-Vol 5: A New Life-

-Eight Trigrams Organisation(2): The Invitation-

“Do you understand?” after her longwinded explanations, Lily looked a bit haggard. It seems she wasn’t used to such long-winded talks, especially when she was the one who was doing the talking.

“Okay, I got it. It seems you wanted to recruit me. The thing that attracted your attention must be my accidental Intent leak back in the office…” Kenshin instantly realized everything after digesting what she had just said. He somewhat knew about how such organization worked, due to the nature of their work, they were always look out for new blood and talents. Thinking of such, Kenshin suddenly had an epiphany. The government’s power was well rooted all over the country, no matter which government it was. They had secret agents everywhere, keeping an eye on everyone. Even on one of their own.

“Okay, I understand everything except for one thing, why are you here? I understand that Yuki had a very special status, but even so, there was no need for such an organization to send one of their secret agents with her…what's Going on here? And that kidnapping attempt, with you around how did they succeed?” Kenshin was clueless about this fact. About other things like the existence of an organization or having undercover agents around had nothing to do with him.

Earlier today he had already made up his mind. From henceforth, he wouldn’t needlessly associate with worldly matters as long as it didn’t concern his loved ones. It was like a reverse scale of his, he would instantly flip if anything happens to them. Some people might say that it was a quite selfish choice, one with strength must always step forward for the weak, but Kenshin didn’t give a rat ass about that. He had gained his strength from risking his life countless times, even with his system, he wouldn’t have been here if he hadn't taken all those risks and stayed in safe zone forever.

Although he thought of this, he would still help if he could to others. There was no need for him to go out of his way to fight for them. He wasn’t a hero. He was just a common man with a bit of strength. There was no need for him to play the hero part when there were many willing candidates around. He even met a few during his travels to Russia. Vera seemed to be one of such characters.

Lily shifted her eyes and avoided Kenshin’s look before continuing, “I am sorry. I don’t have enough clearance to reveal that to you right now. But I can assure you that this thing isn't related to Yuki in any way. The higher-ups just needed an excuse to send someone here, and coincidentally I am friends with Yuki, os they just took advantage of that…” before she could continue any further, Kenshin cut her off “So your friendship was used here…and by extension you and Yuki.”

“…” a wince formed on her face as if she just suffered some physical blow. She was well aware of this as well and felt bad when the higher-ups gave her this mission. Although they used nice words like protecting citizens and her friend safe and something like greater good, she was a wise lady. She could read between the lines and understood what was their motives really.

They were only concerned about their missions, her life, Yuki’s life, and even normal citizens’ lives held no meaning to them. but, ultimately she was brainwashed by the beautiful and powerful sentence called ‘for the greater good.’ She could only follow it, believing that those in higher-ups knew what they were doing. She believed in orders like a true soldier.

Although Kenshin knew nothing of this, he could still make out most of her inner dilemma. His intelligence and wisdom were many times higher than hers, added together, there was a slight chance that he could hit four digits with them. It was on the level of super genius…things like these were transparent to him. Although he could see the belief of her on her higherups which was bordering on foolishness, he didn’t comment on that. Her matters had nothing to do with him. He was more interested in something else.

“Something’s wrong with Mito?” Kenshin asked, narrowing his eyes.

“I never said anything about that…how did you reach that conclusion?” Lily was unprepared for this question and became defensive without noticing anything. Kenshin caught this, and his frown deepened. Lily’s reaction had confirmed his suspicion about something going to take place on Mito, that would endanger people’s life.

“You just confirmed it…tell me what’s going on here?” Kenshin asked a bit more loudly than before. He became anxious and lost control over his emotions for an instant. Taking a deep breath, he calmed himself down before looking at Lily who was staring at him widened. She was yet to recover from the astonishment of Kenshin’s wisdom.

Kenshin didn’t argue with her, she had already told him that she didn’t have enough clearance to reveal anything. So it was no use asking her. Now that he knew something was going to happen, he could only prepare himself in advance.

Seeing Kenshin deduce some of the classified information just from a few clues, Lily couldn’t help but feel lucky. She really found a gem this time. Clearing her throat, she started “Listen Kenshin. What I am going to tell you, you shouldn’t reveal it to anyone. I am trusting you on this, don’t betray me.

The organization I belong to is called [Eight Trigrams] depicting absolute protection from all eight directions. It's one of Japan’s three secret organization that focussed only on defense. Our only duty is to protect the country from both external as well as internal threats. As a member of [South Branch], I formally invite you to join our organization.” She does a strange salute, with her right fist in front of her heart while her left hand folded behind her back. With her back straight, she looked like a valiant valkyrie.

For a long time, Kenshin couldn't help but stand still as he mesmerized by her.

“Ahem! How long are you going to keep me standing like this? It's awkward you know, and embarrassing too!” with a red blush dusting her cheeks, she grumbled angrily.

“Ahh! Sorry, I was just a little mesmerized there.” While blushing Kenshin said embarrassingly.

“hoho! Are you trying to hit on this Ol’me?” Lily teased as she took a pose with her left hand on her hips while she bent a forwards slightly, just enough to let Kenshin sneak a peek her cleavage.

“Ahem!” Kenshin coughed dryly before taking a gentlemanly pose and continued “Frankly, No. you don’t worry about me hitting on you. I already have a girlfriend.”

“Tch! You are so annoying. You are too heavy handed with a girl, I wonder how you managed to snatch Yuki!” Lily was instantly annoyed by Kenshin’s honest answer. She was, although expecting something like this, she was still unprepared for Kenshin’s brutal honesty. How could she not be angry?

Kenshin felt puzzled…what did he do wrong? He was only honest with her about his feelings!!

“Anyway, what is your answer?” Lily impatiently asked. She lost all her poised attitude she showed just before. Like a grumpy grandma, she harrumphed at Kenshin and hounded for a reply.