Obiko was a dark yokai who loved the darkness. He could move through it and even grow to enormous size. He was practically the leader of the yokai in this area.
As the times changed, the space where yokai could survive kept shrinking. Perhaps in a few years, they would have no choice but to huddle in dark corners.
Of course, some yokai, like tanuki who could take human form, would be able to survive no matter what.
After a long conversation, Director Sawai had come to understand Obiko fairly well.
Through communication came understanding. In that little stall, Director Sawai smiled as he ate the soba Obiko had served him.
Though he was a yokai, he was an old man who didn't want the surroundings to change, preferred staying in one place, and was exceptionally nostalgic.
He loved this land.
He had helped bring peace to the world. Though they were different species, they got along remarkably well, and after just a few words, Obiko had become a devoted fan.
Using an ancient ritual, he swore his allegiance to Director Sawai on the spot.
Zhou Hong could only stare, his mind full of what the hell.
He'd thought that tonight, he and Daigo would have to beat some sense into the stubborn Obiko, who would then leave this world clutching the memories of his homeland.
Old people were the hardest to reason with. The whole script was ready, and they'd been just about to throw down, but things had changed far too much.
All he could say was, no wonder he was Director Sawai.
"I understand everything you're asking for. I'll do everything I can to help you." Director Sawai slowly set down his chopsticks and looked at the soba piled all over the stall.
The bowls were stacked on top of one another. There had to be at least ten.
It really was delicious, but he couldn't eat another bite.
"Thank you, thank you." Tears filled Obiko's eyes as he hurriedly brought over another serving of soba.
"As for the yokai living on Yanino Street, I'll keep it under wraps. We'll relocate the residents under the pretext of creating a nature reserve."
"However, we won't force any residents who don't want to move."
"I hope you can understand that."
"People lived in the village back then, too."
"That's more than enough." Obiko took off his chef's hat, revealing his head gleaming beneath the lights, and bowed slightly.
"If you keep helping us selflessly, I'll feel terrible."
Director Sawai didn't want the relationship between peace-seeking yokai and humans to fall apart as soon as he stepped down.
One-sided giving would only end in ruin.
Both sides had to contribute to strike a balance. That was how relationships worked.
"I hope you'll keep the yokai in line and make sure they don't cause trouble."
"That won't be a problem. The ancient exorcists have already wiped out almost all the vicious yokai."
"The ones still living nearby are mostly mild-mannered."
"Is there anything else you need help with?" Obiko was eager to find some way to be useful.
After a moment's thought, Director Sawai said, "I heard from Ahong that you'll die if you're exposed to sunlight."
"Sunlight is deadly poison to you. So, if a monster appears at night, I hope you can offer us a little support."
Obiko thumped his chest with a resounding smack. "Just let me know, and I'll be there, no matter when or where."
A simple wish, a fervent heart, and a gentle nature. If only all yokai were like this.
With that wishful thought in mind, Director Sawai smiled at Daigo, who was slurping noodles beside him.
Zhou Hong suddenly asked, "Obiko, do you know how to use a phone?"
Cold sweat beaded on Obiko's smooth forehead. He gave an awkward laugh. "I think... I can?"
Great. Looks like it was time to get him an old-fashioned phone. Hopefully, the thousand-year-old geezer could figure out how to use a modern Feige.
"Then Ahong can teach you." Director Sawai seemed to suddenly remember something and tapped his forehead. "Oh, right. Ahong, I need to ask you for a favor, too."
Zhou Hong tilted his head and looked at Director Sawai, puzzled.
"When it comes to relocating the residents and developing this area, I'd like to use some of your savings."
At the look on Zhou Hong's face—"I can't believe you're this kind of director"—he added, a little embarrassed, "You know what your direct superior is like. And the TPC is a coalition, not a place where I get to make every decision."
"Nearly every expenditure is completely transparent."
Director Sawai shrugged helplessly. This old man, who had devoted his life to peace, was completely broke.
There weren't many residents near Yanino Street, and relocation compensation wasn't very high at the moment. Still, spending such a large sum was painful.
It was all hard-earned blood and sweat money (the blood belonged to the Kyrieloids, and the sweat was his own)!
"Once we've witnessed our friendship and accepted one another, I'll reimburse you for every cent you spend."
Some people might refuse to acknowledge it, but as director, he could still cast the deciding vote.
"You've put it that way, Director. I'll lend it to you." Zhou Hong let out a long sigh.
"Sorry for the trouble." Obiko hurriedly bowed, then pushed two bowls of soba toward him.
It was probably the only way he could show his gratitude right now.
Zhou Hong waved his hands repeatedly. "Give them to the director instead. I can't get used to this stuff. I'm just an ordinary guy who works on construction sites, after all."
Thinking of Zhou Hong's résumé before he joined the Rookie Squad—construction worker—Director Sawai burst out laughing.
It was probably the most absurd résumé in all of the TPC.
He'd gone straight from an ordinary civilian to a candidate for its most elite unit.
"I'll arrange a salary for your consultant position, too. It'll definitely be higher than what you made on construction sites." Director Sawai grinned even wider as he spoke.
Seasoned wage slave Zhou Hong nodded with satisfaction. He could do his own thing every day and earn two salaries while slacking off. What more could he ask for?
As he chatted with Director Sawai and heard that everything had finally been settled, Daigo, who'd been slurping noodles the whole time, finally couldn't eat another bite. He slowly set down his empty bowl.
Director Sawai glanced at his watch. It was getting late.
He'd gotten the answers he wanted here, and now he patted down his clothes, ready to head back and deal with the files piling up on his desk.
"It's getting late. I need to head back right away and start arranging the residents' relocation."
"I hope we can get it done in three to five months."
"Leave it to me, Director." Zhou Hong grinned. "As long as the funding's there, I'll show you how fast relocation can be."
"I have a friend who does demolitions..."
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