Chapter 21 - Clumsy Civilian and Elegant Cop

Insurance, huh?Kurai's voice echoed in Raito's head, thick with laughter. You really tried to sell car insurance to hired killers. You've hit a new low, Raito.

Raito didn't respond—externally or mentally. His focus was on the mercenaries who were now fully advancing, their patience snapped like dry twigs.

Come on, she purred. Just whoop them already. It'll be fun. Besides, you're itching for it. I can feel it.

"I'm not doing that in front of her," Raito muttered under his breath as he took a small step back, eyes flicking to Yumi.

Detective Yumi Aikawa stood her ground, her stance sharp and precise. She was no amateur—Raito had to give her that. Calm under pressure, methodical in movement. But four armed men weren't an easy match for anyone, not even her.

The first merc lunged at Raito with a steel baton, aiming for his ribs. Raito side-stepped at the last moment, letting the weapon slice through the air harmlessly beside him. He stumbled slightly, making the move look clumsy on purpose.

"Whoa—hey, watch it," he said, waving his hands as if unprepared.

Pathetic, Kurai hissed between giggles. You look like a civilian. Gross.

Another man rushed in, trying to grab him. Raito twisted his body just enough to avoid it, letting the guy crash into the side of the car. He could've broken the guy's wrist with one move. Instead, he sighed like he was having a bad day at the office.

Meanwhile, Yumi was holding her own. One of the attackers lunged with a switchblade, but she ducked low and rolled, coming up behind him and jabbing a stun baton into the back of his neck. He spasmed, legs giving out as he hit the pavement hard.

"Don't underestimate me," she snapped.

But her win was short-lived. One of the mercs who had circled around caught her with a sharp swing of a knife. The blade slashed across her chest—but her reinforced jacket absorbed most of the damage, the fabric tearing but her skin untouched.

She hissed through her teeth and staggered back. "Tch… lucky."

"Detective Yumi!" Raito called out to make sure the injury wasn't severe.

The remaining two mercs closed in on her while the one Raito had dodged was already recovering. Yumi stood her ground, but Raito could tell—it was only a matter of time.

Kurai whispered, low and amused.

Still gonna play dumb? Or are we finally going to stop pretending?

Raito's expression flattened as he rolled his shoulders.

"Alright," he muttered, voice just above a whisper. "Maybe just a little warm-up."