Chapter 19

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Fourteen Years Old (Nineteen)

The surroundings seemed to have been silent for a long time, yet it felt as though everything had settled in an instant. Faced with the relentless questioning from Utae, the figure behind the scenes showed no trace of anger or displeasure.

On the contrary, a hearty laugh came through the broadcast—so genuine and uninhibited that even the distortion of the electrical signals couldn’t conceal its sincerity. As it spread over the airwaves, the echo reverberated from all directions.

“Ah…” the voice sighed, “So beautiful, so radiant and dazzling… There can be no mistake. You must be the saintess we are to welcome back.”

“But it seems, for now, there is some misunderstanding about our existence… That won’t do; we certainly don’t want to be disliked by you.”

After a moment of consideration, the voice decisively declared, “Understood. Until we are fully prepared, we shall no longer disturb your life.”

“Please wait… We will come to greet you in the best manner, to welcome the divine kingdom you will bring.”

“As for these people, consider them a gift for your first meeting—”

The laughter suddenly softened.

“May your radiance shine forever, illuminating the world.”

No further sound came from the broadcast, nor did any second anomaly occur at the scene. It seemed, indeed, as the figure behind the scenes had said, they had completely relinquished this place as a gift to Utae and would no longer interfere.

But how much credibility could words spoken by these international criminals hold?

Perhaps only time would tell.

Ayame Jōno and Tetsujō Suehiro took over the follow-up handling, and Utae deactivated her abilities.

Yet, the image of that almost celestial figure, and the salvific song that had pulled them back from irrational fanaticism, could no longer be wiped from their minds.

With such a monumental event behind them, completing their Tokyo trip today seemed impossible.

Utae glanced at the two frantic hounds busy as ever, without any intention of reporting her actions to them, and turned to leave the Shinkansen station alone.

Meanwhile, Ayame Jōno, suddenly realizing he hadn’t heard Utae’s heartbeat for quite a while, exclaimed, “?!”

His mind immediately conjured numerous conspiracy theories as he hurriedly asked Tetsujō Suehiro beside him, “Did Hoshina Utae disappear? Have you seen her?”

Ayame feared that the earlier retreat and abandonment by the Sanctuary was merely a ruse to lull them into complacency, with the real intention of whisking Utae away while their guard was down.

“Oh, that young lady?” Suehiro replied casually. “She left on her own some time ago.”

Ayame was momentarily at a loss for words. “...You just watched her walk away?”

“Our part is done,” Suehiro responded flatly, “She’s free to do whatever she wants.”

“Do you really believe everything the Sanctuary says?!” Ayame thought, imagining that during his next routine check-up, the technician might find some new nodules—nodules he was sure Suehiro had given him from sheer frustration.

“Are you truly that foolish? Until we understand the Sanctuary’s purpose, motives, and why they’ve targeted Hoshina Utae, she remains dangerous!”

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Suehiro blinked. “Oh.”

“So as long as we quickly verify the Sanctuary’s claims, that’s fine, right, Ayame?” Suehiro asked.

Ayame thought: You didn’t take a single word I said seriously just now.

He was utterly exasperated, finally snapping, “Just get all this sorted out quickly!”

Truly, one must have been cursed through eight generations to end up partnered with Tetsujō Suehiro in this life!

***

Because the whole incident happened and concluded so swiftly and actually caused no real threat or harm, Utae barely gave it a second thought.

Perhaps, to her, not finishing the recording today would be even more frustrating and painful.

However, the impact of this event was clearly far greater than Utae had imagined—after all, even in a place like Yokohama, teeming with psychics and lawless criminals, the outright hijacking of an entire Shinkansen station with plans to blow it up was an exceptionally grave and sinister incident.

Whether those who ought to know or those who shouldn’t, the news had clearly spread. Some might even know more details and background than Utae herself, who had been there firsthand.

So, no sooner had Utae stepped out of the station—barely halfway down the street—than she spotted two familiar figures standing ahead.

“Oda? Dazai?” Utae was somewhat surprised at their presence. “Why are you two together here?”

She remembered Dazai Osamu had been swamped recently, and Oda Sakuru should have just gotten home.

“Honestly, how could you ask something like that?” Dazai dragged out his tone. “After all that happened, of course Sakuru and I would be worried about you!”

In truth, it was Oda Sakuru who had come out of concern after seeing the news; Dazai’s appearance was by order of Mori Ōgai.

For the Port Mafia—the true rulers of Yokohama’s underworld—outsiders like the Sanctuary, acting with ill intent and committing such heinous acts, could not be ignored.

This was a provocation against the Port Mafia.

And after the Dragon Head War, with the Port Mafia firmly seated at the pinnacle of Yokohama’s underground world, now was the time for a thunderous strike.

Regardless of internal opinions about the Sanctuary, the Port Mafia had to display unyielding strength or else risk showing weakness.

Such a display of weakness might invite numerous presumptuous challengers to contest their rule and prestige.

It was likely for this reason that Mori Ōgai sent Dazai Osamu—the youngest executive of the Port Mafia and the sharpest blade of the leader who had held office only a few years.

This suited Dazai perfectly—he relished handling this matter himself. If anyone else had been sent, there was a risk Utae’s presence would leak to Mori Ōgai.

Mori Ōgai cared little about a nationally famous young singer, but he was intensely greedy for a talented psychic without any allegiance.

Dazai quickly reviewed the situation in his mind, deciding how to present his arguments to Mori Ōgai to fully absolve Utae from this incident.

Thus, when the blonde girl approached, his voice carried a blend of vague complaint—soft and almost like a coaxing child.

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At least the Port Mafia members trailing behind Dazai shivered in horror, unable to believe such a tone and attitude could come from the fearsome Dazai.

“Good heavens, is tomorrow the end of the world?” some thought dazedly.

Utae was always the type to respond to softness rather than force. She faced threats with a cold, unwavering gaze, never backing down; but when met with coaxing and goodwill, though she showed no outward sign, her heart often swayed with confusion and helplessness.

“Um… anyway, thanks for worrying about me,” she said, turning her head away from Dazai.

But Dazai was not one to relent so easily. His greatest skill was pressing his advantage even when none seemed apparent—especially now, with Utae herself handing him the leverage, he pressed on, coaxing her into agreeing to several unfair terms.

“…Something still feels off,” Utae pondered.

Dazai casually whistled. “There’s no such thing. You’re just overthinking it, Utae~”

The subordinates behind him exchanged uneasy glances.

“Dazai-san… We all saw it!”

“Oda Sakuru,” Oda pulled Utae close, scrutinizing her from head to toe. Once assured she was unharmed—even without a single scratch—he finally exhaled in relief.

“Is being a celebrity really such a dangerous thing?”

Nonetheless, the incident left a deep impression on Oda. After much thought, he made a decision.

“After all, I’d better quit early and become your assistant.”

Whether that meant assistant or bodyguard was a matter for interpretation.

Utae’s eyes brightened. “Oda, have you finally come to your senses?”

She folded her arms, trying to appear composed, but the lift of her brows and subtle curve of her lips betrayed her true feelings.

Perhaps because of her past with Resurrection Society, Utae was extremely resistant to agencies.

She had long hoped Oda would leave the Port Mafia, even to the point of wanting to personally help him make the move. Now that wish was finally coming true, and Utae felt her mind clear and her spirit lighten.

But where one rejoices, another laments. Beside her, Dazai nearly shrieked in twisted disbelief.

“What?!”

“Oda Sakuru, are you planning to abandon me?!”