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Hiroshi clasped his hands behind his back, adopting the mildly affronted posture of a division chief who'd been questioned. "There's nothing to worry about," he said firmly. "The situation in the PSIA Kanto branch is under control. We've been extra cautious since that unfortunate lab incident, but our friends' research data and specimens are safely moved as you directed. And the new Assistant Director assigned to us—Kobayashi—" he allowed a note of scorn to color Takeda's voice, "—he suspects nothing beyond what we let slip. The boy's green and eager to please. If anything, he's proven useful as a patsy."
Jackal's pale eyes narrowed shrewdly. "Yes, this Hiroshi Kobayashi. I've read the profile your people sent." He stepped closer, entering the bluish shaft of light from the sign. Up close, Hiroshi could see Jackal's face clearly – high cheekbones, faint scar along the jawline. A predator's visage. "Western-educated, bright future… quite a feather in your cap to have him assigned under you." Jackal's lips curved in a thin smile. "But you and I both know rising stars can be dangerous if not managed. Is he truly in line, Takeda? We can't afford wild cards, not at this stage."
Hiroshi felt a twist of satisfaction beneath his calm facade. Jackal was playing straight into their ruse. He allowed "Takeda" to snort derisively. "Managed, indeed. We've taken steps to ensure young Kobayashi stays on our leash. Just last week, one of our colleagues conveniently 'discovered' that he's been moving money into a private account in the Caymans." Hiroshi allowed himself a tight smile, as if sharing a cruel joke. "Of course, that account is a little secret between us and him now. The Assistant Director knows that if he steps out of line or grows a conscience, certain compromising records will surface to end his career…and likely land him in a cell." He lifted a hand in a casual shrug. "The kid is properly terrified. He'll do whatever we say, believe me."
In truth, that Cayman account and the "discovered" bank records were clever forgeries he and Makima had planted as bait. The traitors thought they held blackmail material over him, when in fact the account was controlled by PSIA counterintelligence and the funds merely a looped transfer that proved nothing. Still, hearing it spoken aloud like this, hearing "Takeda" boast about how they had ensnared him…it made Hiroshi's stomach twist with a mix of adrenaline and disgust. He channeled that emotion into a thin, vicious smile appropriate for Takeda's persona.
Jackal's own grin widened, wolfish and approving. He gave a low chuckle. "Good. Very good. A bit of dirt works wonders on bright young men." He relaxed slightly and pulled out a chair at a nearby table, motioning Hiroshi to do the same. They both sat, shadows dancing across their faces from the neon sign outside. "Now, on to the final business. Our friends abroad are pleased with the data flow from your branch so far. The classified documents from the Cabinet meetings, the transfer of those…special specimens – all handled well." He fixed Hiroshi with a piercing gaze. "But they are also concerned. The Prime Minister has been oddly quiet since appointing that woman – Makima – as Director-General. It smells like a ploy. We suspect he might be preparing a purge, perhaps even using her as the sword."
For a heartbeat, Hiroshi's blood ran cold. Jackal's intuition was unnervingly sharp. He fought the urge to swallow and instead gave a dismissive wave as Takeda. "Makima was an unexpected move, yes, but she's just settling into bureaucracy. I've seen no sign of any purge. If anything, she's keeping her head down to avoid making enemies early on." He let a note of mild contempt creep in. "As for the Prime Minister, Ito is juggling too many political fires right now. He won't risk a scandal in the intelligence agency on top of everything else. Trust me, if there were any hints of a crackdown, I'd be the first to know."
Jackal drummed his fingers on the table, considering. "Perhaps. Still, caution is key. We're very close to achieving our objectives. One misstep…" He leaned forward, lowering his voice. "You've secured all the pieces on your end? All the key people are either on board or neutralized? I need to hear it from you directly, Takeda. That's why I came."
Hiroshi nodded, channeling absolute confidence. "Every single one of our insiders is in place. Police chiefs, ministry officials, even a Diet member or two – those who aren't actively helping us have been compromised enough to stay out of our way. And the ones who weren't… well, we've fed them misinformation or tied them up in so much red tape they can't act. The network in the PSIA Kanto branch is airtight. When the signal is given, we can paralyze the agency from within." He allowed himself a thin smile. "Frankly, your timing is ideal. Another week, and we'd be ready to pull the trigger on the next phase ourselves."
Jackal's eyes gleamed at that. He sat back, seeming satisfied for the first time. "Excellent. Convey to your colleagues that our mutual benefactors are pleased. If all goes well, each of you will be rewarded handsomely – new positions, financial incentives, protection." He spoke the euphemism for what was essentially payment for treason with such casual ease that Hiroshi felt a flash of anger beneath his skin. Hiroshi forced "Takeda" to give an appreciative grunt, as if the promise of riches meant little but was expected.
Outside, a sudden gust of wind rattled the alley door, a reminder of the worsening weather. Jackal glanced toward it, then back to Hiroshi. His businesslike demeanor lingered, but there was a hint of satisfaction in his posture now. They had given him what he came for: reassurance and confirmation of the traitors' readiness. Every incriminating detail – from the leaked Cabinet documents to the involvement of police and officials – was now captured on tape, flowing even now to Yoshimura's recording van. Hiroshi could imagine the veteran agent hunched over the headphones, eyes widening as each damning word sealed the traitors' fates.