Part 6: Those Who Arrive Too Late
Minutes later, figures appeared from the distance.
The Capital Ward had arrived.
The one in command stepped forward, arms crossed, clearly irritated.
"Renjiro," he said, eyeing the fading smoke, "who the hell do you think is paying for this smoke gun refill?"
He smirked.
"Is your father paying for it?"
Renjiro stepped forward, his voice hard.
"You're Capital Ward," he said. "Your duty is to patrol this entire area. Can't you see what's happening?"
He gestured around them.
"This week alone, hunters attacked us twice. Twice in one week."
The commander scoffed.
"And who are you to remind us of our duty?"
In a flash, Renjiro grabbed the man by the collar and yanked him close.
"I want you to search this entire place," Renjiro said through clenched teeth. "Find Haruto. Find the hunters. Every single one of them."
Their eyes locked, neither backing down.
The commander smirked.
"And what if I say no?"
Renjiro's hand lifted, fist tightening—
"Renjiro."
Akari's voice cut through the tension.
He froze.
Slowly, Renjiro lowered his hand and released the commander's collar.
The commander laughed loudly as he straightened his uniform.
"If you were a real man, you would've punched me," he mocked. "But you're just a slave to a girl. Hah!"
Renjiro's eyes darkened.
"You think that's funny?"
He stepped back slightly.
"Do as you're told. Otherwise—"
The commander cut him off.
"Why should we even bother coming here?" he snapped. "Last time, I told you to inform the National Police Bureau. Instead, you went straight to the Central Authority."
He clicked his tongue.
"Do you know how many problems that creates when we put it on record?"
Renjiro didn't flinch.
"That's your problem."
"Oh, really?" the commander replied sharply.
Before he could say more, a powerful voice rang out from behind them.
"Get moving."
Everyone turned.
"Search the area," the voice continued. "Arrest every hunter you find."
It was Raizen.
The commander stiffened.
"What if I—"
"Enough."
Another voice cut him off instantly.
"It's an order."
Raijin stepped forward.
The atmosphere changed.
Raijin—the head of the Central Authority.
Not a single Capital Ward member hesitated.
"Yes, sir."
They moved at once, spreading out across the area.
The commander said nothing more.