Belonging (
Summary[]
Taro Sakamoto gazes upon his store outside. In the past, Yoichi Nagumo informs Sakamoto they are now labeled as X's conspirators due to the attack on the Assassin Exhibition of the Century and that the Order can come after them at any moment, as shown when they went to get a cake for Hana. According to Nagumo, Sakamoto now had two choices: kill Kei Uzuki to prove his innocence to the JAA, or destroy the JAA itself.
Currently, Sakamoto ponders how his situation happened while walking down the street. Two assassins notice Sakamoto and, assuming his obliviousness, act to assault him, only to be dealt with by Sakamoto immediately. Remembering Rion Akao's billion-yen bounty on him, Sakamoto then considers that he should talk with Aoi about the situation.
Inside the store, Sakamoto stays out of Aoi's sight, contemplating what to say to her. Unaware of his presence, Aoi sighs and mentions that she needs to talk to him about something important. Swiftly dealing with another assassin's attempted attack, Sakamoto then worries that she might want a divorce. However, Aoi reveals they are facing financial trouble and may have to close the store. Sakamoto is quick to question her, and Aoi explains that the increasing number of assassins appearing scaring off customers, paired with the rise of more chain convenience stores, has led to their current financial status. Sakamoto suggests it's time to move somewhere, but Aoi doesn't want to give up the shop; they started it together and, whether it was joys or struggles, a lot of memories came from it. Sakamoto gasps in agreement.
In a flashback, another bad interview has Sakamoto doubt he belongs in society as he walks with Aoi, who denies that. Aoi is surprised when she sees where Taro lives: a run-down building meant to be torn down in the future. When she and Sakamoto enter, Aoi gets the idea to repurpose the building as a local store for the neighborhood, saying they'll create a place where Sakamoto belongs.
Presently, Sakamoto thanks Aoi and concludes that he doesn't want to the lose the shop either. Passing Shin, Heisuke, Lu Wutang, and Granny Miya, Sakomoto rushes to a laptop and searches "Chain store franchise store." Sakamoto asks Shin, who is confused, how many branches the JAA has in Japan. Lu Wutang answers with thirty-seven, along with four overseas and twice as many if affiliated companies are included and, when Sakamoto asks, also confirms the branches are in cities. Sakamoto is dead set on an idea: taking over the JAA and turning Sakamoto's into a national chain store. Shin and Heisuke are baffled, Lu Wutang views the idea as ridiculous, but Granny Miya is intrigued.
Before Sakamoto can elaborate, a news report is broadcast on TV, showing that X's organization has struck a JAA-owned weapons factory.
Characters[]
- Taro Sakamoto
- Yoichi Nagumo (Flashback)
- Kei Uzuki
- Oki (Mentioned)
- Shishiba (Mentioned)
- Torres (Mentioned)
- Osaragi (Mentioned)
- Nakatsugawa (Debut)
- Rion Akao (Mentioned)
- Aoi Sakamoto
- Hana Sakamoto (Flashback)
- Lu Shaotang (Flashback)
- Shin Asakura
- Heisuke Mashimo
- Lu Wutang
- Granny Miya
References[]