Strange Grief Wants to Retire ~ The Weakest Hunter Dreams of a Hero ~

Chapter227，Part2: 2 - Dangerous Organizations ②

Chapter 227 Dangerous Organizations ②

Part 2

He moves like a shadow. The “Thief King (Tozoku Ou)”, Gaff Shenfelder, is a master of stealth.

He used to lead a large band of thieves who made their living by 『Stealing』.

He broke into banks, he broke into museums. He once broke into a Treasure Shrine and snatched a Relic that appeared at the far end of the Treasure Shrine without even fighting once against a Phantom. Even after he joined the organization, he has been contributing to the organization by stealing things because of his ability. Of course, his fighting abilities were not low, but his Mana Material growth was completely oriented towards his thieving abilities.

Gaff was selected for this mission because it was crucial to seize the 『Key of the Earth』.

Even if his companions were caught, Gaff was to run away with it. It shows, how much potential he has.

He took the Fox-God “Miko (Shrine Maiden)” with him and went to the Boss. They were guided to the back of a luxury inn where noblemen and other important people stayed.

It did not face the main street, but there were people watching. And the Boss was standing comfortably in such a place.

An imposing and dignified stance that is unbecoming of someone from a secret organization. The way he crossed his arms without worrying about the countless stares he was receiving was truly befitting of a transcendent being.

Gaff would never be able to do that. He wouldn’t even think of doing that.

Wearing a “Byakko (White Fox)” mask, the Boss says admiringly.

“You really came when I called you. Such diligence.” (Cry)

“I am honored by your compliment. Boss.” (Gaff)

The Boss’s――A superior’s orders take precedence over everything else. The Fox-God “Miko (Shrine Maiden)”, who had been at ease against Gaff, also appears to be somewhat nervous.

But it was the woman behind the Boss that Gaff was curious about.

A characteristic reddish-brown armor. A katana at her waist. The Mana Material emanating from her body was comparable to that of Gaff, but unlike Gaff, her growth orientation was more combat-oriented.

She is strong. If she is a Hunter, she definitely has an Alias.

There was a crimson fox mask on her face. Her shining pair of eyes were like flames and were peeking out from behind the mask’s eye holes.

“Boss…… Who is this person?” (Gaff)

“Aaaah, I was wondering if you guys needed some help on the things I asked you to do. You are a little short-staffed, right? That’s why I called her. Even if she looks like this, this Tsuneko?here is really talented. And she has a lot of subordinates.” (Cry)

Tsune…… Ko? There is no “Even if she looks like this”, no matter how I look at her she is not ordinary……

In front of Gaff’s puzzled eyes, the armored woman stepped forward and said in a quiet voice.

“I’m Tsuneko! By the Boss’s order, we will participate in your battle, but you do not have the authority to give us order. I want you to treat us as mere collaborators.” (Tsuneko)

Contrary to her tone, her voice was full of tremendous fighting spirit.

So this is…… The execution unit directly under the Boss’s order that I heard rumors about…… Then Gaff made a small groan, but that was when he realized.

These guys…… Aren’t they 《Torch Knights (Touka Kish-Dan)》?

《Torch Knights (Touka Kish-Dan)》.

They are a unified, multiple Party wearing reddish-brown equipment. They are a genuine fighting group that travels around the country chasing after powerful Monsters and bounty hunters.

The leader of their group is Kongoin Touka, a swordswoman, and an Ikkitousen’s samurai. She had crushed several of our main organizations in the past and is a genuine enemy of the “Fox (Kitsune)”.

And――She was one of the people who was supposed to be taken care of in Plan A.

She wears a fox mask, but her appearance matched the characteristics we obtained from prior research about her.

“………………” (Gaff)

“Huh? You don’t like it?” (Cry)

The Boss called out to Gaff carefreely when he showed his thought without outwardly expressing them.

《Torch Knights (Touka Kish-Dan)》 is a mercenary group who work for money, but they know the difference between profit and loss. Even if they were offered thousands of gold bars, they would not work with a criminal organization. It was because they knew that it was more efficient and safer that way.

However, the strange woman who calls herself Tsuneko had her arms crossed and was wearing a fox mask.

“………… No, not at all. I appreciate your consideration.” (Gaff)

He no longer knew what was going on at all. Gaff, feeling like he had been ridiculed by a fox, somehow managed to speak up, when the Boss was, for some reason, *pan* clapping his hands happily.

§　§　§

The Fox Mask Fan Club took Touka with them and went away. Feeling like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders, I did a big stretch.

“Yep, nice, nice, nice……” (Cry)

It is a perfect plan that makes all my worries disappear at once. It was all thanks to Sytry-chan, who contributed a gracious sum to Touka.

I should thank her later.

This will probably destroy some criminal organizations. Whether they are large or small, criminal organizations are popping up like bamboo shoots after the rain, so it will be impossible to eradicate them, but this would be better than nothing.

As I lightly relaxed my body, the recruiter girl who came with the Fox Mask Fan Club guy praised me in a solemn voice.

“”Byakko-sama (White Fox)”. What a wonderful plan.” (Sora)

“…… Why are you still here?” (Cry)

“There is…… Nothing more important than serving by your excellence’s side.” (Sora)

She was so serious. The Fox Mask Fan Club…… What kind of organization is this? It sounds kind of tedious.

However, this is problematic. What will Sytry and the others say if I bring in a girl like her……?

As she was the only one not wearing a fox mask, I could see her face and she seemed to be somewhat nervous, I wonder what my position is in all this.

Uuuumu……

“Erm……” (Cry)

“………… I am Sora Zoro, one of the “Miko (Shrine Maiden)” of the Fox God. Please call me Sora.” (Sora)

The “Miko (Shrine Maiden)” who was called Sora said that with a face that seems to have lost some of its colors.

A “Miko (Shrine Maiden)” of the Fox-God…… I have never heard of them, but maybe they are well known in their association.

It is a little embarrassing, but I should probably make sure to confirm this with her.

When I cleared my throat a little, I asked what I had always wanted to ask in shame.

“Sora, I have always been curious about it, but…… Is this mask so rare?” (Cry)

“…………………… Eh?” (Sora)

Author’s note:

When you talk about spin-off, it’s gotta be gourmet! So, I posted a gourmet spin-off where Master starts a coffee shop.

It’s all comedy, so if you’d like to check it out!

Just eat it and you will get stronger!? ??? The strongest hunter’s different dimension recipe-I can’t cook, but I’ve started a coffee shop …-

https:ncode.syosetu.com/n2336gg/

I have also posted a StranGri article in my activity report.

Hope to see you there too!

/Tsukikage

TL notes:

Thanks for reading!

Tsukikage-sensei made a Strange Grief Spin-off on May, 5th 2020.

It ended after 14 chapters + 2 extra chapters.

Tell me if you want to read it or not. I might consider translating it if I have time.

Tchao à plus!

Footnotes

Tsuneko: Cry did a short pun with her name by shortening Kitsune (Fox) to Tsune and adding -ko which is a suffix attached to girls’ name.Ikkitousen: it means a mighty warrior who matches a thousand knights.Popping up like bamboo shoots after the rain: A Japanese idiom meaning that the criminal organizations pop out very quickly and in large quantities.