Male Idol V13c127

Volume 13 Chapter 127 Morikawa Kaede, Our Heaven’s Sword!!

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Edited by: Kanaa-senpai

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 ’Prime Minister, this way’

 Kukuri-chan leads the Prime Minister into a cave with a shimenawa (sacred rope) hanging at the entrance.

 It’s dark, narrow, and has an unsettling feeling that’s hard to describe.

 Even though I’m just watching the cave on the screen from my seat in the theater, my heart feels uneasy and tense.

 The Prime Minister Habu in the video looks different from her usual carefree self; she seems to be sweating a little. It feels like she’s not just acting but is instinctively affected by the atmosphere, just like me.

 Hmm… If I think too deeply about it, my head starts to hurt, so I’ll stop. That kind of analysis isn’t my job anyway.

 ’Miko-sama… what is this place?’

 ’The Amano Iwato.’

 Huh? Is the Amano Iwato really like this?

 When I went there for a job with the national broadcaster before, it didn’t look like this.

 ’Huh? But…’

 ’Do you think the real one is in a place where everyone can see it?’

 The Prime Minister Habu opens her mouth and eyes in surprise, looking around nervously.

 Wait? Is she really that surprised?

 ’The Amano Iwato is a sacred area that even gods cannot enter. This means it’s also suitable for sealing away evil things. It’s a space completely cut off from the real world. Of course, it’s the best place to protect important things from evil.’

 Kukuri-chan says this with a smile.

 Huh? That smile is kind of scary… The Prime Minister Habu on the screen swallows hard.

 I’m sure I’m stronger than Kukuri-chan in terms of power, but there seems to be something about Kukuri-chan that I can’t beat.

 I think I understand a little bit why Emily says she can never win with Kukuri-chan.

 ’This is…’

 Prime Minister Habu gasps as she sees the shrine deep inside the cave.

 ’Can you feel the strong miasma? What is sealed here is the emotional turmoil of the Japanese people. For generations, the miko have prayed at this shrine when great disasters have struck this country, cleansing negative emotions like sorrow, sadness, and anger. However, in the past few days, those prayers have not reached here, and there’s no sign that the miasma will stop. This is the first time this has happened since I saved this country.’

 Hmm… Am I the only one who thinks it looks more like a happy aura, kind of like a relative of the Hoge-lar Wave, rather than sorrow, sadness, or anger?

 It feels similar to the fluffy pink aura that Kanon gives off.

 If this isn’t just a movie or drama setting, and if such a thing really exists, then this country must be truly peaceful and happy.

 ’Prime Minister Habu, what happened?’

 ’Actually…’

 At this point, the scene changes, and we see a motorcycle kicking up dust as it speeds through the desert, accompanied by the familiar sound of a motorcycle engine.

 Even I quickly realize this. It’s Kenzaki’s bike!!

 Is Kenzaki making a sudden comeback!? A brief gasp of surprise rises from the audience.

 Normally, you should watch a movie quietly, but this is a Driver movie. There’s no way we can relax.

 The entrance of the theater even had a big sign saying it was okay to make noise and have fun.

 ”Not quite…”

 Huh? Kanon, who is sitting in the same row, murmurs this.

 I don’t understand what’s different, but since a hardcore otaku said it, there must be something different.

 Two seats over, there’s a detailed explanation that’s even clearer than the official one, and I’m grateful for it.

 ’Kenzaki, it’s been a year since you disappeared.’

 Ohhhhhh! The motorcycle scene overlaps with Mayuzumi-kun, no, Tachibana Zanki’s monologue.

 I think it’s impressive that I didn’t make a fuss here, but everyone in the audience did.

 ’I’m still fighting for the peace you wanted to protect in a world without you.’

 A Chijou appears, attacking people right in front of Tachibana.

 Tachibana stops his bike and takes off his helmet.

 Wait, those aren’t glasses, they’re sunglasses!? What happened to the serious Tachibana that made him turn into a rebel in just one year!?

 And he’s wearing a long leather coat in this super hot summer. Just watching him makes me feel like I’m about to sweat.

 ”Ouch.”

 A few people, including Nee-san, place their hands on their sides.

 It seems like some of the women are remembering their own embarrassing pasts and are suffering because of it.

 ’…Henshin!’

 Tachibana transforms into Lightning Hopper and fires warning shots at the Chijou with the gun in his hand.

 Amazing. Just seeing him hold the gun shows how much Tachibana has grown.

 Unlike in the early days, he stands with a lot more confidence now.

 ’Put your hands up. You still have a chance…’

 ’GUAAAAAAAH!’

 The Chijou attacks Tachibana while he’s giving a warning.

 ’Tch, I guess I have no choice.’

 Tachibana slightly shakes the gun, showing a flicker of emotion, then takes down the Chijou in one shot, trying not to make it suffer too much.

 This scene really shows how much Tachibana has grown in the past year.

 Just like Kenzaki did, Tachibana releases his transformation and cradles the Chijou he defeated.

 ’I’m sorry. If only I had more power…!’

 Tachibana’s arm is grabbed by the woman who was just a Chijou moments ago.

 ’Ah… woman, drug…’

 ’Woman? Drug?’

 The woman, trying to tell Tachibana something, suddenly collapses.

 ’Hey! Stay with me! Hey! Hey!!’

 The woman, now unconscious, falls into Tachibana’s arms.

 Wait? Didn’t Chijou disappear when they got knocked out?

 Or maybe, since she just became a Chijou, she can still come back?

 I think I remember Kenzaki saving a Chijou played by Kanade-san before.

 ’Is a new Chijou being born?’

 Night Shadow Misa, in a sports bra, wipes off a lot of sweat in front of the punching bag.

 …Kobayakawa-san really has a great body. She’s tall, muscular, and slender. The story about Aqua-kun staring at her while she was in light clothing during filming isn’t a lie.

 Tamashima, played by Abe Akiko-san, who is talking to Night Shadow, slowly opens her mouth.

 ’Yes. As you know, the Chijou left in this country wish to coexist with humanity and are working hard every day to treat their Chijou condition. You remember that it became a registration system so the country could keep track of all the Chijou, right?’

 ’Yeah, of course.’

 I still think the Night Shadow Team, played by Kobayakawa-san, is so cool.

 Even now, some people in the audience are staring at the screen with dreamy faces.

 Among the 4 guys, there’s only one girl, Kobayakawa-san, who transforms into a Driver. Normally, fans might not like that, but Kobayakawa-san is so cool that no one seems to mind at all.

 ’So, the Chijou that have been appearing recently are unregistered Chijou, right?’

 ’Yeah. At first, I thought the unregistered Chijou were causing trouble, but it seems that’s not the case.’

 Tamashima-san waves a report she made from her own investigation in front of Night Shadow.

 Night Shadow snatches the report and looks down at the contents.

 ’What about Kagami?’

 ’He’s already dealing with it. But, as you know, since the danger of Chijou has disappeared, some people have started to feel threatened by the Drivers who have surpassed humanity in SYUKUJYO and are pushing for the organization to be dismantled. Right now, in SYUKUJYO, it’s just Kagami, me as an advisor, and a few team members. We really don’t have enough hands.’

 Wait, what!? Is that really happening!?

 Well, I guess it could be possible.

 The power of the Drivers is strong, and with 4 Drivers who can defeat Chijou that even the Self-Defense Forces couldn’t beat, it seems like other countries might be taking notice.

 ’So, you want me to return to SYUKUJYO?’

 ’I have permission from the Prime Minister.’

 Commander Tajima throws a familiar jacket at Night Shadow.

 Whoa! It’s the SYUKUJYO jacket that she wore since episode one!!

 She took it off when she became OJYO, so it feels nostalgic!!

 ’Seriously, just when I thought I was fired and unemployed, they want me back right when I started walking down a new path. But fine, it’s a promise with that guy, Kenzaki.’

 That was the last thing Kenzaki said to Night Shadow.

 ──Take care of this world.

 In response, Night Shadow said, “I was going to do that even without you telling me!”

 Even I, with my bad memory, remember it clearly!!

 Night Shadow puts on the jacket of SYUKUJYO.

 ’This really feels the best.’

 I think it feels the best for us watching on the screen too.

 Commander Tajima lifts the aluminum case that was on the floor and opens it, turning it so Night Shadow can see inside.

 ’Long time no see, Bicorn Beetle.’

 Night Shadow gives a gentle smile to her partner.

 I thought it was really amazing to see the once sharp Night Shadow show such a kind smile.

 While some things don’t change, there are parts that have changed for the better, and it makes me feel sentimental.

 ’By the way, what’s this new path? A boxer? Or maybe a kickboxer?’

 ’Nope, a tofu vendor.’

 As Night Shadow peels off the sticker of Night Shadow Tofu Shop from her bike, the SYUKUJYO mark underneath is revealed.

 No, no, no, if you’re a tofu vendor, you definitely didn’t need that scene of hitting the punching bag earlier!!

 People who couldn’t handle it chimed in, and some even burst out laughing.

 In between serious scenes, Driver really knows how to sneak in moments like this.

 ’Welcome!’

 As the scene changes, a woman in an apron smiles from behind the counter.

 Oh, it’s Minami Coffee Shop!! That means!?

 ’This is the Hamburger lunch set, served with Kamishiro’s special potatoes.’

 Whoa! Tenga-kun, also known as Kamishiro Hajime, places the lunch plate in front of the customer.

 Amazing! During the fast-food job competition with Kenzaki, Kamishiro struggled with frying potatoes… but wait, he hasn’t improved at all!!

 And they’re a bit burnt too!!

 ’I’m sorry. I’ll make it again.’

 ’No, no, this is perfect. The burnt part is addictive!!’

 Saying that, the customer munches on Kamishiro’s special potatoes.

 Kamishiro returns to the kitchen, looking like he messed up again while washing the dishes.

 ’Don’t worry, big brother.’

 Kamishiro is comforted by Kana-chan, who is also the daughter of Minami Coffee Shop’s owner, Minami Haruka-san.

 Watching Kamishiro and the others enjoy their peaceful time made me feel warm inside too.

 But then, to disrupt that calm, a group of women in suits suddenly enters Minami Coffee Shop.

 From their vibe, they definitely don’t seem like regular coffee shop customers.

 Kamishiro, feeling cautious, steps in front of Haruka-san and Kana-chan to protect them.

 ’Are you Kamishiro Hajime-san?’

 Emily and I jumped at the sound of that voice.

 ’…Who are you guys?’

 One of the women in suits raised her hands to show she meant no harm and took out a business card holder from her pocket, handing her card to Kamishiro.

 ’Prime Minister, Special Secretary…?’

 The woman in the very familiar suit took off her sunglasses.

 ’Yes, I came to see you on the direct orders of the Prime Minister. I am Kuni Aneko, the Special Secretary to the Prime Minister.’

 That’s totally Nee-san!

 Just as Hagetoru, who was sitting next to me, was about to make a joke, she got glared at by Nee-san and quieted down.

 Luckily, the audience was excited about the real Chijo and the real Dekanona, Nee-san’s appearance, so they didn’t notice that exchange.

 ’There is a crisis approaching this country. Please cooperate with us.’

 Kamishiro showed a slightly surprised expression and exchanged glances with Minami Haruka-san.

 When a sign saying CLOSED appeared on the screen, Secretary Kuni and Kamishiro faced each other in a calm place.

 ’…I see. I understand the situation. I had a sense of urgency from the news about the increase in Chijo occurrences, but I never expected it to be this serious…’

 Kamishiro looked out the window.

 His gaze seemed to be staring at Kenzaki, who was not here.

 ’SYUKUJYO has already released the seal on the Bicorn Beetle and has reinstated Night Shadow Misa to the field.’

 ’Tachibana?’

 Kamishiro turned his gaze back to Secretary Kuni.

 ’Tachibana Zanki, as you know, took advantage of the chaos when SYUKUJYO was dismantled and snuck away with Kenzaki Souji’s bike and the Lightning Hopper. You probably know more about that than we do, right?’

 Wow, I didn’t know that. So that’s why Tachibana was riding Kenzaki’s bike.

 Kamishiro quietly closed his eyes as he listened to Secretary Kuni.

 ’I think everyone knows, but SYUKUJYO is going to be significantly downsized soon.’

 Oh, Toa-chan’s character, Kagami Natsuki, appears in a flashback.

 As Kagami looks around the room, she sees Kamishiro, Tachibana, Night Shadow, and former Commander Tamashima.

 ’I can’t leave as the representative of SYUKUJYO. The reason I gathered everyone here is to discuss what to do about these two things.’

 Kagami’s gaze falls on the items placed on the desk.

 One of them is the Caliburn that Kenzaki left behind in this world.

 The other is a stack of cards containing the powers of Ro-Schutz-Marr and Kunka Kunker.

 ’These 2 powers are very strong. Even if the Driver’s power is misused by government officials or someone who stole it, I can manage since I haven’t lost my transformation rights. But if the Caliburn and the powers of the Chijo are used together, I won’t be able to handle it alone. So, before the government collects them, we have to deal with these two ourselves.’

 Kamishiro immediately picks up the Caliburn.

 ’The Kamishiro family has protected this Caliburn for generations. I have a few hiding spots in mind that the government won’t find. I will seal it away responsibly until the time comes.’

 Everyone nodded at Kamishiro’s words.

 But the problem is with the remaining cards.

 ’This power is too great and dangerous. That’s why I…’

 Before Night Shadow could reach out, Tachibana grabbed the stack of cards on the table.

 ’Tachibana Zanki, fearing that the Lightning Hopper would be taken by the country, stole a more powerful card from Commander Kagami and escaped on Kenzaki’s bike from the SYUKUJYO headquarters. Is this the plan?’

 ’Tachibana!?’

 Tachibana aimed his gun at Night Shadow, who tried to rush over.

 Night Shadow took a step back at the intimidating expression on Tachibana’s face.

 I thought Mayuzumi-kun had gotten good at showing such expressions thanks to that late-night drama.

 ’Tachibana, are you planning to bear everything alone…?’

 ’…I no longer have Tsukiko. I have nothing left to lose, so it’s my duty to take this on.’

 Tachibana’s words about not having Tsukiko hit us all hard, not just him.

 ’What! If you’re saying that, then I…!’

 Tachibana silently shook his head from side to side at Night Shadow.

 ’The time I spent with Tsukiko was irreplaceable for me, and it made me very happy. That’s why I’m going. You’ve been fighting as part of the organization for so long, so I want you to live for yourself in the peaceful world Kenzaki created and find your own happiness.’

 Riding Kenzaki’s bike really shows it.

 At this point, I thought Tachibana had made up his mind.

 ’Tachibana…’

 ’Kamishiro, I’m counting on you with Caliburn.’

 Kamishiro silently nodded, feeling the strength of Tachibana’s resolve.

 ’I’m sorry. I’m putting this heavy burden on you.’

 ’Don’t worry about it. Besides, if we’re talking about burdens, no one here is carrying more than you.’

 I see, that’s true.

 Kagami, who can’t act alone while carrying the weight of the entire organization, must feel more regret than anyone for having to entrust the powers of Caliburn and Chijou to other Drivers like Kamishiro and Tachibana.

 ’I’m sorry. I should be the one to take on that role…’

 ’Don’t think about it. Former Commander Tamashima, Kagami, and the shrinking SYUKUJYO still need you. So, it was only natural that I had to take this on. That’s all there is to it.’

 After saying that, Tachibana fired his gun at the alarm system.

 As the siren echoed through the facility, Tachibana ran toward where Kenzaki’s bike was parked.

 I get it now. The reason Tachibana was dressed like a chuunibyou was for this reason….

 When the flashback ended, Kamishiro slowly opened his closed eyes.

 ’However, recently, there have been sightings of Tachibana in Tottori.’

 Kuni, the secretary, places a photo taken from surveillance footage showing Tachibana on the table.

 When Kamishiro sees it, his expression softens a bit.

 ’We believe we understand the circumstances behind his escape to some extent.’

 ’Then why come to me?’

 Kuni bows her head to Kamishiro.

 By the way, Nee-san, you have a lot of screen time! Even though you’re an extra, you have more lines than I do!?

 ’I think it’s very shameful for us to ask for your help after we weakened your powers. But, could you cooperate with us once more for the sake of this country? I know I’m being selfish. Feel free to scold me.’

 In response to Kuni’s words, Kamishiro shakes his head.

 ’Don’t worry about it. It’s not just your decision, nor is it the current Prime Minister’s decision. Besides, we agreed to this because we believe it’s what we should do. If the malice of Chijou disappears, or rather, if Chijou can live peacefully among people, it’s only natural that the next threat would be the power of the Drivers. Six months after the battle, it wasn’t just you who got tired of fighting and feared it.’

 It’s hard to believe that these words come from someone who was just burning potatoes a moment ago.

 Kamishiro stands up and reaches out to Kuni.

 ’Is that okay?’

 ’Of course. For the sake of those who suffer, I will stand up once more. Surely, if it were Kenzaki, he would have done the same.’

 The Drivers of Heaven’s Sword are really cool.

 Tachibana, carrying the hopes entrusted to him, continues to protect the world from behind the scenes all alone.

 At first, Kagami seemed unreliable, but now he carries a big organization on her shoulders, even suppressing his own feelings.

 Night Shadow, who used to act alone, has grown and quickly returned to the organization to help her friends.

 And even though Kamishiro has had his power taken away unfairly, he stood up right away to help people in trouble.

 Kenzaki may not be in this world, but I can’t be the only one who feels Kenzaki in the hearts of these 4.

 As the scene shifts again, a lot of beds and the people lying on them come into view.

 ’What about their consciousness?’

 ’Not yet…’

 Kagami talks with a SYUKUJYO member in a white coat.

 It seems that these are former Chijo who have lost consciousness.

 As proof, the woman Tachibana defeated is lying on one of the many beds.

 ’What about Tachibana-san?’

 ’Before she fell, she said something about a woman and a drug.’

 Kagami shows a thoughtful expression.

 ’What if, just what if, there’s a drug that can forcibly turn ordinary women into Chijo?’

 ’No way!? That’s impossible! …Wait, hold on.’

 The woman in the white coat seems to recall something.

 After a moment of thought, she slowly begins to speak.

 ’I’ve heard that OJYO was researching Chijo transformation. By analyzing and decoding that mechanism, it might be possible to enhance regular members to fight at the level of Chijo without using the Driver system… Maybe the research data from that time leaked, or OJYO’s remnants are using it for evil purposes.’

 ’That’s ridiculous…’

 Kagami turns his gaze to the member standing behind her.

 ’Please check if any of OJYO’s research data has been leaked. At the same time, identify the members from the OJYO roster who cannot be contacted right now. Also, find out what those who can be contacted are currently doing. Investigate this secretly.’

 ’Yes!’

 I see.

 So, it means that either the remnants of OJYO or someone who stole OJYO’s research data is making drugs to turn ordinary citizens into Chijo. Because of that, there have been more incidents of new Chijo appearing over the past month.

 Even I, who usually doesn’t catch on quickly, can understand this!

 Now, let’s return to the scene with the Prime Minister and Miko-sama.

 ’Someone is trying to plunge this country into chaos with malicious intent. Their goal is clear. It is to release the evil god that created the Chijo suppressed by Seijo Midara (Lewd Saint).’

 Oh, Emily, sitting next to me, is not just stretching her nose but her whole face in excitement.

 You’re really doing your part, huh? I’m feeling proud too.

 ’Miko-sama, what should we do?’

 Just as Miko-sama was about to speak, I heard the sound of gravel being stepped on by heels.

 ’Who is it? This is a sacred place!’

 ’Yes, I know.’

 I recognize that voice well.

 The theater buzzed with excitement at the appearance of Kuga Reira, dressed in a sexy outfit.

 ’Damn, could I have been followed!?’

 ’Hehe, you two should be more careful behind you.’

 As the camera scene switched, it showed the bodyguards rolling on the ground.

 The character played by Kuga Reira slowly raised her hand and snapped her fingers.

 In the next moment, the talismans stuck to the shrine flew away, and the door slowly began to open.

 ’Yasakani no Magatama, I found it!’

 That dark, twisted smile sent a chill down my spine.

 The character played by Kuga Reira wiggled their fingers, and the magatama started to shake and move.

 ’I won’t let you!’

 Miko-sama pulled out a talisman from her sleeve and threw it at the shrine to seal it again.

 But before she could, the magatama moved quickly into the hands of the character played by Kuga Reira.

 ’Hehe, too bad. I’ve already got what I wanted, so I don’t really care about you all. But what should I do with you?’

 The character played by Kuga Reira reached out toward the Prime Minister and Miko-sama.

 This is bad!! Just as I thought that, a familiar stag beetle flew in from nowhere and knocked their hand away.

 ’It’s definitely Tamashima-san. Your prediction was perfect!’

 ’Who!?’

 The person who was called smiled.

 ’I’m Night Shadow Misa, a regular member of SYUKUJYO, also a masked driver, the Bicorn Beetle! Henshin!!’

 Night Shadow Misa attached the stag beetle to her belt and transformed into Bicorn Beetle.

 At that moment, the theater erupted with cheers for the transformation.

 As expected, transformation! Transformation can fix everything! I leaned forward and raised my fist like everyone else.

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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.