The Blind Love Life of the Returning Hero: The Companions I Lost in Another World Resurrect in the Modern Era and Indulge Me - Episode 17

“First, about the attackers — they’re a group of mercenaries hired by a rival company.”

Josuke sat down on the sofa and began explaining in a low voice to Hayato and Go.

“It seems your intimidation really worked, Hayato. We intercepted some of their radio transmissions — they reported, ‘There’s a man with the eyes of a demon.’ When they were retreating, we caught them saying, ‘Don’t engage that guy. If you value your life, fall back immediately.’”

“A demon, huh?”

Go and Hayato let out low chuckles at that dramatic assessment.

“Looks like Hayato-dono hasn’t lost the dignity of a hero from another world.”

Scratching his head awkwardly at that comment, Hayato replied modestly.

“Well… if it helped, then I’m glad.”

Despite his humility, he felt a deep sense of relief and pride. His experiences in another world were still part of him — and to think they could still be useful in the modern world.

“As for the reason those mercenaries were hired — it looks like there’s a company trying to interfere with negotiations with the current owner of the mine. They’re attempting to force the Tetsumura Group out of the deal through threats.”

“When I did some preliminary research, I heard the mine acquisition talks had broken down several times. I didn’t know why, but this explains it — those guys were sabotaging the negotiations.”

Go stroked his chin thoughtfully.

“And there’s another serious issue.”

Josuke’s tone shifted. It was more cautious now — the gravity in his voice unmistakable.

“An issue? What is it?”

“It’s likely one of the bodyguards has been leaking information to the mercenaries.”

Josuke lowered his voice further and glanced toward the part of the room where the bodyguards were working, making sure they couldn’t hear.

“Is that true?”

Go’s brows furrowed. This was a surprise — and not a pleasant one.

“Yeah. That guard seems to have been feeding them our entire schedule. They knew all our movements.”

Josuke pulled out a stack of documents from his jacket. He revealed records of intercepted calls showing the flow of information.

“Here. We’ve got evidence that the collaborator was paid off.”

He pulled out several pages showing detailed financial records, including bank transfers. The transaction amounts and timing were highly suspicious.

“You found this out so fast.”

“I used a program Riri made for me. With it, I was able to trace the accounts easily.”

Josuke explained with a hint of pride, showing them his smartphone with the custom app running — lines of code and financial data streaming across the screen.

To think he had asked Riri in advance to make such a tool — and she had delivered. She had also created the software that helped track down Hayato across Japan. Her IT skills were nothing short of amazing.

Josuke had enlisted Riri’s help, and even in such a short time, they’d managed to gather so much intel. He had been dependable in another world, and now, even in this one, his abilities remained top-tier.

“Is it just one person?”

Go asked.

“Yeah. Seems like he acted alone. I don’t think there are any others among the bodyguards causing trouble. At the very least, I don’t sense any hostility.”

Josuke said this with confidence, and Go seemed reassured by his certainty.

With the mastermind behind the attack and the collaborator now identified, the three began to discuss their next steps.

“Should I quietly take care of the mercs and the collaborator myself?”

Josuke’s suggestion implied a covert elimination — something well within his capability. But Go shook his head.

“No need to get our hands dirty. Let’s handle this the right way — officially. We won’t settle for a peaceful resolution; we’ll do it properly.”

“Understood. I’ll leave it to you, Gou.”

Josuke accepted the decision without protest and withdrew his earlier proposal.

Hayato also accepted Go’s judgment. His values had shifted during his ten years in another world. He no longer clung to the modern-world taboo of never taking a life — though he would never kill for pleasure or out of cruelty, he understood that sometimes, it might be a necessary choice.

Both Josuke and Hayato deferred to Go’s leadership.

Go then called in the bodyguard team leader and handed him the documents implicating the suspected collaborator, calmly explaining the situation.

“N-No way… Ishimura did this…?”

The leader was speechless, his expression one of disbelief. But after reviewing the evidence Josuke had gathered, he couldn’t deny it. His face reflected a mix of betrayal, frustration, and a deep sense of personal failure.

“Please confirm it yourself.”

Go instructed him, and the leader, his face pale, replied, “Understood,” before walking off to investigate. There was a newfound resolve in his posture — the resolve of a professional determined to redeem himself.

Eventually, the facts were confirmed, and the collaborator confessed without much resistance.

“I… I didn’t think it would turn into such a big deal. I just leaked some info and got a huge payout. That’s all…”

He showed little guilt and no real sense of the danger he’d been in — had they decided differently, he might have been eliminated. Blinded by money, he had failed to grasp the seriousness of his actions.

He was immediately taken into custody and prepared for deportation. The specifics of his punishment would be decided after his return to Japan. The team leader watched him leave with a cold gaze, then returned to Go.

“I take full responsibility. This was my failure in leadership.”

He bowed deeply, showing his resolve to shoulder the burden of his subordinate’s betrayal.

“We’re continuing the inspection.”

“But it’s too dangerous… Shouldn’t we return to Japan and regroup?”

The team leader protested, worry and desperation written on his face.

“If we stop now, we’re playing right into the enemy’s hands. I won’t allow that.”

Sensing the strength of Go’s determination, the leader fell silent. Conflict was clearly raging within him.

The betrayal had shaken him deeply, and he now feared more hidden threats among the team. His true wish was to retreat and return home as soon as possible.

But Go, the one he was tasked to protect, had declared they were moving forward. It left him with no choice.

“We’ll continue. Stay focused on the mission.”

Hearing it again, the leader bowed low once more and said, “Understood. I sincerely apologize for this incident.”

“We’ll review our security protocols. From now on, we’ll assume we’re always being watched. We’ll also expand our network with trustworthy local allies.”

He spoke with the pride of a professional determined to make things right.

Go no longer fully trusted the bodyguards. But now, he had two people he could trust completely — and that gave him confidence, even in the face of danger.

Still, he couldn’t help but feel a little guilty about dragging Hayato and Josuke into this. Turning to them with a serious expression, he said:

“I never expected things to turn out like this. I’m sorry for getting you both involved.”

Hayato and Josuke smiled gently, clearly unbothered.

“That level of danger’s nothing. I’m just glad I could help protect a friend. Don’t worry about it.”

“Exactly. If that’s all it took, it was easy. I’m glad the information I gathered was helpful.”

Josuke shrugged, acting as if it were nothing out of the ordinary.

Seeing their genuine support, Go felt a deep sense of gratitude.

“Thank you… both of you.”

Bound by a strong friendship, the three reaffirmed their resolve to overcome the crisis and ensure the success of the inspection.