Track 9
Lu Residence - Living Room
«So R1ze's feature tour starts tomorrow, and we've been hearing buzz that today's guest, Nishizono-san, will be making a “major announcement,” correct?»
«Th-That's the plan! So you better come check it out!»
«Look at Renga-chan getting all flustered! Though I bet the tour's totally sold out already, right~?»
«We'll have same-day tickets too... Plus, there's someone special I really want to hear it in person...»
«Renga-chan!? Are you sure you should be saying that here!? This is a live broadcast!»
«Hey Renga-cchi, is it like, a proposal or something? Don't tell me you're doing a flash mob!?»
*Liguang turns off the stream*
…*Sigh*
(It’s been several weeks since the accident targeting Linxing… Kiba continues to remain silent. Why?)
(In the past, after the first “signal,” Kiba would come at me relentlessly, without stopping for even a moment’s rest. However, both my family who are naturally safe overseas, and my subordinates outside of Sojun are safe for now…)
…What exactly is that idiot to you, Kiba?
……, …I’m lacking sleep; I can’t think straight.
(...I’m getting drowsy.)
—How did you find someone who looks exactly like you?
Was it…a coincidence?
Why did you brainwash him?
And the most puzzling question, why did you leave him with me…?
……
(A dream… No, I don’t remember it… It disappeared so quickly…it’s almost unnatural.)
*Phone rings*
Sojun. What is it? Yuheng is still in charge of guard duty, so you should continue resting.
«No, Boss. I remembered the memory I lost. The license plate number of the car that was following us that night—-»
R1ze Special Stage
Hmm... this must be the main attraction of the Ward 4 feature tour, that in-stal-a-tion art thing. I wonder if an old codger like me can make sense of it?
(My act as an old man who struggles with foreign words is flawless! I'll be giving the morning team's tour a thorough evaluation...)
(With that said... this tour has way more guards than usual. Must be for that celebrity’s major announcement on the final day?)
All attendees must go through security screening.
(They're really checking bags carefully... Though I guess if it's about security, I can't complain.)
(...Whew, I didn’t think Liguang-san’s big sister would arrange for private security guards at the venue.)
It seems they’re really on guard against this Kiba guy.
Kafka… I’m worried. I hope nothing happens until the last day.
Well, we’ll do what we can. After that, we’ll just have to play it by ear.
(That’s true. If it concerns Liguang-san’s business, then I honestly feel like I’d just be a burden.)
Alright! Then I’ll focus on the tour and take care of one of Liguang-san’s troubles!
That’s the spirit, Chief.
Nooo, what do we dooo? What if Renga's big announcement is that he's getting married...?
Seriously, if that happens I'm crawling into bed and never coming out. Hogging someone that precious and cute for a lifetime should be illegal. Honestly, I'd rather he married a dog.
Retirement is the one thing I seriously, seriously, seeeeriously can't accept. Renga seems to love his ward mayor job, so I'm anxious as hell here.
Wow... so many of Renga's fans showed up. Everyone looks concerned, but hopefully they'll have a good time.
Man, celebrities sure are something else... Even though he's more of a flopping disaster than me, look at how popular he is. Maybe I should volunteer to be Renga-san's assistant.
Well, security's done... My, this art is lovely. What's it for, exactly?
Excuse me, sir. Would you mind if I helped you with this?
(Hm, Sadayuki's son, eh?)
Pick whichever string you like and tie it to the art. The art changes when you tie it on. It's meant to show how the concept of "connecting fates" can shape our lives.
I see, I see, so there are various ways to tie them.
Since fixed knots can't be untied, they're perfect for important wishes. Simple knots are easy and great for wishes you'd like to see happen many times.
So pretty! The art's effects changed when I tied it!
May I have wonderful encounters... there.
*Announcement chime*
«The performance by Liguang Lu and Renga Nishizono will begin shortly on stage...»
*Renga’s fans clamor*
There's no big announcement today, right! Let's enjoy the show with everything we've got!
I'm a Renga fan, but I was also looking forward to seeing Liguang-sama, who you can only watch here. I'm totally pumped right now!
Backstage
R1ze Special Stage
*Intercom static*
«Could you check the people in the front row in particular? Even if he doesn’t have the same face as Renga-kun, if his style or build is similar, it could be him!»
Yep, roger, this is Murakumo. I’ve pretty much checked all the rows starting from the front, but I haven’t found anyone matching the description, over.
(Didn’t think I’d be playing Where’s Waldo with a bunch of amateurs using intercoms. That said, from the looks of it, he isn’t here.)
I'm checking the front rows too. Would he smell similar to Renga? I haven’t picked up any matching scents so far though...
I’ll go check the people who just came in. There’s a chance he might be in disguise, so keep an eye out for anyone moving unnaturally.
……
(Today's not the last day, so he probably won't show up... I think.)
(...Xingbing-san brought in all these guards... Does everyone really think Kiba's that dangerous?)
(...I only agreed because I trust Kiba, but... is it really okay to ambush him like this?)
……
Flashback
I see. I’ll contact a detective I know using this lead.
«I heard there’s pressure being put on the police…»
Yes. That’s why we can’t expect too much.
R1ze Special Stage
(In the end, we failed to track down Kiba’s whereabouts from that number either. …He likely won’t come here today.)
Backstage
«The live performance has concluded. We invite all attendees to continue enjoying the venue...»
*The crowd begins leaving the stage*
I thought he might show up during the OmoLive, but it looks like he didn’t come today after all.
Well, it’s only the first day. With that said, there’s still other attractions, so let’s focus on our assigned areas and search the whole venue.
Renga, we'll track Kiba down for you. Don't worry about it.
...Yukikaze. ...Listen, I...
What's wrong? Are you feeling sick?
...I'm gonna change and join the search too.
*Renga leaves*
……
Good grief.
(Even if you never see him again, does it matter? He’s the one who disappeared on his own after all…)
…Well, finding out his true nature might not be too bad either.
R1ze Special Stage
*Intercom static*
«This is Kafka. Alright everyone, while you’re showing hospitality, make sure to contact me if you see anyone who looks like Kiba. Reporting, communication, and consultation are key1. Got it?»
*Intercom static*
«Yesh, Boss! I won't forget to report, communicate, and consult... GYAAAH, I stepped on something!!»
*Yachiyo topples something*
……
(It’s a shame to say while they’re all searching, but Kiba is not a man who can be found by amateurs.)
(...Normally, the highest chance for him to make contact would be on the last day, the day that idiot used as bait, but…)
(Our opponent is Kiba. And if it’s the Kiba I know…)
(If it’s the Xiaoya I know…what would he do?)
……
(No.)
(Xiaoya would do the opposite and come today.)
(If he’s going to show himself, it will be close by. If it's him, who likes to surprise people…!)
……!
*Liguang runs backstage*
Backstage
Xiaoya…!
That letter on the desk, could it be…?
*Liguang opens the letter*
(...«To my “disreputable friend2”. Meet me on the Moon Ship. Room 3125.»)
(«P.S. —- ‘Just us.’»)
……
There’s no doubt… This was written by Kiba.
The original references the business acronym, “ホウレンソウ,” which stands for 報告, 連絡, 相談, meaning to report, to inform, and to consult. Often used in the corporate workplace as a mantra for employees to communicate with their superiors and vice versa.
"狐朋狗友" A derogatory term used to refer to "bad company," "evil associates," or a "disreputable gang"