"Buzz buzz—"
The phone on the bedside table vibrated.
Late at night, in the quiet room, Toru glanced at Haibara, who was tightly hugging him in her sleep. He gently moved her small body aside and slipped out from under the blanket.
Haibara opened her eyes and silently watched as Toru picked up his phone and walked out of the bedroom. She said nothing, simply curled up in the spot that still held his warmth and went back to sleep.
"Hello, Boss."
The caller was none other than CIA Director Spencer.
"Adam, things are bad."
"What happened?"
"Agents from MI6 in England, CSIS in Canada, and Mossad in Jerusalem have been killed. The common link—they were all undercover in that Organization."
"So it's confirmed that the Organization infiltrated the CIA and stole our intel?"
"That's right. Those bastards actually dared to mess with the CIA."
Spencer's tone was furious.
Toru's eyes narrowed slightly. "Then should we retaliate?"
If the CIA launched a full retaliation, the Black Organization wouldn't stand a chance.
The Organization had only managed to survive because they were protected by certain official powers in America.
Toru strongly suspected that aside from the CIA, the Organization also had deep ties with other high-level figures in the U.S.
"No, that Organization still has value. They still serve a purpose. But they need to be reminded not to cross the line. Kill one of their official members at random to show them not to test us."
"And, find that infiltrator and eliminate her. According to our analysts, she didn't use any digital devices to record the list. She likely has some kind of photographic memory. We can't allow someone like that to live."
"Understood."
Toru accepted the mission.
"And one more thing. Kir may have been exposed. But she won't admit she's CIA. Her brother is still under our control. Don't contact her. Consider her a discarded piece."
...
"They're here, they're here!"
At Tokyo's Haneda Airport, the hall was packed with fans waiting for Hollywood superstar Chris Vineyard.
"It's Chris! It's Ms. Chris!"
"Ms. Chris, over here!"
"Wow, she's even more beautiful in person than in the photos."
"Ms. Chris is so elegant."
"Her mother was a Hollywood queen too. Ms. Chris is just a bit young right now, which is why Hollywood's older directors hesitate. But in a few years, she'll definitely win Best Actress."
"..."
The airport was in chaos. Screams echoed as excited fans swarmed the area. Security quickly moved in to hold back the crowd behind the barricades.
Some travelers, hearing that a Hollywood celebrity had arrived, joined the growing mass of fans, raising their phones and standing on tiptoe to film.
Vermouth smiled gently, without a trace of diva attitude, greeting the fans warmly.
She even stopped now and then to sign autographs for some female fans.
Though security was urging her to move along, she remained calm, continuing to sign autographs, which made the fans cheer even louder.
"Ms. Chris is so kind."
"Yeah, she even argued with the guards just to sign for us."
"Wuwuwu, she's so sweet. I wonder if she has a boyfriend."
"Whether she does or not, what's it got to do with you?!"
Finally exiting the airport, Vermouth got into a van bound for her hotel, escorted by bodyguards.
This time, she had come to Japan under her public identity, Hollywood star Chris Vineyard, so she had to follow standard procedures.
After checking in at the hotel, one of the bodyguards stepped forward and whispered, "Ms. Chris, a lady named Kudo Yukiko would like to see you."
"Yukiko?"
Vermouth's eyes glinted. She told him to bring her in.
"Aunt Yukiko!"
Currently, Vermouth's identity was that of Sharon Vineyard's daughter. Since Sharon and Yukiko were fellow disciples, no matter how awkward it felt, she still had to call her 'Aunt.'
"Chris, it's been a long time. I think the last time we met was at Sharon's funeral, wasn't it? Ah... sorry, I didn't mean to bring that up."
"It's fine, that's all in the past. I've moved on, so you don't have to worry, Aunt Yukiko."
"Oh, please don't call me Aunt. I'm barely ten years older than you. Just call me 'older sister.' You really do look just like Sharon. I didn't even know she had a daughter your age."
The two of them exchanged pleasantries.
"Yukiko-nee, you look amazing."
"Really? A lot of people have said that lately. Maybe I've just been taking better care of myself."
Yukiko gently touched her cheek.
Well, ever since being spoiled by Toru, she had indeed felt much younger both physically and mentally.
"Chris, are you here to promote a new movie?"
"Yes. After the promotional tour, I plan to stay in Japan for a while."
Vermouth spoke casually. After not seeing her little lover for three months, of course she wanted to relax and enjoy herself.
"That's good. Just one movie a year is enough to stay in the spotlight. The rest of the time, you should enjoy life. Don't overwork yourself."
"If you need help with promotion, just let me know."
"Yukiko-nee is famous all over Japan. With your help, the film will definitely be a hit."
"Such flattery. I'm getting old, you know~"
Vermouth smiled and said, "This movie is backed by the Suzuki Foundation. When the banquet is held, you must come, Yukiko-nee."
"Since you've invited me, I'll definitely be there."
After chatting a while longer, Yukiko noticed how tired Chris looked and took her leave.
She had only come to check in on an old friend.
After returning to her suite, the elegant and friendly celebrity persona Vermouth had displayed vanished instantly. Her entire demeanor shifted into a sultry, seductive allure.
She took off her hat and coat, kicked off her high heels with her long legs clad in black stockings, picked up her laptop, and headed into the room.
"Boy didn't come to greet me after all."
Vermouth muttered with a trace of disappointment.
But she understood. The Curacao incident had caused a stir, and as a CIA agent, Toru was undoubtedly busy.
Same as her. Though she was eager to barge into Toru's house and wrap herself around him, she had a mission to fulfill first.
"This time, I might end up opposing Boy..."
Vermouth frowned slightly.
She couldn't betray the Organization. Or rather, while she was distant from them, it hadn't reached the point of open betrayal.
She just didn't want to hurt Toru.
Her goal this time was to capture Curacao, without harming Toru in the process.
If Curacao had betrayed the Organization, she would kill her on the spot. If she hadn't, she'd bring her back.
Curacao should've been dead long ago. Vermouth herself had been assigned to kill her, but Rum had kept her alive because of her talents.
She opened her laptop and connected to the Organization's private network. All the core members were present.
"MI6, CSIS, Mossad moles have been eliminated. Vermouth, you've arrived in Japan?"
Gin's cold voice rang out from the speakers.
"I have."
"Good. Then assist us in dealing with the traitors here."
"Who are the traitors?"
"Kir and Bourbon."
Vermouth frowned slightly.
Kir and Bourbon?
These two were close to the core of the Organization and among the most capable members.
If they were traitors too, who was left to get anything done? Was the entire Organization full of double agents?
It all felt ridiculous. The Organization's ship seemed to be rotting from within. That it hadn't already sunk was a miracle.
Of course, Vermouth knew many of the Organization's secrets. She understood that it wasn't the so-called core members keeping the group afloat.
Gin was strong and skilled, yes, but he was still just an enforcer. He followed orders from above.
The Organization had survived this long not because of its operatives, but because its upper leadership was entangled with America's high-ranking officials.
Vermouth even suspected that some top U.S. officials might be part of the Organization, maybe even founders.
...
Shinomiya Residence—
"Kaguya-sama, may I take the day off today?"
Wearing her maid uniform, Hayasaka bowed before Kaguya's large bed.
Kaguya, who had just woken up, yawned and murmured, "What time is it, Hayasaka?"
"It's six-thirty, Kaguya-sama."
"Only six-thirty? I don't have school today. I'm going back to sleep."
Kaguya curled up with her blanket and rolled over.
Hayasaka's eyebrow twitched.
She'd been up since five, working through a pile of chores. The suffering!
"Then, about my day off..."
"Alright, fine. Take the day off. Just don't wake me."
"Thank you, Kaguya-sama!"
Hayasaka walked out of the room. As soon as the door closed, she pumped her fist and threw off her maid uniform.
Finally, a day off! If this kept up, she'd die from exhaustion!
Changing into a regular JK outfit, Hayasaka made up her mind to fully enjoy herself today.
Hmm... there's a new Aquarium in town. Might as well check it out.
With that thought, she had breakfast and headed to the Aquarium early, right when it opened.
And then, she ran into someone familiar.
"Fuj—Young Master Fujiwara? Why are you here?"
Hayasaka looked awkwardly at Toru standing right in front of her.
(To be continued.)
◇◇◇
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)