Episode 11: "The Man With Long, Flowing, White Hair"
Yo and the remaining members of the team gathered around a table to hold a strategy meeting after Zero left.
However, the conversation only went in circles without Kazuki there to mediate as he usually would.
Hyakuichitaro Senju
"Damn. Really wish Kazuki was here right now..."
Eiji Todoroki
"Perhaps we could send him a message on NINE?"
Tsuki Iroha
"Seems like there's some kinda outage right now. It's not letting me send any messages..."
Eiji Todoroki
"Hmph. Figures."
Yo Kuronaka
"If our battle's here in Shinagawa, maybe it'd help to recruit some more people to our side..."
Q
"That won't cut it. Just adding more team members recklessly increases the odds of hurting more than helping.
If we want to add anyone, we have to give it some serious consideration first."
Tsuruko Semba
"I see what you're saying. But when you put it like that, will we really be okay at our current strength?"
As each conversation seemed to stall at a dead end, the group eventually fell quiet.
They sat with their heavy silence until the hotel entrance doors opened, after which a few people entered the building.
In all, it appeared to be a group of ten people.
A man with long, flowing, white hair stood among them.
His face was handsome, with features that appeared modelesque in nature.
The tinted sunglasses he wore also seemed to suit him quite well.
The man led a group of men and women donning white suits, all of whom confidently made their way to the center of the lobby.
???
"We've finally arrived.
Hmph... I grace them with my presence, yet no one is here to greet me?"
Man in a Suit
"M-My apologies! I'll be sure to give the manager a stern talking-to..."
Yo wondered if that man was their boss.
In the meanwhile, the man had begun to cuss at those around him, causing the men and women in the white suits to bow their heads in fear.
Yo Kuronaka
"Not much of a fan of guys like that..."
Yo uttered out his honest thoughts, and the rest of the team shifted their gazes in the direction of the man in response.
Eiji Todoroki
"Oh? Those people standing around that man with the long hair look like members of the Shinagawa Tribe."
Yo Kuronaka
"Shinagawa Tribe?"
Tsuruko Semba
"The Shinagawa Tribe is known for being a business organization that has the tech to develop XB Gear.
Look closely. See how those earrings have QR codes engraved in them?
That's all the proof you need to confirm that they're part of the Shinagawa Tribe."
Tribes initially were comprised of young outlaws who had banded together.
That made the fact a Tribe was operating as a business rather strange.
Still, Yo and Tsuki both were impressed by that revelation.
Tsuruko proceeded to offer more context to her explanation.
Tsuruko Semba
"Well, I guess it's more accurate to say they WERE known for that. Given the current situation and implementation of the governing rules, I'm not so sure that's still true..."
It was just as Tsuruko had explained.
With the way things had escalated away from the once-existing peace, very few things had remained the same as they previously were.
The thought caused Yo to clench his fists in sheer frustration at the destruction Zero had caused.
For a split second, he made eye contact with the white-haired man.
He quickly shifted his gaze elsewhere as he realized he probably held his stare for too long.
It was too late, though; the man had begun to walk toward him.
???
"I take it you're the new employees?"
Yo Kuronaka
"...What's it to you?"
Despite it being their first conversation, Yo found himself growing annoyed at the man's arrogance.
???
"I'm not a member of the Shinagawa Tribe, don't be mistaken.
That said, if you ARE employees, then you'd do well to remember the Director's face."
Q
"Did you just say... you're the Director?"
Upon hearing that title, everyone in the group was quick to jump to their feet.
After all, the governing rules of Shinagawa dictated that the current champion held the title of Director.
Which was to say...
Kazuma Ichinose
"My name is Kazuma Ichinose.
I'm your opponent in this XG match... As well as Zero's appointed Number One. That is something else you'd do well to remember."
The man who had called himself Kazuma emphasized his point by pushing up his sunglasses.
Yo Kuronaka
"This guy is one of the Numbers?!"
Eiji Todoroki
"A-And Number One, to boot! That means he's most definitely strong too, right?!"
Tsuki Iroha
"Urk... In a situation like this, the one who gets scared off first definitely loses!"
The revelation that Kazuma was one of the Numbers immediately set the entire group on edge.
Kazuma, on the other hand, had an easy smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Determined to not be overwhelmed by his aura, Yo kept his gaze fixed on Kazuma.
Tsuruko Semba
"It's finally time...
Now that it's here and we're face-to-face like this, my legs feel shaky..."
Kazuma Ichinose
"Heh. That's an understandable feeling.
After all, I can't imagine it's possible for you to not be nervous when in the grand presence of this city's Director."
Q
"I can't say I expected any of the Numbers to show up so suddenly.
We shouldn't waste this opportunity."
Hyakuichitaro Senju
"H-Hell yeah! Let me at 'im!
I'll take this punk down and become a true man!"
With Q at the forefront, Yo and Hyakuichitaro both took fighting stances.
Kazuma Ichinose
"My, my... You really plan to start like this, here and now?
Well, I suppose that's all right. We can get this minor task taken care of quickly—"
Just as sparks were about to fly between the two teams, the sudden sound of a whistle interrupted them.
Everyone looked around, and a moment later, a black hole appeared. From that hole, an ugly-cute plushie jumped out—Zero, of course.
Zero
"Phweeeee! Time out! Noooo fighting, you hear me?!"
Yo Kuronaka
"Zero? Why are you here?"
Zero
"Isn't it obvious? I came here to stop you all!
Listen up! Did you already forget what I told you about the importance of the governing rules?
You have to abide by them, no matter what! Just like the promise to marry your bride after you return from the war!"
Tsuruko Semba
"Isn't that... a promise that gets broken pretty often?"
Tsuruko pointed out the flawed logic nervously, but Zero continued on without paying her any mind.
Zero
"Killing outside the rules is strictly prohibited! No ifs, ands, or buts! Don't go breaking any more rules!
If you keep acting out of your own accord, then I'll make it rain lasers, got it?!"
Tsuki Iroha
"Hey, Yo..."
Tsuki grabbed onto Yo's sleeve, her hand trembling.
She'd already been shot by Space Envoy 3's lasers once before.
Because of that, she knew better than anyone else just how terrifying that threat was.
Yo Kuronaka
"Got it. Loud and clear—we won't fight here."
Zero
"Glad to hear you understand. Games are meant to be fun, after all!
Now, then, Kazuma. Please make sure to show them that thing we talked about. And make sure they get a proper explanation of things!"
Kazuma Ichinose
"As you wish, Zero."
Kazuma then bowed to Zero, as if he were a knight.
Zero
"Well, it's about time for my nap, so I'm out! Do your best, everyone!"
With that, Zero opened another black hole sized perfectly to fit only him before vanishing inside of it.
Q
"...So what exactly did he want you to show us?"
Kazuma Ichinose
"The layoff system."
Yo Kuronaka
"The layoffs..."
It was one aspect of the governing rules that they hadn't understood.
Yo was left to wonder why Zero had left Kazuma in charge of explaining it to them.
???
"Yo, please step back! That man is dangerous!"
The voice was accompanied by the tapping of heels against the floor. After a moment, the manager breathlessly stood between Yo and Kazuma.
Yo Kuronaka
"Oh. You're the manager!"
Manager
"My apologies... It seems you've experienced some hardships while I was away.
Please just leave the rest to me."
Kazuma Ichinose
"Hmph. You again? Begone, you're in the way."
Manager
"As the manager of this hotel, ensuring the guests have a pleasant stay and that they aren't bothered by uninvited guests is part of my job.
With that in mind, I ask that you leave the premises immediately. Your sort are not welcome here!"
The manager spread her arms wide, as if to protect Yo and the rest of the team.
Still, it seemed she was frightened despite that. Her voice quavered as she spoke.
Kazuma Ichinose
"...Are you ordering me around? Me, Director AND Number One?"
Kazuma's eyes shot open wide as he trembled with anger.
Kazuma Ichinose
"Gentle as I may be, my patience still has limits. You continue to stand in my way at every opportunity.
You ought to remember that I only turn a blind eye to your behavior because you're the manager of such a renowned hotel. Understood?"
Manager
"There are some things in this life I would never compromise on. I would rather die than obey you."
Kazuma Ichinose
"Oh? You'd rather die, you say?
Then perhaps we should put your convictions to the test. It's the perfect time to do so, after all, considering Zero requested I give them an explanation about this very thing."
Manager
"Wait, you don't mean..."
Kazuma Ichinose
"Heh. I'm glad to see you understand. Go on, seize this fool of a manager!"
Shinagawa Tribe Member
"Yes, sir!"
The Shinagawa Tribe members bowed in response to Kazuma's orders before running to surround the manager and restrain her.
Manager
"S-Stop it! Get your hands off me!"
The manager cried out, but resistance was futile against the sheer numbers she was up against.
Yo Kuronaka
"Ms. Manager...!"
Yo sprinted toward them, however...
Shinagawa Tribe Member
"Please, don't do anything rash!"
Yo Kuronaka
"Damn it, what the hell do you think you're doing?!"
The members of the Shinagawa Tribe seized Yo as well.
Q
"..."
Q moved to try and help Yo, but one of the men of the Shinagawa Tribe anticipated his actions; he pulled out a thin blade and held it to the manager's throat.
The light reflected brightly off the ceiling lights. They gripped the manager's shoulders even tighter, and her breathing grew shallow in response.
Q realized that if he moved, they would spill blood. He stopped, raising his hands in surrender before he took a quiet step back.
Tsuki Iroha
"Kazuma's not part of the Shinagawa Tribe, right?
So why are you all following his orders?! None of this makes any sense!"
Tsuki knew that she couldn't best them physically, so instead, she called out to the members of the Shinagawa Tribe in an attempt to appeal to their sensibilities.
She received no response, however, as they pretended not to hear what she had to say.
Kazuma Ichinose
"This is precisely why Tribes and those who have abandoned the cogs of society are so troublesome.
These people here are doing their best to integrate back into society.
Their actions and behavior are nothing more than doing what they should as humans."
Yo Kuronaka
"Society? That's got nothing to do with this!"
Kazuma Ichinose
"That's where you're wrong. You see, the governing rules are what make up our current society.
And you see, society itself has become a game! There are rules, and evaluations are given out based on those rules!
So whether or not you like this game is completely irrelevant to the situation!"
Tsuki Iroha
"What are you even talking about right now?!"
Kazuma Ichinose
"You still don't understand? Since ancient times, humanity has developed within the framework of a society.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that it's because of society that we can live balanced lives without having to worry about basic necessities to survive.
And just who evaluates you? Family, friends... even complete strangers! That's all part of a society, right?
But now, society itself has been corrupted thanks to the trash... Bastards like you, who've turned your backs on society exist, after all!
Zero noticed this and took the time to build a new social structure for us.
One where the governing rules reward only those who contribute and follow the rules!"
Was this some kind of stage play?
Kazuma almost seemed like an actor, given how theatrically he spoke while his hair and scarf seemed to flutter.
Yo quickly realized that Kazuma was serious, though. It was dizzying for him to consider their massive difference in perspectives.
Tsuruko Semba
"It's not very surprising to hear that a champion of the governing rules would have such a different way of seeing things..."
Kazuma Ichinose
"Until now, Neo Tokyo... No, the entire WORLD has failed to understand the game that is society and have treated it all far too lightly.
That's why Shinagawa City's current society is so beautiful. I can't even fathom the idea that any other city could possess a greater beauty than this."
Tsuki Iroha
"How long are you gonna yap for? It's about time you got off your high horse!"
Kazuma Ichinose
"Hmph. It appears my words are lost on you brats. It'd be a waste of my breath to say anything more."
Kazuma came to the conclusion that continuing the conversation would be little more than a waste of time.
He sighed, exasperation present on his face as he turned his gaze toward the entrance.
Kazuma Ichinose
"Hey! What are you all waiting for? Take the manager to Layoff Plaza at once!"
The doors to the front entrance opened just as Kazuma barked out his orders.
24 Tribe Enforcer
"This is the manager that's to be arrested, correct? Don't make this any harder than it needs to be!"
The group that had entered the lobby bore masks that fully covered their faces with the number '24' on them—quite obviously marking them as the 24 Tribe enforcers led by Zero.
Yo could hardly believe that they also took orders from Kazuma, one of the Numbers.
Manager
"Stop it! Let me go!!"
The manager struggled frantically to break free, but the 24 Tribe enforcers dragged her toward the exit.
Yo Kuronaka
"Stop! Get away from her!"
Yo did his best to shake off the members of the Shinagawa Tribe that were still restraining him, but...
Shinagawa Tribe Member
"D-Don't move!"
They were quick to grab Yo once more.
Kazuma Ichinose
"Well, then. I believe it's time I take my leave. Be sure to come to the Layoff Plaza later.
And don't be late, all right? That's the golden rule of properly doing business, after all."
He offered a smirk in Yo's direction before he, as well as the manager, left the building.
Once Kazuma was completely out of their line of sight, the Shinagawa Tribe members that had been restraining Yo began to whisper to one another.
Yo couldn't make out what they were saying. After a moment, the members nodded and released Yo before quickly taking off.
Hyakuichitaro gave chase, determined to give them a piece of his mind, however... Q determined that would be a waste of their time and grabbed him by the collar to prevent him from going any farther.
Yo Kuronaka
"Do any of you know where this 'Layoff Plaza' is?"
Tsuruko Semba
"The fastest way there would be through the access bridge that connects to the tenth floor.
We'd better hurry. The clock's ticking, we can't afford to waste any time!"
Everyone nodded in unison, and before long, they took off toward the Layoff Plaza to rescue the manager.
