Just as Clone Three had said, using Yud (Tenth Bullet) to extract information was the quickest and easiest method.
By the time Kurumi Tokisaki had finished digesting the memories, she'd already mastered every detail about the factory.
The drug manufacturing formula, the drop-off points for raw materials, the client list for transactions...
And, of course, the name of their organization.
"The Oumi Alliance—do any of you recognize this group?"
Faced with Kurumi's question, the four clones paused in thought before shaking their heads in unison.
Though for some reason, each summoned clone had slight personality differences, their memories were identical.
If the original had no recollection of the organization, neither would the clones.
In Kurumi's memory, there was no such underworld group as the Oumi Alliance in Bungou Stray Dogs—or if there was, it was nothing more than a background mob with no impact on the main story.
Good. If this had involved some major faction, things would've gotten troublesome.
Now that she'd confirmed the identities and motives of the factory personnel, Mori Ōgai's investigation mission could be considered a complete success.
All that was left was to report back, and today's task would be over.
But before that... there was one last thing to handle.
"We still haven't decided what to do with these gangsters, have we?" Clone One asked. "Should we leave them for the Port Mafia to deal with?"
"Just kill them. They're scum anyway—slaughtering trash fits our brand, doesn't it?" Clone Two countered. "Toss them into the shadows to be devoured. That'd at least push the main objective forward a little."
"I already said, drain their time first before consuming them," Clone Three cut in. "Might as well squeeze every last drop of use out of them. If they're going to die anyway, let them contribute their time to something more meaningful."
"Same." Clone Four agreed.
"No."
Just then, Kurumi—who had been silently listening to the debate—spoke up, her lips curling into a smile that sent chills down the spine.
"I have a better idea."
Outside the factory.
Higuchi Ichiyō had already stowed the surveillance drone back into the car's trunk and was now leaning against the door, waiting for Kurumi's return.
Naturally, the order to pack up had come from Mori himself.
Given Kurumi's elusive nature, if the drone had already lost track of her, there was no point keeping it active.
If she returned and realized the Port Mafia had been spying on her, the backlash wouldn't be worth it.
Higuchi's role was to gather intel on Kurumi's abilities—but only if she remained unaware. If they risked breaking her trust without gaining anything, it'd be better not to monitor her at all.
Higuchi's gaze drifted toward the dimly lit factory in the distance as she spoke into her Bluetooth earpiece. "Boss, it's been nearly twenty minutes, and there's still no movement. Are you sure this is fine?"
"Isn't that good news?" Mori's voice replied smoothly. "No disturbances mean our Miss Tokisaki hasn't been detected. All we need to do is wait."
"But..." Higuchi hesitated.
"Go on."
"What if she never entered the factory? What if she just... ran away?"
"Why would you think that?"
"I know she's an ability user, but she's still so young. If the pressure got to her and she abandoned the mission..."
"Hah. Hahahaha."
Mori burst into laughter. "My apologies—that's my fault. I didn't give you the full picture, so it's natural you'd misunderstand. But don't worry about her fleeing. Judging a book by its cover is a fatal mistake."
"Understood, Boss. I'll reflect on this."
Though still uncertain, Higuchi Ichiyō accepted his words without protest.
To her, Kurumi was just a beautiful young ability user.
During their car ride, the girl had carried herself with refined grace, like a high-society lady.
Always smiling, every gesture exuding noble elegance, her laughter as clear as silver bells. Even as a woman, Higuchi couldn't help but feel a twinge of admiration.
Men would want her. Women would want to be her.
And Higuchi was no exception.
But precisely because of that, knowing the darkness of the Port Mafia, she couldn't help but wonder—why would a girl who seemed raised in an ivory tower be sent on a mission like this?
More importantly... why would she even join the Port Mafia?
Having been part of the organization for a year, Higuchi knew exactly what kind of world she'd stepped into. Even with her resolve, she still felt shame and regret over some of the things she'd done.
But as a subordinate, she had no right to question Mori.
Follow orders. Complete the mission. Deliver results. That was what made a proper Port Mafia member.
So she kept her doubts buried.
But now, after nearly half an hour with no signs of movement from the factory, she couldn't help but wonder—
Was that elegant, well-mannered girl just a pretty face with no substance?
"Higuchi, don't let your thoughts wander."
As if reading her mind, Mori's voice turned sly. "Miss Tokisaki is no decoration. Think of her as being on par with Akutagawa—no, perhaps even more terrifying."
"Yes, Boss..."
Having worked under Akutagawa Ryūnosuke for a year, Hirotsu knew exactly how ruthless her superior was. She wanted to argue—that's impossible—but her better judgment kept her silent.
"Ara? Talking about me?"
A girl's voice suddenly came from behind her.
Startled, Higuchi's hand flew to her gun—only to relax when she saw Kurumi stepping gracefully from the shadows, her crimson dress swaying.
"Miss Tokisaki, please don't scare me like that. What if I'd accidentally fired?"
"My apologies. I'll be more careful next time."
"Since you're back, does that mean the mission failed?" Higuchi eyed the empty-handed girl.
"Failed? Why would you think that?" Kurumi replied flatly. "It's done. I've retrieved all the factory's intel. Though there's quite a bit to handle—please inform Mori-san to send a cleanup crew."
"You got everything in less than half an hour?" Higuchi couldn't hide her disbelief.
"Indeed."
Clone One, sent to deliver the message, smiled sweetly.
"Now then, Miss Higuchi, please head to the factory. The original will be waiting there to brief you."
--+--