After all, since her parents passed away, no one had cared for her like this again.
Satomi Rentaro might count as one, but after watching the anime and learning that he not only failed to support her revenge but also stood on the opposite side, the slightest bit of goodwill she felt vanished completely.
A classmate she had known for several years was less understanding than a group member she had just met.
One can only say that goods compared to goods should be discarded, and people compared to people bring death.
The other young women had nothing to say about Rosen healing Tendou Mokore.
There was no need to make a fuss over such a small matter.
"Let's go. First, we need to control the Tokyo Area Government, find the latest world data from them. After all, anime and novels only describe things generally. If we have detailed intelligence, our actions will be easier."
At that thought, Rosen suddenly remembered he had a handy tool in Honjo Tokiya.
But on second thought, her ability would need time to adapt in another world—too slow for their 'fast' requirement.
In a different world she might shine, though.
At the very least, when the villain hides, Honjo Tokiya can tag them outright.
"Then let's move. The Tokyo Government is packed with human trash!"
623 Fubuki nodded.
"My fists are itching for action!"
Gabriel bounced on the spot, clenching her fists.
"If I don't stuff those scumbags into the Holy Spear and fire them off, I'll change my name from Gabriel!"
"You were never surnamed Jia to begin with."
Frieren delivered her usual retort.
Everyone burst into laughter; the room filled with cheerful air.
Even Tendou Mokore's lips curved in a faint smile.
It had been ages since she last felt such an atmosphere.
Ever since people huddled behind the Giant Stone Monument, society's mood had shifted drastically; hostility ran high and crimes surged. Perhaps that was why the government turned a blind eye to the abuse of the Cursed Children.
"All right, I'll take you."
Tendou Mokore had barely finished when the door was flung open from outside.
A slim, short-haired young man in a suit burst in.
"Mokore, what are you planning?! You're not going to let these terrorists attack the government, are you?!"
"Satomi? Why are you back?"
Tendou Mokore was taken aback.
At a time like this, Satomi Rentaro should have been out on patrol.
"If I hadn't returned, you'd be fooled by them. Come with me—I've called the police. These people are extremists; they must have deceived you!"
Satomi Rentaro rushed forward, frantic to pull Tendou Mokore away.
Before he could, Fubuki pinned him in place with a glance.
"What?! What kind of power is this?!"
Pressed to the floor, face bruised, Satomi Rentaro stared in disbelief.
No one offered an explanation.
Fubuki looked at Tendou Mokore. "Your call?"
"I… I want to ask one question, then we'll leave."
After all, they had been friends for years; Tendou Mokore still harbored a sliver of hope.
So she asked, "Satomi, if I take revenge on the Tendou Family, will you support me?"
"What are you saying? This isn't the time! Mokore, they've tricked you!"
"Some things need to be clear. This is the last time I'll ask, Satomi."
Tendou Mokore's voice cooled.
"Mokore…"
Satomi Rentaro hesitated, then said, "People can't live in hatred. I believe there's a better way to settle things with the Tendou Family!"
"But you know my parents were murdered by them; isn't it only right I avenge them?"
"That still won't do. If they're truly guilty, let the law punish them—I trust you'd do the same, Mokore."
"But I won't."
Hearing that, Satomi Rentaro's face twisted in pain. "Mokore, if you choose this path, you'll no longer be you."
"I want to see the upbeat Mokore who faced difficulties head-on, not someone drowning in vengeance…"
With those words, he gazed at her earnestly.
Gradually, Tendou Mokore's expression softened, as if reverting to the girl he remembered.
"Mokore, you're back."
"Get lost."
"What did you say?"
"I said get lost!"
Smiling as she spoke, Tendou Mokore wore an expression Satomi Rentaro no longer recognized.
"But… weren't you back?"
Satomi Rentaro asked in disbelief.
"If you don't leave now, you never will."
Tendou Mokore quietly drew a pistol.
After the apocalypse, firearms circulated widely; as head of a Private Security Firm, obtaining one was easy for her.
Seeing the gun, Satomi Rentaro stumbled backward in alarm.
Yet the sudden retreat made him realize the crushing force had vanished.
With a final glance at Tendou Mokore, Satomi Rentaro fled without looking back.
He quickly dialed a number.
Soon an elderly voice answered. "Rentaro, is that you?"
"Yes. Something's wrong with Tendou Mokore—she's mixed up with strange people and plans to attack the government."
Satomi Rentaro briefed him rapidly.
After a brief silence, the reply came—"Understood"—and the line went dead.
Meanwhile…
Tendou Mokore drew a deep breath.
A moment ago she had stared at that hypocritical face and wanted nothing more than to pull the trigger and blow it apart.
If she hadn't watched the anime, even she would have been fooled by Satomi Rentaro's act.
"Damn, that's the Male Lead, Satomi Rentaro—what he just said was downright sickening!"
Gabriel blurted out in disgust.
"It's basically moral blackmail."
Rias nodded.
"Drop the 'basically'—he is morally blackmailing. If this happened to him, he'd be darker and more broken than anyone."
Rosen said with a soft chuckle.
"Let's go; they can't change anything anyway."