I’ll be your opponent, Ikeno-kun
As he said on the night before, Neito went to the grave of his saviour, bringing a serving of Shochuu. After which, he headed off to Metallica’s main office, into the Global Management Department. He had after all need to take care of “that” matter.
He had been in Metallica for five years now, but the time he spent in the main office was undoubtedly slow. The longest time he was at the main office was when it was his first year in the Sales Department. Even then, his knowledge on the main office and its inner working were very shallow.
The reason for his visit to the Global Management Department was to recruit the man that would pull [Slayer] together with him. He may hate him, but Ikeno was the exact man for the job.
He had a lot to bring into the table, and it needed to be him on the position needed.
Ikeno was both the head and an executive. He had his own room, dedicated to be his office. Neito headed towards it. Before his room, Ikeno’s elegant looking secretary was there.
[Umm… excuse me…]
Neito called out to the secretary who was busy with her documents.
[Yes? You’re from our department right? What do you need?]
It was a chilly attitude she was adopting towards him. Neito was taken a back for a bit, but he pressed on.
[Umm, Ikeno… Can I speak with the Section Head?]
[Do you have an appointment?]
The blonde secretary immediately answered with a question of her own.
[Ah, no… It’s not like I…]
[I’m very sorry, but you can’t meet the head without securing an appointment beforehand.]
The blonde secretary again gave out a quick response.
(Did I do anything to you? No, I might have done something bad in the past, but it shouldn’t affect you that much)
… Is what he wanted to say, but she was too fierce. In the end, Neito just cowered before her. (Or shut up before her)
[Then, can I ask for your name and business needed? I can contact Sir Ikeno after I check if his schedule is free]
(Screw you Ikeno, what kind of instruction is that?)
Hatred once again boiled inside Neito. Again, it might not be something he could avoid. Ikeno was an executive after all. He had no time to meet every person that requested audience with him.
[…Haa… I am Komori Neito. My business would be… umm… how should I say this…]
Neito curled his lips. “Would you like to revolt against Metallica with me?” is not something he could blurt out loud.
[Eh? K-Komori! …. Komori… the Managing Director…?!]
Neito was all silent, but it was the secretary’s turn panic.
[Ah, yes. I forgot I was the Managing Director haha]
[I-I’m sorry for being rude! I will immediately inform the Head of this!]
The secretary was then panicking, and picked up her communication device and dialed in.
(I see. Titles are sure convenient in these situations.)
Yet he felt bad exercising his power here.
[…Yes…. Yes]
The secretary was communicating with somebody in her device. No doubt it was Ikeno.
(On the other hand, he sure has risen up the ranks despite being still young…)
There was no need for him to come up with a complicated plan, sacrifice lives, or need a strong army and competent subordinates. Ikeno rose up the ranks just by sheer competence and ability. Neito admired this.
On a side note, in the whole history of Metallica, there were only three individuals who attained Level Four and were Section Heads or better. Those were: Ikeno, Neito and unexpectedly, Niina.
[Yes… I understand. Then I will bring him in]
Their conversation had ended.
[Thank you very much. Then may I?]
[Ah, no. Chief Ikeno is not here. He is using the underground training room this afternoon.]
(Even he is doing that much huh… I may not like him, but he is doing his job properly)
※※
Guided by Ikeno’s secretary, they made their way into the locker rooms of the underground training hall/room. Benches and vending machines were lined up inside. A large fortified glass was on one side of the room to give a view of the training hall.
The training room was a huge flat space, shaped into an arena. Small spheres floated inside the area in high speeds and emitted some sort of laser beam periodically.
A person was on the receiving end of these beams. No doubt it was Ikeno.
His feet and shoulders, as well as his whole body was covered in some machine armor. That armor had some sort of thruster which propelled Ikeno in high speeds.
Neito saw something similar in the past. It was the silver lined armor which the Harrison facility once housed, Beetle’s battle Armour, but this was clearly a more improved version of that armour.
(Is that the [Break – Gunblade] he’s weilding? It’s been a while since I’ve seen one but its more modified now)
With the use of Crimson’s technology, it was now possible to store energy within the sword and release intense laser beams to act as the blade’s edge. No doubt it’s a new hybrid model they’re experimenting on.
Moving in high speeds, Ikeno used the sword to cut up the spheres floating, and sometimes used to [Gun mode] to shoot them down.
On the display panel of glass were the words “Battle Simulation Level: MAX” displayed.
[Did that guy get modified?]
Neito may be a modified human, but when not transformed, he couldn’t do the things that Ikeno was doing now. No matter how high-tech the equipment may be, without the physique and the mental fortitude, you couldn’t operate such technology.
[No, Chief Ikeno didn’t undergo any modification. Chief Ikeno was the one who came with the idea of this Training Room, and he was already able to do that much when it was established. His physique is certainly amazing]
The secretary looked at Ikeno with the eyes of a woman.
(Ah, I see. This person is also “that”)
[…Hmmmm, from the beginning… huh? Then let me guess… He kept it a secret after this place was established, but when it was discovered, he gave out a perfect demonstration… am I wrong?]
[Eh, ah, yes. It is as you say. But how…?]
(As I thought)
Neito gave out a bitter smile.
No matter how genius Ikeno may be, there was no way he could pull of something that superhuman from the beginning. Even Neito when transformed, could not pull off such maneuvers easily. That was suspicious enough.
The most likely case was that Ikeno received some enhancement after getting help from Harrison and Crimson. He trained himself throughout so he could wield such equipment comfortably. Nobody would’ve known this.
[He’s still a sore loser that likes to look cool after all this time huh? I’ll give him that]
[Eh?]
[No, don’t mind me. I think this is far enough. I think I can manage by myself here. Although there is one thing I’d like to ask of you]
On the glass’ display panel were the words “Battle Simulation Level: MAX – End / Score: AA”. Those floating spheres seemed to also stopped moving.
[B-But…]
After hearing Neito’s “request”, the secretary had a concerned face but as she was speaking, a voice came out of the room’s speakers.
[Nanase-san, can Director Komori and I have the room by ourselves?]
His sweet, yet boastful voice sounded off into the room. Of course, it was no other than Ikeno. After hearing these words, the secretary bowed and retreated from the room.
After confirming that she left, Ikeno invited Neito into the training room. Ikeno had no plans of going out of the room to meet him.
(Does he plan to continue training? Or does he want a one on one match with me?)
While pondering on such thought, Neito went into the room. It was hard for him to breathe here. The air was very thin inside.
[…It’s been a while Ikeno]
The last time they met was at a research room in Purgatory Island.
Ikeno still showed a steady face despite going through his tough training.
[What do you want]
Ikeno asked him sharply.
They still couldn’t get along after all this time. That’s why Neito also replied sharply,
[I’ve come to recruit you. Revolt against Metallica with me, and take charge of the new company I made.]
※※
(Ikeno’s POV)
Ikeno was currently an executive. He was heavily involved in the planning and coordination of other companies, and it could be said that he is a “Businessman”.
Ikeno kept that “Businessman” mindset as he rose through the ranks. Of course, he didn’t forget the standard of training himself either. Being an Evil Organization, being able to fight is a must. One cannot be a warrior just by “sitting on your desk and thinking about it”.
Currently, Ikeno had experienced many battlefields as he rose up the ranks. He may be sometimes threatened by inner company politics, but the fact that he was in his current position proves that he somehow got over them.
Of course, this also applied to his private life. There are some entities than want him to fail at his position so they could take over. He knew that much that he was always on guard.
This can be shown by looking at his schedule today. He took care of every task needed to completed by noon, and at two in the afternoon, he headed off to the training room to train. He would take a shower after the training and go back to his office to take care of any remaining tasks. Of course, he had plans to spend the night with women after too.
But while he was training, someone unexpected came.
Komori Neito. He was a fellow employee whom he entered the company together. He currently was the Managing Director.
There was no need to say that this man was not here to talk pleasantries. He knew that much.
But he could not just out right refuse him. No matter how savage and cold hearted his methods may be, reason backed it up, making it a huge factor for success.
The words that came out of the man before his exceeded his expectations.
[What? Say it again?]
Ikeno replied to Komori.
To be frank, he already predicted that Komori would revolt against Metallica one day.
It was predictable from his past movements. Komori was a person that would desire power no matter what the cost. For Metallica, no, for Komori Neito himself, he desired this power.
It was not weird for that Komori to covet power. After all, he wanted to take over the world.
[Come with me, Ikeno]
Komori continued on.
That was the unexpected part/
[Why?]
[…Because I need you]
Komori explained his plan.
They would splinter and revolt from Metallica, creating a new company [Slayer]. They would defeat every Evil Organization and return to the Metallica then. From that moment on, Metallica will become the greatest Evil Organization. And they would stand on top.
Ikeno thought to himself. As calmly as possible.
(I see. There are some things I’m uncertain with, but I got the whole picture. Then that would explain my importance in his plan.)
It became clear how both of them were the opposite of each other in Purgatory Island. They each walked their own paths then, and he knew this well.
Komori is weak. He’s definitely weaker than him. That was why he could come up with such a sinister plan and didn’t hesitate on using it. If he didn’t do that, he never would have won.
As a result he was elevated to his current position and greatly praised for it. That was enough to showcase his talent and capabilities.
An evil charisma. There was no other word for it. He wasn’t just some trash who managed to rise up the ranks just on luck.
Komori must have know. He (Ikeno) was the head of the Global Management Section. He had access to information and technology not commonly shown to pulic. That much was obvious when Komori would look back on the research room on Purgatory Island. He (Ikeno)had access to Beetle Crystal which couldn’t be obtained easily.
Like Komori, he also had his own subordinates. Komori’s assets would be: the late Crimson, Santaana, the soon to be integrated Global Management’s technology, and Jamie Rockway which (Tsurugi)Gardner is in charge of. As a mid sized company, it was a formidable company. Having this much, this was a huge amount of power granted to one person.
He may hate Komori, but it was a matter of person, not capability.
[I see. I can understand where you are coming from]
It was a certainly reasonable. But,
[I have no plans on hopping on board]
He sharply rebutted. This was not the result of the hatred he had for Komori.
[I agree that if I joined you, the success rate of that plan would increase, but there is no other word than “rash” to describe your plan. Why do you have to go through such lengths and take that risk?]
Komori’s expression didn’t change. No doubt he didn’t expect he would ask such thing.
There was a moment of silence.
[I have information which you yourself don’t know]
Komori did come prepared for this meeting after all.
[Is it that ‘Toujiro Black-Moa’ is dead?]
Ikeno cut right to the chase. He said as if it was obvious.
[Wha–… You already knew?]
Ikeno continued after the man known for his evil charisma gave out a surprised look.
[No, but it was easy to deduce and reason it out. You being in your current position and coming up with such a plan only implied one thing. And it seems that I am correct]
He already noticed beforehand. Last year, Metallica, and the president’s movements were very suspicious. Those suspicions then turned into confirmation.
The man called Komori, was naive at times like these.
[Is that all then? Go ahead and create that new (organization/)company of yours then. Then go and get crushed. As a fellow worker, I’ll be gracious enough to offer a single incense stick after your death.]
There was a high probability that Komori’s plan would fail. If that were the case, Komori would surely die. If he died then, he would win over him by default.
[Are we done? I’ll continue my training. I don’t like my time being wasted on nonesense. You can go now]
Ikeno pointed the [Break-Blade] to Komori.
Receiving Ikeno’s words, Komori let out a his own response.
His expression had changed.
It was an expression he had never seen before. It was a cold and dark expression.
[… Jeez, Are you sure? You already know Metallica’s plans. I’m not so sure if you are acting on behalf of the interest of Metallica right now… Even if I cut you down now, nobody would complain since I did it in Metallica’s name]
[I really don’t care. Come at me if you can… You can think of me as a training partner. Instead of an attraction based of on mech-armor, this would surely be more ammusing. There’s nobody more experienced than me in bringing down heroes from the Rocks Organization. If you want, I can give you a handicap Ikeno-kun]
Komori was intimidating him.
[Haa… this isn’t some “If I defeat you, I’ll have you join us” type of thing right? Do you think I’ll stank for such ridiculous stunt?]
Komori’s intimidation was certainly impressive. He didn’t expect less from the man who conquered Crimson.
But that was it.
Ikeno also had a career. He won’t lose to Komori’s pressure here.
It was obvious he was provoking him.
[No, I didn’t say such thing. But there’s no way that you can defeat me. The results are already final]
Komori was lashing out with contempt.
(Me? Lose to you?)
Those words floated inside his head.
(Are you getting over of your head after getting promoted to Managing Director? You certainly are exceptional, and with that [Spiritual Energy] and that shrewd mind of yours, you’re certainly above average. But that’s it. It’s not something I can lose to, even if you’re a modified human)
He knew he was being provoked deliberately, and he was now in Komori’s pace.
[Haa?! You want to try it out?]
Ikeno didn’t care anymore.
This was probably the last time he would see Komori. Komori would die leading the company [Slayer]. If that were the case, it wouldn’t be so bad to settle who was actually better among them.
And if he ever lost, there was no way Komori would kill him. He needed him alive. Even then, he had no plans on going with Komori.
If he had the intent to hold him hostage, performance would suffer greatly. Komori himself would be aware of this.
On the other hand, Ikeno wouldn’t need to restrain himself. Even if he ended up killing him he had enough supporters to back him up when needed.
Komori’s words had also been recorded by the room. If needed he could manipulate those files later. If they found out Komori was planning to revolt, no doubt they would drop the case agaisnt him immediately
Of course it would be futile if Raz himself would look into the case. He couldn’t increase influence up that high in the corporate ladder. If that happened, there was no way out than to make a deal with Raz. There was no way he would tolerate to lose both Komori and himself.
In other words, this situation greatly favoured him despite their difference in strength.
Ikeno didn’t think of this as a coward move. He had to make do with what ever he can. It also applied in training, business and in connections.
(Komori must be thinking about resolving this situation right now. I don’t know what he is thinking, but I got the upper hand. It’s my win.)
(Did he think I would back down just because he is a modified human? It would’ve made a difference if I didn’t know about it, but it’s different now)
(Did he think he could surprise me with just that?)
Ikeno was confident with himself. He already mastered the [Hybrid Technology] he had on hand.
This was the result of long hours of planning, effort, and a training that made him sprout out blood.
He also understood [Evil Silhouette] fully now. Being able to understand his enemy, Komori was no more than a regular human before him. He was already above him in reaction, decision and physique. There was no way he could lose.
[… What’s the matter? Aren’t you going to transform? Come at me anytime.]
Ikeno himself started prompting his thruster while taking a battle stance.
The sound vibrated within the room and the blade started to glow.
[Oh dear… You’re going to wait for me to transform? What a tepid fellow]
Komori took a step back, and loosened his necktie and stared into him.
The two of them were now facing each other head to head. The air between them was tense.
[… Transform]
Upon saying it in a small voice, Komori was covered in dark light.
Before Ikeno was a demon.
Ikeno increased his thruster output and accelerated forward. Without paying heed to the demon, he swung down his high-tech blade.
I’ll be your opponent, Ikeno-kun
As he said on the night before, Neito went to the grave of his saviour, bringing a serving of Shochuu. After which, he headed off to Metallica’s main office, into the Global Management Department. He had after all need to take care of “that” matter.
He had been in Metallica for five years now, but the time he spent in the main office was undoubtedly slow. The longest time he was at the main office was when it was his first year in the Sales Department. Even then, his knowledge on the main office and its inner working were very shallow.
The reason for his visit to the Global Management Department was to recruit the man that would pull [Slayer] together with him. He may hate him, but Ikeno was the exact man for the job.
He had a lot to bring into the table, and it needed to be him on the position needed.
Ikeno was both the head and an executive. He had his own room, dedicated to be his office. Neito headed towards it. Before his room, Ikeno’s elegant looking secretary was there.
[Umm… excuse me…]
Neito called out to the secretary who was busy with her documents.
[Yes? You’re from our department right? What do you need?]
It was a chilly attitude she was adopting towards him. Neito was taken a back for a bit, but he pressed on.
[Umm, Ikeno… Can I speak with the Section Head?]
[Do you have an appointment?]
The blonde secretary immediately answered with a question of her own.
[Ah, no… It’s not like I…]
[I’m very sorry, but you can’t meet the head without securing an appointment beforehand.]
The blonde secretary again gave out a quick response.
(Did I do anything to you? No, I might have done something bad in the past, but it shouldn’t affect you that much)
… Is what he wanted to say, but she was too fierce. In the end, Neito just cowered before her. (Or shut up before her)
[Then, can I ask for your name and business needed? I can contact Sir Ikeno after I check if his schedule is free]
(Screw you Ikeno, what kind of instruction is that?)
Hatred once again boiled inside Neito. Again, it might not be something he could avoid. Ikeno was an executive after all. He had no time to meet every person that requested audience with him.
[…Haa… I am Komori Neito. My business would be… umm… how should I say this…]
Neito curled his lips. “Would you like to revolt against Metallica with me?” is not something he could blurt out loud.
[Eh? K-Komori! …. Komori… the Managing Director…?!]
Neito was all silent, but it was the secretary’s turn panic.
[Ah, yes. I forgot I was the Managing Director haha]
[I-I’m sorry for being rude! I will immediately inform the Head of this!]
The secretary was then panicking, and picked up her communication device and dialed in.
(I see. Titles are sure convenient in these situations.)
Yet he felt bad exercising his power here.
[…Yes…. Yes]
The secretary was communicating with somebody in her device. No doubt it was Ikeno.
(On the other hand, he sure has risen up the ranks despite being still young…)
There was no need for him to come up with a complicated plan, sacrifice lives, or need a strong army and competent subordinates. Ikeno rose up the ranks just by sheer competence and ability. Neito admired this.
On a side note, in the whole history of Metallica, there were only three individuals who attained Level Four and were Section Heads or better. Those were: Ikeno, Neito and unexpectedly, Niina.
[Yes… I understand. Then I will bring him in]
Their conversation had ended.
[Thank you very much. Then may I?]
[Ah, no. Chief Ikeno is not here. He is using the underground training room this afternoon.]
(Even he is doing that much huh… I may not like him, but he is doing his job properly)
※※
Guided by Ikeno’s secretary, they made their way into the locker rooms of the underground training hall/room. Benches and vending machines were lined up inside. A large fortified glass was on one side of the room to give a view of the training hall.
The training room was a huge flat space, shaped into an arena. Small spheres floated inside the area in high speeds and emitted some sort of laser beam periodically.
A person was on the receiving end of these beams. No doubt it was Ikeno.
His feet and shoulders, as well as his whole body was covered in some machine armor. That armor had some sort of thruster which propelled Ikeno in high speeds.
Neito saw something similar in the past. It was the silver lined armor which the Harrison facility once housed, Beetle’s battle Armour, but this was clearly a more improved version of that armour.
(Is that the [Break – Gunblade] he’s weilding? It’s been a while since I’ve seen one but its more modified now)
With the use of Crimson’s technology, it was now possible to store energy within the sword and release intense laser beams to act as the blade’s edge. No doubt it’s a new hybrid model they’re experimenting on.
Moving in high speeds, Ikeno used the sword to cut up the spheres floating, and sometimes used to [Gun mode] to shoot them down.
On the display panel of glass were the words “Battle Simulation Level: MAX” displayed.
[Did that guy get modified?]
Neito may be a modified human, but when not transformed, he couldn’t do the things that Ikeno was doing now. No matter how high-tech the equipment may be, without the physique and the mental fortitude, you couldn’t operate such technology.
[No, Chief Ikeno didn’t undergo any modification. Chief Ikeno was the one who came with the idea of this Training Room, and he was already able to do that much when it was established. His physique is certainly amazing]
The secretary looked at Ikeno with the eyes of a woman.
(Ah, I see. This person is also “that”)
[…Hmmmm, from the beginning… huh? Then let me guess… He kept it a secret after this place was established, but when it was discovered, he gave out a perfect demonstration… am I wrong?]
[Eh, ah, yes. It is as you say. But how…?]
(As I thought)
Neito gave out a bitter smile.
No matter how genius Ikeno may be, there was no way he could pull of something that superhuman from the beginning. Even Neito when transformed, could not pull off such maneuvers easily. That was suspicious enough.
The most likely case was that Ikeno received some enhancement after getting help from Harrison and Crimson. He trained himself throughout so he could wield such equipment comfortably. Nobody would’ve known this.
[He’s still a sore loser that likes to look cool after all this time huh? I’ll give him that]
[Eh?]
[No, don’t mind me. I think this is far enough. I think I can manage by myself here. Although there is one thing I’d like to ask of you]
On the glass’ display panel were the words “Battle Simulation Level: MAX – End / Score: AA”. Those floating spheres seemed to also stopped moving.
[B-But…]
After hearing Neito’s “request”, the secretary had a concerned face but as she was speaking, a voice came out of the room’s speakers.
[Nanase-san, can Director Komori and I have the room by ourselves?]
His sweet, yet boastful voice sounded off into the room. Of course, it was no other than Ikeno. After hearing these words, the secretary bowed and retreated from the room.
After confirming that she left, Ikeno invited Neito into the training room. Ikeno had no plans of going out of the room to meet him.
(Does he plan to continue training? Or does he want a one on one match with me?)
While pondering on such thought, Neito went into the room. It was hard for him to breathe here. The air was very thin inside.
[…It’s been a while Ikeno]
The last time they met was at a research room in Purgatory Island.
Ikeno still showed a steady face despite going through his tough training.
[What do you want]
Ikeno asked him sharply.
They still couldn’t get along after all this time. That’s why Neito also replied sharply,
[I’ve come to recruit you. Revolt against Metallica with me, and take charge of the new company I made.]
※※
(Ikeno’s POV)
Ikeno was currently an executive. He was heavily involved in the planning and coordination of other companies, and it could be said that he is a “Businessman”.
Ikeno kept that “Businessman” mindset as he rose through the ranks. Of course, he didn’t forget the standard of training himself either. Being an Evil Organization, being able to fight is a must. One cannot be a warrior just by “sitting on your desk and thinking about it”.
Currently, Ikeno had experienced many battlefields as he rose up the ranks. He may be sometimes threatened by inner company politics, but the fact that he was in his current position proves that he somehow got over them.
Of course, this also applied to his private life. There are some entities than want him to fail at his position so they could take over. He knew that much that he was always on guard.
This can be shown by looking at his schedule today. He took care of every task needed to completed by noon, and at two in the afternoon, he headed off to the training room to train. He would take a shower after the training and go back to his office to take care of any remaining tasks. Of course, he had plans to spend the night with women after too.
But while he was training, someone unexpected came.
Komori Neito. He was a fellow employee whom he entered the company together. He currently was the Managing Director.
There was no need to say that this man was not here to talk pleasantries. He knew that much.
But he could not just out right refuse him. No matter how savage and cold hearted his methods may be, reason backed it up, making it a huge factor for success.
The words that came out of the man before his exceeded his expectations.
[What? Say it again?]
Ikeno replied to Komori.
To be frank, he already predicted that Komori would revolt against Metallica one day.
It was predictable from his past movements. Komori was a person that would desire power no matter what the cost. For Metallica, no, for Komori Neito himself, he desired this power.
It was not weird for that Komori to covet power. After all, he wanted to take over the world.
[Come with me, Ikeno]
Komori continued on.
That was the unexpected part/
[Why?]
[…Because I need you]
Komori explained his plan.
They would splinter and revolt from Metallica, creating a new company [Slayer]. They would defeat every Evil Organization and return to the Metallica then. From that moment on, Metallica will become the greatest Evil Organization. And they would stand on top.
Ikeno thought to himself. As calmly as possible.
(I see. There are some things I’m uncertain with, but I got the whole picture. Then that would explain my importance in his plan.)
It became clear how both of them were the opposite of each other in Purgatory Island. They each walked their own paths then, and he knew this well.
Komori is weak. He’s definitely weaker than him. That was why he could come up with such a sinister plan and didn’t hesitate on using it. If he didn’t do that, he never would have won.
As a result he was elevated to his current position and greatly praised for it. That was enough to showcase his talent and capabilities.
An evil charisma. There was no other word for it. He wasn’t just some trash who managed to rise up the ranks just on luck.
Komori must have know. He (Ikeno) was the head of the Global Management Section. He had access to information and technology not commonly shown to pulic. That much was obvious when Komori would look back on the research room on Purgatory Island. He (Ikeno)had access to Beetle Crystal which couldn’t be obtained easily.
Like Komori, he also had his own subordinates. Komori’s assets would be: the late Crimson, Santaana, the soon to be integrated Global Management’s technology, and Jamie Rockway which (Tsurugi)Gardner is in charge of. As a mid sized company, it was a formidable company. Having this much, this was a huge amount of power granted to one person.
He may hate Komori, but it was a matter of person, not capability.
[I see. I can understand where you are coming from]
It was a certainly reasonable. But,
[I have no plans on hopping on board]
He sharply rebutted. This was not the result of the hatred he had for Komori.
[I agree that if I joined you, the success rate of that plan would increase, but there is no other word than “rash” to describe your plan. Why do you have to go through such lengths and take that risk?]
Komori’s expression didn’t change. No doubt he didn’t expect he would ask such thing.
There was a moment of silence.
[I have information which you yourself don’t know]
Komori did come prepared for this meeting after all.
[Is it that ‘Toujiro Black-Moa’ is dead?]
Ikeno cut right to the chase. He said as if it was obvious.
[Wha–… You already knew?]
Ikeno continued after the man known for his evil charisma gave out a surprised look.
[No, but it was easy to deduce and reason it out. You being in your current position and coming up with such a plan only implied one thing. And it seems that I am correct]
He already noticed beforehand. Last year, Metallica, and the president’s movements were very suspicious. Those suspicions then turned into confirmation.
The man called Komori, was naive at times like these.
[Is that all then? Go ahead and create that new (organization/)company of yours then. Then go and get crushed. As a fellow worker, I’ll be gracious enough to offer a single incense stick after your death.]
There was a high probability that Komori’s plan would fail. If that were the case, Komori would surely die. If he died then, he would win over him by default.
[Are we done? I’ll continue my training. I don’t like my time being wasted on nonesense. You can go now]
Ikeno pointed the [Break-Blade] to Komori.
Receiving Ikeno’s words, Komori let out a his own response.
His expression had changed.
It was an expression he had never seen before. It was a cold and dark expression.
[… Jeez, Are you sure? You already know Metallica’s plans. I’m not so sure if you are acting on behalf of the interest of Metallica right now… Even if I cut you down now, nobody would complain since I did it in Metallica’s name]
[I really don’t care. Come at me if you can… You can think of me as a training partner. Instead of an attraction based of on mech-armor, this would surely be more ammusing. There’s nobody more experienced than me in bringing down heroes from the Rocks Organization. If you want, I can give you a handicap Ikeno-kun]
Komori was intimidating him.
[Haa… this isn’t some “If I defeat you, I’ll have you join us” type of thing right? Do you think I’ll stank for such ridiculous stunt?]
Komori’s intimidation was certainly impressive. He didn’t expect less from the man who conquered Crimson.
But that was it.
Ikeno also had a career. He won’t lose to Komori’s pressure here.
It was obvious he was provoking him.
[No, I didn’t say such thing. But there’s no way that you can defeat me. The results are already final]
Komori was lashing out with contempt.
(Me? Lose to you?)
Those words floated inside his head.
(Are you getting over of your head after getting promoted to Managing Director? You certainly are exceptional, and with that [Spiritual Energy] and that shrewd mind of yours, you’re certainly above average. But that’s it. It’s not something I can lose to, even if you’re a modified human)
He knew he was being provoked deliberately, and he was now in Komori’s pace.
[Haa?! You want to try it out?]
Ikeno didn’t care anymore.
This was probably the last time he would see Komori. Komori would die leading the company [Slayer]. If that were the case, it wouldn’t be so bad to settle who was actually better among them.
And if he ever lost, there was no way Komori would kill him. He needed him alive. Even then, he had no plans on going with Komori.
If he had the intent to hold him hostage, performance would suffer greatly. Komori himself would be aware of this.
On the other hand, Ikeno wouldn’t need to restrain himself. Even if he ended up killing him he had enough supporters to back him up when needed.
Komori’s words had also been recorded by the room. If needed he could manipulate those files later. If they found out Komori was planning to revolt, no doubt they would drop the case agaisnt him immediately
Of course it would be futile if Raz himself would look into the case. He couldn’t increase influence up that high in the corporate ladder. If that happened, there was no way out than to make a deal with Raz. There was no way he would tolerate to lose both Komori and himself.
In other words, this situation greatly favoured him despite their difference in strength.
Ikeno didn’t think of this as a coward move. He had to make do with what ever he can. It also applied in training, business and in connections.
(Komori must be thinking about resolving this situation right now. I don’t know what he is thinking, but I got the upper hand. It’s my win.)
(Did he think I would back down just because he is a modified human? It would’ve made a difference if I didn’t know about it, but it’s different now)
(Did he think he could surprise me with just that?)
Ikeno was confident with himself. He already mastered the [Hybrid Technology] he had on hand.
This was the result of long hours of planning, effort, and a training that made him sprout out blood.
He also understood [Evil Silhouette] fully now. Being able to understand his enemy, Komori was no more than a regular human before him. He was already above him in reaction, decision and physique. There was no way he could lose.
[… What’s the matter? Aren’t you going to transform? Come at me anytime.]
Ikeno himself started prompting his thruster while taking a battle stance.
The sound vibrated within the room and the blade started to glow.
[Oh dear… You’re going to wait for me to transform? What a tepid fellow]
Komori took a step back, and loosened his necktie and stared into him.
The two of them were now facing each other head to head. The air between them was tense.
[… Transform]
Upon saying it in a small voice, Komori was covered in dark light.
Before Ikeno was a demon.
Ikeno increased his thruster output and accelerated forward. Without paying heed to the demon, he swung down his high-tech blade.
