Konbini Ossan Volume 10 Chapter 16 — Kanehama Keīchi’s Resolve
Together with Kanehama, I entered the capital of the Barometz Duchy and proceeded straight down the main street.
Just as our prior reconnaissance had indicated, there was not a single person in sight, nor were there any signs of traps.
We remained on guard, but even so, the situation felt far too lax, leaving us somewhat perplexed.
“Kanehama-kun, do you know much about Naitō?”
When I asked, Kanehama shook his head.
“No. I barely had any connection with him. We clashed a few times at school, but he kept getting detained and suspended. Compared to the rest of our classmates, I knew him a bit more, but that’s about it.”
“I see.”
Taking in his answer, I thought for a moment.
“Actually, I heard a little about Naitō’s personality beforehand from Arisa.”
“Really? Well, she would probably know more than most of our classmates.”
“Yes. According to her, although he seemed violent and impulsive on the surface, he was actually quite rational.”
At that, Kanehama looked surprised.
“He’s rational?”
“Yes. Though apparently his standards for ‘rationality’ were quite different from the norm. He would deliberately create enemies for himself in a calculated way, then proactively engage in violence.”
“I… see. So he applied rational thinking in that sense.”
Whether that could truly be called rationality was debatable. Still, it seemed Naito hadn’t simply lashed out at random.
Like any rational person, he used knowledge, maneuvered skillfully, and exploited relationships, yet intentionally created conflict.
“Arisa said it felt as if fighting itself was his goal.”
Well, looking back on it now, that might simply be a matter of degree.
Still, it was an assessment from someone who knew him best, so it carried weight.
“So fighting itself was the objective…”
Kanehama muttered, a trace of irritation in his voice.
“If this war was started for a reason like that… then I might end up hating Naitō even more than I already do.”
His anger was understandable.
From the perspective of Otogi Trading Company’s forces, we had advanced smoothly without casualties.
However, among the soldiers of the Runegald Kingdom, there were surely many who had suffered severe injuries, leaving lasting effects on their lives.
And naturally, there must have been casualties as well.
Then there were the people of the Barometz Duchy, our enemies, who had been forced into battle under mental control.
And even now, soldiers from the Adelthand Kingdom and the Sadalkhan Kingdom were likely still being forced to fight at the borders.
Including all of them, an immense number of people had suffered irreversible harm.
If all of that had been caused by Naitō alone, by nothing more than his desire for conflict, then it was only natural that he would be deeply resented.
And if that was the case…
There was a possibility that this war would have to be brought to a conclusion in a certain way.
“Kanehama-kun. There’s something I need to ask you.”
“Yes, what is it?”
To gauge his resolve, I spoke the words.
“Are you prepared to kill Naitō?”
At that, Kanehama’s eyes widened in shock.
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E/N:
A battle maniac can only have one unreachable adversary and one conclusion, death… for they know not compassion.
Yeah, yapped too much! Enjoy your weekend! (1/2 chapter)
Stay tuned!
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