158's Popularity with Girls

"Lord Akechi, who is this?"

Under Akechi's command, the squad relocated to a new safehouse. After passing through streets patrolled by Barghests, they found that aside from Slider, the local Dogtown hacker mentioned in their prior communications, a middle-aged man in gray stood quietly at Akechi's side.

Ordinarily, superiors had no obligation to explain their arrangements to subordinates. But Akechi did not mind this small question from his men and calmly introduced him. "A consultant sent by headquarters. Treat him with respect. You may address this gentleman as Mr. Tenkai."

A consultant from headquarters?

Though they understood the arrangement, everyone still felt a subtle sense of indignation on Akechi's behalf.

Headquarters had clearly stated that Lord Akechi had full command over this operation. Why had a consultant suddenly appeared now? Could headquarters still be wary of Lord Akechi, perhaps even of all of them?

Or perhaps this consultant had already been undercover in Dogtown and had come to assist them under orders from above after hearing the news?

The four operatives' expressions shifted slightly, shame welling up inside them. They remembered their previous operation—and that of their colleagues—the failed mission that had ultimately forced Lord Akechi to risk himself personally and even alerted the Barghests.

Could it have been their mistakes that caused headquarters to hear of the situation and mistakenly conclude that Lord Akechi was incapable, prompting them to send a consultant to oversee him? But this was clearly their fault. What did it have to do with Lord Akechi?

The thought did not linger solely in the operatives' minds. The hacker girl in the squad had reached the same conclusion and shot the operatives a vicious glare. If there had not been a reason, why would headquarters suddenly insert a consultant into the team?

No wonder Lord Akechi