The Flayed Man (1)

It was almost sundown when the team arrived at their destination in Shinagawa. The cool autumn air sent a chill down Hiro's bones. He couldn't help but shudder as the team captain tore down a wooden barricade, exposing the entrance to an overgrown lot shadowed by an abandoned building.

The building shimmered an iridescent red glow from the vestiges of sunlight. A large signage with the words 'SHIRAKAWA Meat Processing Plant' stood proudly in a state of disrepair.

"This place looks like a dump," Reo gawked. "We're doing it here?"

"That's right! This is where we'll conduct your practical exam," Henry said, pointing towards the façade of the building. "A few weeks ago, we received a report from the hired watchman regarding strange things happening in the middle of the night. Naturally, the Bureau sent a preliminary squad to scope thigs out and- wouldn't you know it- they found an active infestation site!"

So we just have to clear it out?" Hiro raised his hand.

"More or less," Henry nodded. "You see, the cursed energy gathering around the area attracted something big and nasty. Now it's lording over the Cursed Spirits in the vicinity, bossing them around like no one's business."

"Let's hurry up and get it over with," the knife tsukumogami declared impatiently. "The sooner this job's done, the sooner I can go home."

"W-wait!" Hiro shouted. "Won't you at least tell us what we're going up against? I mean, if its a Greater Cursed Spirit, or something that can create a Cursed Field, wouldn't it be better to know?"

"Where's the fun in that?" Henry smiled mischievously. "Don't worry. I've checked the place out. It's nothing you can't handle."

The team leader's confident smile did little to reassure him. Eventually though, Hiro relented. This was something he had to do regardless. Best get it done quickly then, he thought to himself.

"What's the matter, you a fucking wuss?" Reo called out, smiling wide enough to reveal the jagged teeth in her mouth. "I can do this myself if you're too scared to rough up a few Curses. You just stay here and suck your damn thumb like the baby that you are!"

This brat...
Hiro balled his fists in annoyance.

"Fine! Let's go! I'll kill a lot more Cursed Spirits than you ever will! Just you wait, you dull-bladed woman!"

"Who the hell are you calling a dull blade?" she spat. "I'll fucking kill you."

"Enough!" Karen, who had been content to simply watch until now, reprimanded. "Remember, this is a test about working together. If you don't cooperate and solve this, you won't be approved to go on regular investigations."

"Me? Working with this perv?" Reo sneered. "Ha! What a joke."

"As if I could ever work together with a lunatic woman like that!"

"Ohoho, well that's something you both can agree on," Ruruna chimed in. "Remember, we'll be here to make sure the situation doesn't get out of hand. Focus, now, you two."

"Tsk, fine."

"I'll try."

After a few more rounds of complaining and bickering, Hiro and Reo stepped towards the factory entrance. 

"You think they'll be okay?" Karen asked incredulously, staring at the receding figure of the two recruits as they stepped over the barrier tape.

"They'll be fine," Henry shrugged. "Maybe."