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Translator: Athena13
Editor: Silavin
Proofreader: p4553r
Sterian was one of the top-class restaurants inside Kugamayama city. All the meals served here was among the best of the best, as such, they were also priced way higher than any high-class restaurant in the lower district of Kugamayama city. Even so, the taste of the food they made never made anyone who ate it regret their decision. The decorations and the furniture here were also first-class, boosting the dining experience as well as giving off a glamorous and luxurious atmosphere.
Naturally, it was not cheap to be able to dine here. Customers who went to the restaurant were only the rich. They were the kind of people who could casually pay out a sum that would make anyone in the outer wall crazy.
The private rooms in Sterian were even more expensive and getting a reservation for a room was not easy. It was often used as a negotiation venue for high-ranking officers from various corporations. The success rate of negotiations in these private rooms bolstered its popularity and was extremely helpful to the negotiators of those large corporations.
Akira was invited to one of these rooms. The slightly spacious room was filled with glamorous decorations. A large table was fixed there, covered by a white luxurious table cloth. Meals that were suitable for the scene were lined up on top of the table.
On the other side of the table, Kibayashi was already sitting in wait, looking extremely happy.
“Well well well, you really never cease to amaze me.”
Thanks to the delicious meal, Akira was in a good mood, but Kibayashi’s smile still rubbed him the wrong way.
“It’s not like I did that because I wanted to.”
“I know, that’s why I really like you.”
Watching Kibayashi laughing merrily, Akira could not help but sigh.
After the transport convoy reached Kugamayama city, Akira was transported to the hospital inside the inner wall together with the rest of the badly injured people. He was then placed under partial house arrest under Sakashita Heavy Industry and was interrogated about what had happened before he was released.
Akira said what was on his mind during the interrogation—‘It’s not like I could do anything about it since I had to fight against those who were there to kidnap Sakashita Heavy Industry’s old-world connector.’ After questioning the others, they did not find anything suspicious and released him.
Although the main subject of the investigation was Shirou’s escape, it was not like Sakashita could simply leak such information out to the public. Because of that, the questioning was much stricter toward those who already knew of the situation.
Kibayashi could not hold back his laughter after listening to Akira’s story, which only irritated him even more.
Akira somehow managed to maintain his mood thanks to the delicious food as he pushed the conversation toward the main topic.
“It’s fine already, isn’t it? Just get into the main subject, why did you invite me here?”
Kibayashi had to finish laughing first before he changed the subject. Even so, he was still trying to calm down his breathing after so much laughter.
“You’re right. You’ve really entertained me. So, I guess it’s only fair to get to the main subject soon. Akira, I have bad news and good news for you.”
Akira frowned.
“Don’t tell me that is actually one bad news and worse news. Something like when I ask you ‘so what is the good news?’ and you’ll say, ‘that one was the good news’ or something like that, right?”
Kibayashi chuckled toward the very paranoid Akira and said to him.
“Don’t worry, it’s really one good news and one bad news. Let’s start with the good news first. We’ve secured the equipment that you’ve ordered.”
Akira raised his eyebrows, while at the same time, he could not help but smile after hearing the news.
“Oh? Is that so?!”
“Yeah. Those are very powerful pieces of equipment. The weapons and the augmented suit that you ordered from the front-line are ones that normally only Hunters with a Hunter Rank of 100 or above can get.”
Akira was ecstatic since it turned out to be even better than he had hoped. But he then frowned and asked Kibayashi a question.
“That’s great!!! Wait? Doesn’t that mean that I can’t buy them then?”
“Normally, yes. But it was possible with the help from Sakashita Heavy Industry, as a reward for your job. Well, I guess it’s more accurate to call them compensation for the trouble that you’ve gone through? They talked to you when you were hospitalized, remember? It’s for that time.”
The work done to fight back Erde’s team was treated separately from the escort job. To be more precise, while Akira was in the middle of his job to escort the transport convoy, he had left his post because of the request from Hikaru. According to that, it could be taken as a violation of his contract, which means he could have not received any reward.
But of course, Sakashita Heavy Industry could not afford to do that. After all, that would mean that they were not paying someone who had worked for them. Not to mention, even if a clause was appended to his request after the fact that he had violated his contract, the one who was responsible for Akira, Hikaru, was also under house arrest. Thus a proposal to deal with the reward was sent to Kibayashi instead.
While Akira was hospitalized, Kibayashi contacted him and finished the negotiation regarding that. Because of that, the reward for repelling Erde’s team was given in the form of the equipment that Akira had been looking for. They were finally able to secure the already expensive equipment with the equally expensive delivery cost of the front-line equipment.
Akira went through his memory of that time and nodded.
“I see. That wasn’t easy but it was worth the trouble. So then, when will they arrive?”
Akira was brimming with expectation, but Kibayashi’s expression turned cloudy.
“As I said, I have good news and bad news. That was the end of the good news, it was really good news, right? The next one is the bad news.”
Akira reeled back.
“W-what is it?”
“Although it has already been decided that they will transport your equipment from the front-line to here, we still have no estimation of when it will arrive.”
“…Well, it is from the front-line of the eastern district after all, so it’s only to be expected that they’ll take quite a lot of time.”
Akira already knew the trouble of transporting stuff from further east. He was a bit relieved since he thought that it was something worse, but it turned out to be something fully understandable. However, as though intending to betray his expectations, Kibayashi then continued.
“Even with that considered, we really have no fixed schedule as to when it will arrive. It can be tomorrow, or maybe next month, or maybe half-a-year later, or even next year. We don’t even have an approximation.”
As expected, Akira did not find the bad news amusing at all.
“Ehhh, what the heck is with that?”
“Well, it’s complicated. Like the transport permit for example. It’s also not that simple when we have to entrust such powerful weaponry to a third-party transport service. With just this troublesome stuff accounted for, it becomes even more difficult than before, you see.”
“…Since we got it from Sakashita Heavy Industry, can’t they do something about that too?”
“That is for them to decide. It’s not like I can do anything about it. Well, I can understand that providing support to purchase these items is much easier than handling its transport. After all, it’s not like Sakashita can just send a long-range inter-city transport vehicle just to ferry your weapons here, right?”
“Hmmm, that’s true.”
The route between Kugamayama and Zegelt was already difficult. It was only to be expected that transport from the front-line would be even more difficult. Although he knew that it would take quite a lot of money, Akira could not even imagine how much that would be. Since he understood that it was unreasonable for Sakashita and Kibayashi to have all the solutions for this, he felt that the whole thing was rather unfortunate.
“I see, so what are the other troublesome stuff?”
“I’m sorry but I can’t say.”
“Haaa.”
Akira could not help but show displeasure. Watching him like that, Kibayashi smiled amusedly and said.
“Well, I don’t think you’ll be happy with the answer either. That’s why, in case you want to know no matter what, I can lend you a hand, you know? But for that, we’ll need a formal Hunter office issued confidentiality contract. The one that Hunters would definitely regret if they breached it. So, do you still want to know? If you still want to know, I can arrange to get the information you want, it’s not like we’re strangers after all.”
“…Is it really that bad?”
“Well, yeah. By the way, it’s a very strictly guarded secret that would be impossible to talk about unless we use this kind of room. That’s why, putting aside whether you accept it or not, don’t leak it outside, okay?”
Akira frowned and shook his head.
“Alright, thanks for the offer but I’ll have to refuse. It seems that it’s better if I don’t know.”
“Is that so? You don’t need to hold back, you know?”
“Yeah. It’s still a no. I bet that it’s something that’s better not to touch.”
“Well, it’s true that if you found out about it, the upper echelons will have you monitored.”
“Give me a break already…”
Suddenly Akira showed suspicion.
“I’ll at least ask you this. You didn’t invite me to this room just so that you can say that to me, right?”
Kibayashi deliberately looked away with his usual joking attitude.
“What are you talking about? It’s a standard treatment for a high-ranking Hunter from the city official so that we can convey the needed information right away when asked.”
“Humph, is that so?”
Kibayashi returned his gaze toward Akira who was looking at him with great suspicion, smiled and spoke.
“I have no plan to try and use cheap tricks on you, you know? After all, you keep entertaining me even without me doing anything. That’s why I’m interested in you, you see. I can’t wait to hear your next adventure.”
Akira twitched, he looked extremely displeased.
“Good grief. Either way, my equipment will be here as long as I wait, so I won’t be doing anything reckless while waiting for it. So, I don’t think there will be anything to amuse you for the time being.”
Even after Akira said that, Kibayashi just smiled and shook his head.
“Well, good luck with that, though, I do think that it is futile. You’ll definitely come up with something to amuse me. Whether you get roped into something or even be the source of that something. Either way, you’ll do something interesting soon enough. That’s just how it is up until now after all. That includes this time as well. You’re just that kind of guy, or am I wrong?”
Akira did not reply and just returned to his meal. Kibayashi also followed suit after that.
The meal left on the table was able to help Akira uplift his mood. But the amount needed to be more than what was available to completely restore his mood.
After Akira cheered up for a bit, he then threw a question to Kibayashi.
“Say, you said that there’s no exact date when the equipment will arrive, right? I know that you can’t exactly get a promised delivery date to a Hunter, but can you at least give me a rough estimation? It’s fine even if you don’t have any evidence to support your estimation.”
“My guess, huh? I’m sorry but that will be difficult. It’s not like I know all the detail. Although I know about the general rules and regulations for the transportations between the cities, I don’t know it well enough. A new rule has just been enacted. I don’t know why it was enacted upon. Though, I have my own guess. However, asking me when this new rule will be revoked and when your transportation can resume, is something impossible for me to say.”
“Is that so? Can you at least tell me the rules?”
“Let’s see…”
Kibayashi hummed for a bit, he then shook his head with a serious look.
“…Sorry, but I can’t. If my guess is correct, people might get suspicious as to why I can come up with such a guess. Though, you’re free to make your own guess as well. Though, I recommend you don’t tell anyone about your own thoughts on the matter. I think that’s all I can say.”
“I see…”
Akira actually found something weird.
“Alpha, it’s about what Kibayashi said…”
Alpha went ahead and warned Akira first.
“I don’t mind telling you my hypothesis, but if you can’t pretend that you don’t know, it’s better if you actually not know it in the first place.”
“I see, it’s fine then.”
“Yep, that’s a good decision.”
After that, Akira continued enjoying the meal, while on the other hand, Kibayashi was curious about something after that exchange and thought.
[…Judging from that rule, I bet that old-world connector or something from Sakashita Heavy Industry has escaped. After all, that rule is way too lax if he was kidnapped. So where did they go? Did that old-world connector just run away from the observer under Sakashita? Could that old-world connector be somewhere around Kugamayama city at the moment? Does Sakashita already know if that is the case? There are many Hunters with unknown origins here, it is the perfect place for people with questionable origins to conceal themselves.]
Kibayashi looked at Akira, Akira frowned and said to him.
“What?”
“Nope, it’s nothing.”
Thinking that something interesting would happen if Akira got in contact with that old-world connector, Kibayashi could not help but to look forward to the next incident and smiled.
—*—*—*—
Around the time Akira was having a meal with Kibayashi. Hikaru was also sitting inside the same restaurant, Sterian. Shizuka was sitting next to her and someone from Kiryou and TOSON were sitting on the other side of the table.
Although she was put under partial house arrest just like Akira after they arrived, Hikaru was still doing her job. After finishing the negotiation with the transport convoy’s side, she was able to secure the reward that Akira asked from her. But they were still discussing how much of his reward would be paid in Aurum, and how much would be paid in the form of an increase in Hunter Rank.
Akira was looking for powerful equipment. But there many of them had Hunter Rank restrictions. Except for one certain exception. Since the restrictions mostly came from the distributors, if the distributor allowed it, the Hunters could purchase those equipment regardless of their Hunter Rank.
Akira did ask Hikaru to be paid in form of better equipment instead of Hunter Rank. That was why she decided to contact Kiryou and TOSON directly. To rope them into the matter. As for the corporation’s side, they were also looking to establish strong connections with high ranking Hunters since they tend to purchase high-quality, expensive products. Hikaru thought that it was possible to obtain equipment from the corporations directly despite the Hunter Rank restriction and her guess was right.
The only thing that Hikaru did not expect was that both TOSON and Kiryou asked Shizuka to be present during the negotiation as well.
Personally speaking, Hikaru did not see any reason why a small-time owner of an independent weapon shop had to attend too. But since TOSON and Kiryou expressed that demand rather strongly, she decided to contact Akira. That was when Akira replied with a rather imposing warning telling them not to do anything rude with the assumption that Shizuka would accept the invitation. It came out of the left field for Hikaru as she proceeded with the paperwork and had Shizuka attend the negotiation as well.
During the negotiation, it was obvious that Kiryou and TOSON were being very careful toward Shizuka. Since Hikaru knew that Akira’s trust toward Shizuka was strong and that Shizuka’s advice had a lot of effect on how Akira would spend his money on equipment, Hikaru was not surprised by how things played out. Though, the way Akira responded was still something that she would have never expected from him.
When Hikaru was asked about what had happened during the escort mission, she explained that she was under a confidentiality contract and only answered what she was allowed to. After hearing what Akira did, Shizuka seemed extremely worried. Kiryou and TOSON thought if it was possible to use that to advertise their products as they asked Hikaru to share the data she had as Akira’s operator. The difference in their reaction made Hikaru a little curious. After all, this was the kind of reaction one would receive from a corporation toward a Hunter working with them.
After that, they eventually closed their negotiation and felt that it was a fruitful one. Both the representatives from TOSON and Kiryou left first since they wanted to work on the equipment order that they had just received, while Shizuka and Hikaru were left behind, chatting about Akira.
After hearing what he was like when Akira first came to Shizuka’s shop, Hikaru raised her eyebrows and asked.
“He was that weak? Or more like, he looked just like a normal boy at that time?”
Shizuka remembered back from that time and smiled bitterly with a tint of nostalgia.
“Yep, though it might be weird to hear this, but he did not seem to have that much chance as a Hunter back then. It was as if he would die anytime. That was all that I could see from him back then. To be honest, I have a pretty good intuition, and that is the first time my first impression is wrong.”
Hikaru hummed and nodded. She initially thought that Akira might actually be a city agent and that it was just that Shizuka did not know it. But judging from Shizuka’s story, Hikaru was surprised to find out that Akira was really a boy who originated from the slums.
[So, he was telling the truth when he said that he was weak in the past, huh? Hmmm, that was a bit unexpected…]
That was when Shizuka suddenly said with a serious face.
“I have a question though, as a city official, what do you think of Akira?
“As a city official, huh?”
“Yes.”
Hikaru also turned rather serious.
“I’m really sorry, but if I have to be honest, from the point of view of the city officials, he’s someone really dangerous. Even the permission for him to enter the middle district as well as getting into the transport vehicle were all nothing but temporary permissions. I know it’s not right for me to say this since he saved me, but I can’t use that fact to guarantee that he’s a good Hunter based on the standards within the inner wall. That is my answer from my position.”
Although Hikaru felt that was rather harsh considering that Akira saved her, she still properly answered that question as a city official with a rather apologetic tone. She glanced at Shizuka, wondering if she angered her.
But in contrast to her expectation, Shizuka seemed relieved as she said.
“It’s fine that way.”
Hikaru raised her eyebrows.
“You’re not angry? I’m sure I said some pretty harsh things, you know?”
“It seems that you don’t have a bad impression of him.”
“…Well, he did save me… And almost got killed because of that, so…”
Shizuka looked warmly at Hikaru, she then continued as if to warn Hikaru.
“Unfortunately, Akira often does a lot of dangerous things. At least, even for me who has known him for longer, I can’t honestly say that he’s not a bad kid. Ah, it’s not like I’m saying that he has a bad personality or anything like that. It’s just that he’s not exactly normal. It’s like… the way he thinks is not right, or more like, he’s quite reckless. There’s that side of him, you see.”
“Ahh, I can completely understand that.”
“It seems that Akira had a rough time in the slums, maybe that is the reason why he ended up like he is. His way of processing things tends to get him more enemies. That’s why I can understand why you see him as someone who is dangerous. It’s a good thing that there’s a city official who can handle him well… If I have to be honest, if it’s possible, I hope he would learn to make compromises with others though.”
After saying that, Shizuka smiled bitterly, Hikaru also replied with the same bitter smile.
“Even for me who only known him recently, it’s obvious to see that he’s bad at dealing with people. Just to be safe, I’ll add a note on the evaluation report to be careful dealing with him. If the other staff members see that note, I’m sure they will be careful so as not to pick a fight with him. Yeah. I’ll be sure to add that note.”
Shizuka giggled and said.
“Isn’t it better for you to handle since something might happen?”
Hikaru reeled back. Putting aside her feeling toward Akira, she would not want to go through anything like that again if it could be helped. To be more precise, she had no wish to be involved with Akira anymore.
“Ahh, well, I’m actually a part of a management department that deals with many different things, so this request might be the last request I have with Akira.”
“Is that so? That’s rather unfortunate.”
Shizuka said that with a smile that did not match what she just said as she kept her intuition to herself.
After they were done, Hikaru and Shizuka returned to the first-floor lobby of the Kugama building, Akira then grouped up with them a bit later.
That was when Shizuka gave a strict scolding to Akira.
“Akira, I heard from Hikaru-san that you did something reckless.”
Akira winced back and laughed awkwardly.
“Well, uhh, that was not my fault, you see. It’s true that it was rough, but there’s no way I could have seen it coming.”
“I see that you lost all of your equipment again. This time, the only thing that is left unharmed is that new bike of yours, right? So, what is with that?
“Well, I bought the bike from further east. So, as expected, it really is stronger than my usual equipment. I’m glad I decided to buy my safety with money since I had the chance to back then.”
“So, in short, if it was not that durable, you would have even lost the bike as well, huh?”
Akira awkwardly laughed it off and glanced at Hikaru as if he was seeking help. Hikaru smiled wryly and then chimed in.
“Shizuka-san, it’s also partly my fault for asking him to save me. So I believe that’s enough of scolding for Akira.”
“Is that so? Well, I’ll leave it at that then.”
Once Shizuka stopped, Akira smiled in relief. Hikaru was watching how Akira acts with great interest. Although he was being scolded, there was also a trace of happiness, knowing that someone was worried for him. He looked like a little boy who had a great lack of care and affection while growing up. At the very least, he did not seem like someone who had killed hundreds of people.
But it did not change the fact that Akira did kill that many people before. Even back during the incident in the transport convoy, Akira quickly abandoned her and aimed his rifle at Erde, who was using her as a meat shield without showing even a shred of hesitation. Hikaru understood that very well.
[Both in the good and bad way, I can understand why Shizuka-san wants someone who understands Akira to handle him… But with that being said, I hope that doesn’t have to be me.]
Hikaru replaced the bitter smile that she had unconsciously displayed with a polite one as she stood in front of Akira and said to him.
“Akira. Since the negotiation for your reward is done, it means that this request had officially concluded. Thank you for the hard work.”
“I see, likewise. Thank you for the hard work.”
“I don’t think I have any other request left for you, but let’s meet up again if the occasion comes. I pray for your success in the future, but I believe that it’s better if you hold back on doing reckless stuff.”
“I know… Honestly, I already know that best myself though…”
Akira smiled wryly and Hikaru gave the same wry smile back.
He then left with Shizuka to escort her back to her shop. Hikaru saw them off and sighed, after that, Kibayashi came to her with his usual smile of great delight.
“Well, Hikaru, good work on that escort job. You did amazingly well.”
Seeing how Kibayashi was merrily complimenting her, Hikaru was more anxious than happy.
“T-thank you very much!”
“I guess this means that I have to apologize for misjudging your skill. I’m sorry. Though it might be weird to say this as compensation, I will use my full power to get what you asked from me back then approved. So please forgive me with that.”
Hikaru frowned, she did not understand what Kibayashi was talking about. However, thanks to her adept skills at reading in between the lines, she quickly understood what Kibayashi was referring to and started to panic.
In the past, Hikaru asked Kibayashi to let her handle Akira, who was a high-rank Hunter. The escort request this time was basically a test, to show Kibayashi that she had the skills to handle Akira. And judging from that point of view, it could be said that Hikaru passed with flying colours.
That also meant she would be dealing with a more dangerous high-rank Hunter, exactly just what she wanted before.
Hikaru flusteredly tried to retract her request.
“No no no, he’s way more than I can handle! I understood that very well with the last request! So, I take back everything that I have asked for!”
Kibayashi already knew that of course, but he still continued with his usual flippant attitude.
“No no no. There is no need to hold back. To be perfectly honest, you did extremely well, you know? I will put in my recommendation letter as well. After all, having a rising star like you rise will eventually bring benefits to the whole team. Even those officers who doubted you will have no arguments left once they see the report from the last request of yours, you know? You’re basically on a fast track to success, congratulations!”
Hikaru’s face turned pale as she shouted.
“Please stop! Seriously! Just stop it already! I’m being serious here! I’m begging you!”
“Geez, don’t say that. It’s fine, I’m sure you’ll do alright.”
“That’s not the problem here!”
After that, Hikaru used her negotiation skill to convince Kibayashi not to do that. Seeing Hikaru sigh in relief afterwards, Kibayashi smiled with a tint of regret, but deep inside, he still found it very amusing.
Silavin: Kibayashi. The incarnation of trolling.
When Katsutrash saves girl in distress, the girl gets wet for him…
When Akira saves girl in distress, the girl gets wet too, but in a completely different sense…
Randomreader, you should just write your own novel if you can analyze and find this much fault in a single chapter.
damn those comments were as long as this chapter
…mb it would be a good idea to limit how long ppl can comment👀 lmaooo jkjk!!
anyways Hikaru really thinks she can escape…thats really funny…bc she won’t…not on my watch…hikaru will be stickin around for a very very long time…
seriously tho its crazy how quickly she became one of my favs lol
Thanks for the chapter!!!
I’m really frustrated this author for trying to force Akira as the “bad guy” or “unreasonable and uncompromising one” when objectively based on the story Akira is the most compromising character and of the reccuring cast arguably has the best personality (especially considering his age which even well raised kids in middle class families aren’t this compromising, mature, and emotionally intelligent at Akira’s age). In every arc Akira first tries to dissolve situations peacefully and seeks not to get into conflicts with other hunters whom he doesn’t trust (which is why he works alone). He seldom gets really angry and uncompromising. The only times we’ve seen him get mad are all pretty reasonable. The prospect of the few people he cares about getting hurt. The pickpocket even made sense. Most people are pretty mad for their hard earned money to get stolen. Far more so when said person grew up on the streets with nothing and struggling everyday. Money means everything when you’ve had it that hard. Seriously just try to steal the money of someone who lived through the great depression. And even then he was about to give up until Katsuya further agitated and literally insulted the victim (something along the lines of “if you DID get your money stolen; its your fault”). And even THEN he forgot about it and learned from it until the rumor put a target on his and Sheryl’s gang’s back putting both in danger and getting some of the kids killed. Every other hunter we’ve met Akira’s age has been conceited, a condescending jerk, or a literal brat. Even Hikaru was worse this arc. Falling back on narrow-minded assumptions based around her elitism and higher social class living and treating Akira like a prisoner (on the request she pushed on him) to the point of gaining the suspicious of everyone and not even allowing other hunters to thank him (higher ranked ones). All of this without bothering to get to know Akira or ask him any “why” followup questions to the kill count for DAYS until he risked his life to save her from the mess she created. If you want to worried about Akira be worried that he acts to mature for his age. Which actually makes sense. Because he grew up in the slums, alone, unable to trust anyone, and in constant hardships, he was forced to mentally age far faster than he should have. He never got to be a kid and still isn’t. He’s never been able to make the same mistakes or be uncompromising like the others his age. Other than that it’s not his fault the plot hates him. Like Akira says he doesn’t like or chase danger, and when in it he does everything to get out with his life as a priority. Shizuka blaming that on him is just weird and Hikaru thinking HE’S the problem last arc not her, isn’t even funny.
He is uncompromising though, it’s only recently he fixed that part of him, are you forgetting back at the enemy base with katsuya? He asked him to compromise as they were both in shitty situation and he didn’t want to, alpha got really pissed at him that time, let’s also not act like he hasn’t killed people begging for their lives but none of that makes him a bad person I agree on that, but let’s not act like it’s the author trying to portray him as anything it’s literally the truth
So I’m really frustrated this author for trying to force Akira as the “bad guy” or “unreasonable and uncompromising one” when objectively based on the story Akira is the most compromising character and of the reccuring cast arguably has the best personality (especially considering his age which even well raised kids in middle class families aren’t this compromising, mature, and emotionally intelligent at Akira’s age). Apparently my original comment was too long (idk, I just had this long drawn out reasoning, hit post, and now come to see it doesn’t exist which… Is… Fun *eye twitching*). In every arc Akira first tries to dissolve situations peacefully and seeks not to get into conflicts with other hunters whom he doesn’t trust (which is why he works alone). You know what’s unreasonable and uncompromising? Carol wanting to bring people to ruin trying to sleep with her. Including literal kids as of late. Viola being an actual TV villian and not learning even after getting shot for it. Katsuya being a delusional and stubborn idiot who refuses to see reality (and instigate every fight, unwilling to just let Akira got to the point of harming his teammates, falling for a literal monster trick, being told he was lied to and still hating Akira, and so much more). Even Sheryl is (because she has to) far more manipulative and vindictive than Akira. Every other hunter we’ve met Akira’s age has been conceited, a condescending jerk, or a literal brat. Even Hikaru was worse this arc. Falling back on narrow-minded assumptions based around her elitism and higher social class living and treating Akira like a prisoner (on the request she pushed on him) to the point of gaining the suspicious of everyone and not even allowing other hunters to thank him (higher ranked ones). All of this without bothering to get to know Akira or ask him any “why” followup questions to the kill count for DAYS until he risked his life to save her from the mess she created. If you want to worried about Akira be worried that he acts to mature for his age. Which actually makes sense. Because he grew up in the slums, alone, unable to trust anyone, and in constant hardships, he was forced to mentally age far faster than he should have. He never got to be a kid and still isn’t. He’s never been able to make the same mistakes or be uncompromising like the others his age. Other than that it’s not his fault the plot hates him. Like Akira says he doesn’t like or chase danger, and when in it he does everything to get out with his life as a priority. Shizuka blaming that on him is just weird and Hikaru thinking HE’S the problem last arc not her, isn’t even funny.
Good chapter thx
Okay, I really don’t understand this series forced perception of Akira and it’s REALLY starting to frustrate me. Objectively Akira has been the most compromising and least antagonizing character in this series. That’s not even me showing favoritism. That’s literally his personality. BECAUSE he doesn’t trust people he tries to avoid them and seek peaceful solutions as much as possible. It’s not his fault other people don’t. Being a lone wolf is literally avoiding trouble, not starting it. He specifically states he doesn’t want to be in a team because he doesn’t want to “potentially” clash with others and when he’s forced on a team he outlines his position immediately to prevent any future disputes. When he is with a team of people he trusts (literally just Elena and Sara) he’s willing to just vibe and is actually inclined to accommodate them at his cost. He literally dropped everything and went back somewhere he hated at Elena and Sara’s request and was STILL willing to work separately if they didn’t like Carol whom he brought without permission. Akira is cold blooded and willing to kill, but only when the situation calls for it and not killing means getting himself killed or put in more danger. Akira’s right, he’s not strong enough to restrain the people he fights without killing. He’s also the smartest person in the room to not take them at their word. The people he kills are professional killers and life ruiners. Shooting Viola after she nearly got both him and Sheryl killed, probably started the rumor that put a target on his back and got Sheryl’s MINOR age gang members killed, and plunged the city in a gang war that anhilated two factions was just basic intelligence for survival. Literally everyone else that’s interacted with her have had their lives ruined. Everyone else he’s fought and killed were literal criminals and murders or trying to kill him first (and then had the audacity to call him inhuman when he flipped it). The entire hunter occupation is based around pillaging/looting and fighting dangerous monsters. It’s well known that the occupation is lawless and backstabbing and killing others for artificats or really any reason is common. Even as someone from the inner walls, Hikaru should work with hunters enough in management to KNOW this. They aren’t allowed the same protection to be nearly as lenient and forgiving.
Aside from Elena, Sara, and Shizuka (who aren’t given nearly the same crappy situations as the MC), Akira is the most comprising. We can take it arc by arc.
This last arc, Hikaru was EASILY the worst. After forcing the MC on a request he didn’t even want and involving herself with him apparently without even doing the most basic research into him (like in your first meeting he just casually contacted one of your bosses bosses to prove your identity? That doesn’t raise any question marks?). Then upon hearing he’s killed a bunch of people (seriously did she do ANY research? Only like 2 incidents were covered up and a good informant like Carol was able to figure the gist of those out in a few chapters) she immediately brands him as a criminal without asking ANY followup questions over the next several DAYS and treats him like a prisoner on the request she forced him on. And apparently all that time she didn’t think the guy just calmly going along with her restrictions wasn’t COMPROMISING?!! WHAT?! She didn’t even let him go eat by himself or leave the room. The one thing he really did want in the city he very very much compromised on. She even refused him meeting with a HIGHER ranking hunter who wanted to thank him for saving them. It was LITERALLY HER FAULT that they were seen as suscipious and were mistaken as the targets. By the way, you’re mad Akira didn’t job the only things he had to defend himself in a situation where both your lives were at stake? Only an idiot in a situation that dangerous leaves themselves defenseless and beyond that Akira had no obligation to save a stranger who hadn’t bothered to get to know him (but was fine talking about herself and how the inner walled city was so much better than where he lived) and treated him like a prisoner. It was beyond generous that he risked his life that much as is. And he STILL tried to resolve the situation peacefully and clear up the misunderstanding HER actions created. Also we’ve seen what happens when you do what a cold blooded killer asks because of a hostage. You put everyone in MORE danger. That’s exactly what the situation with Reina and her maid was. They both antagonized the situation when all they had to do was literally stand still. Reina got herself caught and Shiro (? I forget) nearly killed Akira over it. He saved both their butts by being the only non-idiot in the room.
Going a few arcs back Akira was being hunted down by that one murderer he killed before, Idiot Katsuya, and that one random gang member whose reasoning makes the least sense. The murderer was purely a monster. He cold bloodedly killed literal kids in Sheryl’s gang and tried to kill Akira. Akira had no choice but to kill him. After which he came back to life and literally veered away from his mission just to get revenge on Akira. Yeah, Akira’s the one with the bad personality. The gang member somehow makes the least sense. They had a one sided crush on Sheryl, who btw tried to have him executed for QUESTIONING her relationship with Akira, but never actually interacted with Akira. He’s the one who thought everyone was going to kick him out for somehow not stopping hunters that Akira struggled to defeat and easily slaughtered the gang members that did stand in their way (like even Sheryl’s not that harsh and it was stated that he was still able to do jobs and wasn’t in that bad trouble). Viola is the one who took advantage of his fear and made him fight Katsuya (who killed him or at least started the situation that killed him and left him for dead). Doctor should probably get his license revoked treated him like a lab rat, didn’t even inform his gang leader, and turned him into a monster. The most interaction Akira had was telling Sheryl to tell the gang to be on the lookout for the pickpocket to which his EXACT instructions were not to engage or even worry about it that much. All he wanted was to know where she had been seen. Viola egged what’s his face despite both knowing that. Other than that he’s literally never interacted with Akira, but somehow decided Akira was the root of all evil and all his problems? What? I’d understand Katsuya and his team (most directly killed him), Viola (got him killed), the Doctor (turned him into a monster), or even Sheryl (pointed a gun at his head). Katsuya was just a complete idiot. First being manipulated into thinking two people fighting each other to the death were working together (does he even have eyes?). Then being given a chance to retreat from the situation he antagonized (actually a few times during that arc). Then actually being given a peace offering and being able to leave with no more casualties, but deciding to fight Akira anyway (over a pickpocket he barely met who even admitted to lying with her last breath… Okay) dragging his entire brainwashed team with him (even without knowing about the brainwashing, it doesn’t take rocket science to think that they care about their leader and can’t retreat to safety if he’s risking his life). Akira was the most compromising during that arc. Katsuya’s gang even recognized that. Instantly understanding Akira had full grounds to get revenge and seeking a non aggression contract.
That arc with the pickpocket was a particular frustrating duty. To begin with most people would be furious at getting their hard earned money they risked their lives to earn STOLEN. Especially when they’ve grown up on NOTHING. Akira was completely reasonable chasing what’s her face down. What wasn’t reasonable was Katsuya and his groupies immediately picking sides and refusing to even consider the possibility what’s her fact stole his money (minus one who had grown up in the slums and knew this was common). They could have offered to help him look for his money, offered to give him the amount back (especially if none of them realized the value of money to someone who lived day by day with nothing and though the amount was small), offered to take them both to the authorities under the assumption both were guilty/innocent, or at least tried to look at the situation objectively. Usually people who run away having something to be guilty of. Anyone else would have stood there and answered his questions. Nope. Heck, Katsuya even antagonized Akira when he HAD given up and started to let it go by decided to attack to victim literally saying “if you had gotten your money stolen, it’s your fault.” I’m sorry what? Had did that go under everyone’s awful personality radar? Katsuya literally said if Akira was the victim, it was his fault for being weak. That’s not even the least of it. Following this he blindly protects the perpetuator at the risk of everyone else (who at this point literally EVERYONE else acknowledges and knows is a pickpocket and a thief (like even his own gang who very easily found out her background (which btw means this was an option the entire time Katsuya antagonized the situation and made judgments with no evidence))). At the gates of the gang that was holding her hostage HE was the one that started the fire fight without even analyzing the situation. Akira was willing to wait and even negotiate for the release of Sheryl and death of pickpocket. Akira didn’t want to fight if he didn’t have to. Katsuya even went as far as indiscriminately murdering foot soldiers when said pickpocket was held hostage and threaten (again he doesn’t even know this girl and murdered for her). Oh and she even admitted to lying to him and he STILL blamed Akira for everything. On the other hand Akira had forgotten about her and the situation even seeing it as a learning opportunity until the rumor spread (starting by Katsuya intervening). From his interaction with the other pickpocket we saw he probably would have just taken the money back without killing what’s her face had she NOT hidden behind Katsuya. But because of the rumor hurting his reputation a target was put on his back and the security of Sheryl’s gang was threaten. Kids literally died because of that rumor (no consequences for Katsuya though). That forced Akira’s hand and even then he was extremely reasonable and compromising. His only request (not even an order) of Sheryl’s gang was that they tell if they saw her. Not to engage and it didn’t even have to be immediate. He told Viola and the other gang NOT to kill her or do anything (well he said specifically nothing because he didn’t want to have any connection to what they do or owe them favors; they interpreted it how they wanted (actually they specifically didn’t listen to him because Viola wanted to move her plans forward)). The pickpocket herself was the least compromising. All she had to do upon seeing him notice her was immediately return the money and apologize. Nope. Well even with the situation ending poorly maybe she could have salvaged things by begging for his forgiveness after learning that supports the literal most humanitarian gang in the slums (like seriously he asked the gang to teach kids to read, logically looking at the situation he at least doesn’t seem pure evil) and regardless if she wanted to join that gang for safety no matter what it would be impossible to do so without apologizing and clearing the air. Nope. Instead her plan was just wait until the gang had enough members for him to not see her (that just wasn’t smart. Best case scenario she lives in constant fear the rest of her life and can NEVER rank up in the gang for fear of getting noticed). Then when the situation got bad, obviously just continue to make it worse by continuing to lie and let things snowball. Come on, little kids know that doesn’t work.
And then it just goes on and on. Quickly looking at characters, Katsuya is a self-righteousness jerk oblivious to the feelings of others who only sees is own idiotic delusions, refuses to accept reality, and stubbornly antagonize anyway who doesn’t support his idiocy. Carol is a literal honey traps who LIKES people dying trying to get the money to spend the night with her. Most recently she’s happily started to do that with kids in the slums in Sheryl’s gang who not too long ago didn’t even know how to read (that’s just disgusting). And btw in their first meeting Akira was the weirdo for not wanting to “get busy” with a stranger in a dangerous ruin? Akira was even willing to put himself in more danger and not take her secret way out knowing it was valuable to her and he didn’t spill that information even to Elena and Sara seeing it as hers. Viola is just a monster with words. Making secret deals and ruining lives left and right and enjoying it. Reina was until recently a spoiled brat. The anti Katsuya guy was also into recently a condescending jerk. Even Sheryl is far more manipulative and vindictive than Akira (she kinda has to be as a leader). Again, she nearly got someone executed for QUESTIONING her relationship with Akira. Compared to this Akira is constantly seeking peaceful solutions, trying to avoid getting into fights, trying to defuse the situation, and even constantly asking Alpha about people’s emotions and showing a desire to understand where they are coming from (because he didn’t exactly get the opportunity to grow his emotional intelligence until now and yet he’s still the most sensitive to others emotions we’ve seen).
It’s really really frustrating seeing everyone act like he’s the problem. Sure the plot hates him and throws killers at him left and right, but that’s it. Really if you knew he grew up on the slums sleeping with both eyes open and unable to trust anyone with no one to raise him, you should be APPLAUDING him for being as compromising as he is. Heck, I wasn’t HALF as compromising at his age or emotionally stable for that matter. Give a kid going through puberty who doesn’t half a third of Akira’s problems and horrible life a gun and they’d probably kill more just for not understanding the world and having unstable emotions they don’t really understand and getting angry (Akira’s age is about when we’re our most difficult). The fact that everyone is treating him as the problem shows something fundamentally wrong with them. Like really, Hikaru? Akira’s warped for not risking his own life to save yours even more and guaranteening both your deaths/capture? Even Shizuka. She should be offering him therapy and warmth. Not agreeing he’s a bad person for not even wanting to get involved in these dangerous situations where he has no choice.
If the author wants to make him with a bad personality and have that slowly improve overtime, fine. That can be interesting I guess. But you can’t just say something and expect it to match the reader’s feelings despite everything in the story going against that something. These things should be done organically and honestly shouldn’t even need saying.
Thx 4 the chapter, lol shizuka and hikaru wanted akira compromise to a “opression” people? Gezzz man thats naive, the shop keeper from easter was right hikaru was an amateur i mean she compare akira a high ranker to a low ranker a normal hunter its fine its funny…..the conversation disturb me…imagine compromise to whom attack you as they look down and blackmailing you? Didnt akira negotiate and try to compromise erde? It irritates me they are supporting those oppressors so that they encourage them to grew and bully someone …it reminds me a japanese mecha movie when the mc defend and kill the bandits who rob and rape an attempt to rape, the people he saved hates him for doing that…wtf… i dont get it lol welp its a japanese thingy~
This exactly. I hate this forced “Akira is a terrible person” mentality. Like Hikaru literally made assumptions on him, barely dung any information about him, treated him like a prisoner and made them both suspicious, and never asked him WHY he killed until AFTER he risked his life to save her. But he’s the bad guy by not laying down to die, give up their own chance of escape, and trying to negotiate? Okay.
Lol thats why maybe its a japanese thingy, beside hikaru and shizuka didnt know the whole situation its just that akira is bad to communicate, he didnt explain properly although hikaru represent the thinking thought of the people of inner wall compare to shopkeeper in east and kibayashi that handling 50+ ranker that akira doing is really normal to that, that proves hikaru is an amateur all she handle are low rankers hunter like elena and sara, shikarabe its funny she called akira crazy this, crazy like that, a bad person yet she isolate herself and akira in the same room and even slept together in the same BED and even hugging to see sunrise lol wow~ normal woman or girl wont do that ya know
Hikaru could have bothered to have done her literal job and gathered actual information on Akira instead of going off of rumors and assumptions (like did she forget he just casually called one of the city’s top government officials just to verify her identity?) I mean she literally just went with the flow of the guy that’s done nothing by troll and trick here without even questioning him (Kibayashi). Shizuka is “supposedly” a shop owner that interacts with all types of hunters on the daily. She should have encountered far, FAR worse than Akira by this point. Heck, even Elena and Sara aren’t the perfect hero type they seem to demand Akira be. They’d have acted very similarly if put in the same situation (if not more heartless). Both make it a point that while they will complete their job to their utmost ability, they won’t do more than requested of them without compensation, won’t take ridiculous requests, know not to trust all hunters, and above all won’t value any job or client or stranger above their own/each other’s lives.
Shizuka best girl
Thanks for the chapter!
Aww no more Hikaru..
Nahh~ she will appear more…
I find the interaction between akira and hikaru fun so i hope i see more of them in the future.
don’t worry! you saw how after hikaru said this her last time seeing akira, shizuka intuition was telling her the opposite.. that’s the author hinting she’ll come back :))