The Noose Thightens

Nachar's Growing Problem

The school day drags on, but I barely notice.

Lessons. Chatter. Laughter. None of it registers.

Not when Suzume's eyes are on me the entire time.

Every time I glance her way, she's already looking. Studying me.

I tighten my grip on my pen. She doesn't know anything. She's just suspicious.

But suspicion is dangerous. It leads to answers.

The final bell rings, snapping me out of my thoughts.

Finally.

I push through the crowded halls, stepping outside to inhale the cool air—

"Nachar."

I turn. Suzume stands behind me, arms crossed.

Her voice is calm, but there's something unsettling in her eyes.

"Let's walk home together."

I force a smile. Of course she wants to talk more.

This time, I have to make sure she doesn't dig too deep.

Detective Aizen: The Hunt Begins

Elsewhere in the city, Detective Aizen flips through a case file.

Crime scene photos, forensic reports, and a pattern forming between them.

The suicides. The warehouse massacre.

One name keeps appearing in witness statements—not a name, but a shadow.

A hooded figure.

He exhales, taking a slow drag from his cigarette.

"This isn't random," he mutters. "It's calculated."

His younger partner frowns. "A gang war?"

Aizen smirks. "No gang leaves no survivors." He flicks his cigarette ash into the tray.

"This is one person."

And whoever it is… they're just getting started.

A Dangerous Conversation

The air is quiet as Suzume and I walk side by side.

Then she breaks it.

"Nachar, don't you think it's weird how the killings started right after we got our powers?"

I pause for half a second—then nod slowly. "Now that you mention it, yeah… it is weird. Do you think anyone else has abilities like us?"

Suzume shakes her head. "No, I don't think so… which means it has to be someone in our group."

My heartbeat quickens. She's getting too close.

"Who do you suspect, Suzume?" I ask, keeping my voice neutral.

She hesitates. "Honestly… you and Zai."

My chest tightens. "Why me?"

She frowns. "You've been acting weird lately. Ditching school, being distant. And we don't even know what your power is."

I chuckle, shaking my head. "That's it? I can mask my thoughts, that's all. And I've been acting weird because…" I let out a sigh, running a hand through my hair. "…because I've been thinking about that day. And what would happen if I went through with it today."

Suzume stops walking. "Why would you even think about that?! What's going on?! Be honest with me."

I lower my head. "…I don't know. Everything just feels off lately. I can't focus in school. I'm slacking on homework. And my mom… she doesn't do anything but drink."

My voice drops to a whisper. "It's hard, Suzume. This world is harsh."

For a moment, she's silent.

Then—"Yeah, I get it," she says softly. "I don't think there's anyone who understands that better than us."

I force a weak smile. "Thanks, Suzume… for always being there for me. It really means the world."

She smiles back, but there's sadness behind it. "Of course, Nachar. I'll always be here for you. And I'm counting on you to do the same."

I nod. "Of course. I'll never leave you alone."

She believes me.

For now.

Nachar's Next Move

We part ways at our usual spot.

As soon as I turn the corner, my expression hardens.

I pull out my phone. Time to do some research.

Detective Aizen… Who exactly is this guy?

I skim through articles, reports, and old case files.

This guy is sharp. His track record is almost perfect. If he's onto me, I'll need to be careful.

A challenge.

I grin. I'll take it as practice.

But for now, Francis Kuto is the priority.

I dig through recent reports—his behavior is spiraling.

He's killing his own men.

I can't let that continue. I need them.

I throw on my hoodie and head back to the bad side of town.

Tonight, I expand my army.

Francis Kuto: A Broken Kingdom

Kuto grips the edge of his desk, his breathing heavy.

Twelve men. Gone. And no answers.

He slams his fist against the wood. "Find the traitor, or I'll kill you all myself!"

His men flinch but nod, rushing to obey.

He doesn't realize I'm already inside.

I step out of the shadows, scanning the streets for his lower-level enforcers.

This time, they're better armed. Bulletproof vests, rifles, earpieces. Paranoia is setting in.

Good.

I spot two of them on patrol. I approach casually, hands in my pockets.

"Hey, I know something about the mole in your group."

The larger one scoffs. "Oh yeah? Then spit it out."

I smirk. "I'll whisper it to you."

They lean in.

SLAP. DELETE. PLANT.

The first man's eyes widen. "…No way. Francis is the mole?"

I nod, voice steady. "He's working with the police."

The second man clenches his fists. "That bastard…"

"What should we do, boss?"

Boss.

I almost laugh. They already see me as their leader.

"We have to tell the others," I say. "But I'll have to whisper it to them too."

He hesitates. "Why whisper it?"

I smile. "To make sure no one's loyal to Francis. We can't risk another mole."

"…That makes sense. I'll call the others."

Soon, a small group gathers. They look suspicious—until I 'explain' the truth.

SLAP. DELETE. PLANT.

Their faces twist in anger.

"Francis… that bastard!"

"Yeah. We need to act fast," I say.

One of them clenches his fists. "Let's do it, boss!"

Just like that, I have them.

And soon, Francis Kuto's empire will belong to me.