Text"What the hell do you mean?!!"
Chuuya shoots to his feet and slams his hands on Nedzu's desk, he hardly feels the sting of his palms against the wood. He's too pissed to focus on that right now.
Nedzu raises his hands- paws?- in surrender, "Now now! There is no reason to get violent!"
Chuuya's eye twitches, "I think there fucking is."
You may be wondering how exactly Chuuya got in this predicament, after all, the last time he was in a room with the principal was when the original deal was proposed. Chuuya hasn't made it a point to spend time around the guy, not when he seems so content to play weird mind games and chess with Dazai.
But, as it often happens, Chuuya is out doing the dirty work for Dazai.
Alright. Part of him feels bad for saying that, it's not like Dazai is off being a nuisance or anything. He's cooped up in a sick bed under the watchful eye of Recovery Girl. When faced with that, even Dazai would be willing to go out and do the dirty work.
A larger part of him recognises that Dazai is (thankfully) on the mend, which allows the anger and annoyance from the fight to trickle back in.
It certainly didn't help that when Aizawa, yet again, came for a visit Dazai pretended to be asleep. Because of his promise to 'do better' or whatever, Aizawa has been acting… strange. Well, maybe not that strange but he'd been acting different.
Now whenever Chuuya says something Aizawa looks at him with that feels like his full attention. Instead of just nodding or shrugging when asked a question, Aizawa now answers in full sentences. He acts like everything Chuuya has to say is the most important thing in the world, which is way off putting.
That new found attention had come in handy though, Aizawa had barely questioned it when Chuuya asked to speak with Nedzu.
In fact, he had gone a step further and offered to message Yamada so he could be there too- with the stipulation that Chuuya agreed first.
Yesterday, when he and Dazai were passing that crossword book back and forth, they had decided on what exactly should happen from here on out.
As much as Chuuya might not like it, it would be foolish not to take advantage of Dazai's attempt. Right now the Pros and 1A kids alike are shaken, they're extra sympathetic and worried about saying or doing the wrong thing. They're easier to manipulate.
If the Pros think Dazai is a ticking time bomb then they'll back off a bit, give the two of them some wiggle room. While the mission objective isn't to gather information from UA, it certainly wouldn't hurt to look into a few files. That wiggle room would be vital for that, it also wouldn't hurt getting a little more freedom.
Absent-mindedly, Chuuya rubs the cuffs around his wrists.
"You ok kid?"
Chuuya glances up at Aizawa, "Hm? Yea."
Aizawa face twitches a little, "If you're ner-"
Whatever Aizawa has to say gets cut off by the sharp swing of a door opening. Chuuya's eyes shoot to his right, the door on that side is wide open and inside…
Is Nedzu and Yamada, both sitting in the middle of the room.
Aizawa sighs deeply beside him, something that tips Chuuya off that doors opening by themselves is a common occurrence.
Nedzu waves from his desk, "Do come in you two! I've already prepared the tea!"
Yamada's head nearly whips around, which he retroactively tries to fix by glancing away and looking back at normal speed, "Nakahara! It's been a while!"
It hasn't actually, but Chuuya understands what he means. With the interviews and then Dazai's attempt things have felt a lot longer than usual. Based on what Chuuya knows of him, Yamada's probably itching to ask how he's doing.
Chuuya nods in his direction before walking into the office, Aizawa trailing close behind.
(It does not escape his notice that the door automatically closes, it must be a common thing after all.)
Chuuya sits down and, not even a moment later, Yamada clears his throat, "So, how are you?"
Called it.
Chuuya shrugs, in truth he feels pretty fine. Part of him is still worried about Dazai, but that's coming back down to the usual level. His previous feelings of annoyance due to the argument are coming back, but nothing close to how annoyed he is by Dazai on the regular. He's also a little tired, if he's being honest. "Fine."
Yamada nods in a way that clearly shows he does not believe Chuuya.
Chuuya tries not to be annoyed at that, just because Dazai tried to off himself (again) that doesn't mean Chuuya is all depressed or whatever.
But, as he said before, having the teacher's pity will come in useful so he'll have to suck it up for now.
"That's good to hear," Nedzu pushes a teacup in his direction, "Here, drink up!"
Chuuya takes the tea, which is nowhere near as good as what Ane-san can make, with a nod.
Nedzu takes a sip of his own tea before placing the cup down and speaking, "So, Nakahara, what brings you here today?"
Chuuya resists the urge to roll his eyes, "I think it's obvious why I'm here."
"I suppose that's true! Although," Nedzu tilts his head, "Are you here to tell us something or ask questions?"
There is something rubbing Chuuya the wrong way about this guy, maybe the way he acts silly and 'cute' when he's actually incredibly intelligent.
Whatever, he'll figure out what's bugging him later.
"Both, I guess, but first I wanna know what you're gonna do next," Chuuya answers.
Yamada chimes in from beside him, "What we're going to do next?"
Chuuya glances at him, "Yep. Like what are you doing about those HPSC fuckers?" Chuuya certainly won't be letting them run around like last time, if he has to break some rules (and bones) to do that then so be it.
"Well," Chuuya turns his attention back to Nedzu as he speaks, "That does depend on what you will be willing to tell us."
"Aizawa said you won't be forcing us to say anything," Chuuya didn't exactly believe the man when he said it, but to immediately go back on his word like this is kinda shocking. Chuuya had higher expectations than that.
Aizawa's voice is sharp and serious when he cuts in, "And we won't."
Nedzu is quick to nod, "Indeed! I have various plans, all of which differ based on what you tell us. If you wish to say nothing, well, that works just fine!"
Alright, that makes sense. It's also the sort of thing Dazai would come up with.
Nedzu, after a pointed look from Aizawa, flips open one of the many folders on his desk, "Our main priority will be to ensure the safety of both of you boys, we can do this in various ways."
Chuuya resists the urge to roll his eyes, where was this concern when Dazai got shot and Chuuya had his arm broken?
"Now," Nedzu continues, "It is not possible to just tell the HPSC to leave you two alone, so-"
"Well why not?" Chuuya interrupts. Look, Chuuya understands that sometimes you need to play nice even when you don't want to. Contrary to popular belief, Yokohama is not completely devoid of politics and social niceties, so yea, he knows it has to happen occasionally. In this situation, though, it sounds so stupid. First of all, the HPSC has no reason to be sticking their nose in this and, more obviously, that interview was the catalyst to Dazai's attempt.
To Chuuya, it feels like a simple case of, 'Yea no, we're not gonna let you have another go.'
Nedzu gives him a placating smile, which sparks Chuuya's temper, "While Mt. Lady didn't work directly for them, the HPSC is responsible for the safety of Pro Heroes. Getting information, not only for Mt. Lady's case, but also on potential threats is a standard procedure."
"Bullshit," Chuuya near snaps, "I don't think this whole fuckin' thing is 'standard procedure', so whys it matter now?" Considering the backlash people had when Nedzu decided on allowing them to stay at UA, Chuuya really doubts it's a common thing that happens.
"While that might be true, it's important that we follow these procedures and laws precisely. If we do not then the HPSC could well make a legal case to have you both removed from UA and placed into their care," Nedzu explains.
That- That isn't good. Dammit. This whole mission is meant to be taking those League of Villains fuckers down a peg or two (or many), it's only because of Dazai' convoluted plans that they're even here right now. At UA they have it good, better than any 'guests' the Port Mafia has ever taken, but who knows how the HPSC might treat them. Of course, Chuuya doubts either himself or Dazai could be truly phased by anything at this point, but having new constrictions will make this mission a lot fucking harder.
Especially if they find out about Corruption…
Chuuya pushes those thoughts away, now isn't the time for that. Besides, only two people know about Corruption and Arahabaki. As annoying as he is, Dazai would never leak that information to an enemy like that. No, he has always preferred them getting a first hand experience.
Something has to be done though, Chuuya can't bank on Dazai being back to his usual self the next time an interview happens.
"Nedzu," Aizawa's voice brings Chuuya's attention back to the present, "explain your plans already."
"Very well!" Nedzu responds, he shuffles a few papers and flips them so Chuuya is able to read them, "As you can see, I have written down a wide variety of plans. I have also organised them in order of which has a higher chance of success."
Chuuya leans forward, keenly aware of both Aizawa's and Yamada's eyes on him, and picks a paper at random. He flicks his eyes over the paper, they catch on a certain plan almost immediately.
Plan 1.3
Reveal all information (Dazai's attempt, condition both prior and after interview, affect on both Dazai and Nakahara etc.) to HPSC. Make a case that further heavy involvement by the HPSC will lead to a deterioration…
Chuuya, who doesn't bother to finish reading it, whips his head up to Nedzu, "This one, what does it mean?"
Nedzu leans forward to see the question before nodding, "Ah yes, plan 1.3! By laying everything out in the open we could argue that the HPSC is dangerous to both yours and Dazai's mental health, the idea that you are being damaged by-"
"What the hell do you mean?!!" Chuuya shoots to his feet and slams his hands on Nedzu's desk, he hardly feels the sting of his palms against the wood. He's too pissed to focus on that right now.
Nedzu looks genuinely shocked for a second, which is very satisfying, before raising his hands- paws?- in surrender, "Now now! There is no reason to get violent!"
Chuuya's eye twitches, "I think there fucking is." Maybe Chuuya was quick to the jump there, he shouldn't have let his temper flare up there.
He couldn't help it though, this situation is bad enough already.
"Kid-" Aizawa starts, Chuuya ignores him.
"Dazai isn't some damaged fucking goods! And that- that interview didn't fuck him up or something, so stop acting like it did!"
Chuuya notices Yamada awkwardly start to stand in his peripheral vision, "Nakahara, I know you two have been through a lot. It's ok if you have triggers or-"
"No-" Chuuya cuts off in frustration, "You don't get it. Dazai is- he's always depressed or some shit, always looking for some new method to off himself. That interview wasn't some trigger or some shit, it just- it set off what was already gonna happen."
He doesn't like revealing this about Dazai, not really. Having a known weakness is dangerous in the Port Mafia, everyone already knows about Dazai's interest in death, if they knew about his low moods then that could be risky. If they knew they could get to Dazai in some tangible way then it would only be a matter of time until it happens.
Chuuya knows he's not in the Port Mafia right now, he also knows that the Pros have probably already put together the pieces without Chuuya saying anything. Still, it feels weird and wrong to actually say it out loud. Especially when there is, apparently, a risk that Nedzu will turn around and snitch to the HPSC.
A shape intake of breath preludes Aizawa speaking, "And no one has offered him help before?"
Chuuya's eyebrow scrunches, "Of course not." Why the hell would a mafia organisation care about someone being suicidal? Well- that's not true, the boss tends to show a lot of… attention to Dazai in that regard. Which is strange, given how the man can encourage Dazai to hurt himself and offer up some undisclosed treatment in the same breath.
Anyway, point is, of fucking course there isn't a mafia therapist or some shit.
"Whatever. The point is," Chuuya turns his attention back to Nedzu, "There is no way in hell am I letting you go and spill everything to the HPSC. You're meant to be a fucking genius, figure a different method out."
For a moment there is tense silence, Nedzu's face had turned from overly dramatic shock to an unreadable look at some point during Chuuya's little rant.
Finally, Nedzu nods, "Very well."
Huh.
Chuuya had actually expected more pushback.
"There are plenty more plans, how about this one here?" Nedzu flips a new piece of paper around so that Chuuya can easily read the text, his paw pointing to one paragraph in specific.
Plan 8.2
Ensure the removal of agents Akagi Harue and Kusumi Koharu. Any further 'interviews' will be closely monitored and/or optional.
It sounds decent, but that'll have to depend on how Nedzu plans to get that result. If it involves anything that'll put Dazai at risk, either now or further down the line, then Chuuya will make sure it doesn't go ahead.
… Ugh, Chuuya can't wait until he can go back to hating Dazai and his stupid schemes.
As if reading his mind, Nedzu begins to explain, "Now, this plan is, admittedly, similar to plan 1.3 in execution. The key difference is just how much we tell the HPSC, by keeping things somewhat vague we will have to make a few compromises, such as the monitored interviews."
Chuuya, realising he's still standing, sits down while thinking it over. He still doesn't like the idea of telling the HPSC anything, not when they clearly have ulterior motives. It is a good plan though, something he can't ignore even if he doesn't like it. Having the interviews monitored would limit what the HPSC can say, thus reducing the risk of them pulling something shady. As long as the HPSC fuckers don't know everything then it should be ok.
"Fine."
Nedzu claps his paws together, "Excellent! Now, for this plan I will need to know a few things about what went on in those interviews. Just enough that I can make a convincing case, is that alright?"
Chuuya, still being kinda annoyed by the whole situation, doesn't say anything for a few moments. This, apparently, gets interpreted as hesitation.
"We can do a different plan if you want," Aizawa offers, "Or me and Yamada can leave the room, if that's what you're worried about."
Chuuya huffs, "Who's worried?" Leaning back in his chair, Chuuya begins to talk, "My interview was pretty tame. That, Akagi was it?, kept acting like she wanted to poach me or something, but that's nothing new."
"It isn't?" Yamada asks.
"I have a powerful Ability, obviously people are gonna fight over it," Chuuya shrugs before continuing, "Anyway, from what I know it was similar for Dazai's interview."
Aizawa takes a deep breath, his eyebrows scrunched, "They tried to poach him too?"
"Not quite." Which is rather stupid, if you ask Chuuya. People would kill for the chance to have the Demon Prodigy on their side back home and actually, people have. "She went on about how I'm superior or whatever, that Dazai is too useless to even try and poach."
Both Aizawa and Yamada stiffen next to him, Nedzu shows no outer reaction.
Chuuya continues, "Like I said, this sort of thing wouldn't get to him usually, but the timing was bad."
"I see, thank you for telling us that," Nedzu responds with a nod, "With any luck, the HPSC will allow the interviews to be optional."
"Optional, huh?" Chuuya laughs a little when an idea comes to mind, "You should say we'll only do interviews if Dazai isn't in a suicidal mood, that way we'll never have to do 'em"
Chuuya doesn't miss the glance Aizawa and Yamada share, man, that'll take some getting used to. Back home no one bats an eye at Dazai's suicidal tendencies, now it's all worried looks and serious conversations.
Dazai's going to absolutely hate that.
In contrast to Aizawa and Yamada's worried look, Nedzu grins, "What a great idea! I'm sure I could work something like that in. Is there anything else you would like to discuss?"
At this point Chuuya just wants to get out of here. Dealing with Nedzu is just as tiring as working with Dazai is.
"Nope."
-
Dazai sighs as the handheld console plays a little tune in his hands, another round another win.
Chuuya is still out in that meeting, which leaves Dazai to his own devices- a dangerous thing really.
MIGHTylame
gg
another round?
Might as well, it's not like he has anything else to do other than stare at the ceiling.
FlyingFish
yea sure
yellowMushroom
Count me in!!
We're too good at this
MIGHTylame
all these noobs dont even know how to play
Dazai allows his thoughts to drift once the match starts, it doesn't take much mind power to do well at a game like this.
Honestly, Dazai is not looking forward to getting back to the dorms. Just based on how Aizawa has been acting he can only imagine the pitiful looks that will be sent his way. Are class 1A going to treat Dazai all delicate now? God, he hopes not.
Dazai does not want to be pitied, not over something like this. So he's suicidal, what of it? Dazai has been this way for as long as he remembers, at this point it's a key part of him. It's like being allergic to something or having an Ability. Just another fact about him.
Of course, the Pros don't see it that way.
Well, at least he'll be able to take advantage of this pity for a good cause.
The handheld plays another tune.
MIGHTylame
too fucking easy
yellowMushroom
No one can beat us ( *｀ω´)
Wanna see how many rounds we can do before someone says we're hacking?
MIGHTylame
betting on 3 rounds. those idiots cant comprehend people being any better than that.
FlyingFish
Make that two.
MIGHTylame
bet.
-
"Let Recovery Girl know if you need anything."
Nakahara nods, although Aizawa rather suspects he will do no such thing. Not once had either Dazai or Nakahara asked for something during this stay in the infirmary, a fact that Aizawa can't help but overthink as he begins walking back down the hallway.
Before Dazai's attempt there were things that would worry him about the pair, such as the code on Nakahara's neck or Dazai's one off comments, but he was always able to think logically and put them aside. Now it feels like a new worry arises whenever they do anything.
It certainly doesn't help now that he knows what happened in those interviews and, more pressingly, how Dazai is treated back in Yokohama.
It's not that it's surprising to know 'Dazai is always depressed or some shit, always looking for some new method to off himself' as Nakahara said, it's more so… upsetting. The fact Nakahara acted like this is something normal, just Dazai's standard state of being instead of something he should be getting regular help for… It doesn't sit right with Aizawa.
He reacted strongly to the implication that Dazai was 'damaged', which naturally leads Aizawa into thinking that this isn't the first time someone has said that. He was so quick to refuse the idea that the things agent Kusumi said affected him.
And what agent Akagi said to him, maybe Aizawa is reading into it, but the way Nakahara phrased it… 'I have a powerful Ability, obviously people are gonna fight over it.' Fight over the Ability, not the kid who comes with it. How often has this happened that Nakahara is completely unphased by it? Or does he not know that measuring someone up by what they can do, what they can offer, is not normal or right?
Aizawa purposely steadies his breathing, he can't be getting worked up right now.
Now that he's noticed it, it feels impossible to ignore all these worrying things. Not that he would want to, he promised Nakahara he would do better and he meant it. No matter what happens, no matter what Aizawa finds out, he'll make sure to be there for those two. He'll be someone they can trust, someone who will show them how they deserve to be treated.
Ah, maybe he could even do a few targeted lessons in Morality and Ethics. Something about mental health, although it would probably be best to wait a little while before doing that. Doing a lesson on how to treat other people may help the boys realise how wronged they have been by others, but then again Aizawa suspects they would just ignore that lesson entirely. Maybe a film could work? Hizashi will probably know a few good ones that include relevant topics.
If Dazai an-
Right.
Aizawa had, somehow, forgotten about his previous worries about how often Dazai has been sleeping. He had meant to bring it up with Recovery Girl but, with speaking to Nedzu and still teaching 1A, he hadn't found time just yet.
It's likely Dazai is pretending to sleep, Aizawa acknowledges as he turns and begins his way back to the infirmary, it does sound like something he would do. Aizawa would rather be safe than sorry though, if he's sleeping more due to some after effects then Recovery Girl should be informed as soon as possible.
It's a short walk back to the infirmary, one that Aizawa spends thinking of all the possible reasons Dazai might be sleeping so much. It doesn't hurt to think things through.
Eventually, though, he arrives at the infirmary.
The infirmary is set up in two rooms, the first doubling as Recovery Girl's office and the minor injury station. The other room, where Dazai and Nakahara are stationed, is designed for longer stays. It doesn't see much action outside of the Sports Festival, during that time the whole place is overrun with sleeping teens.
Aizawa enters the first room, his concerns on the tip of his tongue, when he realises that Recovery Girl is nowhere to be seen. Disappointing, but not unusual. Recovery Girl might be going to deliver some forms, perhaps collect something, or even visiting a heroics lesson to fix up students. Aizawa had asked once why she did personal visits and didn't just get the medic robots to bring students to her, Recovery Girl had smiled and responded 'Well, getting a smooch in front of the whole class makes them think twice before getting so hurt.'
Personally, Aizawa doubts even a hundred 'smooches' would stop his class from causing chaos and pain.
Aizawa sighs, he'll have to come back tomorrow then. While he could send Recovery Girl and email, he would rather keep this information as confidential as possible. Just in case.
He's about halfway to the door when, from the connecting room, a voice rings out, "Better? He's just as bad as you and Mori!"
Aizawa's foot falters for a second, his ears prick in curiosity and-
And he gets the hell out of that room as quickly as possible.
Once in the hallway, Aizawa continues on like he never came back to the infirmary.
Aizawa is a big enough man to admit that yes, the idea of eavesdropping to get information about Dazai and Nakahara would be easier. The fact that it's easier doesn't mean that's what he should do though, it's an invasion of their privacy and directly breaks the promise he made to wait for them to talk- if they ever want to.
Whoever this Mori person is will have to stay a mystery for now, even if Aizawa really wants to know just what part they might have played in Dazai and Nakahara's life.
-
Harue didn't mean to eavesdrop, not really. It's just hard not to stop and listen when you overhear someone talking about you, in fact, Harue thinks it's rather abnormal not to do that.
"Ya should have attended the conference call earlier if ya wanted to know," a low, gravely voice huffs. Harue believes it belongs to one of the Fukuoka bosses she has yet to be acquainted with, perhaps the one with the dancing drawings up and down his arms. This sort of voice would fit his appearance, what was his name… Yano, maybe?
Someone else, someone younger if Harue had to guess, sighs, "I had business to attend to, you know this. Just fill me in already."
Yano hums, "Well, as I was sayin', agents Kusumi and Akagi were sent out to UA to speak with those Yokohama boys."
"And how did that go?"
"From the looks of their reports it went well, the conference call on the other hand…"
Harue holds herself as still as she can, the mission did go well. Koharu would never do anything less than perfect, her part of the mission must have been flawless. While Harue is more prone to mistakes she knows for a fact nothing major went wrong with that interview.
The younger one speaks again, "Stop being cryptic, if they-" his voice cuts off into rough coughs, ones that sound painful and dry. Hearing this, Harue feels she might be able to identify this voice after all. Tsuda Norio, a man whose Quirk takes himself out along with his enemies.
The shuffle of clothing muffles Yano's voice, although not to an inaudible level. "There's a water dispenser 'round the corner, if ya need it."
Harue glances to her side, the water dispenser stands beside her like an incriminating piece of evidence. If those two come over here and see her then who knows that punishment will await her.
Without thinking, Harue opens the closest door and ducks inside. It's a storage room of sorts, she hates it already.
The sound of footsteps stop just outside the door, water rushes into a cup, someone drinks, and then sighs, "You were saying?"
There's silence for a moment, a silence Harue dreads in this situation, before Yano speaks, "Yea, so, 'parently that rat from UA complained or somethin', they're gonna be relocating Akagi and Kusumi."
Harue feels her breathing quicken, although she works to keep it quiet. In her line of business 'relocating' does not just mean moving desks, no, to be relocated means to be demoted. They'll assign you to some smaller branch in the middle of nowhere, slowly your missions will dwindle until they give you nothing. There has only been one person who has made a comeback after being relocated, and that's because their Quirk was too valuable to be lost.
Koharu might have a chance at coming back after being relocated but Harue? Yea, she's not delusional enough to believe that.
"Really? What did the rat say exactly?"
Harue grimaces as a memory fights to resurface, now isn't the time for that.
(Red hair, cat ears and tail, she loves being high up and in tight places-)
"That bandaged one was 'deeply affected' or whatever', the rat made a whole fuss about it." Yano replies casually.
The bandaged one- Dazai Harue remembers. Koharu was in charge of interviewing him, she said the mission went well. Harue knows it went well because Koharu never does things wrong, so what the hell does Yano mean?
According to the information they were both given, and the information Koharu analysed herself, neither of those boys should have been 'deeply affected'. Not at this stage anyway.
"What is he, a toddler?" Tsuda snidely comments, "I knew there was no reason to fuss over those two so much."
("My parents fuss over me so much… That's why I'm glad we get to play together! It's the only time they let me out of their sight.")
Yano chuckles, something that Harue tries to focus on to keep unwanted memories away, "Now if ya ask me, I'd say you sound jealous right now. That mission you went on-"
Tsuda sharply interrupts him, "I told you not to bring that up. Besides, why would I be jealous of anyone?"
("You'll get your Quirk soon! Just don't be too jealous when it isn't as cool as mine!")
Harue digs her nails into her arm, it helps to bring her mind back to where it needs to be. All she needs to do is focus on the conversation outside, just ignore how the supply cupboard reflects that tree so much, how the dark puts her right back in that room she spent years in.
"Right, why would you?" Yano replies, "Anyway, the Musutafu branch'll be movin' them soon."
("Oh, over there! That looks like a good place to hide! If we squeeze then we can totally fit…")
"There's really no chance for them to continue the mission? Perhaps if we get them to say sorry or something, Heroes always fall for that sort of thing." Tsuda- or maybe Yano- she can't-
("I'm sorry! I- I didn't mean to! I didn't know they would hurt her! P- please-")
Harue's head begins to spin, she does her best to shake away the memories.
"Nah, ya can — tell — go. If we push — rat will — keep us out."
Harue strains her ears, why can't she hear all the words? Why is it so hard to focus?!
"That's true, — shame — agents. — rather valuable assets."
"Where — they'll end up —?"
Harue clutches her head, she tries so desperately to focus on the conversation. She needs to focus. She needs to know what will happen to her now she messed up again. What punishment, what will they….
"We'll need to hide them away somewhere, a smaller branch of the HPSC perhaps, at least until that rat loses interest."
Harue feels fear strike her, she doesn't want to be locked away again. She doesn't- she likes being outside and- and- and Koharu! What will they-
"Just keep them locked down somewhere, huh? Well, I heard ("Your sorrys mean nothing to us! That little devil child should be locked away!") Kusumi has a talent for paperwork."
The words blur together, a mix of reality and memories smudge until Harue can't keep them separate.
"In that case she should get used to not going outside ("What?! You seriously think we'll let you outside any time soon? Don't be ridiculous!") much, smaller branches are always overwhelmed with excess paperwork."
"Ha! And now you're gonna say that's my fault, ("Shut it brat! This is your fault… All your fault…) right?"
"It is."
(It's my fault. My fault. My fault. I deserve this. My fault.")