159: One or Two Yearnings
His name is Shiba Yuuka, commonly known as SHIVA. He is the most famous magician on earth, who fascinates people all over the world with his deceptions.
SHIVA had been performing as a magician in various parts of the world for nearly 10 years. However, everything about her, from her age and gender to the true face hidden behind the white phantom mask, was still shrouded in mystery.
Although he uses a Japanese name, it was said to probably be a pseudonym because of his amazing Japanese-like beauty, which can be seen even through his mask.
There is only one thing that can be said with certainty.
SHIVA’s magic trick…… No, “Magic” is the real deal.
A few years ago, a reporter who wanted to find out the secret forcefully raided a hotel room where SHIVA was staying.
It was a week later that the reporter, who disappeared shortly afterwards, was taken into custody. He said that the moment he stepped into the room, everything disappeared, from the furnishings to the sounds, not to mention the doors, windows, and other entrances and exits.
Although it is not certain whether it was true or not, SHIVA had since been called this with reverence all over the world.
――“The top ranked archmage”――
So, that’s the story. Also, SHIVA’s goods are sold online, and they are of very high quality. There are 500 varieties, and a secret.」
「Senpai, is the story still continuing?」
Kirika, in the back seat, stopped Rintaro, who was speaking in a good mood behind the wheel of the sedan. Minato, who was also in the back seat and listening with interest, let out an exclamation.
「Heee, he must be an amazing person. That SHIVA person.」
「It’s not just amazing. The Golden Gate Bridge, which was erased by a magic show in San Francisco last year, was still gone six months later!」
「Is that a magic trick!? If it was actually gone, that is no longer a magician, but a demolition company, isn’t it……!?」
There are many other structures around the world that remain obliterated by SHIVA. The Opera House in Sydney, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the Kinkakuji Temple in Kyoto, etc…….
『If you really can erase it, then try it!』, The incident in which a TV presenter who boasted and was forced to publicly apologize on a live broadcast worldwide is still fresh in people’s minds.
「Do you really want to meet such a dangerous person? Senpai will be erased.」
「If he wanted to erase me, he would have done so by now. After all, he had sent an invitation directly to my room in the secret base.」
Yes, it is very likely that SHIVA is aware of the mysterious being’s, and by extension, the Ark Dominion’s existence. But that was within the scope of Rintaro’s expectations.
「It wasn’t much more than a rumor, but SHIVA had always been suspected of being a mysterious being. But thanks to this, we have come to contact with each other in this way.」
When Rintaro began researching SHIVA as a suspect to be arrested during his hero school days, he was instantly fascinated by his amazing magic tricks.
Magic is “a collection of techniques for deceiving and surprising others”.
Rintaro’s creed had always been to deceive his opponents, to get behind their psychology, and to knock them off their feet. For Rintaro, who was known for his poor dexterity and had always been behind others, deception, the foundation of his strategic tactics, is a weapon and a source of strength.
SHIVA’s magic contained everything that Rintaro had been searching for.
「Let me tell you, I’m not a fan, I’m just a tactician who fell in love with SHIVA’s techniques. Not because I’m a fan or anything, but out of pure curiosity and inquisitiveness…」
「I understand, please look in front and drive, senpai.」
「Because it’s the truth!」
「I get it, please look in front.」
The sedan exited Route 15 and arrived at a seaside landfill.
“Yokohama Minato Mirai 21”
It is one of the most famous waterfront areas in Japan, rivaling Kobe Port Island and Makuhari New City Center. It is one of Kanto’s leading modern man-made scenic spots, with beautiful night views from the sea, and at dusk, Fuji casts a shadow in the western sunset sky.
Not only the rows of offices, but also amusement parks, museums, live music venues, and important cultural properties. The wisdom and technology of mankind, as well as the fruits of modernization, have shaped this city.
A sedan pulled up in front of the hotel that towers over the corner. Four people got out, members of the heinous legion.
Waiting for them was a tall man in a dark suit.
「We’ve been waiting for you, Death Green-sama. And the ladies.」
「I received your invitation. It seems you are doing something quite fancy.」
「We’re glad to hear that you liked it. My name is Kamiki Reiji and I will be your guide. Please this way.」
The man, who introduced himself as “Kamiki,” called Rintaro “Death Green” without hiding it. Rintaro was convinced that SHIVA was a mysterious being after all.
One glance at this man, as well as his single word, revealed that he was also a mysterious being and a member of SHIVA’s inner circle.
Although different from SHIVA, Kamiki also had a face that was uniquely Japanese. With his long, slicked-back hair and neatly trimmed beard, he looked like a mature Hollywood star.
In any case, it would not be out of place if he himself were introduced as a VIP. If he were to pick up girls in Shinjuku, he would have a big queue of people waiting for him.
「Yuuka-sama is waiting for you in the suite on the top floor.」
「we can meet SH- SH- SHIVA-sama directly!?」
「Yes, of course. You have seen the content of the invitation, haven’t you?」
Rintaro clenched his fists and struck a mental gut pose so that Kamiki could not see him. However, this gesture was clearly visible to the three people walking behind him.
「This is the first time Samecchi see this kind of aniki, ssu……」
「Oh, how to put it, it seems like his fever is rising.」
「Senpai isn’t the type to let other people get to him… but he is just like a boy, and I’m totally into it.」
「Mumumu, ssu……」
Rintaro, who was on cloud nine, was stopped dead in his tracks by a sudden tug on his sleeve. When he turned around, he saw Samecchi grabbing Rintaro’s sleeve.
Samecchi, not in her usual hoodie, but dressed to the nines today, stared intently into Rintaro’s face.
「Muuuuu, ssu.」
「What is it, Samecchi? Please wait until the job is done before ripping off aniki’s sleeves.」
「……Really, ssuka? Is it really just a job, ssuka?」
「Iiisn’t it obvious! This is also to make money as heinous legion…! However, if our network expands as a result, then it would be a big deal or something like that.」
As Rintaro defended himself, Samecchi’s cheeks puffed up as she turned her eyes fixedly toward Rintaro. Rintaro, troubled, looked into the face of Samecchi, who stubbornly refused to let go of his sleeve.
「Muuuuuuu, ssu. This is not just a job, ssu! aniki is getting excited, ssu!」
The color reflected in those straight, large, half-moon eyes was neither jealousy nor insecurity.
「……I see, I can no longer fool Samecchi’s eyes.……」
Rintaro stopped in his tracks, sat down, and looked at Samecchi’s. He spoke kindly to Samecchi, who was pouting her little lips.
「It was my fault, I lied to both Samecchi and myself. Honestly, I’m really looking forward to meeting SHIVA.」
「When aniki is happy, aniki has to say that aniki is happy, ssu! When aniki is happy, Samecchi wants to be happy too, ssu!」
「Yeah, Samecchi is right. I’m sorry I lied about my feelings.」
From either side, arms are put around each other’s backs.
「Aniki, how does aniki feel now?」
「Aah, of course, I am very happy right now!」
「Then Samecchi is also happy, ssu!」
Samecchi and Rintaro were not afraid to show off and hugged each other tightly.
「Geez, I really thought you were jealous.」
「Samecchi is a good girl, so Samecchi won’t be jealous, ssuu.」
As Kamiki watched, his dandyism shone on his face. This man, Kamiki, who didn’t say a word, must be a good person in some way.
「I’m sorry, Kamiki-san, for making you wait.」
「Hohoho, it is very wonderful that you siblings are so close. I am sure that Zazo…… Yuuka-sama would say the same thing!」
「I would be grateful if he would say that……. Zazo?」
「Now now, let’s go.」
Rintaro was about to say something, but Kamiki was able to avoid him. Rintaro, encouraged by Kamiki, tried to get on the elevator to the top floor.
……But then, with a jerk, both his sleeves were tugged.
「……Ah, no, that’s not it Rintaro, Umm.」
「I believe that Senpai is not a gentleman who doesn’t understand the word unfair.」
「……………………」
Rintaro hugged each of them in turn and then boarded the elevator.
Leave a Reply