And then, a few days later. Inari was at Akabane Port.
It wasn’t simply because time had passed since the raid on Akabane, but rather that since the port was a logistics hub, foot traffic had already returned to normal the very next day. In other words, today the marketplace was just as crowded as ever—but that wasn’t Inari’s destination.
Even so, compared to before, Inari had become even more famous and popular, and was immediately surrounded.
“Waaah, it’s Inari-chan! So cute!”
“Miss Kogami, can I take a picture!?”
“Whoa! She really does have ears growing out of her head!”
“Awesome!”
“She’s that tiny, and still a Ranker!?”
“H-hey! Don’t crowd me like this! You’re disturbing the other people, aren’t you!?”
“It’s Inari in the flesh!”
“Hey, over here, over here!”
The more people shouted, the more others gathered—it was quickly becoming unmanageable. That was the nature of a crowd. Security awakeners rushed over, but of course they couldn’t just grab people and toss them away. All they could do was shout through a megaphone, “Please disperse!” At best, one or two people obeyed.
At this rate, someone was bound to get hurt in the pushing and shoving. Inari, though she was a fox, resolved to harden her heart and give a proper scolding. She drew in a sharp breath to project her voice—
“The Hero was just seen walking near the kimono shops!”
A clear voice rang out.
The crowd went still. Then, like a wave, shrieks of shock and excitement rolled through.
“Eh, no way! Aozora’s here!?”
“For real, the Hero!? Where’s the kimono shop!?”
“Crap, there are three kimono shops!”
“Doesn’t matter, let’s go!”
“Mr. Aozora!!”
The mob scattered in all directions, chasing after the rumor.
Left behind were Inari and the security awakeners. The awakeners gave her a polite bow and returned to their posts.
“Well, well… somehow I was saved. I suppose I owe thanks to whoever shouted just now.”
“You’re welcome.”
Hearing that, Inari turned—and saw a girl wedged between two buildings, munching on a croquette.
“Hold on. It’s mentaiko time right now.”
“O-oh. Very well.”
After finishing her croquette, the girl tossed the wrapper into a trash bin and walked up to Inari.
“All done. Sorry to keep you.”
“It wasn’t much of a wait… but no matter. Thank you for before.”
The girl had a peculiar rhythm to her speech. Inari bowed deeply.
Honestly, Inari could have changed the atmosphere by scolding the crowd, but with that many people someone might still have gotten hurt. By comparison, the girl’s method had been spot-on. That was why Inari felt genuine gratitude.
The girl tilted her head.
“It wasn’t that big a deal.”
“Even if you say that, you helped me. That’s all that matters.”
“… I see.”
“Mm.”
A gentle mood settled between them. Then Inari remembered something.
“Ah yes, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Kogami Inari.”
“Kogami… Inari. Yeah, I know. I’m Suzuno Shion.”
“Suzuno… oh, I’ve heard that name. A Top Ranker, if I recall?”
Rank 4, “Submarine” Suzuno Shion. Said to specialize in underwater combat. That she was here meant she was likely on duty.
“Yeah. Rank 4. But not many people recognize my face.”
“Mm? Is that so?”
“Yeah. I’m not good at idol stuff.”
“I see…”
Indeed, among the Top 5 Rankers, the least recognizable face was Shion’s. She hadn’t signed any contracts as a corporate mascot, so her face was rarely seen at all.
“That must have been hard on you.”
“Not really. People thought I’d die quickly anyway.”
“…Hm?”
“If you don’t mind, let’s cross over. Too many people here.”
“Mm… very well.”
Inari had intended to head over to Kawaguchi anyway. She nodded, and together with Shion boarded the ferry.
It seemed to be a light day; no other passengers were on board. When they arrived at Kawaguchi Port, Shion sat on a bench and patted the spot beside her. Inari perched there lightly.
“Awakeners who can fight underwater… people called us the ‘New Generation Awakeners.’ But most of them don’t want to dive anymore. Do you know why?”
“Well… people aren’t born to live in the water. Perhaps a deep-rooted fear of it?”
“That’s part of it. But the biggest reason is the death rate.”
Shion paused. Inari already sensed what came next.
“When the New Generation appeared, Japan had seventy-eight water-adapted awakeners. Every single one of them died. Worldwide—death rate, one hundred percent. It’s not as bad now, but only because almost everyone gave up on underwater combat. If you give up on being active, you can still find other work.”
“What a thing to hear…”
“Even now, I’m one of the only specialists left. That’s how lethal it is. People still assume I’ll die. So… not many people are interested in me.”