At the highest point of the central island stood a small white wooden platform. On it, Lefki and Himei shared a cup of tea and some oatmeal cookies. Lefki gazed at the cherry trees surrounding the place with a deeply weary expression, as if each falling petal carried an unfinished thought. Beside her, Himei ate her cookies with absolute serenity, each movement measured with that almost mechanical precision that characterized her.
– Himei, what was it you wanted to tell me about the start of the team's operations? – Lefki asked wearily, barely lifting her gaze. Himei stopped the movement of her hands for a second, as if her inner gears were adjusting her response.
– Our current infiltration team is fully operational, except for today's work – she replied with a friendly smile, using that soft, perfectly polite tone that so perfectly mimicked human warmth – The field team is also ready to begin, and the executives await your orders.
– We wanted to know how you intend to proceed in activating the operational phase of our objective – she continued, picking up his biscuit and chewing it with an almost adorable delicacy, a disturbing contrast to his true nature – We await your instructions, young master.
– I asked the infiltrators to investigate certain organizations that are increasing their cases of victims with irreparable injuries – Lefki said calmly, letting his body weight fall onto the table, exhausted – What have you discovered on that matter?
– Well, what we know so far suggests that most of these groups operate in completely illegal spheres – Himei replied, tapping her chin with a thoughtful expression that, while adorable, was still a bit too perfect – Most are small, isolated cells, but among them, we've identified two major, relevant organizations.
– Our information suggests that there are currently two groups that have indirectly increased the number of discarded victims – she continued, abandoning her thoughtful pose to look at Lefki with programmed tenderness – The first is a branch of the yakuza that produces the drug Trigger: a substance that enhances Quirks, but also causes villains who consume it in a state of frenzy to inflict far more serious damage on civilians and heroes than usual. Our access to information is limited due to the organization's secrecy, but we have some evidence that we could use to track down the main group.
– The second is a group that seems to want to revive Destro's ideas – she added while taking a sip of tea, without losing his composure – They have gained popularity in certain circles, and have already caused several incidents with people who tried to investigate them.
– As far as I know, the yakuza has been in decline for several years, but the fact that this group has managed to create a way to unstablely enhance powers is a problem – Lefki said as he began to analyze the information – If they are a yakuza, the scope of the information we can gather is limited; these kinds of organizations are usually quiet and always operate in secrecy.
– Furthermore, the existence of a group trying to revive Destro's ideas complicates things even more. The original group was quite powerful and very popular; if this new organization achieves even half of its influence, it will be a worrying player – Lefki continued irritably, assessing his options – My current forces are insufficient to attack even either of the two groups, so for the time being, let's focus on a strategy of slowing their growth.
– Mitigating their impact from the outset can stall their influence and expansion while we gather more information from both sides to decide on the next step – Lefki said calmly, letting out a sigh –Alright, Himei, here's what I need you to do.
– I'm all ears, young master – Himei replied, focusing all her attention on Lefki.
– I need the infiltrators to continue investigating any relevant topics so we don't lose information by focusing solely on these two major players – Lefki said calmly, organizing his thoughts – To that end, also assign two permanent executives to maintain regular contact with the infiltrators; I want a steady flow of information.
– Then divide our field forces into four groups, each led by an executive – Lefki continued as the strategies formed in his mind –Send the first group to investigate Trigger's suppliers, identifying the entire distribution chain. The second group should focus on locating the drug's buyers to dismantle those smaller cells; This way we mitigated the spread of the substance and eliminated some criminal groups while we track down the original culprit.
– The other two groups will be in charge of investigating potential associates of Destro's new group and the organization's main members – Lefki added calmly – If either team identifies criminal allies, eliminate them if possible; but if they are civilian or heroic, simply gather information while we await our next course of action.
– Do you need me for anything else? – Lefki asked. Himei shook her head gently, maintaining her calm smile.
– Then I'll be going – he said as he stood up – I'll come back next week to hear about your progress. It was a pleasure talking to you, Himei.
After saying goodbye, Lefki left in silence. Himei watched him go with a serene expression, her smile as gentle as ever. The young man went down to the dock, got back into the small boat and rowed towards the exit of the enclosure, a narrow passageway of stairs that would lead him back to the surface.
After a few minutes, Lefki emerged from a small temple whose door bore the inscription: "Here lie those who perished in the Naples incident." He looked exhausted; his body felt heavy after using his Quirk, as the extraordinary effort required to reconstruct people drained his energy to absurd levels. Fortunately, the effects didn't extend beyond this extreme fatigue, and he could recover with rest and some sweets.
Lunara, who had accompanied Lefki on this journey, saw him leave the temple and managed to catch him before he fell. His body was covered in sweat, and she couldn't help but look at him with pity, seeing her young master so exhausted after the journey, still unsure of what he was doing down there.
– Thank you, Luna – Lefki said with a dull expression as he glanced at one of his guardians. She returned a small smile – Would you be so kind as to take me home? I think I overdid it a bit on this visit.
– No problem, young master – Lunara replied seriously, looking at him with concern as she carefully settled him in her arms to carry him comfortably – Rest while we arrive, I'll take care of your safety until we get there.