"Superintendent... I thought so too, but this request came from the Kanzaka family."
"I know. Which means we can't exactly say no."
The Kanzaka family had specifically requested Toshikazu and Inagaki. The two were indebted to the Kanzakas after being saved from the curse placed on them by Kazukiyo Oumi during the Gu Jie incident. Furthermore, the Chiba family as a whole was in a precarious position after Erika's actions had caused trouble.
Because the Chiba family head had drawn the ire of the Kanzaka head, Toshikazu, Shuji, and Erika had essentially moved out of the main house. Toshikazu felt his father should just admit his faults and apologize, but since there was no sign of that happening, he had no intention of jumping into the line of fire himself.
"If the old man would just give up and hand the headship to Shuji, my life would be a lot easier."
"Even if that happened, you'd just be swamped by other magic families trying to marry into yours, Superintendent."
"Inagaki-kun, please don't dig up the things I've carefully buried in the back of my mind."
Toshikazu knew Inagaki was right.
His sister Sanae aside, his brother Shuji was on excellent terms with the daughter of the Watanabe family; it was only a matter of time there. His sister Erika was close to her classmate Leo (Leonhart Saijo), and not only did their grandfathers know each other, but Erika was also learning martial arts alongside Yugen, her childhood friend.
The people at the dojo acknowledged Leo's strength, but Jouichiro still hadn't given up on the idea of Erika marrying Yugen. That pressure naturally trickled down to Toshikazu as the eldest son.
"I wouldn't mind if I had a good encounter," Toshikazu mused.
"It seems you couldn't get the young lady of the Fujibayashi family to look your way, though."
"Listen, Inagaki-kun. I couldn't do that to her."
In the original timeline, they had met before the Yokohama Incident, but things had changed here. Toshikazu had been an acquaintance of Kyoko's fiancé, who had died in the Battle of Okinawa; their connection had been forged through Gozo's martial arts instruction.
Since his friend had told him right before the Okinawa incident, "If anything happens, look after her," Toshikazu couldn't bring himself to betray that trust, even if he did harbor feelings for her.
The car arrived at the exclusive Japanese restaurant. After Toshikazu spoke the keyword from his orders, a staff member led them inside. There, they found the man they knew well—the former head of the Kamiizumi family, Gozo. Beside him sat a stranger, but Toshikazu sensed the man's unfathomable depth and bowed deeply. Inagaki followed suit in silence.
"Master Kamiizumi, it has been a long time."
"Apologies for the strange summons. Please, take a seat."
At Gozo's prompting, Toshikazu and Inagaki sat across from them. Gozo introduced the man beside him as USNA Senator Wyatt Curtis. After formal introductions, the meal began.
Toshikazu, who had experience representing his father at such events, handled himself well, but Inagaki was wide-eyed at the quality of the food. His uncharacteristic expression drew smiles from Gozo and Curtis. Once the meal concluded, Gozo got down to business.
"Now then, Superintendent Toshikazu Chiba and Sergeant Inagaki. This request technically comes from the Kanzaka family to the Chiba family. However, as you know, the current head of the Kanzaka family feels a certain... displeasure toward the Chiba head. Therefore, the Kamiizumi family has stepped in to mediate, summoning you officially as 'Magicians of the Police Ministry.'"
"I have no excuses for that matter," Toshikazu said. "It is a result of my own lack of virtue in failing to restrain my father."
"Do not degrade yourself. I am well aware that you and Shuji-dono are victims in this as well."
Gozo accepted the apology and stated firmly that neither Toshikazu nor Shuji were at fault. He then requested that they act as Senator Wyatt Curtis's guard until he returned home. While Curtis had his own security, Gozo explained that they were concerned about potential trouble at the Saika Shin-jima party.
"Do you expect something to happen, Master Kamiizumi?"
"It's not a matter of 'expecting' it; it has already begun. Deserters from the Great Asian Alliance are plotting terrorism. My grandson was already attacked as part of that."
"...If I may be so bold, I can only feel pity for the enemy," Toshikazu remarked.
Toshikazu knew of Yugen's strength through Erika. Not only was Yugen a master of modern and ancient magic, but in terms of martial arts, he was essentially Gozo's direct disciple and held a license as an instructor of the Shinkage-ryu. Inagaki let out a wry smile at Toshikazu's comment, while Curtis nodded, seemingly understanding the sentiment in a different way.
"We cannot rule out the possibility of agents infiltrating the party venue, and the risk of the Senator being targeted is not low. I want Chiba-dono and Inagaki-dono to enter the venue as the Senator's escort. There will be politicians and business leaders there, so I expect you to handle things with finesse."
This mission would test not just Toshikazu's skill as a magician, but his social tact as a member of the Chiba family. He immediately realized that he wasn't sent alone so that the mission could maintain its cover as "official police business."
(Besides, if I were alone, my father would definitely try to stick his nose in...)
"Though we are but lowly police officers, my subordinate and I will do our utmost," Toshikazu replied.
"Excellent."
Toshikazu had no way of knowing then that this single decision would go on to define his entire future.
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 70 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[patreon.com/Greyhounds]
Thank you so much for your support!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"