that Sparda Company only opens to one partnership with a country from all over the world. Since there are so many of you who are taking interest working with Sparda Company, neither of us can make the call. Therefore, I leave the decision up to my company's champion whose name goes by Dante Sparda. I shall await for the good news from him.',"

"That's the end of my master's message. Also, in case that you are wondering, my master is simply down by a cold. He will make his recovery soon. Thank you for your attention."

The video ended there. Both elders taking a sip of their respective own glass. One still denying the news convincing himself that it was just another gibberish spoken by an eccentric businessman through his loyal butler, the other one simply wanted to indulge himself in the expensive brandy the host provided from his nerves.

"Don't make that face, Juuzou. I did not even believe myself neither until the call came to me through my units at the site."

"This statement, how fast do the other countries reacting to it?"

"Very fast enough to fly to our school once the press conference was over."

"I see." Kutsuwagi exhaled. "In that case, I want your insight on the international situation."

Sarashiki curtly smiled. He eased himself taking a long deep breath then exhaled it. Sweats flowing down from his guest's cheek telling Juuzou that however the other countries reacted to the controversial statement had gone apeshit.

"But before that, where is he now? That Dante Sparda, the troubled child under Morrison-san's wing…" There was a grief in Sarashiki's tone. "I am sorry for your loss."

"Et tu,Sarashiki?"

"Extreme Malis, Extreme Remedia. The three of us used to fight together when we were younger Juuzou. Maybe he's an ass, but he saved me from a downing Black Hawk in the UN Building from your lousy shot on that bird. He pushed me sideway in exchange for a deep long nasty scar on his back by the chopper's rotor."

"He's a tough guy."

"The toughest gaijin I ever known to earn my respect."

Both men lifted their glass.

"To ."

"Kanpai."

The sorrow once again found its way to Juuzou, the exact same moment when he toasted to his dead friend. Hushing the loss, the brandy tasted like bleach corroding his throat down to his body. Juuzou struggled for his stomach.

"Juuzou?!"

"I'm fine…I am fine. Thanks for your concern Sarashiki."

"You had me there old timer." Sarashiki took Juuzou's empty cup and set it aside with his. "You should quit drinking this. It kills you."

"That's rich coming from you. But you are right. Think I had enough…for now. As for Dante-san, he's being taken to an empty room where we used it to interview our prospect pilot candidates. He's currently with delegations of whichever countries listening to each of their offers right now."

"So it has begun I see. Alright then. America is desperate to relive its day as a number one country in the world ever since Donald Trump's become a POTUS. 'Make America great again' my ass. America is just searching frantically for weapons better than nukes. When I.S came, they immediately jump into any ace candidates as fast as the Road Runner to recruit them to be their representative and the number America changes his representative is as often as one changes his clothes. What I am seeing is that America's representatives are none other than killer dolls or weapons to be used to hold other countries on their neck if any of them dare to surpass Uncle Sam in terms of Economic and Politic. That includes science and technology as well. Also, following the 2nd male unit that you have Juuzou," Sarashiki emphasized "once America got the news wind, my units in America reported that the NASA is collaborating with CIA in attempt to port the I.S for the military usage, especially for the males. Though it's still a futile attempt, what I am concern about coming from the internal politic."

"You mean guns control?"

"That would be the least of my concern. Say Juuzou, what do you think if the I.S was legalized for civilians?"

Juuzou's eyes widened with the horrid thought. "That…That's crazy! A- Are you saying that America is…"

Sarashiki nodded. "America is the craziest barbarians I ever known Juuzou. Since conventional firearms are useless nowadays, therefore they are planning to legalize double-double u ehm dees and turn them into household guns. Whatever the terms Americans are using but the idea is exactly the same." Sarashiki poured the fiery water into his glass. "Imagine every house in the neighborhood having a nuclear weapons or two and when someone acting high or literally high and deploying one at wrong time at place."

Juuzou let out a long stressful sigh. "I better not to think about that."

"At least, the good news from my units is that America's 2ndAmandment is having a ruckus with each other in the congress."

"How long the ruckus will continue?"

"My prediction is they will cease their fighting until they got Morrison's boy. But when they got him, the law will be exercised instantly."

"Any reaction from other countries to America's political movement?"

"No. America managed to shut the media down. But not to other countries who sent their agents to sniff America. They are making the similar moves like Uncle Sam, some are even begin baring their fangs at America after long years. Take example of Mexico of the nearest one which got separated by Trump Wall like China was separated from the Mongolia by Emperor Qin's Great Wall. The Mexicans are eager to tear the damned wall down and they'd die for it just like lining for tacos. P.S: Spanish supports Mexico to tear the wall down."

"Hmmm…"Kutsuwagi took a mental note trying not to smile.Karma is a bitch after all. "How about China?"

"He who controls the money controls the world. At the last 20 years, China has been rising to the top of global economy and earned the hot seat by itself. Even I admit that Chinaman, those Chinese are expert merchants who sees opportunity better than anybody else. When the I.S was globalized, China is the one who opened I.S' stock market instead of Japan and they zhuan-ed the most comparing to other countries despite the cheap quality of I.S they produced. I mean seriously, what do you expect from Chinaware? Similar to America, that Chinese are looking forward for modern world domination too, but through monetary path. At least their ways are slight better than America but eventually they are going to pluck the Eagle then cook it sweet and sour ala Guang Dong style." Sarashiki washed his throat from the drink.

"Hmph. Knowing you, that would be the least that I would worry about if I were you."

"You read my mind." Sarashiki leaned back. "Tell me Juuzou, when does a man die?"

"That's rich coming from you. One does not simply die when he stopped breathing. The 'die' is just a term used to separate between the living and those who are not. When one stopped breathing, he firstly went into the minds of the livings to cherish their memories and live there instead of going to the afterlife. To put it simply, one dies when he was forgotten. That's all."

Kutsuwagi concluded before going for his glass. He had his hand stopped when he poured the drinkable acidic liquid.

"Didn't you say that you had enough minutes ago?"

"I did say I had enough for that time. Now's the time to drink up the sober, I won't die from this."

"Fine then, at least let me pour that for you."

"Give me plenty." Juuzou let Sarashiki poured for his glass.

Sarashiki filled a quarter of Juuzou's glass before holding it in one hand putting aside his glass on the table.

"This is just a drop Sarashiki, none can satisfy anybody."

"You don't need that much."

"Of what China disturbs you that you need that much?"

"It's not about China. It's Shanghai. The year is 2020…"

"27 years more before Shanghai will be completely merged into Mainland China and all of its special independent politic and economic systems will be gone and following China's including the Hong Kong Currency. Just like Taiwan's."

"Exactly. Now here's the situation in the Paris of the East: Yesterday, following the convoy raid by an unidentified group of drones 8 months ago, a total of 120 I.S cores were gone missing-high possibility were stolen at the end of the raid. That incident did trouble general Ling, the uncle of Ling Fang Yin of class 1-B of your student for those months as those I.S cores are meant to be developed for his niece's I.S. So, China put the blame on him despite they rejected his proposals to suggest additional security forces from the Mainland with better equipments. To do him a favor, I sent a group of highly skilled team to investigate and track down the case. When the report came from my units, they successfully retrieved 8 I.S cores from a port in Shanghai. Guess what when they matched the serial numbers Juuzou? The numbers are exactly matched with the missing cores from general Ling's convoys. The discovery raised a suspicion form my units that a secret power play is happening where Shanghai is preparing for an uprising together with Taiwan to separate from China and declare an independent state together with Shanghai merging into Taiwan. During the excavation progress, my units reported that they were attacked by a group of . Suspected the same group of drones which raided general Ling's convoys. They managed to thwart the attackers but casualties are quite high. From 12 of my units, only 2 were able to make it out alive with deep wounds. 7 were gravely injured and left unconscious while 3 were left in catatonic state after the attack."

"Any leads on the hostile?"

Sarashiki paused. He gulped most of the contents of the bottle's remains. Wiping the stain on his lips, though partially affected by the drink he managed to give Juuzou a serious look.

A serious one that his friend had to believe it or else.

"Do you believe in demons?"

"As in written in the holy scriptures? Then I'd say no. What's written in there are just gibberish. It's just a leash told by wises to maintain the order by selling God's name just because they failed to teach the youngsters the law of the man."

Sarashiki let out a small chuckle. "Then you won't believe what I am saying then."

"That depends. If that's troubling you, then spit it out for I am the one who listens no matter how stupid it will be."

Sarashiki exhaled "Fine then. The mental ones keeps muttering something about mystical creatures attacked them. What's the name again? Griffin? Har…Harpy! Yes! Harpy, known as the creature with the body of a woman but wings and legs of an eagle. The term matched the descriptions coming from the survivors saying that they were attacked by medium build mechanical birds armed with plasma knives on each of their legs, wings are not only meant as mobility but attacking as well because it appears that there is a built in plasma knives attached on their wings. No one managed to achieve a close range winged weapon before. When the scraps were analyzed by my team in R&D, apparently they are clean."

"Clean? As in bullets?"

"No traces or whatsoever leads. Whoever made these drones is 1 step ahead of us."

"Phantom Task?"

The horrid name sank into the elders.

"Could be." Sarashiki admitted. "Or could be not. They still have not made that kind of progress yet. This is far more advanced than what Phantom Task has in disposal."

"I can give you several names if you like."

"I appreciate that but I'll pass Juuzou. Look, its not like that I don't trust you or something but," Sarashiki smiled. "Let me take care of this while you worry about the kids, alright?"

"That's a pity as the kids are doing just perfectly fi…" Kutsuwagi suddenly recalled a man. He sank limply deeper into his chair.

"Not as fine as you think, huh?" Sarashiki teased.

Juuzou calmed his nerves from with his liquor. "Oh hush your jest Sarashiki! Don't give me more headache than Dante-san had. No wonder Tatenashi got it from you."

"Not me. She inhibits it from her mother. Kanzashi is the one who got my genes."

"The hiki one?"

"Yeah, though she's average in grades and sport, she's proven to be an expert I.S mechanic as expected from my family. But I can't stop worrying about her hobby which put shame into my family. I think I'll have a word with her or two soon."

"Don't be hard to her. She's fragile, unlike her twin."

"I'll think about it. Thanks anyway. Alright, shall we back to business?" Sarashiki shared the liquor.

"Anytime you want."

"Now that I remember, I do believe the Black Hare militia group also getting involved in today's session, yes?"

Kutsuwagi curtly nodded.

"*Sigh* I can't say anything bad about them recalling that they our ally but what I heard from my intel team, is that German is developing a weapon to surpass Infinite Stratos."

Sarashiki paused, letting the word sank into Kutsuwagi.

"A weapon to surpass I.S?"

"It's not an I.S nor in similar class to it, neither it is in the form of Exo-suit nor any sophisticated battle gears. I heard it is in the form of conventional weapons, bullets, explosives, hell could be something smaller and portable like a portable EMP generator."

"That's a hoax then."

"Even if it's a hoax, I'd like to confirm it again and again until I am ascertained that I am wrong even if it's a ninety nine point nine percent chance of being a hoax. Remember The Division's protocol? From 10 agents, of 9 who say yes, 1 has to take the role to say no to assume 'what if' possibilities that the nine of the agents are wrong. Even if they are literally wrong."

"You are the 10th guy then. The 'No' guy."

"It was not me. It was Morrison."

"Ah." Kutsuwagi closed his eyes briefly. "Yes. I forgot about that. So, with Sparda Company backing them up, assuming that the Black Hare militia won Dante over, whatever they are making in the back will be settled in no time with Sparda Company's capabilities." Juuzou paused, "Interesting. If that's German's move, what would the rest of Europe's be?"

"French's female population has been going skyrocket since I.S was invented following the Russia's female population. They are currently recruiting more I.S pilots under the Dunois Company's influence. Just need a good poster boy and better technologies and everything's set to bare their fangs all over Europe. The British who feels unhappy with French's behavior sending MI6s under His Majesty's order to thwart French's game but no results so far. British need a serious gear in their spy game and they are the first to utilize I.S in espionage business. No wonder their produced I.S-es are sleeker and smaller for long range infiltration purpose. However, since the I.S is…too 'exposed' not to mention 'loud' so, they keep find ways to trim it down into quiter engines. They made several noticeable progress however, likewise other countries, they need better technologies with more proper agents, especially the one with a militia background but live in the streets better than any of their James Bonds."

"But why Dante? He doesn't have any military background to start. That's according to the file that you gave me for Orimura-sensei's interrogation purpose."

"One does not need to have any military background to hold a gun, Juuzou. Remember that! As long one can deliver the job done, so be it even if the hired gun is a homeless old man."

"I got your point. But even so, does Rome have anything to say about this?"

"Unfortunately they don't for the news still has not reached there yet. Well, the Pope wants Rome to stay neutral and become an I.S free country in the world. That's why they don't send their delegation to here."

"In that case, how does Rome defend itself from I.S attack?"

"That'd be all countries in Europe's call to defend the Holy Land, but most of the job is done by Swiss. Swiss do set their eyes on Dante to become a deterrent in order to protect Rome. I do believe that Swiss comes with an irrefusable offer for Dante."

"Such as?"

Sarashiki shrugged. "Swiss chocolate? Hell Juuzou, I may know many things but don't expect me to know all things. 'Sides, I am not a God."

"Okay then, anything else do you have from Europe?"

"Actually, there's a bunch of kids running amok in Flanders. Say, ever heard the brats of Nanite Hackers?"

Juuzou rose his eyes. "Naanii Hackers?"

"Nanite." Sarashiki corrected. "A bunch of vigilante kids with little military background but caused me a headache these past months. They run in the streets carrying serious toys with them capping conglomerates, VIPs, people with influences et cetera under the order of Kerlongst Evert Orlejov, XO and second in command is a Mattheus Astolfo, Azdtof, Ass… hell I'd better call him Asshole."

Juuzou chuckled. "With a person like you, I reckon it's something personal?"

"Asshole wiped out half of my units in Flanders together with his big boss. Torched my establishments and skimmed my cash. Well, I can let them slide especially the last one but seven point sixty twos, twelve gauges and nine double m-s inches from my vitals? Kids nowadays need good spanking and I'll make sure they were spanked good enough."

"But how did it happen to you Sarashiki? Did you cross their path?"

"Unfortunately, yes after an op where I detained a Phantom Task higher ups in Flanders for information not knowing that she was marked for the kids who wanted her head. I managed to fend those kids off during the first contact but before I could squeeze out the target for information, I did not expect those kids to charge straight into my blacksite in broad light, putting bullets to her head while I was suppressed down. Hell, if it was not because of Morrison's ODAs then I'd be goner for sure."

"Good for you then. But you forgot to mention their motives."

"Apparently, my Flemish unit reported that Nanite Hackers were originally a vigilante group who exposed the corrupted governments and criminals across Flanders. When I.S were invented by Tabane Shinonono, they are the one who keeps the double double u ehm dee in check underworld and make sure that none of the criminals and hooligans laid a hand on that damned weapon. Until they were gunned down by Phantom Task on a bright Sunday. Casualties were pretty high. It was a massacre and young Kerlongst Evert Orlejov witnessed his dear mentors, his families were slaughtered right in front of his eyes. That was years ago when he was in Ichika's age. Since the incident, his group abhors I.S and the pilot. They turn their hatred into bullets and using their knowledge to turn the table by turning the I.S cores into their…toys. No group ever in this world outside us to wage a war with Phantom Task. Every single person with influence capped by them were identified as the ones whom ever made contact to Autumn, known as Phantom Task leader's right hand. If only we…Excuse me, I could convince this group of raging bulls to join us, we can finally put an end to this bloody war, Juuzou."

"Raging bulls?"

"Bulls are blinded by their rage when they are angry, yes? That's what I see in those kids' eyes. "

"Again, do you need a hand, Sarashiki? If I made my move, then I can assure you that Nanite Hackers will bow down to you."

"Thanks but I'll pass Juuzou. Like I said, you take care the kids, let me take care of the intel plus the dirty works for you."

"If you say so. But if Kerlongst Evert Orlejov put you in the hospital bed or any of his group, mark my words that I'm going to make them kneel for you even if I have to break every single of their limbs before turning them into your dog, my friend."

A cold shivers tangling Sarashiki in his seat. His throat suddenly went as dry as Sahara dessert despite being occasionally washed by his host's liquor. It is it! Juuzou's air! Oh God! Those eyes and that pressure! Sarashiki was bathed in his sweats. He quickly went for the remaining of his drinks but found it was empty, as though was vaporized into air by Juuzou's air. Juuzou rose from his seat.

"Another round, my friend?" The pressure was slightly decreased with Juuzou's polite offer.

Kutsuwagi gulped and nodded.

"So, I believe that's all from Europe that you have in your disposal. Tell me about Russia."Juuzou placed a newly opened 80 years old French Wine on the table. "But before that, drink."

Sarashiki filled his glass complying Juuzou's command. "Blargh! Russia is developing a new type of I.S in response to fortify their deep naval defenses. According to my intel team, this I.S is a naval type which is designed to provide support to Russia's submarines. Talking about the terror from the abyss, Russia is intending to include deep nuclear strike function into the I.S as well in case any countries, especially America or China are trying to temper Russia."

"Again, without Sparda Company's influence that naval I.S project would be futile I suppose?"

"Unfortunately, no." Juuzou surprised. "The project surprisingly is halfway done. But they are missing a core for the I.S deployment in deep underwater. That's where Sparda Company will play its part in developing a core for them. As for the other countries in Asia, in Korea, the North keeps showing off their nuclear supremacy even being struck by America together with Japan and South Korea. If they got a hand on Sparda Company, there would be nothing to stop Korea from launching a global invasion for all these years they endured. With the South keeps suppressing the North's villainous acts, South Korea only need someone and something to fight for their cause to unify their country once again. Yet here is the problem: The South has planned to not let a single trace of the North to live. They are going to go all out in a genocide against the North, that to be certain from my eyes in Korea."

"Aren't there any neutral countries not going for these rotten causes?"

"Japan? That's what you are trying to imply, Juuzou?" Sarashiki took a long breath. "Although Japan is known for its neutrality, it has lost its right to elect another representative."

"What do you mean that we lost our right to elect another representative?"

"Remember the limits for a country's cadet rep Juuzou? We already got Kanzashi, Ichika and Houki. Well, Chifuyu was used to before she was replaced by her brother. Unless the limits are raised beyond its threshold, I'd be more than glad to force Dante to become our cadet rep."

Juuzou shook his head. "I see your point, but even so Dante-san is not the one who would be easily bowed to anyone even a knife is already pointed on his throat."

"So he's stray dog, huh?"

"More than that. A wolf if I'd say."

"But wolf hunts in packs."

"Then he's the lone alpha."

"Whatever."

"So, Japan is out of the game then." It suddenly came to Juuzou. "Wait! I think I just saw a Japanese delegation coming today."

"Japan just comes here to watch after all. Don't worry. I have set my eyes on her in case she is a mole assigned by Phantom Task. Now, where were we again? Ah yes. Now I remember, South East Asia is taking sides. They follow anyone who has the highest bid by shoving enough bills or paying attention to their needs. Little do they know that they are just pawns to be disposed by their master, that includes Singapore as well. Finally, talking about Africa, I received words from my units that there are sights of African children using I.S."

Juuzou shocked. "Children pilots?! You mean like 15 years old and below pilots?"

"Sounds familiar with child soldiers Juuzou? You bet. Children are easier to be used as disposable assets especially homeless ones whom were forsaken by their parents. Give them enough food and shelter, they sworn their loyalty to you better than dogs despite being fed with gun powders in their food. Give them guns and train them both physically and mentally- calling it image training by showing them Hollywood flicks of actors with big guns going killing spree during cold war, then you have the cheapest but effective killing machines of 21st century. If they die, then no one would remember them."

"This is an outrage! Even though Africa is struggling with civil wars, drought and famine they can't just throw children into using the damned nuclear weapon!"

"Even Africa delegation denies this sighting. My team is currently running a covert op to gather more proof of these I.S children. If my prediction is correct, Juuzou. They are training children to pilot I.S to engage in civil war and sell them like in a garage sale. I can't imagine what if Sparda Company was involved in Africa's bloody cause."

"Neither am I."

Another long stressful sighs coming from both of the elders. They decided that it's wise to let the silence sank in. Sarashiki went for the liquor, pouring more wine for Juuzou's. But Juuzou held his hand upward.

"I think I had enough of it already."

"As you wish." Sarashiki poured the remaining into his glass "All the more for me."

"So in the end, are you saying that we are in the brink of World War 3?"

"Yes."

"What's the chance of us to avoid the war?"

Sarashiki shrugged. "Zero point Oh-Oh-and many more oh-s one percent."

"That's absurd! Has the humanity fallen into such degradation for the thirst of power?!"

"It is very absurd and it's natural Juuzou! Nor we can help about it despite we have pulled so many chains on them but the dogs and bitches have gone rabid in mating season!" Anger moved Sarashiki to take his drink in one shot before letting names escaped from his mouth. "Blargh! The world does change but some things never change Juuzou. War is one of them. It all begins and ends with a man. You want an irony, Juuzou? The three of us fought for the world and put them in check during our days behind the curtains. Until one of us, left his successor turned out to be a suicidal problematic child and the fate of the world now rests at his hands! What a joke!"

"Indeed is a black joke." Juuzou chuckled. "I guess the joke got us and if I may object Sarashiki, Dante-san is not a problematic child despite being at the same age with Orimura-sensei."

"And your saying is?"

"I'd say that he's a prodigy."

"Prodigy? By the love of God Juuzou!" Sarashiki leveled his tone. "Look at him! He's a cracked shell inside out! Those eyes he got, are the eyes of a dead man! He's no one but a walking dead! He had already abandoned hope, will and the world Juuzou! I once saw a man like this before and I tell you what he seeks, death! Now what makes you think that he is a prodigy? His decision will lead us into dark age worse than World War 2 Juuzou!"

Juuzou thought for a moment. A wiseful sight graced from his friend hushed Sarashiki from his rage.

"Every man deserves a redemption, Sarashiki. Even for someone who had already abandoned the world. As for Dante, he needs a reason to live, again." Juuzou emphasized "Be it something or someone. For now, he lives for the guilt of someone he was responsible for." Sarashiki could feel bitterness coming from Juuzou's tone. "We just need something fresh to steer him back to life other than guilt."

"If you say so." Sarashiki nodded.

"Anyway, there's something bothering me Sarashiki."

"Name it."

"I ran through the background check based on the file that you gave me, turned out it is a bogus. Dante Sparda does not exist in the upper world society. In the underworld however, he only makes his appearance as a ruthless ghost hunter, a famous one whom responds to whatever it is that deals with paranormal activities that the government could not deal with or personal requests. No birth but criminal records of speeding, tax avoidance and street brawls. Just where and who did you get the story from?"

"It's uhh…from a reliable source I can affirm you."

"You made your grand appearance with The Nephilim during Nero 'Shiroyasha' finals with 'Twister' John Cambo in Budokan. Thanks to you two, that I could see the young man broke the filthy scum's jaw in a single uppercut. But that's not the issue here. You never seen in the public with any influential figures unless it's regarding to international issues related to I.S." Juuzou stated.

"Boxing is happened to be my favorite sport anyway. And the Twister deserved his loss for his dirty works of ransoming Shiroyasha's crews and Balboa-san."

"Bullshit." Juuzou retorted. "Quit playing games with me, Sarashiki! You never interested in sport to begin with. Don't tell me that your reliable source is…"

"Alright! Alright! Fine! Jeez-us Juuzou! You don't need to get yourself worked out like this. Okay. I admit, that I have been in contact with The Nephilim."

"Since when?"

"2 months ago before Sparda Company had a breach in by Phantom Task. It was a full moon when I was in my study planning my moves and sort of until I heard someone knocking at my door. I thought it was either my wife or kids, hell even my units who wanted to see me so why not? It turned out that I had to refuse when I feel someone…or something emitting unearthly presence standing behind the door. I felt the chills running in my spine before I went for my gun until the moment the door slowly swung opened to reveal a creature…clad in the figure of a man coming inside uninvited. I immediately unloaded my chambers like I never had in my life before. I could see the bullets travelling straight right at my target as my grip fighting the recoil of my gun that I broke my finger eventually from the rapid firing." Sarashiki revealed his index finger, which he kept hidden. Juuzou could picture sweats are flowing from his guest as he fought for self control "I heard voices of steel clashing each other and to my surprise, that none of the bullets able to reach him. There's no way I'd miss at a close range. Instead, my bullets were lined in a straight line in front of the creature as if directed by unseen force. It was the moment I realized that my uninvited guest carried an unsheathed katana along him, the horror came to me when I thought that he…he…"

"Cut your bullets? That what you are trying to say? Sarashiki, nanomachines, exo or power-suit and augmentation implants are making bullet cutting possible nowadays. You are exaggerating of something unimportant!"

"Just as I thought, you won't believe me anyway. I know the difference between someone who uses nanomachines, suits and implants and those who are not by a glance and should the creature…"

"The Nephilim? That is your creature?!"

"Yes, The Nephilim for God sake Juuzou. Let me finish! If The Nephilim wore any of them that time, I could take him single handedly with bullets already! In fact, he did not!"

"That's impossible!"

"You are not listening! I always deny that some things are beyond our realm of understanding but this one? I tried to convince myself that he did not use his katana to slice my bullets. Until he single legged stomped the ground sending my bullets to the air, I could not catch his movement but I knew that he swung his blade to return all of my bullets 2 inches from where I stood. Before I could react, I felt the cold white steel of his sword on my neck and I have to admit my friend, that I never felt so much close with death in my life. He could take my life away, but he did not. Instead, he cut me a deal that we can seal."

"My God, Sarashiki!" Juuzou's mouth wide opened. "Did you realize your move? You just became his plaything! Why didn't you tell me about this?"

"Sorry, but it's personal Juuzou. The war between my family and Phantom Task has run deep in my blood for generations since Sengoku Period and I'd stop at nothing until I took out every single one of them even if I have to sell my soul to the devil or any entities that can make it happen."

"Sarashiki…"

"Besides, I got kids Juuzou. I want to make sure that themselves, or at least my grandchildren could lead a life away from the guns."

"But that still does not make any sense to me. The Nephilim is a shady figure with a terrifying company which mostly creates killing tools! Hell, maybe he's a mole sent by Phantom Task to set you up…and kill all of us! Hell, I'd say that the event when the company's I.S triggered a self defence function was staged by Phantom Task from the start."

"He is not."

"And how did you know?"

"I just can tell it. That's all." Sarashiki sheepishly said. He rose from his seat before Juuzou could cut him off. "About the time I should go. In the end, the world's fate now rest at Dante Sparda's choice. But, if it was possible, even though it's a zero point Oh Oh one percent chance…Hope is the last to die, right? Let's see whether he's a prodigy, or another fool with killing tools in disposal."

"Sarashiki, you are running away from my question." Juuzou stood.

Sarashiki sighed. "Juuzou, you won't believe me anyway. Look! So far, The Nephilim stood with us. One thing that I am certain, is he…I mean it won't betray us."

"You are not making any sense here, I mean you are talking as if The Nephilim is a devil or any supernatural creature appeared in your mansion! Come on, he must have used something to sneak into your study!"

"*Sigh* I wish Morrison was here to be our bridge Juuzou. You and me, we are always fighting due to our different belief. But that was what happened to me. On what basis to please your ears that The Nephilim used any sophisticated gears to sneak up into my mansion and confronted me by using a traditional blade? You know me Juuzou and so am I." Sarashiki turned his back, preparing to leave.

"Wait!"

"What is it?"

"There's one last thing that bothers me Sarashiki."

"Make it quick."

"On the day during the Exhibition Day, Morrison was bleeding profusely due to a plasma shot in his leg. However, his body has never been found even though I ordered all the staffs to sweep throughout the academy many times already. During the playback from the camera feed in the armory, there was a small flash caught in the camera and a man appeared. Unfortunately, he had his back on the camera so I could not get a visual on his face. He carried Morrison and the two of them disappeared into thin air. The only things I noted, are the fact that his back were stabbed with glass shards yet no traces of blood from the mysterious man was found in the armory beside the enemies Dante-san took care of and Morrison's."

"Anything else that I need to know?"

"A katana was slung on his waist. Do you think it was…"

"The Nephilim? I would not bet on that one. You see, I am also looking at the feed that you are talking about and I assure you that The Nephilim, along with his butler and Patty Lowell of your student were together with me as I brought them to safety at the moment the fight happened in the armory. It's not like I am standing in The Nephilim's side that I told you this, Juuzou. But I'm also in the pursuit of truth for Morrison."

"Then who is the man…or creature in your word which took Morrison away?"

"That's another thing that I am running now. By the way, Juuzou." Sarashiki produced a USB stick and passed it to Morrison. "The background check about Dante that I gave to you for Orimura-sensei's purpose, shred it. It no longer serves anyone's purpose. This one however, keep it safe. Should you peek inside it, make it for your eyes only."

Juuzou accepted and inspected the USB stick. "What's inside this thing?"

"Background checks I did for Dante Sparda. Like you said, he is a ghost hunter. A devil hunter to be precise. He never runs a jack all trade mercenary business. The mercenary thing is just a cover for his shady paranormal exorcism business to make it looks legit. Moreover, you will find people affiliated with Dante Sparda scatter in your academy like flower petals including the infamous supermodel 'Lady' Mary, the orphan candidate for Sparda Company Patty Lowell, Dr. Bradley Hagel and his wife and you'd be surprised when seeing 'Shiroyasha' Nero also acquainted with Dante Sparda when they crossed road in Rome."

"Looking forward for it."Juuzou smiled.

"That was a nice chat, wasn't it? Pencil me in for next drink, yeah?"

"I will. Until next time."

Juuzou watched his guest disappeared behind the door. He sank into his chair, grabbing the bottle of wine and chugged the remaining contents. Although he remained sober unlike his prediction, strangely the potion tasted great and befriended with his stomach. Juuzou thought for a moment. If all of these people affiliated with Dante Sparda in the past drawn to him at the same place, with the fate of the world's stabilization rests in Orimura-sensei's troubled student, who knew what storm might stir into the world?

Or was it?

"A prodigy, huh?" Juuzou chuckled.

In the hallway, Sarashiki could make out laughs coming from where he left.

I'll leave this one here. The next chapter will be the final act of Mission 3's Counter Strike: Global Offensive with Dante's decision. Would his choice trigger World War 3 just like Sarashiki predicted or a miracle would occur as a payoff to Juuzou's faith in Chifuyu's most troubled student? Stay tuned folks and thanks to my fellow writers who supported me with his ideas and allowed me to consult him during this chapter.