𝕄•𝔸•𝕊•𝕂•𝕊

Mission 13

I paced in front of the metal table, the man sitting there looking very nervous. "Do you want anything? Water, tea, sake?" I looked at the man, stopping my pacing. He shook his head. "Awesome. So let's get down to business." I leaned over the table, "What's your job?"

"I-I'm a cook." I nodded, starting my pacing again.

"Any family?" I asked, looking at the wall. There was no response. "Speak up!" I turned and glared at the man, my lips forming into a tight line under my mask. 

"N-no. No family. I'm single." I hummed at that, turning back to the table.

"What do you do in your free time?" I leaned over the table again, my face a couple of inches from the man. I could see his eyes and mouth twitching, small drops of sweat going down his forehead. "Getting nervous, are we? Answer the question!" I demanded.

"I stay home." The man wiped his brow. I backed away.

"Not good enough." I told him, "Tell me, do you know of a group called Hi no Chi, Mr....Imai?" The man shook his head desperately.

"No, ma'am." I sighed and walked out of the room, locking it behind me. I leaned against the wall, taking my mask off and taking a deep breath. The man was obviously lying, but I would have to have Emi and the other hackers check for me. I put my mask back on and peeked my head into the interrogation room.

"Mr. Imai, do you want anything?" I asked him again.

"Sake and some udon." I nodded and locked the door again.  

I walked down the hall, passing the security room. "Security, get Mr. Imai in Room 3 some sake and udon. Thanks." They bowed to me as I walked away. I went outside and leaned against a wooden post, watching the nine-year-olds go through their martial arts forms. they all shouted in unison, their bodies turning and punching their tiny fists out.

Smiling at the memories, I walked over to their instructor and watched them from there. The instructor bowed and asked me to teach them for a while. I bowed and accepted, calling for the kids to stop.

"If you already don't know, I am Akechi Asakumo." I introduced myself, bowing slightly. All the kids bowed in unison and welcomed me. "So, what have you all been working on?" They all raised their hands. I pointed to a little girl in the front.

"We have been working on our Kendo forms and martial arts forms." I nodded approvingly. Another little girl raised her hand eagerly. I pointed to her, "Akechi-sama, can you take off your mask?" I smiled, nodding and unlatching my mask, letting it fall into my hand. The little girl gazed at me in awe. "You're so pretty, Akechi-sama," she said shyly.

"What's your name?" I asked her.

"Hanabira." 

I smiled at her, "Thank you, Hanabira." I turned to all of them, "Now, I want all of you to get your swords. No armor for now." I waited for them all to come back and line up. "Starting from for Kendo." I drew my own katana and led the group through the Kendo forms. Each form was followed by a kiai as each form was executed.

The courtyard echoed with kiais and the swish of metal through the air. I smiled as they all followed in suit.