GATE: Task Force Guillotine

Chapter 18: Family Business

Tokyo, Japan

April 2, 2028, 11:27 

The bus rumbled through the bustling streets of Tokyo, weaving through traffic and gliding past a kaleidoscope of neon signs, colorful billboards, shops, and streams of pedestrians. Despite the midday sun, the city maintained its vibrant energy, buzzing with life and movement. Pina sat at the front with Bozes, her eyes wide as they took in the urban landscape. The sheer scale and dynamism of the city were overwhelming—so different from the quiet grandeur of her palace back home.

"This place..." Pina whispered, pressing a hand against the glass. "It's incredible."

A few seats back, Lelei sat beside Itami, her face turned toward the window. She stared, unblinking, as Tokyo unfolded outside—gleaming skyscrapers, bustling intersections, and intricate pedestrian crossings. "It's hard to believe all of this exists," she murmured, her voice barely audible above the engine's hum.

Itami chuckled softly, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Tokyo has its own rhythm. If you listen long enough, you'll feel it." There was a trace of pride in his tone—pride in his home city's messy, noisy beauty.

Lelei remained silent, her gaze glued to the scenes beyond the glass, as though she feared missing even a moment of it.

At the rear of the bus, Adam and Kuribayashi sat huddled together, their conversation low and serious. Kuribayashi's usual boisterous demeanor was absent; her face was set, lips pressed in thought as she listened to Adam.

Itami caught their exchange from the corner of his eye, curiosity piqued. I knew Kuribayashi liked him, but I didn't think they were already this tight.

Adam whispered something, leaning closer, and Kuribayashi gave a sharp nod in response. Itami arched a brow. What are they talking about? he wondered, fighting the urge to eavesdrop. Whatever it was, it seemed to carry weight.

The bus swung around a corner, and suddenly, the glowing silhouette of Tokyo Tower rose in the distance, its red and white frame gleaming in the bright daylight.

Bozes pressed closer to the window, her breath fogging the glass. "Look, Your Majesty! What is that?"

Pina leaned in, eyes wide with wonder. "It's beautiful."

Rory, who had been lounging in her seat, shot forward with childlike excitement. "Is that a shrine?" she asked, her red eyes alight as she pointed toward the towering structure.

Itami smirked at the question, shaking his head. "Not quite. That's Tokyo Tower. It's a communications and observation tower—kind of like a monument."

Rory furrowed her brow, puzzled. "So... it doesn't have a sacred purpose?"

"Nope. It doesn't," Itami explained. "People can go up to the observation decks to see the whole city. It's especially stunning at night when it's all lit up."

Rory leaned back, crossing her arms, though her curious gaze lingered on the tower. "Hmph. For something that's not a shrine, it's still impressive."

Before anyone could respond, Tomita leaned forward from his seat. "What's the plan for the rest of the day? Do we have an itinerary?"

Itami sighed, realizing they needed to get organized. "First things first—we need food. Everyone looks half-starved, and we can't head into the conference running on fumes."

He turned toward the driver. "Can you take us somewhere cheap and nearby?"

The driver nodded and deftly navigated the bus down a side street, the bright lights and chaotic intersections gradually giving way to quieter roads. Inside, the passengers' conversations shifted to food, their stomachs grumbling audibly.