My Unique Skill [Gacha] Will Save the World - Episode 69: Kenji’s Intentions

Episode 69: Kenji’s Intentions  

—A little earlier, in the branch manager’s office at the Association building.

“…Rindou Amachi, huh.”  

Kenji gazed out the window of the branch manager’s office. He was watching Rindou and the others leave the Association building.  

“…What’s your take on him, Kageboshi?”  

The office should have been empty except for Kenji.  

“…He’s far beyond the norm. A-rank? No, perhaps even S-rank would be appropriate.” 

A black-haired woman was standing beside the door leading to the adjacent training room. Her presence was so discreet that it was impossible to tell whether she had entered unnoticed or had been there all along.  

“S-rank, huh……. It’s been a while since anyone has reached that level. Are you saying Player Amachi is comparable?”  

“Yes. I believe he rivals the S-rank players, who haven’t appeared since you yourself achieved the rank, sir.”  

Kenji was one of Japan’s six S-rank players. He fell into deep thought at Kageboshi’s assessment.  

“Indeed, he may very well have that potential.”  

“……..…Is that why you assigned Ayane Kazaki to stay by his side, sir?”  

Kageboshi questioned whether Kenji had involved Ayane precisely because he shared her opinion.  

“That’s correct. However, Player Kazaki is meant to remain a neutral party.”  

“Isn’t her role to observe Rindou Amachi’s actions?”  

“Player Kazaki can’t manage something like that. She’s too straightforward for subterfuge, whether for good or ill.”  

“Then why assign her? You could have ordered me to handle it instead.”  

Kageboshi tilted her head. She was unable to understand Kenji’s reasoning.  

“…Binding Player Amachi wouldn’t be wise—for him or for us.” 

“I don’t understand. While Rindou Amachi’s abilities are indeed extraordinary, isn’t he simply strong?”  

“Well, take a look at this,” 

Kenji said, handing Kageboshi a document from his desk.  

“What is this?”  

“It’s a list of items Player Amachi brought in for appraisal recently.”  

“…Wait, this quantity of drop items?!”  

The Player Association handles both the purchase and sale of drop items. Naturally, when buying items, they compile lists to ensure accurate transactions.  

“It seems he used Player Yada’s Magic Bag to transport them. But even with that, the amount is staggering.”  

“…………Couldn’t Kyousuke Yada have been assisting him?”  

“No. The items were brought in during Player Yada’s shifts as a temporary staff member. Surveillance cameras at the beginner players’ portal confirm they were operating separately.”  

Kageboshi stared at the list in astonishment. After reading through it all, she exhaled softly.  

“…If Rindou Amachi accomplished all this on his own, then binding him to the Association prematurely would indeed be a misstep.”  

“Exactly. Doing so would likely draw the attention of… them.”  

Kenji’s gaze shifted back to the window. Though Rindou and the others were long gone, Kenji wasn’t looking at their earlier location. Instead, he gazed absently at the cityscape visible from the office.  

“…The other organizations lurking in this city.”  

The Player Association actively works to protect people. However, not everyone is pleased with their efforts. Shadowy groups operating behind the scenes have formed rival organizations, large and small. Many of which have openly opposed the Association.  

“Should we investigate?”  

“No, not yet. Fortunately or unfortunately, anyone who knew the extent of Player Amachi’s abilities perished at that portal.”  

“Understood.”  

Gakuto and his group had threatened Rindou and Kyousuke, but they were all killed by monsters. Only Rindou and Kyousuke survived. And Kenji trusted Kyousuke not to reveal sensitive information.  

“Now that Player Yada has returned, Player Rindou will learn much from him. With Player Ayane Kazaki’s support, his growth will likely accelerate.”  

Kenji’s words didn’t end there.  

“That’s where you come in, Kageboshi.”  

“Yes, sir.”  

“Keep an eye on Player Amachi and his companions from the shadows.”  

Kageboshi sighed lightly at Kenji’s sly grin.  

“…I suppose it comes to this in the end.”  

“You’re perfect for this kind of role.”  

“Right person for the right job, huh? Understood.”  

“I’ll make sure you’re well-compensated.”  

At those words, Kageboshi melted into the shadows and disappeared without a trace.  

“…I’m looking forward to seeing how much you’ll grow, Rindou Amachi.”  

Kenji murmured to himself. He gave his still-tingling arms a shake before returning to his work.