As they entered the complex, they were immediately ambushed by the kappas and rogues. The kappas were quick, jumping from one container to another, and their duck beaks made it difficult for the team to attack them. Shiori and Nishi used their supernatural abilities, while Keiji relied on his combat skills.

The fight was brutal and intense. Shiori could feel her heart pounding against her chest as she dodged the kappas’ attacks. Nishi was fighting alongside her, his hands glowing with blue energy. Keiji was taking on multiple rogues at once, his sword slicing through the air.

Finally, Keiji’s team arrived at the seaside part of the warehouse complex. They got alert when they saw some men gathering from afar, and they chose a hiding spot they thought was safe so the targets wouldn’t spot them eavesdropping.

Shiori’s heart raced as she listened to the conversation between the warehouse supervisor and a hooded man. Daigo Katoh, the supervisor, was burly and rough-tough with the hard muscles of a seasoned seaman.

However, Daigo’s voice was hushed and barely audible from Shiori’s hiding spot. “Are you sure you’re going to transport it tonight?” he asked. “The GI agents are sniffing on our trails already! There must be a whistle-blower among us!

Shiori held her breath as the hooded man, whose voice was hoarse and mysterious replied, “Yes, it must be tonight or all will be for naught. The fake manifest in HMC is available along with the new, smuggled machinery parts. The so-called super agents won’t suspect a thing, as always.” She couldn’t see the man’s face, but she could sense his confidence.

“If you’re so sure about it, go ahead. Just double my bonus for this extra trouble,” said Daigo slyly.

“Don’t worry, we are still looking forward to working with you again in the long run,” replied the hooded man. “As you can see, the payment is already transferred into your account.”

Daigo looked at his smartphone and curled a wide grin. “Great. The truck is ready to back there with the container and the driver. You can take it away now.”

“Thank you, it’s a pleasure doing business with you.”

Suddenly, the sound of breaking glass shattered the tension. Shiori had accidentally tripped on a piece of glass on the ground. Daigo immediately noticed the sound and demanded to know who was there, while the hooded man hurriedly moved away with the cargo truck. Shiori’s heart sank as she realized that they had blown their cover.

Keiji, their team leader, quickly took charge and confronted Daigo. “It’s over, Daigo Katoh! We’ve heard enough, and you’re under arrest!” he shouted.

But Daigo was defiant. “What if I refuse to get myself arrested?” he sneered.

Shiori could feel her palms sweating as the situation escalated. But she knew they had to keep going. “We’ve already sent the record of your secret conversation to the HQ. It’s enough proof to lock you up for good!” she declared, matter-of-factly.

Daigo flew into a rage. “Damn you, GI scums! You’ve courted death, and now death is coming around to get you! Let’s get them, boys!” he yelled. Suddenly, his crew charged forward along with a throng of kappas and attacked the team.

The sound of waves crashing against the shore mixed with the clash of metal as the fight between the two sides erupted. Keiji, Shiori, and Nishi faced off against Daigo Katoh, the burly sailor, and his crew and troop of Kappas. The warehouses of Kubomaru Harbor, at the waterfront near the docks, provided a backdrop for the intense battle.

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Keiji held his semi-automatic gun firmly in his hand, ready for ranged attacks, and his trusty bo stick in the other for close combat. Shiori was armed with her wakizashi sword, and Nishi relied on her raw strength and speed to take on their opponents.

The Kappas were quick, but they were no match for the skilled fighters. Keiji fired precise shots that hit the Kappas in their vital spots, while Shiori’s sword sliced through their shells with ease. Nishi’s blows were like thunder, sending the Kappas flying with each strike.

Daigo Katoh, on the other hand, was a formidable opponent. He wielded an anchor as if it were a toy and swung it with deadly force. Keiji, Shiori, and Nishi worked together to avoid his attacks and find an opening.

Shiori rushed in with her wakizashi, aiming for Daigo’s arm. He blocked her attack with his anchor, but before he could counter, Keiji fired a shot at his exposed side. The burly sailor stumbled back, momentarily stunned.

Nishi seized the opportunity and charged toward Daigo. Daigo tackled her with all his might, sending both of them crashing into a stack of crates. The next thing happened, Nishi and Daigo Katoh stood back up, limping.

Seeing their leader fall, the kappas and the rogue crewmen retreated in fear. As the dust settled, Keiji, Shiori, and Nishi stood victorious. They caught their breath and surveyed the damage.

Keiji turned to Shiori and Nishi, saying,” Oh, no, the truck is gone! Our backup team couldn’t stop it!”

Shiori replied, “At least we don’t come empty-handed. Earlier, Nishi took a picture of its license plate with her smartphone. Plus, I recorded their conversation. So, we got the proofs we need.”

“Great job, agents,” said Keiji.”But we have to leave this place and take Daigo to the HQ quickly. We can squeeze more info from him later.”

However, just as they were about to take Daigo into custody, the mysterious Hannya-masked man appeared out of nowhere and snatched Daigo away.

“I’m taking him now,” said Hannya. “It’s harvest time.”

Shiori recognized him immediately. It was the same man who had killed her father and brother years ago. She froze, unable to move or speak, as the man disappeared in a puff of smoke, taking Daigo with him.

Keiji called out to Shiori, but she didn’t respond. Her mind was consumed by the memory of the Hannya-masked man, and the realization that he was still out there, and more dangerous than ever. Alas, it was too much for Shiori, and she fell unconscious on the spot.

Shiori’s Diary

Everybody can wear a Hannya mask.

But I could never forget this particular white-haired man.

At first, I thought that man only abducted me.

However, I never expected him to take Daigo Katoh away too.

Ever since I couldn’t stop thinking.

What was his deal, abducting people with special powers?

Must I tell Nishi and Keiji about him?

At last, I only told Nishi it was the theHannya-masked man who put me in the lab.

Probably it was the lab where her father was working.

Maybe we could extract more information if we contacted her dad.

But alas, Yasuaki Abe has changed his mobile number again.

And Nishi has never been in contact with

him again since he sent me to his house.

So, Nishi only told me that she would ask her dad

about the Hannya-masked man the next time he contacted her.

Hearing that, I was not relieved.

The Hannya-masked man would strike again,

but where and when?

Would I be able to confront him in the state I’m in?

Even if I knew where he was,

I better not confront him frontally yet.

Just wait until I was ready.

Vengeance would surely come to you.