Storm of Fate

Chapter 16

"Nobody move!"

In the grand entrance hall of the mansion, tension crackled through the air like electricity. Douma held Detective Tanjiro hostage, his gun pressed against Tanjiro's temple, while Kanao, Senjuro, and Aoi positioned themselves defensively, ready for any move.

'This is really bad. The detective is in Douma's grip. Kanao can't risk shooting without endangering Kamado-san. Senjuro-kun is focused on the shooter above,' Aoi thought urgently, scanning the chaotic scene.

"Give it up. Harm any of us, and you'll regret it," Kanao warned, her voice steely.

"Do you think such threats scare me? My loyalty is to my master and comrades. The detective's life means nothing to me," Douma retorted, tightening his grip on Tanjiro.

"Then why hesitate? Why not shoot me?" Tanjiro interjected calmly.

"What?" Douma's voice wavered.

"If you truly don't care, you would've pulled the trigger already. But you're afraid of losing your leverage," Tanjiro continued, his gaze steady despite the gun against his head.

"Shut up!" Douma's voice trembled as he cocked the gun.

"By shooting me, you'd become expendable. Your loyal butler could've saved you, but he didn't. Why?" Tanjiro pressed on, unfazed by the tension.

"You're oblivious to your peril!" Douma snapped.

"Calm down. Kamado-san, please don't agitate him any fur-"

"I know my situation well, and I won't be intimidated. Not from the likes of you," Tanjiro said firmly, ignoring the warnings from his companions.

"Do you want to die? I'll oblige," Douma threatened, his finger tightening on the trigger.

"Then do it," Tanjiro challenged calmly.

"Die!" Douma pulled the trigger with determination. A spark flew, but the gun didn't fire—just a hollow click. Panic flickered across Douma's face too late. In a swift motion, Tanjiro elbowed him and followed up with a precise strike from his cane to Douma's head.

Seizing the opportunity, Caruth on the second floor moved to act, gun in hand—except Senjuro fired first, hitting the shadowy figure in the shoulder. A metallic clang echoed as something fell from above, shifting the advantage back to Tanjiro.

"Enough games," Tanjiro declared, his voice cutting through the tension.

"Why isn't it loaded? You should be dead!" Douma exclaimed in frustration.

"Like watching a magician, if you pay attention, you'd notice the sleight of hand," Tanjiro remarked confidently, dropping the remaining bullets in front of Douma.

Douma's eyes widened as he stared at the bullets now scattered on the floor. The realization of his blunder was like a cold, heavy weight settling in his chest. His breath quickened, mingling with the sharp, acrid scent of gunpowder and fear.

"Are you alright?" Kanao asked out of concern

“I’m fine,” Tanjiro replied, his gaze still locked on Douma. He turned to Senjuro, who was still covering the room, his weapon trained on the now-defenseless Caruth. “Make sure the rest are secured.”

Senjuro nodded, his focus unshaken as he directed Aoi to join him in restraining Caruth. The muffled sounds of struggle and subdued grunts signaled their efficiency.

Douma, on his knees, looked up at Tanjiro with a mix of anger and desperation. “You tricked me… you played me for a fool.”

Tanjiro’s expression was a blend of sympathy and resolve. “You made a critical mistake under pressure. It’s a lesson we all learn sooner or later.”