Usui smiles and raises a hand with a graceful movement unfitting of its voice.

The monitor emits a while light and projects the field.

The audience cheers and hoots unanimously.

Me: "...Agh."

Suddenly, a sharp pain runs through my head.

Me: "....."

I hold my forehead and my gaze wanders.

What? Is it because the audience is so loud?

Ren: "Aoba, are you all right?"

Me: "...Yeah, I'm fine. But let's go now."

Ren: "That would be for the best."

Passing somewhat forcibly between the spectators who were absorbed in Rhyme, I slip out from the mountain of onlookers.

I lean on a nearby wall, exhale, and look down.

Me: "...?"

Me: "...Someone's here?"

When I loop up, I see a familiar duo.

Glasses guy: "Good evening"

Other guy: "Hey there."

Glasses guy: "What's the matter? Are you not feeling well?"

Other guy: "Being in that crowd mare you sick?"

Me: "You two..."

Me: "Yeah, that might be the case..."

The one with the glasses id Virus, and the powerfully built one is Trip. I've known these two for a long time.

Ren: "Aoba, how are you feeling?"

Me: "So-so, but I'll be fine."

Virus: "What are you doing in a place like this? It's rare for you to be watching Rhyme."

Me: "Well, there's no particular reason."

Virus: "Are you beginning to become interested in it?"

Me: "Not really."

Trip: "Then did you just wander around and wind up here?"

Me: "I did not. And the same goes for you two, what are you wandering around here for?"

Virus: "Where are here because of work."

Trip: "It's because the Rhymers have been getting a little out of hand recently."

There are some so-called dangerous associations in the Old Resident District, there two are members of one.

I got acquainted with them long in the past, back when I was in my teens and did stupid things.

I spent all my time in the western district Wanibashi and didn't go home, and for some reason I was always irritated.

When I was living like that, I once made a mistake in a fight and encountered a person who wanted revenge, and I was sent to the hospital.

It's embarrassing to even remember...

At the moment, only these guys and Granny know about those days.

At one time, we lost contact with each other, but we began to talk again starting a few years ago.

I had become a part-timer, and they had joined the yakuza.

Saying that, here the police are like yakuza so I don't think much of it.

Me: "Anyway, you two are looking as similar as always. Like twins."

Virus&Trip: "We are not twins.'' / ''We're not twins."

Virus: "Aoba-san, is your work going smoothly?"

Trip: "Aaah, you worked at an ice cream shop? The one with the penguin aprons? Didn't you get fired after one day?"

Me: "Not one, three days. Now I'm a salesclerk at a junk shop."

Trip: "Aah, what was it? Byoudou?"

Me: " 'Heibon'. I've worked there for quite a long time now."

Virus: "Working at a place with that name doesn't quite fit you, Aoba-san. Well, if you want to behave violently again, call us any time."

Virus: "We are fairly prosperous, so I'd recommend it."

Me: " Haha... I'll only accept you thoughts."

Virus: " I still often think that I'd like to see you fighting again, Aoba-san."

Trip: "That's right, because we're your fans."

Usui: "Oh my, 'Route 44' takes 250 damage!! Have we finally reached the climax!?"

The excitement of the audience reaches its peak as Usui continues to broadcast the Rhyme.

...Then.

ｧ?・: "HEY,  you hooligans!!!"

A voice enters, dividing the enthusiastic atmosphere.

Accompanied by the police officers is the megaphone-holding, evil eyed detective Akushima.

Virus: "Ah, that noisy man has finally arrived."

Akushima: "Don't go making a fuss here!!! ALL OF YOU FUCKERS ARE UNDER ARREEEEEST!!!"

Usui disappears like smoke and the Rhyme is suspended. The participants and the spectators escape in all directions.

Akushima. He's a detective who abuses his authority and does whatever he wants to do.

The number of victims who have been arrested or received abuse by this guy on false charges are countless.

Fitting to his haggard appearance, he's called the god of death of the Old Resident District.

Virus: "Better run away from here. You hurry too, Aoba-san."

Me: "Yeah."

Trip: "Bye bye, Aoba."

Akushima: "Wait you idiooots!!! DON'T RUN AWAAAAY!!! We're gonna arrest EVERY LITTLE SHITHEAD HEEEEEEEERE!!!!!"

I begin to run immediately so that I won't get caught by Akushima, who's just about to pop a blood vessel.

I decide to continue to Aoyagi street.

Me: "!"