20

Compared to the others, their side of the patrol was... uneventful. Besides Hikaru trying to make it interesting, nothing js really happening.

Sumida Ward had an eerie quietness to it, but not the kind that set off immediate alarms. It was more like the neighborhood was in the process of waking up, with occasional cars passing by, a few salarymen heading to work, the faint sounds of a distant train. Just the usual morning routine. Except for the fact that it was afternoon. Maybe this ward was just culturally late or something.

Ren walked slightly ahead, her posture composed as always, while Yuna focused on scanning their surroundings. Hikaru, on the other hand, had his hands shoved in his pockets, casually glancing at shop windows like he wasn't on patrol duty at all.

"...You're not taking this seriously," Ren finally said, not even bothering to look at him.

"I am," Hikaru defended. "I just happen to be a natural at patrols. No danger in sight. Mission complete."

Yuna gave him a flat look. "That's not how it works."

"Sounds like it to me," he said, smirking. "Look, we're walking, observing, and existing in this fine district. If nothing happens, that just means we did our job flawlessly."

Ren sighed. "That logic is stupid."

"It's flawless," Hikaru corrected. "I'm just built different."

Ren shot him a glance but didn't bother responding. Instead, she shifted her attention back to their surroundings, as if half-expecting something to finally break the peace.

Yuna, too, looked thoughtful. "Actually... I was wondering."

"Hmm?"

She hesitated before lowering her voice. "What do we do if something does happen?"

Ren raised an eyebrow. "Then we handle it."

"I know that, but..." Yuna shifted uncomfortably. "Ren, you have some experience, right? You're not new to this like me? And Hikaru.. you just seem like you get in and out of trouble often."

Hikaru's smirk didn't fade, nor does he feel offended by her comment. "Oh? You nervous?"

Yuna frowned. "I'd just like to be prepared."

"I can't believe you don't trust us," Hikaru said dramatically. "Ren's elegance and my insane street smarts? We're a dream team."

"That tells me nothing about how you'd actually fight," Yuna deadpanned.

Hikaru waved a hand dismissively. "Listen, I could tell you my ability, but where's the fun in that?"

Ren's eyes narrowed slightly, understanding his intent but letting it slide. "We'll be fine," she said instead. "We're not here to fight, just to patrol. And if anything does happen..."

She turned to Yuna, her expression composed. "You run."

Yuna blinked. "Huh?"

Ren's tone didn't waver. "You're the only one who can detect danger. If things get bad, you leave first. No hesitation."

"That—"

"—is non-negotiable," Ren finished.

Yuna frowned but didn't argue further.

Hikaru, meanwhile, clapped his hands together. "Glad we settled that. Anyway, who's in the mood for something stupid?"

"...What?" Ren said, already exasperated.

"You know what this district is famous for?" Hikaru grinned. "Sumo wrestling."

Yuna gave him a blank stare. "And that's relevant because..?"

Hikaru turned to Ren with the most serious expression he could muster.

"Ren. 1v1 sumo match. Right now."

Ren stared at him.

"...What?"

Yuna pinched the bridge of her nose. "I knew this was going to be dumb."

Hikaru, ignoring them both, gestured dramatically to an open space nearby. "We clear the area, lay down a ring, and boom—sumo battle. You and me. No abilities. Just strength and technique."

Ren kept staring. "What is actually wrong with you?"

Hikaru shrugged. "I like to keep things interesting."

Yuna sighed.

The patrol continued after Hikaru got a smack on the head from Ren.