The surrounding forest was dense, with every tree growing vigorously, their thick canopies almost completely blocking out the sunlight.
Even though it was midday, the area remained quite dark under the trees' cover. The muddy swamp beneath their feet emitted a foul stench, forcing people to cover their noses and mouths.
Asano Kiyoshi, carrying Yamano Jirō, asked in a cold voice:
"Which way do we go next?"
Yamano Jirō stretched his neck, glanced around to confirm his bearings, then said to Asano Kiyoshi:
"Sir, beneath the third bush on your right, there's a hidden passage. Go through there—it's narrow, but absolutely safe. I dug it out in secret with another squad leader when our boss wasn't watching. I can swear on my life, only the two of us knew about it!"
Hearing this, Asano Kiyoshi nodded slightly and asked:
"What happened to the one who helped you build it?"
Yamano Jirō hesitated, then pointed with his eyes to one of the heads hanging in the sack, his voice tinged with fear:
"H-He's right there…"
Following Yamano Jirō's gaze, Asano Kiyoshi looked at the severed head. Its eyes were wide open in unwilling disbelief, its expression frozen in anger and confusion—as if wondering how the very escape route it created became its final resting place. Perhaps it was fate's cruel irony.
Asano Kiyoshi said nothing. He simply nodded calmly. This is a real world, where no amount of preparation guarantees survival. In the adult world, effort and readiness don't necessarily lead to success.
Working hard doesn't guarantee promotion. Being fully prepared doesn't guarantee a favorable outcome.
This is the injustice of the world—and all we can do is try our best to reduce that injustice.
Following Yamano Jirō's directions, Asano Kiyoshi indeed found a narrow tunnel under the third bush.
The tunnel was extremely tight—about 1.5 meters high and less than 1 meter wide. Asano Kiyoshi had to bend down awkwardly just to move forward.
After a long, winding path, the space suddenly widened. From the looks of it, this was likely their main base of operations. Tools reinforced with spirit particles lined the room—items Asano Kiyoshi had studied in the books of the Shinō Spiritual Arts Academy.
However, what hit him first upon entering the room wasn't the earthy smell of the tunnel—but a strong, nauseating stench of rot.
The smell was so pungent that it made Asano Kiyoshi's eyes sting. When he identified the source, his expression turned ice cold.
At the center of the room was a large bed. Upon it lay a severely decayed, naked female corpse. Her wrist hung off the side, deep wounds down to the bone. A large pool of congealed black blood beneath her hand seemed to cry out in silent accusation.
Asano Kiyoshi's heart sank.
And then it got worse.
On the wall behind the bed were several chains, each binding a corpse. Most were young girls—but there were also boys. Most of the bodies had rotted into bones, while those not yet fully decayed still bore countless marks of torture.
Asano Kiyoshi's voice was cold and heavy:
"Tell me—are you responsible for all this?"
Yamano Jirō knew that if he couldn't give a convincing answer now, Asano Kiyoshi would kill him without hesitation, even if he had valuable intel.
Desperately, Yamano Jirō explained:
"Sir, I swear this wasn't me! It was that bastard who insisted on capturing these Rukongai civilians. He said it was a great way to vent! And anyway, most of the people from these outer districts aren't even recorded in Squad 12's census. As long as it's not a mass disappearance, the higher-ups don't care!"
"I never captured anyone! I even tried to stop him many times! Every time we came here, there was a risk of being discovered by the boss. If that happened, he would've killed us both!"
Asano Kiyoshi nodded slightly, then asked:
"Then why did you dig this tunnel, knowing what kind of man Emikouki is? Was it just for fun? If so, I'll kill you right now. Give me a proper reason."
Yamano Jirō hesitated, then said:
"That's because the other squad leader and I suspected Emikouki was hiding some terrible secret back here. Many members have died around this area—he called them in, and they just disappeared."
"We guessed he was killing them. So where did their belongings go? We calculated: since Emikouki started this, 42 squad members have disappeared. Their possessions add up to a massive fortune! If we got our hands on it, we could escape this place and start a new life!"
Hearing this, Asano Kiyoshi nodded. That was a reason he could accept.
Ignoring Yamano Jirō's increasingly emotional ramblings, he asked again:
"So you're saying—you never brought anyone here?"
Yamano Jirō nodded without hesitation:
"Yes, sir! I've never brought anyone here!"
Asano Kiyoshi said nothing. He simply swung his Zanpakutō and slashed two inches below Yamano Jirō's belly, saying coldly:
"You're lying. Look closely. That woman's hand is clutching your hair. Don't tell me it's a coincidence. There are no coincidences in this world. I don't care if you feel wronged. Your only option—is to accept it."
Yamano Jirō's face contorted in agony, veins bulging, body trembling violently. His eyes rolled back as he nearly fainted.
Asano Kiyoshi frowned and healed him with a Kaido spell, keeping him alive—then dragged him toward the exit of the cave.
Just then, a voice suddenly echoed from the shadows.
T/N: For up to 20 chapters ahead on all my translations, become a p@tron at [email protected]/LordHipposApostle
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