A/N: Hello! So, I was supposed to post two chapters today, but my birthday passed and every year, without fail, I got sick. I woke up in a cold sweat and thought like I was in Fallout. Not even New Vegas, just Original Fallout. And as you can tell I recently got Fallout: New Vegas which is a reason why this took so long. Coincidentally, chapter 13 was also written when I was somewhat sick a few weeks ago. You know what though? I'll come back to edit this story once the Division 3 comes out since Heartlands was canceled, which sucks, but hey, no lore drops that can change my fanfiction greatly. As for the next chapter, it might be released earlier than usual, I hope.
I've also gotten over the Palpatine-like return of Keener thanks to NGN. His excitement is infectious. Speaking of, my birthday has the sad coincidence of not being the same one as one of the girls but that's fine.
Also, join the Mojave Express, aka the Discord chat from the Courier From Kivotos on UnknownSixth's profile. I usually lurk around there and we, occasionally, have talks about in-universe porn and its ramifications to the different factions though do keep in mind it's not what we always talk about.
That's about it, or as much as I can think of with my mind at the cusp of getting rid of this headache.
Now, onto reviews:
Ikmalaizad11: We'll see when we get there. And Kaiser, oh they'll get the anger of a guy that has brought down mercenary strongholds single-handedly while he was on the side that was in a disadvantageous position.
Eisenhower Haloway: It's not that they have the same thoughts but that both of them are experienced, in different things, but the majority of their thoughts will coincide in combat, mostly. And we'll see about them working together, it might be interesting.
GoldStar77: Correction is indeed needed for the greedy corporation. And yeah, writing such large harems…that's gonna be hard, but like I said before, not really a problem until later but something 'might' happen, after all there are a lot of hormones going around. Mateo is pretty good with disguises, the tattoos make it hard, but he can do it, mostly. Still, they probably can differentiate the haloes. Serina will be happy to help, Mateo will only be slightly okay with this, if not very freaked out. Like previously said, they are experienced, and I kind of wanted to nail down how dangerous Mateo is to the people here after years of constantly being on the backfoot in post-Dollar Flu America, he knows the tricks, he has the experience, he has the knowledge, and he's very willing to use it. Violently if need be.
The Disquieting One: Well, many fanfics are self-inserts and a lot of them have a bit of self-indulgence in them. And he will be, just not outright malicious, more malicious compliance unless the situation calls for otherwise. Still, I'm glad you're enjoying it, and while PS68 might not be a heel-face turn… well I do have a bit of trouble writing their dynamics, they're simple but getting it right is kinda difficult. Thankfully, it's not too hard, just kinda.
Bigotes15: New stalker, acquired, but with how much experience he has with Hunters, he might be able to catch her. Maybe. As for the heist, well, we'll see. And yeah, that's probably why, I need to find a better way to get it out there… Well, I'll try again another day in the future.
PanzerkampfwagenVI: Yup, like bribed. Not to mention he's the Sensei of SCHALE, making him immediately important.
That's about it, for now, I'll just leave you to this chapter.
The next day, I step out of the SCHALE helicopter, wave away the pilot and begin my trek to Abydos, smiling as I spot Ayane coming closer with a familiar face in tow. "Morning Ayane, Mutsuki."
"Morning Sensei." Ayane responds promptly.
"Hey~, Sensei~." Mutsuki says as she skips forward and hops up, hooking her arms around my neck as I stumble but find my balance quickly, her mischievous smile a constant as her legs sway and she hums jovially. "So, four-eyes said you have some more jobs for us?"
"Hey!" Ayane starts, grabbing Mutsuki and pulling before I could answer. "Get off him!"
"Argh! Hey! Don't pull!" Mutsuki retorts until she hops off with a huff. "Honestly, you were more polite yesterday."
"That was before you revealed you were going to attack us!" Ayane says as Mutsuki leans forward with a finger up.
"But we didn't! Instead, we helped you and saved Sensei together." Mutsuki points out as she hugs my arm. "As such, I think Problem Solver 68 should also have a piece of him."
"What!" Ayane's face becomes red enough to be considered a tomato as she tries to come up with an explanation for some reason. "Tha-I-It's not-."
"Right, that's enough." I say, flicking Mutsuki's forehead to her surprise before turning to Ayane. "You have a payment due today, right?"
"Ah, right." Ayane says with a nod. "I'm usually at school early to get things ready, still, are you sure the amount you gave us was correct?" Ayane asks, reluctantly.
As it turns out, a lot of what Abydos got was worth quite a bit, it wasn't ludicrous, but it was notable, so I had SCHALE bring it in and pay Abydos, which they did, now they should be dealing with the varying academies interested in the materials and clubs. Still, "Yeah, like I said, I'm positive that it's fine."
"What about Problem Solver?" I ask while looking at Mutsuki, as she blinks and grins.
What tomfoolery is this creature up to?
"We've been good." Mutsuki tries to assure me as she stops in front of me and brings up a hand. "Scout's honor."
"Yeah, we'll see." I say, leaving it at that as we continue our walk, me and Ayane talking while Mutsuki occasionally joins.
From atop my perch, Haruka at my side as my spotter, the purplette as silent as I was, watched, shocked as an armored van began to file in the money, the dialogue between Ayane and the teller being transmitted to us via a listening device into our comms.
Currently, while the FTF was dealing with a payment, Problem Solver and I were in separate locations, Aru and Kayoko were on the roof while Haruka and I were hiding in the shadow of a house on the roof, watching to make sure everything's okay. Though with each stack of cash being brought in, my heart sinks lower and the grip on my TAC-50C grows tighter.
Personally, explosives are slowly looking far better and better with each word I hear. Cash...I thought it was electronic and the 'payment' was everyone being miserable for a bit.
I didn't think I'd have to see the girls load up their hard work into an armored van in cash. I've seen cruel punishments, I've even participated in a few, but...Jesus.
Soon, they were done and the teller in its monotone voice spoke. "Thank you. We'll be back next month."
They drove away a second later, my heart dropping as I realized where it was going. "Shit."
"Th-That was so much money." Haruka noted out loud with a shaky voice as I nodded.
Soon, all of us were back, the Foreclosure Task Force and Problem Solver 68 watching the former's hard work go down the drain in silence. "We've managed to make it another month." Hoshino says with almost robotic relief.
"How much longer to go?" Shiroko asks dully, her expression the dullest I've ever seen.
"The repayment schedule is three-hundred and nine years. At the rate we're going…" Ayane trails off as I can't help but mouth the number in shock.
"Don't say it!" Serika yells. "I'm gonna snap if I hear the details!" She says as she paces around, her eyes narrowed in distaste, "Just face it. We'll never pay this off in our lifetimes! Why even bother doing the math!?"
"Do you ever wonder why they only accept cash payments?" Nonomi asks while Ayane was fixing her glasses.
"Is that something you really wanna know?" Kayoko interjects with a sour expression as Aru's eyes were lifeless.
"So...much...money." Aru mutters as Mutsuki watches it go, her own expression strangely blank since there's not much amusement to be found in this situation but I could also see the seething wish to go and blow them up in her eyes.
"I never thought I'd see that much money in my lifetime." Haruka says.
Meanwhile, Shiroko was looking at the armored car driving off with a bit of light in her eyes. "I hope you aren't planning to rob them, Shiroko."
"Wasn't that the plan we decided on yesterday?" Shiroko asks with a confused look as Serika's brow twitches.
"No!" Serika yelled as Shiroko's face fell.
"Fine…"
"Let's head back inside." I suggest out loud, not doing anything to hide my own frustration while watching the armored car go. "The longer I look at it, the more I'll want to shoot it down myself." I practically growl as the Foreclosure Task Force file into the clubroom.
"You go on ahead." I tell them as they look back, "Get setup, get something to drink and whatnot, I'll talk with them." I say as I signal to Problem Solver as Ayane nods.
"Alright. We'll start once you come back." Ayane says as she enters the room.
Turning to Problem Solver, I look over each one individually and jerk my head. "Let's head up to the roof." I suggest as Aru nods.
"Ah, um, sure." Aru says, though I don't know why, but she seems impressed by something while Kayoko was sighing, Mutsuki was amused and Haruka was...curious?
Oh well. I lead them upstairs and open the access door for them to reveal something I set up quickly. A few chairs with a table in between two. "Here, take a seat. I'd offer somewhere better, but I've always been attached to rooftops and the outdoors," probably because going to the roof in my High School was near impossible, "the school house doesn't really have anywhere better, and your office is well…"
"N-No, it's fine." Aru says as she coughs into her fist as she straightens up, smiling enigmatically, "It's a nice view."
And it wasn't the best, but it showed a good view of the Abydos district. "Sadly, I think introductions are a bit overdue, but they'd do us some good." I say as I reach up and remove the mask, exhaling as I place it down on my thigh, before doing the same with a glove, extending a hand with a smile. "Vernes Mateo, advisor to SCHALE and Sensei."
For some reason, all of them seemed surprised, though Aru was just gaping at me, to my confusion as Kayoko looked surprised, Mutsuki was looking on with a hum, Haruka just blinked in surprise.
"Whooo~, Sensei. You're really handsome." Mutsuki says with an amused tone as she elbowed Aru, "Right, Aru?"
"Bwah!" Aru said as I looked at her with a raised brow as she stuttered, "I-er, S-Sensei is...acceptable! Yes."
"I thought he had a huge scar." Haruka said to my confusion.
Kayoko just sighed as I lowered my hand and chuckled.
"Well, it's hard to teach kids when you have a very visible injury, so I tend to stay away from situations that might end up with anything too big on my face." I admit, which was true. "Besides, all of you are way better-looking than I ever will be." I say, to their surprise, as Haruka stiffened, Aru's blush returned, Kayoko looked at me in surprise and Mutsuki leaned in amusement.
"Hmm~. Even me, Sensei?" Mutsuki asks as I chuckle.
"Sure, ya imp." I say as I reach for her cheek but she quickly evades, pointing her tongue at me before returning to her group who were returning from their flustered state. "Now," I say as I extend a hand with a raised brow as Aru stares at it for a second.
"A, r-right!" Aru said as she reached out her left hand with a confident smile, "Aru Rikuhachima, Sensei. Boss of Problem Solver 68."
"Wrong hand." I point out, to Aru's confusion as she looks down. Her eyes widened in horror and shame to Mutsuki's amusement, Kayoko's exasperation, and Haruka's confusion.
Slowly, she reaches out with the correct hand. "R-Right."
With that, I grasp her hand and shake it. "Then consider me charmed to make your acquaintance, Aru." I say as I turn to the others. "So, you want to introduce the rest or…"
"Of course!" Aru starts, pride clear in her voice as she turns to Kayoko, who seems to grimace slightly in anticipation, "This is Problem Solver 68's Section Chief, Onikata Kayoko."
Kayoko sighs in resignation as I stand and extend a hand. She looks at it for a second and shakes it, "It's good to meet you, Sensei."
"Likewise, Kayoko." I start but can't help but add in amusement, "You seem to have your hands full."
"Like you wouldn't believe." She mutters to the side as I chuckle and let go of her hand.
"This is Asagi Mutsuki," Aru continues, "our Chief of Staff."
Extending a hand, Mutsuki looks at it for a second as she smiles mischievously, "It's good to make your acquaintance, Sensei~." Mutsuki says as she grabs my hand as her smile only becomes more mischievous, "Let's get along, kay~?"
"Sure…" I trail off. I'd like to think I'm fairly unflappable, but I feel like going along with anything Mutsuki says would only end in trouble.
"And finally," Aru continues as she proudly stands beside Haruka, her eyes glinting, "our Intern, Igusa Haruka. She might only be an intern, but she has the potential for greatness."
The purplette jolted at that and smiled, "I-I'll do my best, Boss!"
Looking at Haruka, I can't help but smile as I extend a hand. "It's good to meet ya, Haruka."
"A-Ah, um, er, l-likewise." She says, reluctantly reaching out as I gently grasp it and shake it, a difference from the sterner grip I gave to the others.
Letting go, I can't help but pat her head, to her surprise, "So you were the one to set up those traps?"
"Hya!" Haruka says as her pupils dilate and I remove my hand, even Kayoko and Aru were surprised while Mutsuki looked on amused. "Ah, er, sorry, was I not supposed to? I'msorryIshouldjustdisposeofmyselfforbeingsuchanuisance-."
"I wouldn't worry." I say, waving it away, "I was looking to do it myself, never had the time to do anything other than the barest of perimeters. Pretty well setup too. So thanks." I say while giving Haruka a smile as I return to my seat, setting my mask back on and putting my glove back on.
"You've got a good group of friends with you." I note out loud, causing Aru to preen as if I was complimenting her.
"Of course, Problem Solver 68 wouldn't be where it is without them." Aru says with a nod as I could see the barest of blushes coat Kayoko's cheeks, amusement and genuine happiness from Mutsuki, and nothing but devotion from Haruka.
"Right." I say, a sad smile as I remember my own squad. From Leo, our Technician, Roxie, our Survivalist, and Nate, our Gunner among the others.
Still, now isn't the time for reminiscing. "So, how attached are you girls to your previous employer?"
"Sadly, that's confidential information," Aru says, with more composure this time, "I can't share such information freely."
"That's fine." I say with raised hands. "Just saying, depending on how things go, you might have to fight him, on our dime of course." I add as I lean forward. "Last chance, you can either back out now or you can continue and you'll be on our side."
Aru gleams for a second as Kayoko, Mutsuki, and Haruka prepare themselves for her decisions, but I send her a look. The same look I'd give to students when they're forgetting something obvious and the same one my teachers would send my way when I was doing the same.
She paused, as she coughed, "Er, w-well, what would this job entail?"
"As vaguely as I can," I start, "recon."
"Recon of what?" Kayoko asks as she looks at me.
Slowly, I hold a hand to my chin as I wonder if I was being too vague. "You saw the van. The cash. Something is going on." I say as I stand up and look to the desert. "Beyond the debt, beyond all of that, there's something in this district that someone wants, but what?"
"So you want us to find out?" Kayoko asks with a frown as I shake my head.
"Sure." I answer as Kayoko's brow twitches.
"We'll-!" Aru starts before I cough audibly as I narrow my eyes on her.
"I'm sorry, got something stuck in my throat. What were you saying?" I remind her as Aru stops, looking ashamed as she coughs.
"Th-Then, what's the pay?" Aru asks as I nod.
"We'll go with your usual rates. For now, let's go back inside, we still have a meeting to get to so we should talk later." I say as Aru and the others file in first, with Kayoko last.
Before she could enter, I tapped her shoulder, "Hm-!"
Before she can move, I pull her in, her face against my shoulder as her eyes widen and I grab her hand before she can grab her pistol.
Right, let's hope all those times writing those characters work out.
Calm down.
Using my thumb, I write the characters as she pauses, looking at me in confusion as I use my other hand to continue, hiding it from view.
I lied. You're not looking for what's happening. Your team will be gathering blackmail on Kaiser Corporation and fixing the dishes in the area. They scramble any signal except Kaiser's.
Her eyes narrow as I continue.
I'll send them to you first, field them and inform Aru at your digression, you'll be paid for each location you do so successfully.
Slowly, I let her go as I acted like nothing happened. "You like listening to music?" I ask.
Kayoko hesitates for a second but nods. "Yes."
"Good." I leave it at that. "Then, let's go back."
She nods as we make our way to the FTF club room.
"So, Ayane," I start, "what did you find?" I ask as she nods.
"Well, I ran a search on the weapons." Ayane says. "While most of them are normal, most of them are out-of-production models no longer available on the market."
"So, they were discontinued?" Hoshino asks.
"Then how did they get their hands on them?" Serika asks.
"Where else?" I ask, "The Black Market." I say, my mind going to Jared Nash and Cassie Mendoza, the local Snitch and Gun Runner in D.C.
"But isn't that place super dangerous?" Nonomi asks, her face fixed in worry.
"Yes, it's where delinquents, burnouts on leave, and fixers, like Problem Solver 68," she says pointing to the group in question, "usually reside in."
"Huh." I say with a nod. "Alright. Then I think we know our next step." I answer as I stand up and turn to Ayane. "Ayane, mind if I…"
"Please." She says as she sits down and I continue.
"Right," I start before turning to the others, "starting now, the situation will become extremely volatile, at the moment, we have a month, at most, to either pay off a large amount of the FTFs debt, or find an alternate route. Not to mention Problem Solver's status as an unrecognized club might bring the Prefect Team on us."
"I wouldn't worry about that." Kayoko started, "That's not Hina's style."
"Well," I trail off before shrugging, "if you say so." I relent before continuing, "Now, while the FTF is at the Black Market, looking for confirmation or a trail to whoever sicced the Helmet gangster on us, Problem Solver 68 have their own jobs to do. So, for now, we'll separate here. Once you're done, meet us back here, understand?"
"Understood." Aru said, "We'll complete the job precisely."
"Good, I told Kayoko more, so you can go ahead and ask her." I say before turning to the FTF, "As for the rest of us, this is an investigation, and we can't exactly investigate wearing notable clothes, so I suggest you all get some disguises and get some weapons."
Nonomi cheered as I chuckled, "That's all for now, now let's do this!"
When they all cheered, Aru came to me and returned my magazine, "Here, Sensei."
"Thanks." I say as I slip it back into my backpack.
"Wh-Where did you get something like that?" Aru asks in disbelief as I chuckle.
"Maybe later, for now, we should separate." I say as she reluctantly nods before turning to the rest of Problem Solver 68.
"Problem Solver 68, let's go!" She says as she walks off with the rest of them as I nod.
Now, I should probably go before Nonomi can get her hands on me.
"So, Kayoko," Aru starts, "what's our first job?"
Kayoko doesn't answer immediately, instead she checks her phone, "We've just gotta realign a few dishes, it's why the service here is horrible, except for Kaiser's."
"Really?" Aru asks before frowning. "That doesn't seem to line up with what Sensei told us."
"Well, there should be some guards, so let's go, there are three so we should go now if we want to get done quickly." Kayoko says as she looks around. "Besides, there might be more to this if I'm right." She mumbles, her eyes hardening before softening.
The Merciless is a...strange weapon. Its origin, the AK-M is a full-auto assault rifle while the Merciless uses a binary trigger, completely removing the option to switch firing modes aside from 'safe' turning it into something of a rifle. Still, from what I see every time I strip the Merciless, that's how it's meant to be, giving it the range and stopping power of a rifle.
Also, all the dirty bandages. That's a Hyena thing, and the homemade vertical grip.
Still, just switching out a weapon isn't enough and disguising myself is...fairly difficult. For one, I'm fairly tall and bulkier than most students, secondly I have tattoos, one of them on my neck, and I use a bunch of weapons instead of just one like most Students, not to mention a bunch of other things.
So, like usual, default to the Sharpshooter outfit.
The Sharpshooter outfit is one I got when I first picked up the TAC-50, including tan pants, camouflaged sweater, and other articles. Not to mention it hides my neck enough to hide the tattoo and anyone who does look at me will just think I'm a military buff or something.
As for a mask...well, I was originally interested in the Angel Mask, but I do have a gift from a friend I can use normally.
But that's not enough, I have to remove my knee pads, thigh holster, and Go-Bag, replacing it with the sling bag I got from that one time I saved Serika. Moving all my ammunition and grenades into it, I leave the SHD Tech here or else I'll be recognized and after attaching the ISAC brick, I slip the sweater over my body armor and the bag over it.
Switching Adam's Key for my Sharpshooter 93R, I slip it into the new holster as I nod. Finally, I attach the mask as a second passes by.
Now, as an orange circle appears in the middle of the screen that's my mask, I look like one of the robots.
Doing a quick check, I nod, slinging the Merciless over my back, I step out to see the other girls ready.
They look at me in surprise, "Sensei?" Shiroko asks first, her own hair in a ponytail with both gloves on, wearing her scarf with a black shirt over a gray jacket with a black skirt.
"Yeah?" My slightly modulated voice rang out. "What's up?"
"I had trouble recognizing you for a second." Hoshino says as she wears a kevlar vest with her hair in a ponytail, a pair of sunglasses over her eyes as she gives me a once over.
Nonomi wore a black skirt with a white shirt and a black jacket over it, fingerless gloves in place. "It suits you!"
"You can't even see his face, how would you know that?" Serika retorts, her hair no longer in twintails but let free as she wore a gray cardigan over a black shirt.
"With this," I interrupt, "we're ready. Let's roll."
Personally, I've always had a sort of… attachment to very suspicious places, in a way, or maybe it's the people considering my experience with such subjects was limited to Jared and Cassie. Or maybe I'm just telling myself to tone down my anger at the GSC for letting the place exist and get to the size it is.
Not to say I don't have experience with similar spots, just that what's considered the 'black market' by some here would practically be a normal market back in the States with less of an emphasis on cash and more on bartering and credit. The closest equivalent would be the Decontamination Zones, or the Dark Zones, each one practically buried in DC-62 that when exposed to cold temperatures turns into a highly dangerous toxin almost as fatal as the Dollar Flu.
While such locations weren't really my thing, I have occasionally entered them, not as frequently as others, but on a regular basis. Despite all the contaminants in the area, the loot found there is amazing, and once cleaned it makes for amazing weaponry, genuine military weaponry, not just civilian models modified to work like military weapons. Hell, it's where I got the Scorpio and more of my better non-'Named' weapons. Obviously, just because it has 'military' or 'police' attached to it doesn't immediately make it better, but modifying a civilian M4 so it can shoot in full auto is far harder to perform maintenance on rather than a M4 that already has the option available.
Some of the 'merchandise' in the place is familiar, from 'illegal' modifications in my old world to downright chemical weaponry.
Jesus, I'm really wishing I kept my gas mask.
Beside me, the FTF trail by, looking around in interest or trepidation. "I feel like I'll get a rep sheet touching one of these things."
"You'll lose your cash too." I add as I glance back to see Serika reeling her hand back and looking away, the shopkeeper slumping before he glares at me. He reels back once I glare at him. "Places like these work like that, they'll give you a 'free' sample and then force you into paying."
"Uwah, that's not good." Hoshino says, tightening her grip on the Eye of Horus, its notable paintjob hidden by dirty bandages. "You hear that Serika? You better stay close to us."
"Why was I singled out?!" Serika exclaimed.
"You're the most gullible one here." Shiroko pointed out as Nonomi giggled.
"Very gullible~." Nonomi adds.
"Why I oughta-!" Serika starts before our earpieces rang out.
"That's enough. We have a job to do." Ayane reminds us. "We have to find a lead to whoever hired the Helmet Gangsters."
"That's gonna take a while, won't it?" I sigh, after all, the Helmet Gangsters are similar to the Hyenas and Outcasts, and if they were hired by Kaiser, then the parallels are going to be a bit too on the nose for my comfort. "Well, let's start-."
"No~. Get away!" A voice interrupts me to my confusion as I turn in the direction of the sound of gunfire.
"Get back here!" A thug followed by their troupe yells after another student, wearing a familiar uniform with light brown hair tied into low twintails and bright yellow eyes, a...strange backpack hanging off her shoulder with magazines and grenades on it, the mark of Trinity on each one.
Wait...what's the equivalent of a Catholic school girl doing in the middle of the Black Market
ISAC offered me her name, Ajitani Hifumi, as she ran closer, "No way~. You were talking about ransom!"
She turns forward and her eyes widen, "Excuse me~!" She yelled as she ran in between us, only stopping as Shiroko and her collided, sending the other girl sprawling on the floor, "Ow, sorry…" She trails off as she looks behind to see the thugs chasing her get closer.
"Hey! That's our ransom! Get your own!" The leader yells as she reaches out to grab Hifumi.
Before she can reach her, I grab her hand, crackling ringing out to the thug's confusion. "Hu-ack!"
The Shocker Punch is a very useful holster, doubling as a thigh holster and a taser or even a defibrillator if the need arises, which it has, both for myself and other Agents.
While the leading thug's halo flickers out and she falls to her knees , I let her land on the tarmac, unconscious, her troupe stepping back in shock, "Wha-What the hell was that!?"
Setting the taser in its place, I grab my 93R, "A warning. Now step off, or you're next." I warn them as they glare back.
"Oh yeah? Or wha-!" One of them says, the others behind her falling in a synchronized fashion, Hoshino and Nonomi behind them as the thug turns back to me.
Kicking away her gun before she can shoot, I swing, my gloved fist hitting her jaw as her halo flickers out before she can hit the floor. I sigh as I shake my hand, getting rid of the slight pain in it. Even before the BSAV was injected into me, punching out certain enemies was easy.
"Well," I mutter, "guess that's done." I say as I crouch down and begin patting her down, "Sucks to be them though."
"It does." Shiroko agrees, joining me to the shock of the Trinity student, as we loot the thugs.
"U-Um, thank you, really," she starts, "I would've been in so much trouble with my school if not for you, but should you really be doing that?" The aforementioned student asks as I pause, turning to her as she seems to reel back.
You know, it's always been strange how people say I'm really expressive at normal times, I personally think I'm very subdued. But then, I put on a full-face mask and people can just...tell how I feel when I want them too.
"Pot," I start, standing up while stowing away the loot, "I'm kettle." I add while extending a gloved hand.
She blinks in confusion before realization crosses her face at what I'm insinuating. "My name isn't pot, it's Ajitani Hifumi..."
"So, Hifumi," Hoshino starts, looking at Hifumi in curiosity, "what's a Trinity student doing all the way out here?"
"Well, you see…" She trails off as I look towards the direction the thugs came from, a similar dressed student pointing at us.
"Let's relocate." I warn them while looking around as their eyes follow mine as Serika scoffs.
"We can take them!" Serika says, her own gun wrapped in bandages, for some reason, "Not like they're anything special-."
"No!" Hifumi warns, "If you do that, the Black Market enforcers will crack down on you."
Shiroko doesn't say anything, but her ears perk up and she turns to us slowly, her hand going to her own bandaged weapon as I sigh. "No, Shiroko, we're not starting a fight with a private army unless necessary."
Slowly, Shiroko frowned, hiding her mouth under her mask as Hifumi brought our attention, "Here, over here!"
H-How does she know all of this?
Well…
I go over my own knowledge of crime and shrug. I wasn't any better, though even I knew not to touch the Black Market, though, I wasn't exactly bulletproof.
Regardless, we chase after the Trinity student, evading the Black Market cops and looking around as I note areas of interest.
"Strange, seems like I lost them." Black Suit mutters under his breath, "Impressive."
In the game, cards are being drawn, deals are being made, and SCHALE is no longer within the open view of everyone. The only ones who have left the schoolhouse are Problem Solver 68 before they went to attack the dishes, resetting all three with remarkable efficiency and are on their way back.
This means that SCHALE must have hired them, but how would the dishes be prudent in the act of figuring out who's behind the attacks?
Of course, there's no doubt in Black Suit's mind that Mateo knows that the ones behind the attack are Kaiser, but the students, in their naive, blind hope, hope that it's different. So, why would they wait while someone else does their job?
It makes no sense.
Regardless, in the act of hiring Problem Solver, a new opportunity has opened up, especially if he has them figured out correctly. And if he does this right, it'll coincide with Gehenna's actions.
Opportunities. Opportunities. So much research, a lot to think about.
"We're back, operation has been successful!" Aru says, walking into the Foreclosure Task Force clubroom as Ayane turns to them.
"Welcome back, I noticed our signal was better, but how did it go?" Ayane asks as Mutsuki starts.
"It was so boring four-eyes." Mutsuki pouts, slumping onto a table, "We didn't even blow anything up…"
"At least we all have signals on our phones." Kayoko says as Ayane adds in her two cents.
"And I'd rather you didn't set explosives in our district." Ayane says darkly before returning to her laptop.
Meanwhile, Aru was excitedly seated behind Ayane, trying to look over her shoulder to see how the operation was going, to Kayoko's embarrassment, Mutsuki's amusement and Haruka's confusion. Ayane was too focused to really notice as she operated her drone.
Somewhere, within the Sanctum Tower, Rin is reading over a request for SCHALEs clothing design, to Rin's confusion. While SCHALEs clothes is generally a male version of the GSC, there are also a few differences, mostly in material but also design-wise.
As she read more, she couldn't help but nod in understanding. After all, Mateo Sensei doesn't seem like the type to perform investigations normally, he'll need something to protect him.
In the end, she signs off on it and sends the tailor in charge of SCHALEs clothes over.
Hopefully, it'll end well.
"Guess that's that." I mutter, looking back as I see no one coming after us, "I think we lost them."
'Losing' is a bit of a stretch. After all, we just went to the main road and away from the alleys, a 'gray area' as Hifumi called it while they were running. And she's not wrong.
It's weird how similar Kivotos is to pre-Dollar Flu America, from the laws, to even what's considered 'illegal' merchandise. Still, I didn't have the chance to confirm, but I wonder if they have something similar to the Bill of Rights here?
The idea's been cooking ever since I thought of it, but I really need to confirm it.
Regardless, I turn to Hifumi with a smile, "Thanks for the help, really."
"It's no problem." Hifumi says with her own smile. "You helped me, so I couldn't just leave you there."
"Still," I start inspecting her as I hold a hand to my chin, "what could a Trinity girl like you want that you can't get in Trinity?" I start, gaining the other's attention as all of their eyes land on Hifumi, who's smile sheepishly twitched. "I mean, half of this stuff probably costs double, maybe even triple, anything you can find in Trinity or a Shared Zone, and it's probably just as likely to be defective."
That gave everyone something to think about as Hoshino perked up, "Hoh~. Interesting. Trinity is known for their artillery, right?" No one notices as I stiffen, sucking in my lips as my eyes widen at the mention of artillery. Suddenly, my mind went to my rush on Capitol Hill, the First Sons replaced by fancy girls with haloes as the image suddenly became worse. Then memories of the Castle Settlement pre-New York popped up…
Well, that's enough thinking.
"W-Well, Nagisa's artillery regiment is known for consistently having the highest score in practice…" She trails off. Right, Nagisa is either on my 'stay away if possible' list or 'use everything available to take down' list. Capitol Hill, the Castle Settlement...Jesus, those two fucked me up bad, huh? Not to mention Coney Park…
Artillery is scary.
"Then what kind of illegal contraband could you be looking for?" Serika asks, "Most tanks are capable enough on their own," she says, rubbing her own side, probably thinking about her own experience with a Flak 41, "you looking for an out of production model?"
"Uh, no-."
"Classified intel?" Shiroko asks in interest.
"Well, not exa-."
"Now now, let the poor girl breathe." Hoshino says, gently patting the taller girl's shoulder before smiling, "It's obvious such a kind facade hides a cruel personality, so a biochemical agent is better."
"Wha-!"
Nonomi claps her hands together and places them on her cheek, "Oooh~, that makes sense. She does seem fairly friendly with her school's executive."
"I-."
"Nn, smart." Shiroko points out. "Get close enough, rig the chemicals in the tanks for a practice drill, set them off, and then take her hostage. Efficient." Shiroko says to Hifumi's growing shame as she tries to refute them.
"N-No, that's not-."
"How cruel." Serika adds with a grimace, slowly stepping away from Hifumi. "Looks can be deceiving."
"Wai-Listen to me!"
"So this is the outside world." Shiroko states. "Seems like we're far too sheltered for such things."
"There, there." Hoshino says, patting Shiroko's arm. "It'll be alright."
"I'm not looking for something like that!" Hifumi finally manages, breathing deeply before going through her weirdly-chicken shaped backpa-Damn, she's prepared.
A water bottle, medicine, tools, bandages, medicine, extra ammunition, extra rounds for different weapons, extra magazines, I think I see a change of clothes in there too.
The only other person I've seen that has that much is myself, though she does seem to have a few too many things, taking up too much space. I can have as much space as I do because of the fact that my canteen is connected to the outside of my backpack, the ax I pilfered from a Hunter doubles as a weapon and a general survival tool along with the survival knife and karambit I keep hidden. Not to mention the modifications I make to my backpack and my own clothes to stow away more stuff in them to keep my backpack light.
To say I have backpacking down to an art is an understatement. As an Agent, I'm constantly prepared to lose contact for a few days and still manage to survive, from being able to discern good supplies from bad ones at a glance, to being able to keep count of my ammunition at all times with or without ISAC, the only one whose better than I am is Patchy, or Patricia, the Survivalist that I worked with the most and also helped train me. Patchy is good, like 'no Go-Bag, nothing, and survived for a week' good, so the idea that she's better than I am is insulting to her.
No one is better than Patchy when it comes to survival, whether it's on her own or with others, and people who don't know Patchy think I'm one of the best.
Regardless, I return to the present as she brings out-, "I'm sorry, but what is that?" I ask before I could finish my thought as Hifumi is showing her 'contraband'.
It's a bird choking on ice cream, its eyes practically bulging in what's either panic or confusion with wings…
I glance back up at Hifumi's double layered yellow halo and then back to the ugliest thing I've ever seen in my life, and I've seen ugly.
Are...Are the wings on her halo from this little creature?
Hifumi pouts, glaring angrily at me with the same ferocity as a kitten, "It's not a 'that', it's Peroro, from Momo Friends!" She says, bringing it closer to me with a smile I usually saw with my students when they were talking about something they really want to share.
When you're in a fucked up situation like Dollar Flu America, you learn some fucked up things as people turn to fairly disturbing hobbies to deal with the stress. Like researching mascot-related murders, like the Hello Kitty one, where in Korea, I think, a woman was forced into a Hello Kitty outfit and beaten daily for...a long time and when it was found…
I can't remember all the details, and admittedly? I don't think I want to.
Still, at least the creator of Hello Kitty didn't torture their own, mascot, right?
"M-Momo?" I ask, confused, "Wh-Where is the Momo in this thing? Much less the 'Friends' part?"
"What!?" Hifumi jumped up, "How can you not see it?" She starts, as she moves her backpack to show it to me, "His large eyes full of laughter," she says, pointing into the eyes of a deadman looking for the sweet release of death, "a versatile beak, omnivorous in nature," wait, hold on, "and these cute wings, incapable of flight, but still cute!"
"I-I'm sorry, there's just…" I stutter out in shock, "Omnivor-Beaks aren't supposed to be omnivorous! And how does that add to the 'Friends' part? That just sounds threatening."
"How would you know?" Hifumi asks as she pouts, to the amusement of the Foreclosure Task Force, who glanced at each other knowingly, "It's not like you're an expert. And it's friendly because Peroro eats things that are bad for the environment."
"Did it eat something that's toxic? Looks like it did." Hifumi gasps before glaring at me.
"You take that back! Peroro only ate contaminated waste once!" Hifumi argues. "He's the cutest one in the show!"
"Oh really?" I ask, "Wh-."
"Now, now." Nonomi got in between us, "I didn't know you liked Momo Friends too, Hifumi."
"You do too Nonomi!" Hifumi says, her eyes shining as the two get into it, to me, Hoshino's and Serika's confusion.
"...Sensei, are we too old to understand what they're talking about or is this just indecipherable?" Hoshino asks as I shrug.
"They lost me at cinematic universes, alternate universes, and 'what if's." I admit, Serika beside us with her own complicated expression as even Nonomi seems to have trouble keeping up with the eager Hifumi.
"Well, Hoshino was never into cutesy things and Sensei doesn't seem like the type to really pay attention to things like that." Serika notes as I look away.
While I was never too into it, my cousin loved My Little Pony and we'd always watch it together when I'd visit. Not to mention my own obsession with Power Rangers I never truly grew out of, the openings were always bangers.
"Still, she seems to know her way around here." I note, "Think she'll be willing to show us around?"
"I know a way we can guarantee her silence." Shiroko says, her hand going for her gun as Hoshino's eyes glinted.
"Good thinking, Shiroko."
"We are not kidnapping a Trinity student." Ayane came quickly as the two deflated.
"Eeeh?" Hoshino says as she slumps. "How boring."
Shiroko, meanwhile, "Hifumi," she starts, "put this on your gun." She starts, handing her a roll of dirty bandages, "It only looks dirty. It isn't." Shiroko says as Hifumi reluctantly grabs it.
"S-Sure, why?" She asks as Shiroko nods.
"We need your help. We're looking for certain places and we don't know where to find them." Shiroko explains vaguely as Hifumi nods before smiling.
"Sure, I'm willing to help, but why the bandages?" Hifumi asks, all the while using the bandages and wrapping them around her Enfield L85A2 assault rifle, a weapon that's, supposedly, more reliable than an M4 or an M16, but it's a British weapon, so I never saw it during my time as an Agent. Once she hides the name of her school and any symbols that might connect her to the school, Shiroko nods.
"Nn. You're one of us now or you're a hostage." Shiroko says, to Hifumi's surprise.
"Excuse me?!" She yelps as Ayane's drone comes closer.
"She means," Ayane interrupts, "we need your help, none of us really know our way around here and we're looking for information."
"Oh." Hifumi says before smiling. "If that's all, then sure. I'd be willing."
Shiroko's ears droop, and not in shame, as Ayane begins the process of connecting Hifumi to our comms. For now, she thinks the FTF are students like her, forced into this place, and me as insurance, it'll stay that way unless something changes.
"Right, we'll separate here." I say as I nod to them, "You know what to look for."
"Alright." Hoshino says as Hifumi begins leading them as I can see her glance back in worry.
"Um, is he gonna be okay?" I can hear her ask.
"You argued with each other and now you're worried about him?" Serika asks, not seeing the irony in her statement.
"Well, it's not like I want him to get hurt." Hifumi admits sheepishly. "And he doesn't feel like a bad person, a bit aggressive but…" She trails off, as if looking for the words, "He feels trustworthy."
Hoshino scoffs, "Don't worry then. If something does happen, I'm more worried for the ones who'll try to stop him."
I stop listening in, a smile under my mask and head to my next destination. Hand on Shocker Punch to either give anyone who tries to mess with me a shocking revelation or a burst of bullets to the head.
The bar I chose to enter wasn't anything to really write home about, it's clean, out of the way, even by Black Market standards, and above all, there was no way to listen in.
Walking in, I relax a bit, my steps becoming silent as habit returns and I take a seat at the bar, the bartender, a robot, glancing at me as he asks, "What would you like?"
"A seven and seven." I answer, hoping that they have it here.
Thankfully, the barista doesn't ask as he brings out whiskey and a 7Up, or, I think it's a 7Up.
Anyway, I mentally start, "ISAC, can you access the cameras?"
"Affirmative." ISAC answers, breaking through the bar's security system with ease as the ScanTek did its work in tandem with the ISAC brick as Arona manifested, leaning forward in interest as I almost overlooked what she was wearing.
While she still wore her blue school uniform, she also had a pair of glasses, a bandanna around her neck, and a blue hat with the word 'SCHALE' on it.
Where…
"ECHO detected. Reconstructing events." ISAC says as the bartender finishes with my drink as I move my mask, to his surprise, only revealing the lower half of my face as I take a sip from the cocktail.
I take a moment to enjoy the taste and the alcohol that comes with it. Beer and wine on its own has never been my thing, but cocktails that taste nothing like alcohol? Sensational.
Regardless, I keep my eyes and ears out as ISAC continues compiling a list of dates and events. Something I've been doing in places where 'shady business' would be conducted. Specifically, business with Kaiser.
If the date has already passed, then I'll go there and investigate on my own. But if it's sometime between today and the day after tomorrow, well, Problem Solver will have some extra jobs to do.
Still, quite a few weapon trades have been happening in the Abydos desert. Sure, I could compile this information and threaten Kaiser with it, but that's never been my style, whether that be in New York, D.C., or anywhere else, I like talking my way through situations like those, calmly going through my options and then using my charm and rationality to convince the other side that one option is better. Diplomatically, like an adult.
But with people like Kaiser?
I will personally tie the noose around their neck without them noticing and make retaliating in any way shape or form a detriment to their very existence.
They will either accept my goodwill, or become victims.
Not attackers, not soldiers, not mercenaries, not even people trying to defend themselves or even enemies, but victims.
I bring the cocktail to my mouth to hide the sadistic smirk coming from my mouth.
After all, one of the few things I'm good for is leaving a trail of victims in my wake.
Within Abydos, Mutsuki leans forward in interest, "The Trinity girl knows the Black Market better than we do."
"And she's saying some pretty important things." Kayoko says, leaning forward in interest, "Things only the Tea Party would know."
The two were the only ones in the room after Aru and Haruka decided to get some food. Soon, the time to meet up came up and Kayoko felt her phone ring as she glanced at it, her eyes widening as she brought the phone to her face.
"Hm, what is it?" Mutsuki asks as she looks at it and her own smile becomes one of amusement. "Hoo~, those are a lot of places. What's the occasion?"
"A continuation of today's job." Kayoko explains as Mutsuki's smile brightens. "We'll have to talk with Sensei once he's back."
Soon, the time to come together arrives.
I hate alcohol. That singular thought courses through my being as I finished packing away the chocolate-filled taiyaki, one in my mouth and the other in my Go-Bag. With a bag full of similar shaped sweets in my hand, handing it over to Arona via the Shittim Chest while she pointed a gun at me, her bandanna pulled up like some wannabe gangbanger.
"Here, take it." I say as Arona brightens.
"Yay!"
"I'm not buying you anything tomorrow." I add as I can see her face drop.
"Wait, Mate-." I cut off the connection as I can see the FTF arrive as I slip the gum into my mouth, hoping it'll hide the scent of alcohol in my breath.
"Hey girls," I start, handing another bag of taiyaki to them, "want some?"
"Thanks~!" Hoshino says, shamelessly grabbing the bag before turning to me, "Did you get some?"
"Yeah. It was pretty good." I admit, ignoring how Shiroko's nose twitches, "What about you Ayane? Want me to buy you some?"
"No, I'll be fine, Aru brought us some snacks." She says as Aru's voice rang out.
"Your help has been very useful in our job." Aru says as I could hear Mutsuki giggle.
"And she'd feel guilty if she ate in front of someone and didn't bring extra to share." Mutsuki adds to Aru's dismay.
"Mutsuki!" Aru yelps as Ayane sighs.
"You know," Serika starts, "I never thought a Black Market would have places like these."
"Areas where they can invite unsuspecting students to browse more questionable wares rather than outright illegal, tickling their interest until they go into the Black Market proper only to be blackmailed, kidnapped or ransomed?" I point out as they frowned at the taiyaki. "In a place like this, no one is innocent, you've just gotta count your sins and hope no one else is willing to." After all, information has its own worth comparable to gold.
There's a beat of silence as I could hear Aru croon, "That was so outlaw-like."
I could hear some scribbling along with Mutsuki's giggling and Kayoko's sighs. I decided to ignore it, "So, Ayane. How'd it go on your end?"
"Not very well." Ayane says as I hum.
"It's strange," Hifumi starts, scrunching her face in concentration with her own taiyaki, "the weapons and modifications can be found here but it's like the specific ones you're looking for just...don't exist." Hifumi explains, "There's no receipt, no records, no paper trail."
"Like they were wiped awa-."
"Sensei, why do you smell like alcohol?" Serika asks, as I stiffen. Slowly, I see Serika's eyes narrow and Hoshino leans forward in interest.
"Oh~, I see how it is," Hoshino starts before holding the back of her hand to her head, "What a cruel adult, out having fun while his students are working their butt off!"
"Sensei~." I hear Ayane growl.
"Whoo~, how daring, drinking in the middle of a mission~." Mutsuki's voice cheered out, a mischievous tone.
"You all probably have it wrong. It's obvious he was gathering information." Aru says, confidently.
"Yeah, the drink was just an added bonus." I admit with a shrug. "Now, Hi-Hifumi?" I ask, suddenly aware of Hifumi's wide eyes.
"Wait, you're Sensei?" She asks, in realization and some fear.
"Depends on how deep you want to be embroiled in all of...this." I answer as I point at all of us. "If you don't want to, that's fine, we can escort you back to the outskirts, no pressure, no questions asked."
"So…" She starts, a bit more confident, "you're not going to tell anyone and I'm not going to be in trouble?"
"No." I answer.
"Not even for saying that you're not an expert?" She adds, sheepishly and to my amusement.
"That thing's…well it ain't my style but it's something you like." I say with a shrug as I could see Hifumi's pout, "You're not gonna stop loving it and I'm not looking to stop you. Everything that happens in between is just between two people, not a student and a teacher."
She seems to relax before smiling. "Then, yes. I want to help." She says with resolve.
"Then, as you know, I'm Vernes Mateo." I introduce myself, "You already know their names, but this is the Foreclosure Task Force of Abydos and maybe you've heard of them, but back in mission control is Problem Solver 68, a fixer group. Together, we're trying to investigate who paid the Helmet Gangsters to attack the Abydos school."
"Wow…" Hifumi says, impressed, "That's a very diverse group, Sensei."
"It's not that surprising." I say with a shrug before Hifumi leans forward.
"No, it is, it absolutely is." She starts, with bright eyes, "Nagisa always talks about how there's always tension between schools even if I've never understood it, so cooperation has always been difficult."
"You see…" I trail off before shrugging, "I dunno. I'm just lucky."
That, and I have experience leading very...complicated groups. From the occasional friendly Rogue I met in the DZ to the True Sons with Captain Lewis and even a few rebels on occasion.
"Can we leave that for later." Serika's voice interrupted us, frustration clear in her tone, and causing Hifumi to flush slightly in embarrassment.
"Yeah, leave your flirting for later~." Hoshino teases, causing Hifumi's slight blush to explode into a full-face blush.
"F-Flir-."
Before she can continue, I snap my fingers, returning attention to me. "So, we have wiped records on our hands, in a place controlled by corporations and criminal groups. Who could have done it?"
"It's not really who," Hifumi starts, "but why? This is the Black Market, corporations have no trouble conducting illegal deals out in the open. Like the Stygian Bank over there." Hifumi says, pointing to a building that stands out for being not only the most maintained, but the constant swathe of people going in and out.
ISAC proceeds to outline it as a point of interest as more information was made available to me as I read it while listening to Hifumi, "It's one of the largest banks in the Black Market. It's said about fifteen percent of all illicit profits from Kivotos' criminal activities flow through that bank."
Fi-Fifteen? You're fucking kidding me? I can practically feel my eyes bug out as I look at Hifumi, her information similar to what ISAC is showing me. "The take from extortion, armed robbery, abductions, and so on are then used to fund illegal weapons and arms for additional criminal activities."
"Like a never-ending cycle." I can't help but finish as I begin to pace.
"Goodness. So the bank's just as complicit as anyone else." Nonomi notes, her positivity going down a notch.
"Yeah. If you think about it, the bank itself is really a whole criminal organization unto itself." Hifumi adds, my own anger rising as my pacing only increases.
Shiroko doesn't say anything as Serika rants, "That's ridiculous! Why isn't the General Student Council doing anything?!"
"I'm sure they have their reasons. You never know." Hoshino says as I can feel my patience snap.
"Yeah, sure, a reason for there to be a city working as a Black Market with an entire system in place." I mutter under my breath, reigning in my anger, Serika, Nonomi and Hifumi giving me worried looks as I stop pacing.
Rin...she'd never let this slide, the only way I can see her letting it slide is because it'd benefit Kivotos as a whole. Yeah. Just leave it at that.
"Armored vehicle nearing position." ISAC says as Ayane pops up.
"Hang on a second, everyone! There are armed forces heading your way!" She says, "I don't think they'll notice you, but you should take cover, just in case."
Soon, some heavy vehicles come in, surrounded by some fairly heavy escorts as we begin to move but Hifumi stills, her eyes widening in recognition. "Market Guards!?" Hifumi starts, suddenly afraid.
"Market Guards?" Nonomi asks.
"They act as the top enforcer for all the groups I just mentioned! Hurry!" She insists as we follow after her. Once in cover, I catch sight of the armored truck and freeze.
The license plate…
It's the same one I stared at for half an hour this morning.
I felt numb as I stared while ISAC spoke, even Arona materialized, holding a hand to her mouth in horror, "That is the vehicle the Foreclosure Task Force's cash is transported in."
Then, the girls gasped as they saw a semi-familiar face, the teller that came to pick up the cash.
Their cash. Being brought into a bank that feeds into a cycle of crime.
The teller and the guard talk for a bit as they sign the dotted lines and get everything done as I lose all sense of time beyond calculating how long it'd take to rig the whole place to blow.
Soon, they're in as the other girls begin standing up as I feel the world spiral around me.
"Hifumi," I started, my voice nothing like the calm it usually is, actually, I don't even know how it sounds, the only thing I can hear is the rushing of blood in my ears.
"U-Um, yes?" Hifumi asks, almost fearfully as even the other students seem afraid. "What is it, Sensei?"
"Kaiser Loans is part of Kaiser Corporation, right?" I could hear my glove straining as I tighten my hand into a fist, leaning onto a wall. "Does the Corporation have a shady history?"
"U-Um, yes? Well-." I stop her, raising a hand.
Then, it burst. I tried to keep calm, I really did, with all my heart.
Wordlessly, I punch the wall, a sickening crack ringing out to the FTFs shock and Hifumi as I leave my fist on the wall as I release a hiss of air, the pain keeping me centered as I bring back my hand, shaking it to get rid of the remaining pain while staring at the crack I left.
No matter if Kaiser is the one behind it or not, the cash these girls have been gathering through their own sweat, blood, and tears is being used to fund criminal activities, possibly even the attacks on their own school!
It feels just like America all over again, trying so hard to stay within the parameters of ISAC, who was originally a binary AI and trying to help only to find out that your benefactor, the creator of your very organization, isn't on your side. That the Dollar Flu epidemic might have been averted earlier. That the government knew about Amherst and just...didn't do anything!
There is only silence as I begin to stomp away, "S-Sensei, where are you going?" Serika asks.
"I'm blowing this place up."
"What!?" Hifumi yelps as the others begin to move to try to stop me, "You can't-?"
"Can't or shouldn't are two different things Hifumi." I interrupt. "And you're right, I can't, but with enough C4, most problems tend to go away."
"Sensei, this isn't-." Hoshino tries but I stop her.
"It's not what?" I hiss, trying to keep my voice level, they don't deserve my anger, not even my frustration. Hell, there might be a better way to do this, but at that moment, I don't care. "Right? Legal? Maybe, but I'll feel better if that thing's no longer standing."
"Sensei," Shiroko starts in front of me, but when my gaze lands on her, she flinches, almost reluctantly, she adds, "there's a better way to do this."
Before I could ask, she reaches into her bag and brings out a mask, a blue one with the number two on it. Silence pervades the area, all of them waiting for my answer as I stay silent.
"No." I start, gently pushing the mask away, "We won't do it."
Her ears droop and I can feel the spirits of the students drop.
Gently, I clasp my hand over hers, "Is what I'd wish I can say."
By nature of events, balaclavas usually signify an aggressive bank robbery. That's not really my style, not only as a sharpshooter, but as a person.
Diplomacy was one of my better skills.
As it just turns out, conning also plays a part in it. After all, I did learn from scam artists and con men among other people.
"If we're doing this," I start as Shiroko perks up as I gently move my mask to the side, and smile, "I'd rather we rob them blind without them even noticing."
Shiroko's eyes shine at the idea as I can see the gears turning in her head. "And how could we do that?"
"Depends," I admit with a shrug, "we could enter as Market Guards, maintenance, or we could walk in as someone important. Doesn't matter, right now since those take preparation and time." I say as I reach back into my bag and bring out the Angel ballistics mask. "Time we don't have."
Shiroko's mouth twitches upward as she grabs her own mask.
The others sigh in relief as they look at each other, "Well," Nonomi starts, green mask in hand, "it's either rob a bank or we let Sensei bomb it."
"Can't we have an option where neither of those happens?" Hifumi whines, "What am I gonna tell Nagisa when I see her?"
"Simple," Hoshino says, grabbing her own pink mask, "you don't."
"And if you do," Serika started, her own red mask in hand, "what's she gonna do? Be angry? We're the good guys here."
"We're robbing a bank, Serika." I interrupt, chuckling while shaking my head, "There's no world where that is considered 'good'."
Ayane sighs as she appears in a hologram instead of simply a voice, the image capturing Ayane with a confused Mutsuki, Kayoko, Haruka and Aru behind her. "Seems like we don't have much of a choice."
Then, Kayoko spits out her drink, Mutsuki's jaw unwound as it becomes a smile and Aru's eyes widen as Ayane slips on a yellow balaclava. "I now dub thee, the Masked Mizugi Gang."
"Over my dead body." I retort with a frown.
"Wait, I'm included too?" Hifumi asks as we turn to her.
"Yeah. What, you don't wanna rob a bank?" I ask as she turns to me.
"No!"
"Look," I say, motioning to her backpack, "you've got your own bag ready and everything. Maybe this'll spark a new line of Pero-whatever merch. Just think about it."
She seems like she wants to argue but pauses, "Well," she trails off, fidgeting, "that doesn't sound too bad~."
"You're robbing a Black Market bank?" Kayoko interjects. "You guys better have a plan, 'cause it ain't gonna be easy."
"Nn." Shiroko says as she begins explaining her plan to Kayoko, the two going back and forth.
Meanwhile, "Here!" Nonomi says as she slips a paper bag over Hifumi's head, "Your mask."
"What!" Hifumi starts as Hoshino steps closer.
"Well, you're the only one without one, and we can't exactly have Trinity be blamed for all of this." Hoshino says.
"That'd be bad." Hifumi agrees.
"Oooh! Oooh! Can we join~!?" Mutsuki says as Aru panics.
"No." Shiroko interjects. "It needs to be now."
"Awww~." Mutsuki says while Aru seems simultaneously relieved and disappointed.
"How about this then," I interject, "we wait for ten minutes, and if you get here in time, we'll let you join."
"Really?" Aru asks in shock.
"Yeah," I say with a goofy smile, "think of it like a...rehearsal. Besides, it's be far easier if all of you were here."
"Whoo~, count me in!" Mutsuki says as she begins to pull Aru along. "C'mon Aru, it's time for our debut as outlaws!"
"W-wait, d-don't we need masks?" Aru asks.
Mutsuki ignores her and pulls her along as Haruka follows after them, leaving Kayoko to sigh. "Sensei," Kayoko starts, "I hope you know what you're doing."
"Don't worry, also," I start, smirking, "bring a few bags stuffed with fake money."
Kayoko's eyes widened in realization. "...Fifteen minutes. That's how long it'll take to get to the Black Market."
"Yup." I say with a savage grin. "Now, I'll see ya in a bit."
Kayoko nods as she chases after the rest of her clubmates.
"Sensei," Shiroko starts, "would you do the honors?"
"Right now or after we hear the plan?" I ask.
"Right now."
Nodding, I hold a hand to my chin, "Then, ladies, let's get our payday!"