Izuka - Chapter 154

Narukami was referring to Jim’s past lives. Which was constantly full of suffering and hardships, turning him into the bad guy, and like usual, it was no exception in this life.

Narukami shook his head as he answered Jim’s confusion, “nothing.”

Jim paused for a short moment before he turned his head to the window and watched the scene as it blurred due to him inside a moving bus.

He did not say anything as his mind appeared to be wandering. It looked like the topic they talked about was a bit heavy to Jim and he was pondering about it.

Probably he pondered why he got separated by his family and why all of this happened, or maybe something else?

Either way, it has nothing to do with Narukami yet the latter would be lying if he was not worried.

“Sometimes, I wonder if saving her back is the best choice?” Jim pondered.

Narukami patted his shoulder after hesitation, “If not for you, she probably died on the spot. I don’t know the details but good and bad things in life are normal.

“I’m pretty sure your wife also thinks the day she met you for the first time is the best thing that happened to her.”

Jim fell silent as he digested what Narukami just said. He then nodded as he smiled proudly, “You’re right, what am I thinking? I’m pretty sure she always thinks about it before she goes to sleep and shows it off to her friends.”

Letting go of his hand from Jim’s shoulder, Narukami listened to him as he did not say a word.

“Narukami, thank you.”

Next, Jim shifted his vision to Narukami and thanked him with a smile.

“I only do what I’m supposed to do,” said Narukami humbly as he slightly nodded.

“By the way, how did the two of you get divorced anyway? Your guys’ relationship seems firmer than any couples considering how you two met,” asked Narukami curiously.

Hearing his question, Jim’s smile vanished as his expression was that of troubled.

“I’m sorry, you don’t have to answer it if you don’t want to. I’m not forcing you,” said Narukami as he realized he was being a bit intruding on another person’s personal life despite the fact they had met.

Jim replied with hesitation, “It’s not that. It’s just too complicated to tell you. I don’t know where to start.”

“I see. Take it slow, then. We have time anyway,” said Narukami calmly. Jim slightly moved his head down as though he was nodding.

After fifteen minutes of silence and the bus had stopped a few times, Jim finally opened his mouth.

“I was on an investigation about a homicide which turns out related to the most dangerous gangs in the United States.

“While I investigate them, I got deeper and deeper, so deep that it is impossible to climb back up. They noticed I’ve done them some digging and send their men to take care of me.

“One of their strongest members is more intelligent than the rest and found out where I live and threaten my family.

“He called me and tell me that if I did not stop my investigation. My family is going to pay for it. He added that he’s in front of my house with gang members coming with him.

“I was devastated and panicked. I cannot go home as I am far away and calling for backup is also impossible as he counts down the time.

“If I do not decide before the time runs out, he’ll kill my family.”

The scene of the past flashed over Jim’s mind.

“I’ll give you thirty seconds. Tell me the answer I want to hear. Otherwise, your family might never see the sun again,” A voice of a man could be heard over the radio waves.

Jim was holding a flip phone as it was next to his right. His expression was that of shock as his hand slightly trembled.

“Wait, please! Don’t hurt my family!” Jim pleaded.

“Then say the word I want to hear, that you will not dig anything deeper about us and leave your job. You also must not ask for help from your friends.

“I’m a man who always fulfills my promise, I will not hurt or kill your family.”

“You’re a gang member! How could I trust you?” Jim’s voice intensified.

“It’s up to you then. Either way, it doesn’t matter whether you believe me or not. So, have you decided? It has been fifteen seconds, are you sure you’re going to waste it by talking to me?”

Jim fell silent and without realizing it, a few seconds passed.

“Ten, nine, eight…”

Jim’s mind was racing. He did not want his investigation to come to a halt. There were a lot of people who held high expectations and hope on him to stop this gang from running amok.

“Seven, six, five, four…”

Jim’s eyes darted around as his mind was still racing. His heart was palpitating as though it was about to come out of his mouth.

“Three, two, on–”

“Fine, fine! I’ll stop my investigation on you guys!” He yelled.

I’m sorry, everyone, Jim apologized to those who have high expectations and hope for him.

But for the safety of his family, he would do everything.

Back to the present.

“After that, I resigned from my position, left my family without a word, and after a few years, I met with them again but not for a reunion, it is so that I can divorce her.

“She does not deserve to be chained by me and should let go of me from her heart. Look for someone better, if not.”

Abruptly, Jim felt inexplicable fear and he felt chills. It was coming from where Narukami was.

Retracting his gaze to Narukami, he saw terrifying and thick killing intent. His went blank for a brief moment and his heartbeat spiked as his face was pale as paper.

Plus with Narukami’s expression, which was calm. It simply made it more terrifying!

“N-Narukami?” Jim stuttered as he was particularly terrified.

Narukami slowly turn his head to Jim and said in a calm voice but it was in truth filled with anger and hatred, “Can I know the guy who did it to you?”

Narukami tightly clenched his right hand before his chest and veins bulged out. Some were visible on his head, too.

“You must not kill him, Narukami!” Jim hurriedly grabbed Narukami’s hand and put it down.

“Of course I will not but I’ll torture him and make it as he got tortured for a million years but in truth, in real life. Only ten minutes passed.”

“No, I meant to let me kill him but okay, being tortured for a million years seems perfect for him,” said Jim in agreement after he misunderstood Narukami’s intention.

“But how are you going to do it? I never heard such a thing before,” asked Jim curiously.

“I’m going to put an illusion in his mind and sped up that illusion by one hundred thousand. If my calculation is not wrong, one day there should be one mini second in real life.”

“I’m not good at math but okay. So the point is that he is going to suffer so badly that death is a luxury, right?”

Narukami added as his response.

“And when he wants it, I’ll make sure he’ll not get it,” said Jim as he smiled like a villain which had seen the victory and scream of its victim before his plan even came into play.

His expression was reflected on the window.

Looks like his past lives have already etched on his soul, Narukami thought to himself as he said calmly, “Jim, you’re scarier than the guy who threatened you.”

Snapped to reality from pondering his evil plan to do something to the guy who make his life worse, Jim awkwardly laughed as he rubbed his cheek.

After that, the bus stopped and a few people got in, few left.

A person stood next to Narukami and held one of the standees. Narukami found it weird as he looked at other seats.

There were many empty seats.

Retracting his gaze to the person, the latter was aware and smiled.

Narukami faintly nodded before he turned his head to the front and shift his attention to Jim as he heard him tell some of his stories when he was a cop.

However, there was one thing that bothered Narukami. The person’s smile has vague darkness and he was just… odd.

Narukami almost ran out of words to describe the person standing next to him aside from, uncomfortable, dangerous, unsettling, terrifying, disturbing, intimidating and threatening.

Yet despite all the words, Narukami could not figure out the source. The person was a male with black hair, average looks, and a normal build.

A guy that is too common to see that you might forget it the next day.

Narukami abruptly felt a strong feeling that the person was looking at him. He held himself from looking at this strange guy but he could not endure it any longer.

He turned his head to the left and saw the person’s face at an extremely close range. Narukami could feel the guy’s breath.

They stared at each other for a few seconds. Next, the guy slowly opened his mouth and what Narukami heard was shocking.

“Are you Sixth?”