HOTD part 15: Negotiations.

Takagi mansion was somehow calm at this time with everyone doing their own thing.

The sunset, like always, brought the red-orange color all over the sky drawing a beautiful picture.

The survivor continue their discussion and the guards changed their shifts or go to rest.

The works around the house started checking on the conditions and what they can do to make them better.

Wind started to blow strongly, making the trees shake and the leaves flying around even as the tents started to sway.

However, even in this calm there was one room inside the mansion telling a different story.

The room from the outside was normal, but if someone tried to get closer to the door will feel the terrifying atmosphere emitted from the room.

Inside the room, the atmosphere got much worse with two men staring at each other while holding their weapons.

The wind blew from the window making their hairs move slightly but both of them didn't care.Akashi and Suoichiro stared at each other without blinking as they fixed in that position with a gun and sword.

They seemed like testing each other even if Akashi was holding the gun, but he didn't underestimate this man in front of him.

The situation continued for some time before Akashi started talking.

"So... Do we talk or continue staring at each other? Half-hour passed you know" Akashi said while Souichiro looked at him more deeply.

"If you are looking for something, you will not find it just by staring at me" Akashi said.

"Your way of asking for a conversation isn't very usual" Souichiro said while holding sword more tightly.

"Everyone has their own ways in life, also... you don't seem to be surprised" Akashi smiled and said.

"Everyone has their own way of getting information, young man" Souichiro said.

"True... But I am curious how did you get these informations?" Akashi said.

"..." Souichiro didn't answer this time.

"Let me guess one handsome guy that doesn't seem to worry about this apocalypse, but from something else" Akashi said.

"You were watching?" Souichiro looked deeply at Akashi.

"You referring to stalking? No, no, I don't do things like that" Akashi smiled.

"It was obvious and what did he tell you?" Akashi said with a smile.

"Some very amusing things" Souichiro said.

"Isn't it, to be honest, I will also laugh when someone comes to me and tell me the world had superpowers hidden" Akashi said while lowering his gun.

"Hahahahahah, truly it something stupid at these times" Souichiro smiled while lowering his sword.

"Oh? putting your sword away, are you all that confident" Akashi said.

"Don't underestimate my way of assuming people, Akashi" Souichiro said.

"Do you know me? Well I guess I am famous" Akashi smiled and said.

"You can say that in Japan, but what bring you here young man?" Souichiro said with a serious voice.

"Well, because I'm in this mansion, I thought of saying hello to its owner. Oh yeah, I am also here to kill you" Akashi said, but Souichiro smiled.

"I guess you could do that long ago with that ability of yours" Souichiro said while Akashi surged.

"Well, I admit it was a bad joke... But don't you think I'm a bad esper or something?" Akashi tilted his head.

"Did you think I will actually fully believe that guy words?" Souichiro said while Akashi nodded.

"Yeah, that story seems to be taken from a manga or something" Akashi waved his hand.

"Now... what do you want" Souichiro said.

"Like I said, I came here to talk" Akashi said while moving inside the office.

"About superpowers and how it caused this apocalypse?" Souichiro sat down on his desk while looking at Akashi.

"You know that is a lie" Akashi said while taking a book from the shelf.

"The world of superpower or the apocalypse cause?" Souichiro said.

"you guess" Akashi said while opening the book.

"..." Souichiro stared seriously at Akashi.

"Young man, why do I feel you and that guy are taking this matter as a game" Souichiro said.

"... Life is a giant game, but actually that kinda ironic here" Akashi said before staring at Souichiro.

"However, even if it was a game, I take it seriously" Akashi said with a serious expression.

"... Then assuming I heard you now, why should I believe in you?" Souichiro said.

"Trust is impossible between us commander... However, even people like us can sit down together if the benefits are available" Akashi said.

"Which is?" Souichiro said.

"Let's just say, you are not the only target in this house" Akashi said while tossing a photo into Souichiro desk.

Souichiro eyes widen for a moment when he saw the photo, but he calmed instantly.

"You are a man ready to die commander, but I don't think you want your family to meet the same fate, don't you?" Akashi said with a smile.

"..." Souichiro picked up the photo and stared at it without talking.

"Especially your dear daughter" Akashi said with a smile.

"... Talk" Souichiro expression turned furious from the rage he is feeling now.

"Commander you may be a great leader but your way of doing things is very straightforward if you meet someone that knows how to plan, especially if they have more power than you" Akashi put the book back to his place.

"You will die with your little safe out" Akashi said but Souichiro didn't talk.

"All that you have to do is..." Akashi said while Souichiro kept listening.

After Akashi finished his words, Souichiro looked at his eyes.

"Now you said your plan, speak about the benefits" Souichiro said.

"Aren't they clear commander? You will keep your safe out also, I will make sure your daughter has the ability to stand on her own without you " Akashi while staring at the silent Souichiro.

"..." Souichiro closed his eyes like he was thinking about the cooperation.

"You can also have this" Akashi used D4C arm to put something warped in a paper on Souichiro desk.

"This is?" Souichiro eyebrow raised when he saw the object float before saying while looking at the object.

"You are a successful person commander and you will know what to do with that" Akashi said.

"I will repeat my question. Why should I believe you on them? Even if you seem to be more dangerous" Souichiro said.

"Like I said commander trust is impossible in this situation, but like you said" Akashi said while moving towards the door.

"I'm a very dangerous person who you don't want to mess with... Especially if I can appear anywhere" Akashi said while a flag appeared on his head before he disappeared.

"..." Souichiro stared at the flag turning into light spots in silence.

"... This world is getting crazier with the second" Souichiro said while looking at the photo in his hand.

"... benefits huh?" Souichiro said while putting the photo and the object away before starting to work on the papers on his desk.