Chapter 6: Scheme

Well, well, well, well.

Last time, I got my hands on something you could call a trump card—well, more accurately, the materials for one. But of course, it’s always best if I never have to use something like that. A trump card should only be played when there are absolutely no other options left.

In other words, what I need to think about now is how to neutralize those girls—or at least remove them as a threat to me.

An alliance? Yeah, sure, forming a cooperative relationship or agreeing on non-aggression would technically be an option. But things don’t go that smoothly in this line of work.

You should know this already: in the underworld, reputation is literally tied to your life. You hear it all the time in yakuza dramas, right? “Once they start looking down on you, you’re done.” That’s because reputation directly affects your business.

Sure, maybe the surface world has something similar, but here, if your reputation takes a hit, your competitors might actually start coming after you. That’s annoying at best—and at worst, it’s the end of your business entirely.

Hm? How does that stop me from forming a partnership with them? Think about it. If I—the Cleaner—suddenly bow to Problem Solver 68, that’s exactly how everyone will interpret it. I mean, look at the situation: if I approached them for an alliance after being one-sidedly beaten, it’d be the same as openly admitting defeat.

And they’re the type who deliberately manipulate information to filter their clientele. Their overall reputation? It was so under the radar that even I—who definitely wasn’t slacking on intel gathering—didn’t notice them until recently. Most people didn’t even know their name until a little while ago.

So what do you think happens if a well-known Cleaner—yes, I’m talking about myself—teams up with such a group? There are only three likely outcomes: Problem Solver 68 gets rated much higher, the Cleaner gets downgraded as “only that level”… or both.

And even if only Problem Solver 68’s reputation rises, that doesn’t automatically make it a good thing. Like I said, they’ve been manipulating information to narrow down their client pool. Even their current level of attention probably isn’t something they welcome.

If forming an alliance drags even more eyes onto them, then there’s almost no benefit for them at all. In terms of raw combat ability, we’re about equal—or they might even have the advantage. Intel? They probably beat me there too. With that balance, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages.

Therefore, forming an alliance with them is impossible.

Which means a peaceful solution simply doesn’t exist.

"…This is such a pain."

Ugh. Seriously, such a pain.

"Do I… really have to do it…?"

To be honest, I don’t want to. Our power levels are about equal only if I use my trump card… and if Sensei joins their command, I’ll be at a disadvantage. Even if I win, the damage would be severe enough that I’d have to shut down until the repairs on my unit are complete… and that drastically limits my ability to protect myself.

So for me…

"…haa…"

Let’s be honest. I don’t want to kill them. If possible, I don’t even want to hurt them.

Damn it. This is why I didn’t want to go outside. This is why I didn’t want to talk to people. Whose stupid idea was it to go give that request in person? Oh right. Mine.

Damn it all. Why did I talk to them like that, seriously? I’m a former modern Japanese citizen, okay? My ethics are still fully intact. And they’re human-shaped on top of that. Of course I’d get attached, damn it.

…So what do I do? Give up? Throw everything away and run?

No chance. People in the underworld don’t let weakened prey slip away. Especially not prey as premium as a “Cleaner.” I’ve made too many enemies.

If I abandon my unit and run… maybe, maybe I could get away by sheer luck, but after that, I’d be done for. There’s no way I could survive on my own. And all my other defensive equipment only works if I bring everything in this room with me.

It’s checkmate. The more I think about it, the worse it gets. The only way to survive is to defeat Problem Solver 68.

"…Haah… really, how did it come to this…"

I mean, come on. I finally got reincarnated, you know? And into a game world that advertises itself as “youthful school life,” no less! Let me have some youth! I haven’t had any! And even if I had the opportunity, someone like me couldn’t pull it off anyway.

Haha… haaaaaaaaah…

"Al-san…"

I pick up the brand-new smartphone lying beside me. The only app installed is Momotalk. That, a few photos in the camera roll, and five contacts. All of which absolutely do not fit someone like me.

Al, Kayoko, Mutsuki, Haruka… and Sensei.

Thinking back on it… I guess you could call that a kind of youth too. I won’t deny that I had fun.

"'Today was so much fun! And that Peroro plushie you gave me? I love it! Is this what they call creepy-cute? If you ever need help again, make sure to come to us at Problem Solver 68! All right? Promise!'"

"…Heh."

Why am I smiling?

…Well, the smart choice right now would be to throw this phone away. Can I do it? …Nope. Court adjourned. End of discussion.

Yeah. I guess I’ll just let them live on in my memories. This phone can be one of those memories.

Because I don’t want to die.

Ahh… the more I think about it, the more ridiculous it feels. It was just a one-time job request. Sure, I got attached, but not enough to put my life on the line.

If someone could make that kind of choice, they’d either be an idiot, an unbelievably good person… or a superhuman with enough power to fix everything anyway.

Ahh, ridiculous, ridiculous. Completely ridiculous…

"…Ngh!"

Smack.

I slap my own cheek. Enough with the gloom. It doesn’t suit me, and it’s a pain to deal with. I’m a professional. Emotions don’t matter. Regret can come later. Right now, staying alive and protecting myself takes priority.

"Old man, the usual."

"Coming right up."

Which is why resupplying materials is my top priority. Firearms, ammunition, preparation resources, OOPArts.

And then—

"One Shibaseki Ramen, ready!"

"…Oh. As excellent as always, Shopkeep."

Yes. Shibaseki Ramen.

Hey, don’t snort at that. Amateur. This Shibaseki Ramen may cost only 580 yen, but it’s packed with nutrients and scores a thousand points on satisfaction. It’s essential for keeping my motivation up. I’ve been indebted to this place since before people started calling me the Cleaner. Back when I was barely clinging to life, this shop saved me—so in a way, you could call it the birthplace of the Cleaner. Which means this place is a legendary ramen shop. Yes, that’s right. That’s definitely right. There are only two customers right now including me, but at the usual time the place gets busier.

"Well then, thank you for the meal."

With that, I press my hands together—then open up my own abdomen and shove the whole bowl of ramen inside.

"Shopkeep, 1,600 yen, including the bowl fee, as usual."

"Yeah. …I say this every time, but you always return the bowl the next time you come, so you don’t need to pay for it…"

"It’s called sincerity. Take it."

"Well, if you insist."

"……And consider it repayment for back then."

"Did you say something?"

"No. I’ll be going now."

I slide open the shop door and step outside. The shopkeeper seemed to give me a warm smile at the end, but I ignore it.

I keep walking, walking, until I reach an empty dead-end alley.

"Now then—following me all the way from the ramen shop. What business do you have with me, Sensei?"

"So you noticed after all."

I turn around. Standing there are the student with the blue scarf and that teacher from before. So they tailed me from the ramen shop.

"I couldn’t cause trouble for the shopkeeper, so I moved us somewhere else. So? What do you want, Sensei? I’m busy. Make it quick."

"Got it. Uh—‘Cleaner,’ was it?"

"…"

"I’ll take the silence as a yes."

Well, yeah, they figured it out. Kayoko from the Problem Solver group glared right at me back then. I thought there was no way she’d recognize me in the dark, but I guess her eyes are absurdly sharp.

"So, I’ll get straight to the point—can you stop going after everyone in Problem Solver 68?"

"Impossible."

"Wow. No hesitation."

"I’m a mercenary. My profession depends on it. Lost trust must be restored."

"Is it really that necessary?"

Click.

"…You’re pointing a gun at me?"

"……"

"I see. I see. You do understand what that implies, don’t you?"

"…!"

"…Shiroko. Lower it."

"…Okay."

"A wise choice."

"…Then let me make a different request."

"Speak. Quickly."

Sensei pulls a phone out of his pocket and shows me a photo.

"Do you recognize this student?"

"…Nope."

"Don’t lie. This is Shinto Komori. A third-year student at Trinity General Academy."

"…Ah, that was her name, huh."

"…! Now, to the main point—step away from her. Immediately."

"……"

……………………?

Huh??

Hmmm??

"What are you talking about? What do you mean?"

"Don’t play dumb. Witnesses reported that you ordered a certain helmet gang to ‘bully Shinto Komori, then attack her. If anyone gets in the way, eliminate them as well.’"

"……"

"I don’t know what your motive is, but step away from her. Right now."

Ah—so that’s it. From there, huh. Damn, that person sweep back then was perfect. Which means one of them snitched. I should’ve gagged them. If anyone suspects a connection between Komori and the Cleaner, it becomes a pain.

…But can this even be used?

"What if I refuse?"

"I will stop you. By any means necessary."

"Even if that person is committing heinous crimes?"

"Yes. That student is mine. No matter what she’s like, as long as I’m her teacher, I will save her."

"……I see."

"But I refuse."

At that moment, the student—Shiroko—repositions her gun toward me.

"Second building to my right, second floor: one person. First floor: one person. Behind the outdoor AC unit diagonally left: a shield bearer. And one right in front. I see. An Abidos student. She must be really admired."

"──!"

"Sensei, before your student pulls the trigger, know this: I am the type of person who won’t hesitate to take a life."

"………"

"If you hate losing someone, I suggest you step back here."

"………Got it. We’ll pull back for now."

"Sensei!?"

"…But Cleaner, don’t forget. I will save my student no matter what. I will protect everyone in Problem Solver 68 too."

Saying that, he disappeared into the sand-covered streets.

"…So cool."

Ah! Right. I have to get back before the Shibaseki Ramen gets cold!