CH 36.2

Chapter 36.2. Martial Arts

[Now, can this automatic rifle be used?]

I look at the automatic rifle in my hand, feeling its weight. Shizuku also comes closer and stares at it from different angles. It’s the first time I’ve acquired an automatic rifle. It looks cool. It’s got that romantic vibe.

[The way they use it doesn’t seem to change. It looks like it hasn’t been maintained, so we’ll disassemble and clean it later].

[Do you know the name of this firearm?]

I would start talking about the types and power of firearms, but it seems I don’t know. It’s rare for something like this to happen.

[I don’t know. This is the first time I’ve seen this weapon. They say things change in different places.]

“Hmm.”

Things change with different places, huh? I don’t feel like digging into it. I’ll wait until Shizuku tells me. Even if she doesn’t, I won’t mind.

Regaining my focus, people raise both hands, and I watch the surrendered individuals line up in front of me. They all have pale faces, and their bodies tremble.

“Well, do you admit defeat?”

I snort in boredom and think while looking at the surrendered ones with cold eyes. What to do from here? How to benefit me? I have a general idea, but I still need to decide.

“I surrender!”

“Please make me, I mean, us, your subordinates!”

“Please spare our lives!”

I nod as I watch the men prostrating themselves. Looks like there’s no problem. They seem broken in spirit.

“Then let me ask, is there a Number 2?”

Wasn’t there someone next to that boss guy? If that’s the case, it’s troublesome. But it turns out my worries were unnecessary. The men who were all prostrating point to a single man. A loyal subordinate, I suppose.

The man who gets pointed at starts trembling, and his teeth chatter.

“I surrender! I’ll hand over everything in the hideout to you!”

He says it with a tragic expression, but I don’t intend to kill him. So he can relax.

“How much wealth is there in the hideout? And how many bullets?”

“We have about 50 million. There are only handguns. There are about 1,000 rounds of handguns. As for the automatic rifle. It’s only the ones Eitai had. I-I swear! A single magazine costs 1 million, and they’re rarely available!”

“So, the claim about storing it in the hideout was just a bluff… Well, whatever. There are 8 handguns. Oh, do you have one hidden?”

“I forgot to bring it out!”

In a hurry, Number 2 retrieves a handgun from his pocket and tosses it aside as if he’s going to burn himself. He tried to bluff, but he still had it.

“You don’t have to bring it over. I’ll return half of the handguns, so 30 million yen and 500 rounds of ammunition confiscated. From now on, you’ll take the place of that someone boss over there and control the districts you’ve had so far. Confirm if there are no issues when our employees transport supplies from the inner city. And also, no privileges in the black market. I want to sell things like crusty bread.”

“Y-Yes! Um, can I be the boss then?”

“Yeah, I don’t know the rules of the outer city, so there shouldn’t be any particular problems. I won’t ask how much you’ve saved up. Just make sure you rule properly.”

There are unspoken understandings. I don’t know about those, and I have no intention of struggling with the management of the outer city. I have the market in the abandoned town, after all.

Number 2 trembles with a start. The hidden money in the hideout should be around 50 million yen. He was controlling the black market and had partial control over supplies from the inner town. He’s risking his life, and yet this guy has the guts.

In any world, money is necessary. Even without assault rifles, things can work out with money. …Right?

[Hehehe, everything is controlled by money! Would you like me to slap you with a wad of bills? Hmm?]

Shizuku-san starts laughing loudly with her chest puffed out, placing her hand on her waist. It seems her usual condition has kicked in again.

As if scolding her for being indecent, I pretend to poke her chest and then rub my chin, looking at Number 2.

[Whoa! That’s lewd! I don’t think lewd things are good!]

Though I can’t touch her since she’s a spirit, she hides her chest, turns bright red, and starts spinning in the air before fleeing. I can’t help but smile wryly at her behavior.

Number 2 gives me a fawning expression and nods eagerly like a drinking bird toy.

“I understand. Leave it to me. I’ll control everything properly. My name is Numata. Numata Kageyoshi.”

“Well then, nice to meet you. In this case, would it be like a subsidiary? But subsidiaries can be a hassle with consolidated financial statements, so let’s call it an armed alliance instead. One favor, please.”

I squat down, meeting eyes with Number 2.

“Make sure to acquire assault rifle ammunition when it becomes available. I’ll pay you properly. And…”

Gripping Number 2’s shoulder again, I give him a menacing look, asserting my dominance.

“I won’t tolerate betrayal, you know? If you ever feel like dying, let me know. I’ll give you a proper execution. No matter where you hide, I’ll come for the execution, so rest assured. Got it?”

I’m kind enough to execute them if they want to die.

“Yes! Please rest assured. I will never betray you! I’ll immediately use the saved money to gather soldiers!”

Number 2 sweats profusely, trembling. Take care not to let your health deteriorate, okay?

Is everything okay now? If there’s no interference from the outer city, our deal should go smoothly. I might visit that old man named Anayama soon.

Let’s hope the next transaction goes smoothly.

Be hard-boiled.