Chapter 16: Errands and Consequences

The Suginami Ward basked in the muted hum of the city life, its rhythm unfazed by the passage of day.

In his apartment, Hiro Takashi laid sprawled on the floor, his eyes fixed on the ceiling. His mind wandered, plagued by one nagging thought: boredom.

"Unbelievable," He groaned, rubbing his temples. "Everyone else is out having fun while I'm stuck here doing absolutely nothing!" He let out a frustrated sigh, and he then shouted, "Ahhh, I wish something—ANYTHING—would just happen!"

As if on cue, his phone buzzed, breaking the monotony. Snatching it up, Hiro answered it with a mix of desperation and hope. "Please tell me you've got something for me to do," he said. "I'm literally dying of boredom here."

On the other end of the line, was Director Yumi's calm voice replying, "Good timing, Hiro. I have a special assignment for you. So could you come to my office."

Hiro sprang to his feet, excitement blazing in his crimson eyes. "Now you're talking! I'll be there in a sec!" He practically leapt out of his apartment, muttering, "Finally, something worth doing."

Minutes later, Hiro stormed into Shadow Vigil headquarters, his enthusiasm unmatched, that is until he heard the details of the mission.

"An errand? You cannot be serious!" Hiro's voice reverberated through Yumi's office. His face twisted in pure disbelief.

Yumi, unfazed by his behaviour, leaned back in her chair, her hands folded neatly. "That's right. We're all out of supplies, and I need you to pick them up."

"What's that got to do with me?" He snapped. "Why not send someone else to do it? Cause last I check I ain't your errand boy!"

"Normally, I would," Yumi replied, her tone steady. "But everyone else is out on personal missions. You're the only one available."

"Seriously?" Hiro groaned, running a hand through his slicked-back hair. "There are countless better things I could be doing! I'm not running errands like some damn rookie."

"Oh?" Yumi's eyes glinted with mischief. "So what you're saying is that you can't handle it this simple task? Maybe it's because you still haven't fully recovered from your last mission, or could it be something else. Either way, I understand—taking a leisurely day off at home is better than actually getting fresh air."

"What? I never said that!" Hiro growled, his irritation rising.

Yumi smirked, knowing she had struck a nerve. "If you're so capable, then prove it. Unless you're…" She paused, letting the implication hang in the air, while waving the list around.

Hiro snatched the list from her hand. "You know what? Screw it! I'll run your stupid errand. But don't expect me to enjoy any of it."

Clapping her hands in delight, she grinned. "Wonderful! I knew I could count on you. Now off you go, then."

As Hiro turned to leave, as the realization then struck him. He stopped mid-step, turning his head back to face her. "Wait a minute… Tch, damn you're good." He growled.

Yumi's smile widened. "So I've been told. Now, run along. And have a nice day, okay."

Clicking his tongue in irritation, he stormed out the building. Outside, walking down the streets of the Suginami Ward, he crumpled the list in his fist and muttered, "From most revered assassin, to errand boy. Just freaking great."

As he reached and entered the supermarket, he sighed as he glanced at the now-crumpled piece of paper. "Okay, let's see, milk, eggs, rice, bread… How hard can this be?" He began gathering the listed items, as his movements were mechanicals.

However, his quite routine was suddenly abruptly interrupted by a loud commotion near the checkout.

"Everyone, stay where you are!" a masked man barked, waving a handgun in the air. He then pointed it at the cashier, yelling, "Empty the damn register, or I'll blow your head off!"

Hiro ducked behind a shelf, peering at the unfolding chaos. "A robbery in broad daylight? Talk about desperate."

He considered leaving it alone—after all, it wasn't his problem. But as he glanced at the terrified faces of the shoppers, something within him shifted.

And with a deep sigh, "Why the hell is this all happing to me?" He muttered, under his breath, scratching the back of head.

He let a deep sigh as he cracked his knuckles, preparing himself to take action.

End of the 16th Chapter.