Chapter 132 – The Efforts Behind the Trio
"Hey, Mr. Kikuoka, isn't it about time you let me out of the hospital?"
"I'm really sorry about that, but we might need your skills as a hacker from here on."
Argo had been effectively placed under house arrest by Kikuoka under the pretense of hospitalization. However, this wasn't because she had committed any crime, but rather due to Argo's past actions.
Argo had repeatedly infiltrated various organizations' servers.
Although she never committed crimes like stealing data, she was someone who valued accessing information more than three meals a day—a person driven by excessive curiosity. She had been under special surveillance by Kikuoka since his time with Public Security.
Taking advantage of Argo being on the victim list of this incident, Kikuoka quickly restricted her personal freedom to prevent any information leaks.
Of course, he also intended to make use of her someday.
Arranging the hospital and such was really just a favor he was setting up to cash in later.
Now the time had finally come. Since Hikigaya and others had discovered that Asuna was trapped in ALO, investigating RECT Progress became an urgent necessity.
The first person Kikuoka thought of was Argo.
But Argo was wary of Kikuoka and couldn't be persuaded with just verbal explanations. So Kikuoka brought along materials to convince her and was currently negotiating with her.
"Isn't this enough? You should have plenty of photos or whatever ready, right?"
"True… Seems like we have no choice but to let you meet them in person."
Even after seeing photos suspected to be Asuna and of Hikigaya and the others, Argo remained unmoved.
Just as Kikuoka was considering arranging a meeting, his phone suddenly rang.
"Excuse me a moment… This is Kikuoka. Ah, Miss Haruno, okay, got it, please wait, I'll put it on speaker… Okay, it's on now."
Sensing the opportunity, Kikuoka deliberately put the call on speaker so Argo could hear. Argo folded her arms and listened silently.
"So, Hikigaya wants to contact several allies. Let me repeat the names: Klein, Agil, Silica, and Argo. Originally we were supposed to meet at Agil's Cafè,' but the situation has changed, and support is urgently needed."
The moment she heard her name, Argo flinched slightly but kept a calm expression. Kikuoka noticed and was secretly pleased, continuing the call.
"Got it. So Hikigaya urgently wants to make contact, is that right?"
"Yes"
"Oh, so Hikigaya-kun is there too."
"Yes. Kirito-kun and I will do our best, but we want to use every resource available. To save Asuna, we need the help of the companions we trust most."
After confirming the voice and contents were indeed Hikigaya's, Argo signaled Kikuoka that she was on board.
"Understood. Leave this small matter to me. I'll make arrangements right away."
"Thank you, Mr. Kikuoka. By the way, how's the negotiation with the supporter going?"
"Ah, we were just getting to the key part, but it's already settled during this call."
"Huh? Just now it was still ongoing?"
"Yes. Thank you. Letting you listen in was the right choice after all."
"That's enough, Mr. Kikuoka. For Asuna-chan, I swear I'll give it my all. Get the equipment ready—I'm moving out now."
Kikuoka nodded at Argo and reported into the phone:
"Negotiation successful. The party will begin acting immediately."
"That's great! Hachiman-kun, the person we talked about has agreed. It's on speaker—you should say thanks."
"Ah, is that so? Thank you very much. I'll repay this favor for sure."
Hearing the familiar voice, Argo responded in her heart:
'We'll definitely save Asuna. Hachi, Kirito—I'll give it my all too.'
And thus, Argo agreed to Kikuoka's request and officially began taking action.
First, Argo was to meet two of the collaborators. One was Hikigaya's friend, and the other was said to be like an older sister to him.
In the designated apartment room, Argo welcomed three people, including Kikuoka.
"Thanks for waiting, Argo-kun. I brought them."
"I'm Argo, nice to meet you."
Argo had intended to greet them in her usual lighthearted tone, but the moment she saw Haruno, she unconsciously switched to polite speech.
'His older sister? Are you kidding? Crap, she's definitely a tough one.'
Haruno stared at Argo for a moment, then suddenly smiled and gave her a hard slap on the back.
"No need to be so tense~ I'm Yukinoshita Haruno. Pleased to meet you, Argo-chan."
"P-Pleased to meet you too…"
'Why are all the people around Hachi like this!?'
"As for me, Argo-chan, you can call me however you like as long as it's friendly. As for Zaimokuza-kun... hmm, do as you like."
"Ha... then I'll call you Boss Lady and Woodblock."
"Eh~? That nickname's not cute~! You'll make big sister sad~!"
"No, I don't care about nicknames… I've already seen through your strength."
"Strength?"
"Boss Lady's clearly the combat type, right?"
"Heh~ you can tell that much?"
Haruno narrowed her eyes and said:
"Even if Mr. Kikuoka and Woodblock team up, they wouldn't stand a chance."
"Alright, Mr. Kikuoka, you can go now. The three of us will talk from here."
"Understood. Please stay in close contact."
"Okay~"
Haruno waved lightly. Kikuoka, reading the room, left. Argo realized Haruno was clearing the stage and felt nervous.
"Well then, Argo-chan."
"Yes, Boss Lady."
"Ah, from now on just speak however you usually do."
"Got it, Boss Lady."
Haruno suddenly asked:
"Well then, Argo-chan, would you be willing to die for Hachiman-kun?"
"Nope."
"Oh?"
"If I died, Hachi would definitely be sad. So I absolutely can't die. Even if I might die in the end, I'd never go seeking death. So the answer is NO."
Hearing this, Haruno smiled with satisfaction.
"Pass!"
"That's it?"
"Of course. Zaimokuza-kun and I also want to stay by his side because we like him, so we won't and won't allow anyone to easily choose death. Just like you said—because it would make him sad, we must live. Live to see his smile. For that, please lend us your strength."
"Not just for Hachi, but for all our comrades—I'm in."
"Saying it's for Hachiman-kun is just rhetoric. No problem."
Listening on the side, Zaimokuza was moved to tears.
"I'm so touched!"
"Still as hot-blooded as ever, huh, Zaimokuza-kun."
"Woodblock's pretty fun. Let's get along from now on."
"Affirmative!"
"Now, let's discuss our next steps."
From that point on, the three completely shifted to behind-the-scenes support, playing key roles at critical moments of Hikigaya's actions.
"Argo-chan, the infiltration date's set. Wait for Zaimokuza-kun's contact."
"Alright. Starting full-dive, Woodblock. Wake me if anything happens."
"Understood!"
"Boss Lady, I've confirmed Asuna's position and successfully delivered the D-Card."
"They're ordering delivery food! Infiltrate during the opening!"
"Woodblock, suppressing this spot will make things easier for Hachi. I'll leave that task to you."
"Hachiman! I'm here to help!"
"Boss Lady, the mission was a success. We're withdrawing now. Don't overdo it."
"Only two left, right? Piece of cake~ But I won't get careless. Thanks, Argo-chan."
"Cheers! Great job, both of you. This is our victory!"
"Ugh... I did it! Hachiman!"
"Argo-chan, want to keep working with me long-term? Not for a company—personally. If Zaimokuza-kun wants a job, I can help too. Your performance this time was outstanding."
The trio's contribution was monumental. Though their achievements were only known to Hikigaya's core group of friends, when it came to the ALO incident, these three were the true unsung heroes.