"Do you know anything about Rinji Takamine's true identity?" Kaguya asked Hayasaka.
"No clues so far," Hayasaka replied, shaking her head. "We only know that he has very close ties with IW. Public records say he was a second lieutenant in a Middle East combat unit, currently assigned to Japan's scientific research division—but that feels like the version they want us to see. His real identity remains a mystery."
"IW wouldn't have targeted the Shinomiya Group four years ago just because of some soldier. There must be a deeper reason," Kaguya murmured from the car's backseat.
Though she wasn't allowed to interfere in family business, there were certain names and organizations even she had been warned never to provoke.
One of them was IW.
"IW—short for Isaac Worldwide—emerged after the Cold War. Its industries span military, communications, healthcare, transport, finance, construction... It's one of the few groups even the Shinomiya family doesn't dare challenge."
"Its predecessor was a military contractor that thrived during times of conflict. Some say they started with leftover Soviet weapons, but that's just a rumor," Hayasaka added. "In the early 2000s, they were involved in many major international incidents."
"So basically, a war profiteer," Kaguya frowned. "But... this is one of the few organizations that even my father fears."
"Understandably so. They've always been ruthless. Many in their combat division have faced military tribunals and openly violated the Geneva Conventions... but now, no one dares say a word."
"What's Rinji Takmine's relationship with them? Why would they act on his behalf?"
"Still unknown. I looked into their public-facing CEOs," Hayasaka explained. "The first was George Schekic, a former member of the U.S. 75th Ranger Regiment, retired ten years ago. The current one is Sagara Sosuke, a Japanese national. Neither has any ties to Rinji Takamine."
"So just figureheads... meaning there's someone behind the scenes?"
"Yes. Supposedly, only those who experienced the 1999 incident know the true founder. He's the one pulling all the strings—a nightmare figure for that generation. But there's no trace of him anywhere."
"This is getting more and more complicated..."
"But you don't need to worry, milady. We're just students. Even if Rinji has some deep background, he probably wouldn't do anything to you at school."
"He did say he wouldn't bother me, but..."
"But?"
"He's definitely the one sabotaging my plans!"
Kaguya covered her face.
"He's always saying bad things about me to the president and constantly interfering with my chances to get him to confess..."
"...Didn't you say earlier you didn't care?"
"Anyway! I need to stay on guard! He's absolutely trying to ruin things between me and the president!"
---
"President, if we're going to work together, let's at least exchange contact info… Oh right, you guys don't use WeChat here. Let's add each other on LINE."
Rinji Takamine pulled out his phone.
Since Shirogane had decided to get involved, Rinji figured he might as well support his plans.
"Uh… about that…"
"What, are you shy or something?"
"No… it's just… I don't have a phone."
"..."
"You know how expensive smartphones are. Even the cheapest one would take weeks of part-time pay, and I use that money to support my family. So, by the time it gets to me..."
"Okay, I get it."
Yao rummaged through his bag and pulled out a thick smartphone, placing it in front of Shirogane.
"This is…?"
"A phone. Borrow it for a while. I'll contact you through this one."
"Thanks!"
Shirogane pressed the power button but saw only a scanning screen—nothing else.
"Is it broken?"
"Oh, it just hasn't been registered yet."
Rinji took the phone back, tapped around for a moment, then pointed the screen at Shirogane's face.
[User confirmed.]
"This is a device made by my organization, for use in C4ISR tactical command systems. I usually carry two, just in case."
"Wow… that sounds… complicated."
Shirogane didn't really get it, but it sounded cool.
"So, tell me what kind of help you need. Gathering intel is no big deal, but your main goal is to get closer to the Shinomiya girl, right?"
"Yeah."
"Remember what I told you. Don't ever confess."
"Got it. Wait for her to confess to me."
"If she has any brains at all, she won't confess to you either," Rinji said flatly.
"Eh? Why?"
"Because confessions are useless."
"Huh?"
"After reflecting on my failed romance, I've realized the core truth of love," Rinji said seriously. "Confessing is pointless."
"..."
"I didn't get to finish last time because Fujiwara interrupted me, but love is about gradually becoming someone the other person falls for. A confession just tells them you like them. The former is a long-term investment. The latter is going all-in. Anyone with a brain wouldn't go all-in."
"...Takamine-kun, do you really think confessions don't work?"
"Of course. If just saying 'I like you' makes someone devote themselves to you, that's not a girlfriend—that's a mom."
"..."