"What is this?"
Haruto was busy rearranging the snacks Amane had prepared for him in his backpack when Kagaya Ubuyashiki spotted the cloth-wrapped pistol he had dug out from the bottom.
Kagaya held it and examined it for a while, the gun's smooth, streamlined contours drawing him into thought.
"The bullets are specially designed to hold wisteria poison." Haruto took the Browning back and removed the magazine to show him the customized bullets. "Once a bullet embeds itself in a demon's body, the tip bursts open and injects 0.5 ml of wisteria poison. That isn't much, but empty an entire magazine and the total dose is nothing to sneeze at. And..."
He hefted the gun. "It isn't heavy. Even someone who isn't very strong can pull the trigger. Master, times have changed. This thing really works."
"Is it a gift for me? Because I'm physically frail?" Kagaya took the gun and tried handling it. It really did fit comfortably in his hand.
"..." Haruto looked at him without a word.
"..." Kagaya looked back, equally silent.
"I could give you another..."
"All right, enough." Kagaya shoved the Browning back into his hand. "Go on, go. Aren't you leaving?"
"Actually, I..."
"Get going! If you don't leave now, give me back the snacks. I'll eat them myself."
Haruto swung the backpack onto his back and answered loudly, "I'm leaving right now! Take care of yourself, Master!"
Kagaya lowered his gaze as he watched Haruto's retreating figure, contemplation lingering in his eyes.
Times had changed. Should he make some new changes to their offensive and defensive measures against demons, too?
Outside, Kanae was comforting Sanemi, who was so dejected that he was angry with himself.
Haruto's smile grew wider and wider. Sabito was smiling too, while Giyu was still staring into space.