Akemi Miyano stood at the entrance of a small office building, flanked by two members of the Organization.

This building belonged to her father.

Currently, it was being rented out to a close friend, who had converted it into an office space.

She had visited here as a child with her parents. Even now, she still remembered some of the staff.

Back then…

Little Akemi had hidden the staff's tools all over the office.

Her innocent goal? To make them take a break.

Everyone had been so kind to her. No one scolded her.

Now, she had returned for two reasons:

First, to see her father's old house and visit the people who worked there during her childhood.

Second, to hide the cassette tape her mother had left behind for her younger sister.

Since she had once hidden tools here, she knew many secret spots.

For example, the water tank of the toilet made for a perfect hiding place.

Without hesitation, Akemi stepped inside.

As soon as she entered, a balding middle-aged man looked up and froze.

His name was Kanai.

Kanai had a complicated history with the Miyano family.

Over twenty years ago, he had worked at this design office. Talented and ambitious, he eventually grew tired of working under someone else and left to start his own business.

Unfortunately…

Despite his abilities, his independent venture struggled. He saw little success and soon ran out of options.

Eventually, the office owner approached him again, offering to rehire him.

With his startup failing and no better options, Kanai returned to the company.

But only days later, he received a call from a friend in publishing.

He learned that his business had failed because the boss had secretly blacklisted him, using his connections to ensure Kanai could never thrive in the industry.

Upon hearing this, Kanai was consumed with rage.

One day, knife in hand, he stood in the office kitchen, furious, thoughts dark.

That's when a little girl walked in: Akemi.

『Young Akemi』: Mister, why does your face look so scary?

Of course, Kanai couldn't tell a four or five-year-old about his anger.

『Kanai』: Just tired from too much work.

『Young Akemi』: Then take a break! You'll feel better!

Her innocent smile soothed him.

The rage subsided.

Akemi left and, soon after, began hiding the tools again, to make the staff rest.

…

Because of that moment, Kanai had never forgotten her.

Now, more than twenty years later, he recognized her instantly.

『Kanai』 (trembling): A-Akemi?

『Akemi Miyano』 (surprised): I didn't expect you to remember me, Mister.

『Kanai』: Of course I remember…

He composed himself, then asked:

『Kanai』: How are your parents doing?

『Akemi Miyano』: Ah… They're overseas. Doing well.

She couldn't say much, Organization members were still waiting outside.

『Akemi Miyano』 (gently): Um… Would it be alright if I used the restroom?

『Kanai』: Of course, of course! Please, go ahead.

『Akemi Miyano』: Sorry, it's rude of me to ask that right after arriving… Please don't tell anyone.

This request was deliberate.

She needed to ensure the tape she was hiding wouldn't be discovered by someone else.

Kanai didn't question her.

『Kanai』: Don't worry, I won't tell anyone.

『Akemi Miyano』: Thank you.

She walked quickly toward the bathroom.

On the way, she ran into several staff members.

Using the same excuse, she politely asked each of them not to mention her visit.

Many recognized her as the kind-hearted little girl from decades ago and readily agreed.

Even those who didn't recognize her were moved by her grace and complied.

Inside the restroom, Akemi carefully lifted the tank lid.

She wrapped the cassette her mother had left for Shiho in plastic and sealed it with tape beneath the float ball.

After double-checking it multiple times, she flushed the toilet to cover any sound.

She then exited the bathroom and bowed in thanks to the staff.

She couldn't linger, Organization members were still outside.

Everyone politely saw her off.

Kanai even walked her to the door.

After all…

This girl had once healed his broken heart.

『Akemi Miyano』 (smiling): Thank you, Kanai-san.

『Akemi Miyano』: I'll come again next week.

『Akemi Miyano』: Next time, I'll bring my sister.

She gave a small bow and left.

Kanai stood frozen, watching her figure disappear.

Not out of affection, he was a family man.

But because…

After all these years, seeing the girl who once saved him made the world feel a little warmer.

『Kanai』 (softly): Next week, huh…

A small smile tugged at his lips as he turned and walked back to work.

…

Outside the building, Akemi's smile faded.

She climbed back into the Organization's black vehicle.

She hadn't tried to flee.

She knew just how powerful the Organization was.

Their reach was global, with many dangerous allies.

Even the FBI's undercover agents could do little against them.

A normal person like her had no chance.

If not, she never would have accepted the ten-billion-yen robbery mission.

To escape… the Organization had to allow it.

『Akemi Miyano』: I want to see my sister.

『Driver』 (coldly): Denied. Shiho is one of our top assets. She doesn't meet with outsiders.

Akemi's fists clenched.

Even seeing her own sister… was forbidden?

But she knew anger wouldn't help.

『Akemi Miyano』 (restrained): The Organization already approved it. Check if you don't believe me.

『Driver』: …Fine. Wait.

He was surprised.

Shiho was indeed top-tier. Even he couldn't meet her.

But this woman was Shiho's sister… It wasn't impossible.

He made a call.

『Driver』 (respectfully): Hello… Yes… Understood.

After a few moments:

『Driver』: It's approved. Let's go.

The car began to move.

End of chapter...

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