Storm of Fate

Chapter 18

Rewinding the clock back a few hours, it was only a few minutes after their separation when Tanjiro and Kanao strolled down the cobbled streets side by side. The red-haired detective and his former client, now turned temporary ally, stopped at a café. It looked unremarkable, with standard decorations and a typical menu, its clientele just an average mix. It didn't stand out in any way, and yet that was precisely why they had chosen it-well, why he had chosen it.

After placing their orders, they settled at a corner table in the back of the café. Silence enveloped them as their drinks arrived-a plain black coffee for Tanjiro and a cup of tea for Kanao. She couldn't shake the feeling of anxiety gnawing at her.

When she first saw Tanjiro step off the vehicle, she had followed him, hoping he was headed somewhere interesting. He neither invited nor dismissed her, leaving her hopeful that he knew what he was doing. However, as they sipped their drinks in silence, Kanao grew increasingly uncertain. Finally, she broke the quiet.

"Kamado-san, is there something on your mind?" Her gaze was curious, searching for answers.

"Hmm? Nothing in particular," Tanjiro replied, seemingly unfazed.

"The look in your eyes and your relaxed posture tell me otherwise," she countered, crossing her arms. "I thought we were here for something. Are we not?"

"Yeah, but I imagine it wasn't what you thought it was," he said, taking another sip of his coffee.

"What do you mean?"

"I just thought of getting something to drink. That's why I got off. You followed me," he explained, setting down his cup. "I don't mind some companionship. Plus, it gives me a chance to get to know you better."

"Oh, I see." A tick mark appeared on her forehead, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. "You're treating this lightly, aren't you?"

"No, I think getting to know each other is important," Tanjiro replied.

"What about the case then?"

"Zenitsu and the others are more than capable of handling it themselves."

"Then what are our roles in this?"

"Our roles are to do nothing."

".......Eh?" Kanao stared at him, disbelief etched on her features. "I'm sorry, I must've misheard that."

"You heard me perfectly," Tanjiro said, his expression calm.

"I thought you said you were going to crack this case wide open."

"I'm a man of my word. I don't intend to go back on that." He held her gaze firmly. "But you have faith in your subordinates, don't you? Trust that they will accomplish their mission."

"Have faith? Even if you haven't shared a shred of your plan with them?" Her lips curved upward, bemused. "An interesting game you're playing here, Kamado-san."

"Now then, Tsuyuri-san. How about a little game to pass the time?"

"What kind of game?"

Tanjiro reached into his pocket and pulled out a small gun and a coin, placing them on the table. He ensured that there was only one bullet in the chamber. The coin appeared ordinary, just a plain piece of metal. Suddenly, their casual tea time turned tense as Kanao shifted her gaze between the gun and the redhead.

"This is getting interesting," Kanao said, a smile creeping across her face.

"It's a simple game, really. One bullet in the chamber. We flip the coin, pick a side, and the winner gets to shoot." Tanjiro picked up the coin, his expression serious. "So, would you like to pick?"