In Team Snagem, there should only be one person called "Boss."
That was what Kashiwagi used to believe.
But now he realized that Soshiro, the Executive leading the Sand Unit, was also called "Boss" by his men instead of "Unit Lead."
This was a serious issue.
It wasn't just a title; it carried the implication that "the vassal of my vassal is not my vassal." Kashiwagi hoped he was overthinking it, but the more he learned, the more he felt the ship of Team Snagem was rotting from within, ready to capsize at any moment.
I just hope the organization stays intact until I'm strong enough to stand on my own.
The fox-like man, Ryuga, led Kashiwagi deeper into the facility. As they stepped onto a freight elevator, Ryuga suddenly turned. "The name's Ryuga."
"Nice to meet you," Kashiwagi responded softly. He kept a wary eye on Aron via his peripheral vision, relaxing only when he saw the Pokémon was merely looking curiously at the various metal structures.
Pokémon possessed human-like intelligence, but their reason was often insufficient to suppress their primal instincts—violence, reproduction, and hunger. Though he had fed Aron before they left, the sheer amount of iron around them was a massive temptation.
Ryuga hit the switch, and the elevator began its slow descent. He glanced at Kashiwagi and the Aron sitting obediently by his ankle.
"You brought it out from the exam site?"
"Yes. It felt like fate, so I tried to catch it."
"What about the one the team issued you?"
"I exchanged it for the cash subsidy. I was worried I wouldn't have the experience to raise two at once."
"Heh... you've got some self-awareness. Most runts get their first and immediately want a second, then end up neglecting both." Ryuga let out a thin smile.
Creeeak.
The elevator hit the bottom.
A vast, sprawling underground space opened up before Kashiwagi. Layers of corrugated iron shacks were piled atop one another, illuminated by the garish glow of multi-colored neon signs cutting through the gloom. Steel pillars and beams braced the cavern, while discarded iron crates and chain-link fences were scattered everywhere.
It looked exactly like a slum district from a cyberpunk game.
The Underdome.
This was the true dark side of Pyrite Town—a paradise for gangs and a living hell for the poor. If the surface had a police station that was merely for show, the Underdome belonged entirely to the syndicates. Might made right, and the law was whatever the strongest fist decided it was.
Kashiwagi had rarely visited; it was dangerous and unnecessary, and he had never been the type to seek out trouble.
As he looked around, Ryuga adjusted his glasses. "I like rational people. If you don't mind, why not join my squad?"
"Eh?"
Kashiwagi blinked, stunned. Before he could respond, the man who had checked him in that morning hurried over.
"Oho! You're early! When I was your age, I was—whoa! Lord Ryuga! Good morning!" The man's eyes widened, and he snapped into a stiff salute.
"Morning," Ryuga waved him off, then looked back at the surprised Kashiwagi. "As you can see, I'm a Sand Unit Officer. And I'm recruiting."
"Forgive my rudeness just now—"
"Save it. The Boss is waiting for you. Get going." Ryuga gave him a light shove on the shoulder.
Kashiwagi followed the first man deeper into the facility with Aron. In Team Snagem, the rank below Executive was Officer—essentially a Mid-Captain who managed ten squads of ten men each. In other words, Ryuga led a hundred official members.
The Sand Unit has such a young Officer?
Kashiwagi thought back to the gossip he'd heard about the Sand Unit—rumors of a man who inherited his deceased father's position and defeated every challenger within a month. This must be him. Even with a head start, achieving that in a place like Pyrite was impressive.
"Hey, are you close with Lord Ryuga?" the guide interrupted his thoughts.
"No, we just met. We just had a brief chat." Kashiwagi shook his head. He had no intention of pretending to have connections he didn't. In fact, he was worried his lack of formal politeness might be held against him.
That happens all the time here. I knew a guy who got hazed just for forgetting to bow to a senior member.
He scanned his surroundings. There weren't many people in the Underdome, and those who appeared simply watched them in silence. Unlike the jealous or mocking stares on the surface, these looks were more curious, perhaps even friendly.
"You're lucky, then. Lord Ryuga rarely invites people personally. His squad has the best benefits and a great atmosphere." There was genuine envy in the guide's eyes.
Kashiwagi gave a polite smile. "I owe it to you, then. I wouldn't have been here today if you hadn't reminded me to report in."
"Hahaha! Kid's got a silver tongue. Go on, the Boss is inside." The guide patted him on the back and pointed toward a large sheet-metal building.
Blaring music and the rhythmic thud-thud-thud of something being struck echoed from within. It sounded intense. Kashiwagi glanced at Aron, saw the Pokémon looked unfazed, and stepped inside.
The interior was an open layout resembling a private gym. There was a massive octagonal cage, bright floodlights, and several screens playing looping combat footage. Loud, adrenaline-pumping music pumped from the speakers.
There were no spectators.
In the center of the cage, a man nearly two meters tall was trading blows with a powerful Machamp. Despite both wearing boxing gloves, the sound of meat hitting meat was bone-chilling.
Kashiwagi watched for thirty seconds before the Machamp landed a brutal hook to the man's midsection. The man spat out a mouthguard coated in blood and saliva, dropping to his knees, gasping for air.
"..."
Kashiwagi winced. He made eye contact with the Machamp, who stayed in its stance and jerked its chin toward the fallen man.
What are you waiting for? Get over here and help him.
Kashiwagi climbed into the cage, helped the heaving giant to a corner, and handed him a towel and water. The man took them without looking up. Only after his breathing steadied did he lift his head, revealing a pair of fierce, predatory eyes.
"Who gave you permission to step onto my mat?"
Kashiwagi caught the Machamp out of the corner of his eye; the Pokémon had turned away, hands behind its heads, whistling.
"...Team Snagem regulations," Kashiwagi said, keeping his face neutral.
The giant frowned. "Oh? I wasn't aware we had such a regulation."
"As a member, it is my duty to protect the Boss at all times."
"Hah!" The giant let out a cold laugh and began unstrapping his gloves. "Sharp-tongued brat. Put these on and go one round with him. If you survive, I'll overlook your trespassing."
"...Alright."
Kashiwagi picked up the gloves, feeling helpless. He knew he'd been set up, but he hadn't expected a high-ranking Executive to play such petty games. So much for the "straight-shooter" reputation.
The problem was, he couldn't say no. In this world, the lack of agency was a bitter pill to swallow.
And my leg just finished healing, too.
He rotated his ankle. A round was usually three minutes, but given the intensity the Machamp had just shown, he wasn't sure he'd last ten seconds.
Across the cage, Machamp punched its palms together, the force of its swings whistling through the air. It didn't look guilty at all—it just wore a cruel, eager grin.
But as it stepped closer, a silver shadow darted between them.
"KU!"
Aron stood its ground, letting out a low, warning growl at the Machamp.
"Ah! I'm an idiot. I was so flustered I forgot about you." Kashiwagi knelt down and patted Aron's head. "It's okay. Go wait for me down there. It'll be over quickly."
"KU!"
Aron turned back to him, barking seriously. It was telling him that the Machamp was dangerous and he shouldn't fight it head-on.
I wish I could refuse, buddy...
Kashiwagi opened his mouth to try and persuade Aron again, but a terrifying rush of wind suddenly whistled over his head. Something was moving fast!
Whoosh!
A heavy punch narrowly missed!
Machamp looked surprised as Kashiwagi rolled away, clutching Aron to his chest. Kashiwagi's face was grim, his brow furrowed.
"There's still a bystander in the ring. Are we starting already?"
"GAAH!" Machamp grinned and beckoned him with a curled finger.
From the corner, the giant took a sip of water. "He says both of you can go at once. Consider it a discount."