"...You really think too highly of me. I was just scared out of my wits and ran everywhere. I still can't believe it."
"It was because you kept running that you wasted so much of my time. I was going to eat you bit by bit while you were still alive, but if someone saw a 'ghoul' from outside the 20th Ward causing trouble on someone else's hunting grounds, that would be bad."
Cain spoke with considerable dissatisfaction.
"I'll take those two back and enjoy them slowly... As for you, I'll eat you right here. It's finally time to eat."
"...Please be gentle with me."
Cain froze for a moment. Normally, people in this situation would beg for mercy, crying their eyes out instead of trying to negotiate. The request made Cain laugh despite himself as he licked his lips.
"...What nonsense are you talking about... You really are an interesting guy. Farewell!"
Cain's huge maw was already right in front of him.
At that moment, Hideyoshi Nagachika swiftly stuffed something into the ghoul Cain's mouth.
Cain cried out loudly.
"AAAAAH—!! What... Damn it! What did you put in there...?!"
Cain hurriedly clawed at his throat. It was just a convenience store rice ball.
"Ghouls can't eat human food, right...? I've been hearing people say that a lot lately!"
Hideyoshi Nagachika nimbly flipped out of the danger zone, then took out a lighter and a firework rocket.
"Next is this! Go!!"
The firework rocket was lit and shot toward Cain. Hideyoshi Nagachika did not immediately turn and flee. Instead, he dashed forward and stuffed another thing into the somewhat flustered Cain's mouth.
The firework crackled as it flew toward Cain, skimmed past him, shot straight into the sky, and exploded. The barrage of rockets and explosions distracted Cain, stopping him