37 Chapter 35: Second Step
'Impressive.'
Those were Shin's first thoughts after reading the new ideals of the dummy organizations which Atsuhiro calls 'Death's Gospel'.
This two hundred page book is centered around the notion of death that Shin gave as an example with the main belief being 'Death will set you free from the bounding shackles that life has imprisoned you in'.
'He might have done too good of a job.' Shin didn't show any emotion as Atsuhiro was anxiously waiting for the review at the side.
In a shortened version the book's premise told a tale of two void gods who managed the constant sea of darkness known as the void.
However at one point a void god known as Seikatsu decided that managing wasn't enough to fill its greed for entertainment formed an idea and started ripping parts of the void while molding them into what he called 'humans'.
Slowly but surely chaos erupted within the void alerting the void goddess known as Shisu, she communicated with the void and became informed of what Seikatsu was doing though before she could stop him it was already too late.
Humans were created and sent to a planet known as earth, before humans the only true life to exist were animals though once they arrived things drastically changed.
The ecosystem became jumbled and the laws of life morphed with these new beings, Seikatsu seeing the sudden hole formed left in the laws of life decided it would abandon its status as a void god and morphe into the laws of life itself.
Shisu, outraged at his actions, tried to stop Seikatsu however she could not mess with the laws that were formed by the universe.
She became helpless as Seikatsu hid from her wraith in the very laws itself, and even when she tried to return the split pieces of the void back to their rightful places she became horrified to find out that these humans had come under the protection of the laws of life.
The only way to truly return these pieces of the void back to their original places was to abandon her beloved status as a void goddess and merge with the laws of death and only then would she be allowed to return these broken pieces of the void back to their origins.
That part didn't intrigue Shin but the way Atsuhiro wrote how the afterlife worked.
He wrote that since everyone would return to the void, life itself didn't matter since it was only an illusion set in place by the evil god of life.
In turn it gave a notion that 'your past actions that you experienced in your false life will eventually be void' which would most likely target the people who are very deranged.
The kind of people who could never be redeemed in society or any religion, the ones who would be turned away for their horrible actions only for them to turn to the Death Gospel as a form of relief.
Humans are very fickle creatures, and in the end cannot accept a bad ending which is why stories are always filled with so many happy ones.
So now imagine a man who just murdered someone, society would turn their backs on them, religions would condemn them a murderer but the Death's Gospel would embrace them and even commend them for releasing someone back into goddess embrace.
"This is perfect." Shin smiled widely as Atsuhiro sighed while slumping in his seat in relief.
"Let's start the next step." Shin turned towards Atsuhiro who immediately stood back up in his chair.
"Oh course, I'm ready to embrace this role!" Atsuhiro vigorously nodded his head.
"Do you have a person and position picked out or?" Shin asked since if Atsuhiro went this far on the lore, he was 90% sure he had already developed a character background for himself.
"Yes! His name is Fusao Shima and is a loyal servant of the goddess of death." Atsuhiro pulled out his character biography.
"Only a loyal servant?" Shin inquired, wondering why he didn't make himself the pope or something similar to that.
"In the end we are all equal since we all return to the void so things like status mean nothing to the goddess." Atsuhiro showed a wide grin flipping to the tenth page that explained all of it.
"Upload this to the dark web before you slowly start uploading it publicly for the common citizen to see, and today you'll meet with Giran under your Fusao persona." Atsuhiro nodded while pulling his computer that had been previously seated by his side into his lap while immediately following Shin's commands.
"When you go to Giran ask for three counterfeit delivery I.D's for the water company 'Aquary', three sets of uniforms, three delivery trucks that resemble the trucks Aquary uses to even the license plate, and finally for him to whisper around the underworld about the arrival of a new religion." Shin instructed as Atsuhiro tilted his head.
"It's because I acquired a quirk that lets me explode plastic when I touch it, allowing me to detonate it like C4." Shin explained as Atsuhiro nodded his head.
(For reference the quirk is 'Plastic Explosion: Upon contact makes plastic into a deadly explosive and can be detonated upon the users will.' and it was mentioned on chapter 27.)
"Use this to persuade Giran and grab his interest." Shin opened his hand as numerous golden bars formed out of his hand, surprising both Dabi and Atsuhiro.
"Woah." The golden rays reflected in Dabi's eyes as he looked down at the last issue of shonen jump he bought with the last of his money.
"No." Shin calmly denied Dabi who sighed while slumping deeper into the couch he had been silently sitting on.
"Get Giran to complete these tasks within a week, and once you do notify me since I already put a backdoor into all the jumbotrons downtown so your announcement to downtown Musutafu is covered." Shin stood up as he turned towards Dabi who had been reading the latest issue of shonen jump.
"Dabi, how is the progress with the first division going?" Shin had wanted Dabi to get closer to the grunts and had instructed him to train with them everyday for the last week as well as getting closer to Joi.
"Pretty good." Dabi turned the page though Shin wasn't satisfied with only that.
"I've been training with them everyday like you asked and have made substantial progress when it comes to Joi." Dabi turned to the next page before continuing to explain the last week.
*Flashback*
Dabi peeked around the corner seeing a quiet Joi counting money with one hand while writing in a book in another.
*Inaudible mumbling*
"Hey Joi what's up." Dabi lazily strolled in as Joi nodded though didn't stop counting nor did he look up from his work.
"Is it cool if I hide out here and read this?" Dabi asked and Joi nodded again.
"Nice."
Next day
"Hey Joi, can I hang out here again?" Dabi once again asked to which Joi nodded.
Next day
*Yawn*
"Do you have any snacks?" Dabi asked, flipping the page to which Joi tossed him some crackers.
"Nice."
Next day
"Is this all you do all day?" Dabi ate some crackers, becoming a little curious about Joi's work since he always did the same thing everyday.
Joi nodded while continuing to write and count continuously without any breaks, Dabi seeing no response would come shrugged and ate some more cracks while turning to the next page of his manga.
Next day
"Hey Joi."
"Hey Dabi."
"Cracker?"
"Left drawer."
"Nice."
Next day
This time when he walked into the room Dabi saw Joi squeezing a stress ball tightly while writing something down.
"You good Joi?" Dabi raised an eyebrow while pulling out his book.
"Some bastard disrespected oyabun's orders!" Joi yelled furiously as his eyes still didn't lift from the book he was writing on.
"They must have a death wish." Dabi went to the cabinet where Joi kept his crackers while sitting back in his usual spot.
"I'll make sure to grant it!" Joi hissed as more veins formed his neck.
Next day
Dabi strolled into Joi's office seeing his usual action though this time the crackers were placed down on the spot he would always sit.
"Hey did you catch that person?" Dabi asked, grabbing the crackers.
"No, we have nothing." Joi gazed up at Dabi, greatly shocking him since he never looked up from his work.
"Need any help?" Dabi munched on some cracker though Joi shook his head.
"No, oyabun said he'll take care of it." Joi sighed, rubbing his eyes.
*BAM*
"I JUST CAN'T BELIEVE SOMEONE KILLED OHTA WHILE HE WAS STILL IN OUR TERRITORY!" Joi roared, slamming his fist down onto the desk as everything located on it slightly hopped upwards before slightly falling down.
Dabi raised an eyebrow though didn't show any emotions on his face reaching into the box to grab some more crackers.
"Are you sure the oyabun doesn't need any help?" Dabi, seeing some leeway, inquired.
*Sigh*
"Koji is convincing the oyabun not to ask for any help outside his circle of influence." Joi turned towards Dabi who had shown himself reading his manga and eating his cracker like usual.
"Seems like a handful." Dabi spoke without moving his gaze, grabbing a handful of crackers.
"Yeah, if only we got a lead." Joi rubbed his hair making Dabi smile.
"Inowa." Dabi spoke one word but it made Joi widen his eyes.
For a second he thought he heard wrong however seeing the smirk on Dabi's face he knew he hadn't heard wrong.
"What did you say?" Joi couldn't hide his shock upon hearing that word.
"Nothing." Dabi smirk didn't leave his face while throwing some more crackers into his mouth.
Joi knowing what Dabi was doing lowered his gaze while continuing his work though he had a slight smile on the corner of his lips.
"Thank you."
"Just get me more crackers."
*Flashback end*
Shin rubbed his chin in contemplation after hearing Dabi's progress and experiences with Joi especially when he heard about their leads running dry on Ohta which he had expected.
"Atsuhiro, I'm guessing you haven't started on Hari." Shin side eyed Atsuhiro who rubbed the back of his head.
"I have been to focused on my role an-"
"I understand." Shin waved him off before he could give some excuse involving his role and how this chance to entertain a whole city overcame his whole mindset or something along those lines.
"We have two weeks until the elders put out the hits on Koji and Shie so we have to be ready." Shin informed them, causing corresponding nods.
"How's the progress with Araki?" Dabi inquired though Shin shrugged.
"Slow."
*Flashback*
In the garden Araki was pruning some flowers as Shin popped up next to her causing her to flinch.
"Ah!" Araki shouted, resulting in her backing up a few steps, though after recognizing it was Shin she took a deep breath of relief.
"You scared me Doc, the first division might-"
"YOUNG MISS!" Suddenly tens of first division members came running out from all spots of the compound after hearing Araki's scream.
"What's wrong!" Yamada suddenly appeared with a worried look inspecting Araki to see for any wounds.
"I became a little frighten that-"
"FRIGHTENED!" Yamada shouted, clutching the katana while gazing all around.
"Was it a bug? Squirrel? FIRST DIVISION HUNT DOWN ALL THE RODENTS THAT INTRUDED INTO THE COMPOUND! FOR THE YOUNG MISS!" Yamada roared as the first division all took out their weapons.
"FOR THE YOUNG MISS!" They shouted while frantically searching all around the compound.
"I will escort you back to your chambers and protect you from any rodents that may cross your path." Yamada urged while pushing the helpless Araki away.
Shin stood in place a little confused watching Araki sigh as if this had happened before, and once they made eye contact she gave him a dry smile.
3 days later
"Doctor." Araki greeted Shin who calmly walked up to her as she showed a frown on her face.
"I apologize for what happened last time." Shin apologized as Araki huffed.
"I had to stay in my room for three days while the first division killed every rodent in the compound, I'm not even afraid of rodents!" Araki grabbed her hair showing her frustration though she took a deep breath before returning to her usual elegant appearance.
"Let me make it up to you." Shin strolled closer to her as she remained silent.
"How?" She asked though she didn't turn towards him.
"How about I-"
"Cockroach!" Araki suddenly squealed, seeing a cockroach crawling next to her feet.
"YOUNG MISS!" Suddenly tens of first division members came running out from all spots of the compound hearing Araki's squeal.
"Not again." Shin sighed while facepalming as he could guess what was about to happen.
"IS THAT A COCKROACH!" Yamada appeared next to the scared Araki.
"Wait I-" Araki realizing what she had just done showed a look of horror.
"FIRST DIVISION GRAB YOUR BUG SPRAY! WE WON'T BE SLEEPING UNTIL WE KILL EVERY COCKROACH ON THIS COMPOUND!" Yamada pulled out some bug spray from his suit while the other first division members followed his example.
"YES BOSS!" They all responded in enthusiasm while splitting up to follow their bosses orders.
"Don't worry young miss! We won't let any cockroaches get close to you!" Yamada started to push Araki while being on the lookout for any oncoming cockroaches.
"No, I wait-"
"GOTCHU!" Yamada yelled, spraying a nearby cockroach at the side of the stone path interrupting Araki.
"Doc!" Araki screamed in a low voice as Shin had been watching everything in amusement.
"Yamada I think we should-"
"Doctor, I understand your skepticism; however as the godfather/protector of the young miss I cannot stand by knowing that something is threatening the safety of the young miss." Yamada passionately spoke as Araki's facepalmed this time.
Then Shin watched Araki being escorted back to her room as he waved goodbye to which she smiled.
*Flashback end*
"They really go above and beyond when it comes to her safety." Atsuhiro complemented while Dabi showed a weird expression.
"Over a cockroach?" Dabi couldn't understand why they went to such great lengths for mere bugs.
"Evidently this happens frequently." Shin rubbed his eyes in annoyance at being cock blocked so many times.
"Anyways Atsuhiro I'm going to change your face." Shin turned towards Atsuhrio who flinched.
"What?" Atsuhrio stood up while backing up a little, knocking over a couple of nearby trinkets.
"It's only going to hurt a little." Shin walked closer as Atsuhiro fell to the ground thanks to a nearby chair.
"Wait wait wa-AH!"
2 minutes later
"Why?" Atsuhiro asked, stumbling back to his feet.
"I needed to give you the quirk voice modification since if I changed your vocal chords then it might raise suspicion within the main compound on how your voice suddenly changed." Shin instructed as Atsuhiro reluctantly nodded his head.
"Get everything ready for the meeting with Giran." Shin instructed while walking to the door.
"I shall show Giran a performance of a lifetime!" Atsuhiro quickly recovered from his disheveled appearance while proclaiming enthusiastically.
Shin gave him a thumbs up though didn't gaze backwards as Atsuhiro bowed while adjusting his clothes a little more.
"Do you ever get tired of yourself?" Dabi sarcastically inquired right as Shin closed the door behind him.
"Oh Dabi, how can someone get tired of an ever changing entertainer like myself." Atsuhiro chuckled while making his way to the closet.
He pulled out a silk set of black robs with the signia of the church of death that he had designed himself.
"I can think of one or two reasons." Dabi smirked seeing Atsuhiro look like a fool when he put on his outfit.
"I'm surprised you can even think of two reasons with that tiny brain of yours since it's usually hard for a simple minded person like yourself to even try and comprehend someone as innovative and spectacular as me." Atsuhiro chuckled, Dabi hearing this only scoffed since he couldn't think of something to combat him.
"Enjoy your comic book." Atsuhiro pointed to the manga in Dabi's hand while he made his way to the door wanting to slightly annoy him.
"Enjoy your circus." Dabi scoffed since he was obviously reading manga and he knew Atsuhiro said that on purpose.
At the main compound
Shin arrived at the main compound a couple minutes later and immediately made his way to the garden.
He arrived to see Araki planting some flowers showing a tired look, and as Shin got closer Araki finally noticed him.
"Well if it isn't my bad luck charm." Araki hid her smile trying to put on a frustrated face.
"If you want I could stop coming by." Shin strolled over to her while sitting on a nearby bench.
"Hmmmmm." Araki hummed while showing a contemplating expression.
"I guess you can stick around however if another situation like last time happens again, I swear I'll change my mind." Araki shook her fist at Shin who chuckled, holding his hands in the air showing he surrendered.
"I understand young miss." She frowned once she heard him call her but didn't say anything.
"So about making it up to you." Shin smiled as her ears perked up while he pulled out a flower from his jacket.
"Is that!" Araki rushed over to Shin and took it out of his hands.
"It's a Primula and is-"
"Is indigenous to italy and is one of their most common ones that grows primarily on the coast." Araki showed an excited expression observing the graceful yellow flower that showed its petals all bundled up together.
*Cough*
"I guess I can forgive you." She coughed while showing her usual smile before she turned to start planting it.
"So how was the vacation in your room?" Shin sat down before he rested his head on his hand while watching her plant the primula flower he got from Giran.
"It was amazing." Araki sarcastically spoke while rolling her eyes.
"Oh? What was the highlight of your stay?" Shin smirked as Araki dusted the dirt off her gloves.
"The view of the four walls surrounding me was my favorite part throughout my experience." Araki chuckled, walking over to the other flower buds needing to be planted.
"Must have been a sight to see." Shin nodded, Araki hearing this stopped and put her arms on her hips.
"Don't you have anything better to do?" Araki showed a troubled expression though Shin shrugged.
"Nope, in fact ever since I retook our territory I have only been told to maintain it and nothing else." Shin boredly spoke out as Araki raised an eyebrow.
"But the 13th division is competent enough to do that so right now I have nothing to do." Shin rolled around to his back while heaving a sigh, making Araki shake her head.
"Then help me." Araki pointed to all the flower buds needing to be planted.
"What's in it for me?" Shin tilted his head from the side.
"I'll forgive you for having me locked up in my room for a week." Araki crossed her arms showing a fake angry expression.
"I thought I was forgiven-"
"I lied." Araki turned her head away from Shin, interrupting him.
*Sigh*
"Fine but I know nothing about flowers so you're going to have to teach me." Shin lazily stood up walking over to the flower buds in their plastic container.
Araki then went on to explain how to properly plant each flower while guiding Shin along the way on how to make sure that the flower is given all the necessary opportunities to flourish.
"How this young mi-"
"Just call me Araki." Araki sighed though Shin didn't complain as he fiddled with the roots to unclog some of the dirt.
"Alright Araki, how's this?" Shin gently held the flower as Araki calmly inspected it.
"It's acceptable." Araki nodded though Shin was the one to roll his eyes this time.
"What? I said it was acceptabl-" Though Araki didn't finish her sentence as she saw something move in Shin's eye.
Squinting she saw what looked to be a contact lens however once she really gazed deeper a tinge of red began to peek out.
"Do you wear contacts?" She asked leaning in closer though Shin ducked down once she did.
"Yes, is that weird?" He asked, hiding his smile under his mask.
Araki frowned but every time she tried to look closer he would duck away resulting in the frown extending all the way across her face.
Shin had thought of many ways on how to get closer to Araki and the only thing that really would give him any momentum was for her to uncover a 'secret' about him no one else knew.
Hence the reason why he wore brown eye contacts while hiding the red eye color beneath it.
The reasoning behind this was he wanted Araki to become more curious upon her own initiative so as to slither his way into her mind more.
"I'm pretty sure those aren't regular contacts-"
"What are you doing?" A cold voice rang out behind both of them interrupting Araki's sentence.
Turning around Shin saw Koji glaring daggers at him, the reason became obvious as to why he would be mad given how close they were to each other right now.
"Hello Koji-"
"The oyabun wishes to speak with you." Koji interrupted him while trying to calm himself down.
"I understand." Shin stopped what he was doing and brushed the dirt off his hands before standing up.
"It was nice talking to you Araki, until next time." Shin waved, walking in the direction where Shei primarily resides.
The whole time he walked down the stone path he felt the hostile gaze from Koji until he turned the corner.
"Araki, what are you doing with him?" Koji turned his gaze back to her but her response was just a shrug.
"He was helping me plant flowe-"
"Do you know what kind of man he is?" Koji walked forward, obviously a little frustrated that she was talking to a man she knew little about.
However deep down Koji was just anxious seeing her close to a man that wasn't him, he already knew he would marry her one day which is why he didn't want her to be taken by anyone except him.
"He seems harmless-"
"He slaughtered more than 200 people in a day, do you think someone like that can be harmless? And on top of that we still don't know his intentions for joining!" Koji's annoyed look turned into a furious one but Araki only sighed.
"Koji, even the first division aren't wary of him anymore, and his subordinates are evidently weird but nice people." Araki explained while continuing Shin's shabby work.
"Yamada!" Koji yelled out and a minute later Yamada walked into the surroundings.
"Yes master Koji wha-"
"Why are you so relaxed in front of the Doctor?" Koji interrupted Yamada who sighed.
"Master Koji, the Doctor has no reason to do any harm-"
"And how do you know that?" Koji tried to calm himself down as Yamada eyebrows twitched.
"Because in my opinion it serves him no point." Yamada instructed as Koji scrunched his eyebrows.
"I understand the concern of a powerful person like the Doctor appearing and wanting to join, however if he truly wanted to hurt the organization he wouldn't have gone to such great lengths to strengthen it by driving out all the rats constantly pestering around our territory." Yamada calmly explained as the lines on Koji's forehead grew deeper.
"That does not mean you should trust-"
"I never said I trust him, and if you're wondering why I allowed him near the young miss it's because I ruled that he wasn't a threat to her." Yamada instructed as Araki nodded her head in agreement.
"Does the oyabun know of this?" Koji calmed himself down seeing Araki show him a look of frustration signaling he might be going too far.
"Yes, and he doesn't mind as long as the Doctor doesn't do anything to harm the young miss." Yamada concluded the conversation by turning his back to Koji who stood still.
"Araki I-"
"I know." Araki smiled as Koji sighed while rubbing his forehead before turning away.
'Dammit.'
Meanwhile Shin had just arrived in the main hall where Shie always resided next to the ten empty tables were the elders should be sitting.
"Doctor." Shie spoke out as Shin nodded his head.
"Oyabun." Shin bowed, taking a seat across from him.
"I'm guessing this has to do with Ohta." Shin calmly spoke out as Shie nodded his head in agreement.
"Yes, did you have anything to do with his death?" Shie calmly questioned him but Shin shook his head.
"No, and to be honest it didn't bother me that you let him go." Shin shrugged as Shie stared at him for a while.
"Do you suspect anyone?' Shie calmly inquired and Shin nodded.
"The only people I could guess behind this are the Inowa since they supplied them with products from time to time." Shin informed him as Shie pinched the bridge of his nose.
"So Joi was right." Shie whispered to himself.
"I apologize, Doctor, for wasting your time." Shin however waved his hand at Shie's apology.
"It's no trouble Oyabun, is there anything else?" Shin asked though Shie shook his head.
"No, you may leave." Shie showed a troubled expression as Shin nodded.
Shin slowly stood up then walked out the door seeing Hari waiting outside showing a blank expression.
"Hello Hari." Shin waved as Hari nodded his head.
"Doctor." Hari acknowledged him though before he could leave Hari held out his hand.
"You might have gotten close to Arashi however going aganist-"
"Hari, if I wanted to kill him they wouldn't have found the body." Shin smiled walking past Hari.
Hari watched as Shin turned the corner before walking into the main hall where Shie had been contemplating.
"Oyabun." Hari bowed as Shie waved him off.
"What is it, Hari?" Shie wasn't expecting Hari and was curious at this sudden arrival.
"Oyabun, Joi isn't one for information gathering and recently I have been informed that Dabi has-"
"Stop." Shie stopped him as Hari shut his mouth.
"Hari, is there anything else?" Shie tried to brush away the topic as Hari gave him a confused look.
"Oyabun this is suspicios-"
"Hari, you're dismissed." Shie promptly dismissed him, Hari didn't refute him any more and only bowed while following his orders.
'Oyabun knows best.'
In a familiar alleyway Atsuhiro had now fully engrossed himself in his character as he strolled towards a familiar iron door.
*Knock*
*Knock*
*Knock*
*Cling*
"What is the password?" A peephole slid open as someone answered immediately upon his three knocks.
"Muddied."
"Who recommended you?"
"My Goddess has sent me a divine message to seek a man named Giran!" Atsuhiro spread out his hand in a grandiose manner as the man on the other side of the peephole gave him a weird look.
*Cling*
The man shut the peephole and wanted to brush him off, though this weird guy knew the password so he had to report it to Giran.
Walking down the steps he reached the room where Giran visited people though continued walking past the surroundings while reaching the door on the opposite side and upon opening it revealed Giran writing something down.
"What is it, Bunta?" Giran raised an eyebrow since he shouldn't have any appointments for the rest of today.
"There's some weird guy dressed in priest robes who said the password but said his 'goddess' recommended him."
"Seriously?' Giran chuckled as his interest almost peeked after hearing this.
"Yeah what should I-"
"Tell him that I will see him." Giran didn't discriminate since most of his clients were weird individuals so having some random quack dressed in a priest outfit wouldn't even make him flinch.
"If you say so boss." Bunta shrugged and walked out.
Giran turned to the CTTV's and saw the man holding a thick book with a skull on the cover causing him to chuckle.
Once he saw the man sit down in the chair Giran stood up and walked out the door to see the man showing a blank expression.
"I didn't think your goddess would show so much interest in me." Giran joked though Atsuhiro remained serious.
"Yes, she has instructed me to find you and seek your help to aid in our glorious mission to return as many pieces of the void back into her loving embrace." Atsuhiro clutched his heart while gazing up at the ceiling showing countless amounts of emotions flowing in and out of his eyes.
"Is this a religion or?" Giran sat down while leaning in as talking to crazies were always his favorite pastime.
"It is a way of life but you may classify it as a religion." Atsuhiro nodded his head in agreement.
"Do you have a name?" Giran gestured, showing a wide smile.
"Yes, I am known as Fusao Shima and I am a loyal servant of my goddess." Atsuhiro put his hand together while whispering a silent prayer as Giran covered his mouth.
"So Fusao, how may I help you today?" Giran tilted his head becoming even more curious in what Fusao would spiel on about.
"My goddess has told me I desire these items in my upcoming mission." Atsuhiro pulled out a slip of paper as Giran took it.
"Y'know I'm an information broo-"
Atsuhiro didn't waste any time and placed a gold bar courtesy of Shin onto the table as Giran froze upon touching the table.
The reason for him halting all movements for an extended period of time was because Atsuhiro wouldn't stop laying out gold bars until ten stacked onto the table.
The golden hue reflected in his eyes as his breath became still at the amount of money sitting in front of him.
"The goddess has informed me that I need to pay you in this amount." Atsuhiro bowed, Giran's hand shook as he grabbed the solid gold bar that had no signia meaning he or his colleagues were capable of melting and reforming gold.
"This quality." Giran took in a silent breath seeing literally no errors in the craftsmanship of the bar.
Immediately he took the piece of paper lying on the table into his hands and started memorizing all its contents before nodding his head.
"I can obtain all of these things in a week." Giran knew a big fish when he saw one and this quack was a whale.
"Truly a worthy servant of the goddess, when welcomed into the void, the goddess shall grab you into her loving embrace as she brings you into the place you were always destined for." Atsuhiro wiped away a tear that fell down his cheek, Giran's smile twitched, deciding that angering him would only decrease the amount of profit he would obtain in the future.
"Please take this on behalf of the Church of Death." Atsuhiro handed him the hard copy of death's gospel as Giran hesitantly took it.
"T-Thank you." Giran kept his smile as Atsuhiro mirrored it with one of his own.
"From one loyal servant to another." Atsuhiro spread out his hands before clutching them in a hurry.
His knuckles whitened and even some blood drew from his palms yet Atsuhiro didn't flinch but instead looked overjoyed at the notion of shedding blood for his goddess.
"We have a duty to our goddess to return as many humans back to the void as possible! The time to stay idle has expired as the goddess now wishes for us to be known!" Atsuhiro showed a crazed smile while standing up from his chair.
'We?' Giran didn't say anything though became confused at how he had joined into this quack's fantasy but still remained silent.
"Y-yeah-"
"PRAISE BE THE GODDESS!" Atsuhiro fell to his knees while holding both of his hands together as the blood came together forming a singular stream as it trickled down into his robe.
"Bless me as I carry out your will." Atsuhiro started his prayer as Giran gazed around to see if he was being pranked or something.
"Uh, Mr. Shima." Giran spoke out as minutes passed by yet the quack had still not moved an inch from his prayer stance and instead kept whispering to himself.
"Ah! Forgive me loyal servant Giran, I got carried away." Atsuhiro bowed and apologized before sitting back down in his seat.
"And please call me Fusao since in the end we are all just bits and pieces of the void so there is no need for you to hold me higher." Atsuhiro assured with a gentle smile, Giran showed a weird expression at this trying his best to maintain his smile.
"A-Alright, Is there anything else you need or-"
"Yes! Now that the goddess wishes to be known we must spread her will and name throughout the underworld! The common people are all hypnotized by the god of life's illusion and do not want to wake up from the false reality he has imprisoned them in! It is our duty, NO OUR PURPOSE TO RELEASE THOSE POOR SOULS FROM THIS SEEMINGLY NEVER ENDING NIGHTMARE WE CALL 'LIFE'!" Atsuhiro stood up again as Giran facepalmed.
"WE MUST RELEASE THESE HUMANS FROM THEIR SHACKLES SO THEY MAY FIND PEICE IN THE VOID! BE FREED FROM THEIR SHACKLES! WHILE WE PRAISE THE GODDESS!" Atsuhiro crazed expression returned as Giran started to feel uncomfortable, however decided to let him finish since he paid him so much for such trivial things.
"FOR HOW LONG MUST WE SUFFER UNDER THE GOD OF LIFE'S ENTERTAINMENT! FOR HOW LONG MUST WE BE CHAINED IN THIS FLESH BODY! WE MUST FREE OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS FROM THE FALSE REALITY WHILE SHOWING THEM THE WAY OF OUR GODDESS!" Atsuhiro's voice resounded for all to hear as his preaching could be heard from even the men behind the wall who all showed weird expressions at Atsuhiro's shouts.
"AMEN!" Atsuhiro gripped his fist while turning his deranged gaze back to Giran who flinched.
"Amen." Girna pumped his fist trying not to be awkward.
"Loyal servant Giran, your service to the goddess will not be forgotten and the church will always remember your deeds in our mission to cleanse the earth of all human life." Atsuhiro turned away as Girna scratched his chin.
*BAM*
The door slammed behind Atsuhiro as Giran remained with a dumbfounded look on his face though only sighed.
"The things I do for money."
Back at the orphanage Shin had returned to a quiet Toga sitting in front of the door holding Whisker's in her embrace.
Over this past week Toga had actually limited herself in fear of an extension to Shin's grounding and even though she cried almost everyday she still didn't succumb to her desires.
Toga had known this had been the day that Shin should lift her punishment however before she did anything she wanted to make sure.
"Can I?" Toga asked behind Whisker's who curiously tilted her head at the situation in front of her.
"Of course." Shin opened his arms showing her a smile.
Toga's smile brightened the room as she dropped Whisker's and leaped into Shin's embrace, immediately tears of joy flowed out of her eyes as she gripped him tightly.
"I promise I'll listen! I won't ever do those things ever again!" Toga buried herself deeper, losing herself in Shin's embrace.
Shin's smile extended all the way to the ends of his cheeks as he patted Toga's hair slowly.
'As you should.'
