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575 – Following the lead
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
The Last Thunder 576 – Soccer Playmates
“Are you sure this is the right way?” Jai asked.“I think so. There’s a field around here. It’s just straight ahead.” Gilbert pointed in front of them.Sure thing, after a few meters, there was a field on their right side. They knew this because even though there are wooden walls acting as fence covering some sides of the field, there were a few patches of wooden board missing.The sky had turned darker orange by the time they reached there, but there were still some children playing in the field.They were shouting, laughing, and snickering among themselves as they were playing, sending Jai the feeling of nostalgia as he remembered his elementary school year. He had once played soccer with his friends, and he kinda missed that now. He couldn’t do that now, since almost all of his friends were busy with their own… problems.A ball rolled over to their direction and Jai stopped it with his foot. The children looked over to them and waved their hands with big smiles.“Hey, big brother!
The Last Thunder 577 – Old magazine shop
The old man put two cups of tea on the small table in front of Jai, then he took the chair behind the counter and sat across from him. Gilbert was standing behind Jai, looking as if he was checking out the goods. There were actually some books among the shelves, having its own section. So it wasn’t surprising now that the kids call this a bookstore.“Thank you, Shiroe-san.” Jai thanked the man.The old man, Shiroe, waved his hand dismissively. “Ah. Apology… There’s not much in here.”“It’s alright. I come from a village too.” Jai replied, to which Gilbert faked a cough and tapped his shoulder.“Oh, please, blonde big brother. You’re also welcome to the tea.” The old man said.Gilbert smiled at him with his charming warm smile as he took a magazine out of the highest shelf, him holding Jai’s shoulder as a ruse to hoist himself up.“How long have you been in this neighbourhood, sir?” Jai then asked.The man didn’t seem to notice that exchange between them as he smiled warmly at Jai. “Si
The Last Thunder 578 – A small bird (1)
By the time they reached the post office, it was already dark. The only ones there were Darrion and Saburo. Since Gilbert is one of the two people who hold the key to the office, it’s only normal for Saburo to wait for him. And Darrion obviously wouldn’t leave before Jai arrived. Also don’t forget our little Shoru that was patiently waiting for her dear friend while lying on a pile of shredded papers.She instantly jumped into his arms when he entered the office, surprising everyone because she suddenly barked, also because she jumped so high from the ground she was practically soaring.Jai took her in his arms with surprise, but she didn’t seem to realize the feat she just did right now. Jai let her bask in his affection as he sent a questioning look towards the others, who sent the same look to him. So in conclusion, none of them knows what had just happened.To save everyone from questioning one another, Gilbert started the conversation.“Thank you for waiting for us. Good work tod
The Last Thunder 579 – A small bird (2)
“You alright? You look pale.” Jai pointed out as they had breakfast together in Jai and Darrion’s room. Shoru was so into her own breakfast to notice anything about the senior windlet.“Yeah. Too quiet for you here?” Darrion asked after swallowing his food.Arata slid a look to the side door which was open. He was waiting for that gaze to return and pay attention to them. Weird, yes, but he just wanted to make sure that the person was really targeting these two or him.That gaze made him restless. Arata did not sleep well that night, and that’s probably why he looked a bit pale.Although the gaze didn’t feel as sharp and as violent as the ones directed at him when he was undercover, it’s hard to ignore. There aren’t many things that could intrigue him to ‘watch out’ for something or someone, but this one irked him. And he was feeling as such because he was currently with two juniors that he had to keep an eye on.The two didn’t seem to notice, but he felt it strange because Darrion, a
The Last Thunder 580 – Directions Prep
“Thanks, and good luck, Jai.” Gilbert said as he checked in the 45th letter for the morning.Jai initiatively put the updates on the billboard by himself since the windlets were so busy. Even he didn’t manage to see his friend. ‘Darrion must be away to deliver letters with Harris.’“Oh don’t forget to tell Baji-san where you’re going today. He’s upstairs.” Gilbert said before he returned to the customers. “Hello. Welcome to the South Branch Windlet Post Office.”Jai wanted to go upstairs, but there’s suddenly a loud thud from upstairs before a shout ensued. “WHAT IS THIS!!”The office became quiet then a few angry steps later coming down the stairs, Baji appeared with an upset expression. Jai peeked from doorway.“Where’s Darrion?” He asked his subordinates, still standing on the stairs.Everyone could see the man had some tickets in his right hand, gripped tight, and the windlets knew what ticket it was.Arata didn’t want to be involved, he covered his face with an envelope and prete
The Last Thunder 581 – Leaving Shoru at the clinic
The nearest one was in the center of the kingdom. Well, near the center. From Arata’s description, the place is located before the center town, in one of their business districts. It’s near a marketplace that is located between two business districts, so it’s kind of crowded.Jai hoped Shoru wouldn’t be too anxious when they’re there, because there will be much more people now that they’re nearing the center of the kingdom.He had noticed in his journey with Harris, that the center of the kingdom is very crowded. It’s no wonder because the palace is in the center of the kingdom, and naturally, it would become a crowded place aside from filled with rich people.Harris had told him that even though the center of the kingdom is crowded, the palace in the middle of itself are surrounded by five instances that each had good distances from each other, so the palace isn’t directly connected to the streets.Jai imagined it like a chateau with super wide lawn of grasses, but that’s only a gues
The Last Thunder 582 – Checks out (1)
The place in the center is near the marketplace between two districts. In Arata’s notes, it wasn’t mentioned if the Hayate in this place is connected to a guy named Karu or Goro, but it’s still Hayate with a scar on the face.He made his way to the marketplace by following Arata’s direction. Seeing that it’s near a marketplace, many types of people should be there, so he thought that he shouldn’t have to hide himself anywhere. But he still has to be careful, because he’s in a place he doesn’t know and no one is around him to take care of him but himself if anything happens.Since he’s still unfamiliar with the concept of districts, he asked someone for direction to go to the marketplace when he thought he’s near. There were two women whom he assumed to be housewives. They had groceries in their hands, and assuming that they had just come from the marketplace, he approached.“Excuse me.” He bowed slightly. “May I ask the direction of the marketplace?”The women instantly turned around
The Last Thunder 583 – Checks out (2)
Jai’s eyes burnt into the backs of the three people group. If only looks can kill, those three would be dead by how fierce Jai was glaring at them.He knew about Kuroda and Kuro, and he wanted to help. However, he respects Darrion more and entrusted him to solve it by himself.But after hearing those words from the group, he couldn’t stand still.He put his bento in his bag and followed the group.Claude, who was watching him walking with eyes of flame, immediately stood straight. ‘Where’re you going now?’ He immediately followed Jai from the other side of the road.The group turned to the right with no suspicion. There was a small snack shop on the right, and they stopped there to buy some. Jai walked up to them.The shortest of them, who was also shorter than Jai by a head, immediately raised his hand up slightly to block him. “Go away! We’re here first!” Clearly, the boy mistook him trying to cut the line.Jai had already stopped when the boy raised his hand, so they weren’t touchi
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The Last Thunder 611 – Baby Shower (2)
Jai felt something wrapped around his stomach from behind. He immediately looked down to his waist, spotting two smaller sized hands coiling on his waist.‘A kid, obviously. But who is it?’ Jai wondered. This was a baby shower event, so he wasn’t feeling weird if children attend too. The question is, who is this kid?He tried to turn around to look at the hugger, but the kid was hugging him tight. It wouldn’t be hard to push it, but he was reluctant because it’s a kid. He knew there’s nothing he could do but ask.“Oh? Hello? Is there anything you need?” Jai asked with a friendly tone.He could hear giggles, but the kid didn’t answer his question.“Oh are we playing guess?” Jai asked.More giggles.“It’s a boy.” Someone whispered from his left side. A familiar voice yet he could not name.“Hey!” The boy protested.But from that tone alone, Jai could already figure out who it is. So he said. “Hello, Ruta-kun.”The kid let him go and Jai could finally turn around. True, it was Ruta. The
The Last Thunder 610 – Baby shower (1)
On the day when the baby shower was held, Jai arrived at the place with Baji.The venue is in a mansion in the North Town. Jai hadn’t been in that certain neighbourhood, but he finally understood that the North Town is the place for the riches, and the neighbourhood they were in is probably among the richest. The mansion building is tall, and the garden is so wide. There’s a medium sized pond with two gazebos on the side, and then there’s also a small orchard on the right side of the mansion.Baji leaned in to whisper something. “The party is in the back garden. And keep your mouth shut, please. You’re a famous guy and I don’t want you looking stupid.” Then he leaned back.Jai immediately closed his unconsciously parted lips and recited the plan. He couldn’t, of course, confront an important figure of a clan in a crowded venue. So Baji and Gilbert had made a plan to help him talk alone with Fuuji Fu in the venue. He just have to make sure he could deal with the ‘fans’, though he hoped
The Last Thunder 609 – Invitation
It isn’t a doubt that Cynthia was reluctant to share that information with Harris because Jai was there. So Jai proposed to the brunette to re-visit the place later in the day to ask about it.Baji was there when they returned, and Jai immediately told him about the findings he got also to consult about the Fiery Lotus.Baji crossed his arms on his chest and nodded in acknowledgement. “It’s fortunate that a promising lead is finally here. We’re sorry for the late initiative from our part. We should’ve worked harder.”He didn’t think that he would receive an apology from Baji. But it showed that the man is a responsible person. Jai shook his head. “It’s alright. From the start, it was already a scavenger hunt. But do you know anything about either of those?”Baji fixed his seating before he explained. “Well about the Chief of Fuuji, he’s a strict person on males. He’s nice to females, and he’s really into babies. There’s only one male person he had shown his friendly side to in public,
The Last Thunder 608 – Not on the first one
“So uhh, this person whom you mentioned before with Tsubasa is a very important person. And you want to ask him about Alex?” Darrion asked when they were in the carriage, heading back.Jai narrowed his eyes. “Why aren’t you being straightforward?”“I’m a bit tired from today. There are so many deliveries like yesterday. But ahh… I’m more tired in trying to understand what they say.” Darrion said with nervous smile.Jai forgot that his friend is not adept in Shouha language, it must be hard to work without understanding what anyone is saying.“Sorry.” Jai apologized.Darrion nodded. “It’s fine. Let’s just stick to no name for now, if possible. I… Can’t really erect a barrier right now.”“Sure.” Jai nodded. “The… Family, you know, told me about him. Saying that he is the first person we can ask about Alex. But he has a very high standing, as you’ve listened to me and the father talked about him, so it won’t be easy to talk to him.”“I see. So that’s why you go to them. They can be consi
The Last Thunder 607 – A Favor
"Sorry if it's too much of me to ask." Jai said."Oh no, no. It's fine. But my mother is not at home though, is that alright?" Yuta asked as he turned to Jai and Darrion behind him."It's alright. It's very sudden after all." Jai said."Alright then. Would tea be alright?" Yuta asked."Yes. It's fine. Thank you." Jai answered.Fu Fuuji is the head chief of one of the notorious Ten Guardian Clans, the Fuuji clan. After leaving the Komatsu’s residence, he was thinking about how to get in touch with this person. And the Akamine clan is the first thing that came into Jai’s mind.While they don’t really owe him a favor, this family is the closest connection that he has to the Fuuji clan, because they’re also one of the Ten Guardian Clans.Also, he knew that it’s not guaranteed that he would get an audience with Fu Fuuji through the Akamine. There’s a possibility that they are enemies with each other. But he would at least try to ask. So here they were, in the Akamine clan’s residence.Yuta
The Last Thunder 606 – Arrangement
Returning to the present.“Little Sparks. Fiery Lotus. What the hell are those?” Jai asked as they left the compound.“Quiet down. You’re gonna get us killed for that.” Claude remindedJai turned around and talked in slight whisper. “If it’s associated with the Queen, that means it’s very private. In the North Town, in a community place like thing. It doesn’t ring any bells from the previous search. Do you know anything about it?”He saw an empty horse mount coming in their direction and waved it.The mount stopped in front of them and they immediately climbed in the carriage. “Southeast Windlet Post Office.” He told the horse mount driver.Weaving the air barrier thicker, Claude replied. “I don’t. I’m a hunter, not a mercenary. How do you suppose I know these things?”Jai smiled shortly with a shrug. “Maybe? Ah… But this is a major progress in the case. At least we know he’s not dead, and it will take more effort to rescue him now.” Jai smiled.Claude stared at Jai suspiciously. “Why
The Last Thunder 605 – Red meets Red
They were led to a corridor which have several doors across from each other. Alex immediately knew they are resting rooms, because he could see a bed from one of the opened doors.One of the committees, the previous guy who shot the Cloud Viewing Rune in the ceremony, pulled his hood down, showing his blonde hair. Then he turned around while the other committees went past him, leaving him to deal with the new freshmen batch.“Good morning. My name is Liam. I am one of the guild members and I am one of the supervisors of the freshmen. Well, not really supervisor, but I’m the one they put in charge to look after you when the super seniors are out. Like right now. Oh and umm, I’m not alone. I have my friends with me to look after you. So please don’t do anything rash, because we outpower you by a lot. And we prefer not to hit you, because you’re a potential junior. Please be nice to each other, okay?”Alex didn’t really pay attention. He stopped listening when he uttered the fourth sente
The Last Thunder 604 – The ceremony
That morning on the day when Jai went to the Komatsu’s house, Alex had already settled in ‘the place’.He wasn’t familiar with the kingdom, as such, he didn’t know where he was taken to.And since he was late, he was grouped with those who were also late. Many eyes stared at him when he entered the room—it was an average room with beds—reserved only for those who arrived late.Apparently, those who arrived first had attended the ceremony and the first phase—and those who were late had to attend on their own. But they would be gathered together after that, and he would be able to meet his roommate. That was what Master Fu said yesterday when he dropped him off. But the old man wasn’t lying.He went through a sleepless night—because there were many others here that he didn’t know and he wasn’t keen on getting surprise attacked in the middle of his sleep. But the night went by uneventfully, fortunately.He and the others were given a tray of scone and tea to start the day. He didn’t eat
The Last Thunder 603 – Fiery
“Don’t. Test. Me.”Jai’s eyes glowed brighter for a second as he emphasized the last words.The civilians, of course flinched at his threat. All of them knew him as a humble and righteous young man. Always smiling and looked very kind. They never knew this side of him. That’s why they were very surprised. The Kizuato group wasn’t included though, they were there exactly to prevent Jai doing what he planned to do.Akane, who had have enough of her parents’ plan, stood up.“Akane-chan!” Rio tried to stop her, but she went anyway and spoke.But instead of retaliating at the guest in their house like the rest of her family, she was looking at her mother instead. “Just tell him, mother!”Rio frowned deep at her. “What are you saying, Akane?”Akane gritted her teeth. “Just tell him!! If you tell him, no one will be hurt!”Rio shut her mouth and swallowed, but she didn’t say anything.Akane looked at her mother with bewildered expression. “If you don’t, then I will.” She turned to Jai. But
