Strange Grief Wants to Retire ~ The Weakest Hunter's Hero Dream - Chapter 247 p2

Chapter 247 Inherited Will ②
Part 2
　Footsteps could be heard from behind the door. The footsteps sounded somewhat confident. And Sora *fuu* laughed with her nose.
　These footsteps must be Gaff’s footsteps. They belong to the poor Gaff, who inherited the real mask from the fake Boss.

　In a way, he is more of a victim than Sora.
　However, at the moment when Gaff obtained the real mask, he became the Boss. He has a responsibility to be the Boss. That’s the way this organization is structured. There is no room for doubt.

　The door opened. And Gaff, wearing a fox mask, entered.

　Sora took a deep breath and opened her lips solemnly as she kneeled down to carry out her original role as a priestess for the first time in a long time.

“Byakko-sama. We are making steady progress in establishing a production system for the Aburaage that you have ordered us to produce. What…… Shall we do from now on?” (Sora)

　Byakko-sama is the object of worship for a “Miko (Shrine Maiden)”. It is unthinkable to raise one’s face without his permission.

　In the first place, it was Gaff who hastened the production of Aburaage by order of the previous Byakko-sama.
　The Byakko-sama, who had been the “Thief King (Tozoku Ou)” until a few moments ago, fell silent for a while before saying in a deep voice to Sora who was still looking at the ground.

“………… Well done. You understand our plans for the future, don’t you?” (Gaff)

“………… Yes. I have engraved Byakko-sama’s order in my heart. He said we would conquer the world by making Inari Sushi Bento.” (Sora)

“Say what!? ………… N-No…… It is nothing. You do understand the intent behind it, don’t you?” (Gaff)

“……………… I, a mere simple “Miko (Shrine Maiden)”, cannot hope to comprehend the thoughts of Byakko-sama.” (Sora)

“No way…” (Gaff)

　Apparently, the new Byakko-sama hasn’t heard anything either.
　No…… There is only one Byakko-sama. There is no previous or new one. Sometimes he would split in order to be active in various fields, and although there are rumors that his alter-egos would meet with each other, there is only one Byakko-sama, okay?

　Certainly, when he was just Gaff, he didn’t need to know the intent behind the order. But it is different now.

　Gaff was silent for a while before saying to Sora who had sneakily pushed all the responsibility on him.

“…………………… For the time being, we can’t stop the plan once it’s in motion, can we?” (Gaff)

“………… Everything will be done according to Byakko-sama’s will.” (Sora)

“I am… the Byakko. I have full command of everything.” (Gaff)

“It is as you say. That mask is unmistakable proof that you are an agent of the Fox-God, and as a “Miko (Shrine Maiden)”, I obey you.” (Sora)

　I declared fearfully. But I sense that Gaff is equally perplexed when he hears this.

　Right now, Sora and the new Boss’s heart were in agreement.

“The other day, Byakko-sama gave an order. He said to create a new organization. The name of the new organization that will expand in the public is 『Ten-Tails of Aburaage (Juubi no Aburaage)』.” (Sora)

“!? U-Uuumu……” (Gaff)

　Apparently, neither the man who was once known as the “Thief King (Tozoku Ou)” nor the head of a large gang of thieves is accustomed to this kind of situation.

　He groaned with a difficult face for a while but eventually said as if he had prepared himself.

“………… The previous strategy is novel. Even within the organization, there are those who will not accept it――There will be confusion.” (Gaff)

“…… I think it is as you say.” (Sora)

“The order has already been issued…… And it has already been sent out. The headquarters is also in disarray. Depending on the situation――A civil war might happen.” (Gaff)

“…………” (Sora)

　A Civil War. As a simple “Miko (Shrine Maiden)”, I cannot nod my head as it would be too disrespectful, but he is right.
　I don’t know how they communicate with each other, but as long as there is more than one person at the top, it is not impossible that there will be a conflict among them.

　And in that case, it is the Byakko in front of me who has just inherited the name of the Boss who is in a tight spot. There is no way anyone would want to board a sinking ship.

　And then the new Byakko-sama said in a quiet but powerful voice.

“I am… The guidelines. Order every member in the vicinity to participate in the operation. Get them to fry Aburaage ! And hurry up the work! Get the stores ready! Get the distribution channels set up!” (Gaff)

“………… As you wish.” (Sora)

　Urgency could be heard in his voice.

　He is not going to let anyone leave. He is planning to force them into his side. The “Fox (Kitsune)” does not tolerate traitors and they do not trust their members. That’s why Gaff is going to involve everyone in it.

　No one has found out about the change of the Byakko yet. He has to move while he still has the previous Byakko’s credibility.

　And oddly enough, this was in line with what Sora was trying to do.

“Those who oppose us, those who do not follow us, and those who disobey our orders will be purged! All operations currently in progress will be cancelled! Make them work so they cannot escape! Get them ready for battle! Send out a broadcast in the name of the Byakko to the headquarters. This is an extremely, highly important operation. I’m――The guidelines. I won’t let anyone get in the way! Don’t back down! Fight! Don’t worry, we have the blessing of the Fox-God!” (Gaff)

　In the first place, once an order is given, it cannot be revoked so easily. A Leader has a duty as a Leader.
　The only option is to die or to move forward.

§　§　§

　Three days before the main event of the Supreme Martial Arts Festival, the city was filled with even greater enthusiasm.
　Luke and the others seem to be in great shape (Well, it is rarer that they are not in great shape).

　While I was *gorogoro* chilling at the inn, Lucia, who, today too, was recharging my Relics (Which had been depleted because of me playing with it), suddenly said something strange.

“By the way, Leader, are you ready for the Supreme Martial Arts Festival? It seems that the number of Relics you have is quite small this time.” (Lucia)

“…… Yeah?” (Cry)

　Ready? …… Is she talking about being ready to support them? Well, of course, I am perfectly ready. I am a man like no other when it comes to cheering.

　Lucia sighed in exasperation as I smiled and held out a lavishly decorated pamphlet.

“Nii-san, you are in the first round. Do you get that?” (Lucia)

“Hm?” (Cry)

　I looked down at the pamphlet. Listed on the page was the tournament match-up for the Supreme Martial Arts Festival.
　Like a goldfish, I blinked and read the match-up table written on the tips of my finger.

“………… Kryhi Andrichhi VS Cry Andrich?” (Cry)

　………… How many people have the same name as mine, exactly?