Chapter 31 read the self-criticism aloud in public, slapping Rum's face repeatedly...
Scotland was punished.
He wasn't Black Cherry and didn't have immunity from punishment, so he needed to write a three-thousand-word self-criticism and read it aloud in front of everyone in the training ground to wake up the others in the organization.
Scotland upon receiving the punitive email: ? ? ?
No, does the organization also do this kind of inspection?
In a daze, Scotland thought he was in school.
The punishment was so bizarre that Scotland immediately took out her phone to show it to Chinatsu Kotori, hoping to get some inspiration from her.
"Read a self-criticism! I've read one before!" Takanashi Chinatsu's eyes lit up instantly.
You actually studied it!
So this isn't the first time the organization has imposed this punishment?
"I'll write it! I'll write it for you!" Takanashi Chinatsu rubbed her hands together, eager to try, her excitement barely contained.
Scotland almost instinctively sensed something was wrong and immediately refused: "No need, I'll do this myself."
Chika Takanashi tried to argue, "My apology is great! And you were punished because of me, so of course I should write it. Come on, I can even read it for you."
She's an expert at writing self-criticisms!
First, loudly proclaim her great achievements, then write about how Rum was made fools of by her, so that everyone on the training field can have their fill of gossip, and finally, offer a perfunctory apology, saying that she was wrong, and that's it!
Anyway, she was happy, so what did it matter to her whether Rum was happy or not?
Unfortunately, ever since she read a self-criticism aloud at the organization, her husband has never made her read one again.
Scotland made a mistake this time, what a great opportunity!
"Scotland, writing a self-criticism is too much for you. You clearly have no experience. Leave it all to me."
Seeing that Chinatsu Takanashi was getting more and more excited, Scotland became even more determined: "No need, I'll do it myself."
"Are you sure you don't need it?" Takanashi Chinatsu blinked cutely.
Scotland turned its head away, pretending not to see, showing no sign of softening its stance.
What kind of gift is this...?
Back in Tokyo, standing in the training field at the base, Scotland held a few thin sheets of paper and braced himself to face everyone's gaze.
Rum didn't come, which was inevitable. He's always been very mysterious, and even his old man appearance was a disguise.
However, there were many members of Rum's faction, all of whom were eyeing him covetously, especially Bourbon, who was so eager to devour him alive.
Don't do this, Zero...
Scotland was also desperate; he was forced into it and didn't want to read his apology in public.
Damn it, how could he have been so bewitched that he actually listened to Black Cherry and kicked the person down?
"Go Scotland!" Chinatsu clenched her fist and shouted encouragement to Scotland.
Scotland:……
He realized that among everyone present, only Chinatsu Takanashi was truly happy.
She truly has no regard for human life or death!
Scotland lowered his head and muttered, "This morning, I was by the lake in Nagano..."
Unlike Takanashi Chika, Scotland certainly wouldn't deliberately provoke Rum, nor did he currently have the means to do so. But there was no other way; when writing a self-criticism, one had to clearly explain the whole story, especially since three thousand words was not a short piece, and it would be really difficult to reach the required length without stating the reasons.
So everyone on the training field heard that Rum had been kicked into the water.
Everyone stared wide-eyed, looking at Scotland, then at Chika, then back at Scotland, before finally gasping in unison.
We're doomed! Another troublemaker has emerged in the organization!
"...I deeply apologize for this matter. My actions have caused serious physical and emotional harm to Lord Rum. I hope the organization will supervise me, and I will never make the same mistake again." After finally finishing reading the three thousand words, Scotland bowed deeply and remained standing for a long time as if his back was broken.
"Clap clap clap!" Chinatsu clapped her hands and shouted, "Well done!"
Scotland:……
That's it, his back is really going to break this time.
"Heh." Bourbon sneered and was the first to walk towards Scotland, his tone full of gritted teeth. "I never expected that someone who usually seems so honest would do something like this."
Scotland straightened up, but his gaze was somewhat unfocused.
“I really underestimated you, Scotland!” Bourbon snapped.
The rebuke from his childhood friend snapped Scotland back to reality. He quickly got into character, smiled slightly, and said in a gentle yet infuriating tone, "Are you underestimating me, Bourbon? People in the intelligence group probably look down on us action team members, right? Although you usually act like you're on good terms with everyone, you're just judging everyone, weighing them to see how much value you can extract from them."
Bourbon's expression changed, and he angrily retorted, "What nonsense are you spouting!"
The conversation quickly shifted from Rum back to the dispute between Bourbon and Scotland, with the two exchanging barbs but both letting out a sigh of relief.
But soon, a chilling voice brought the topic back: "You did a very good job, Scotland. For anyone in the organization, challenging oneself is a required course."
It's Gin.
Gin's appearance instantly attracted everyone's attention, and his provocation of Rum further enraged Rum's faction.
Who among those standing here, especially the codenamed members of the intelligence group, isn't a shrewd and capable individual? Bourbon dared to launch an attack on Scotland, but no one dared to directly charge at Gin.
Even Bourbon kept his mouth shut, looking like he dared not speak out against his anger.
“I have high hopes for you.” Gin walked over and patted Scotland on the shoulder with recognition.
Scotland's mood immediately became even heavier.
Gin makes it sound so easy, saying that people in any organization should dare to challenge others. Why doesn't he mention that those who fail in their challenges pay the ultimate price?
But Scotland couldn't argue at this moment. He either had to fall out with Rum and Gin, or he had to take advantage of Gin's influence. He knew exactly what to choose.
"Don't say that. I still respect my seniors, like you, Gin. You fought your way up step by step with real swords and spears. I admire your pragmatism the most." Scotland smiled gently at Gin, his words carrying a hidden meaning.
Since we've already offended Rum, let's completely break off relations.
Since Gin wants to take advantage of his influence, then let's grab him with all our might.
As an undercover agent, one must climb the ranks by any means necessary. After today, he will be viewed very differently by others.
More ambitious, more powerful, and more influential.
Since we can't patiently lie low, let's be the most audacious one!
"Isn't that a bit of a misrepresentation? Lord Rum is just as pragmatic." A nonchalant voice came from behind. Bacardi smiled, and although he was older than Gin, he was even more unrestrained. He walked over and gently hooked his arm around Gin's shoulder.
Gin gave him a cold look.
Bacardi showed no fear whatsoever, and even whistled softly in Gin's ear. The old men of the Rum faction who saw Bacardi seemed to have found their backbone, and their eyes became firm again.
Bacardi looked at Scotland with a hint of contempt in his voice: "A newbie who has only been in the organization for a few years, the more ignorant you are, the bigger your arrogance becomes. You should have found out who the real workhorse in the organization was before Gin became the organization's top killer."
The smile on Scotland's face faded, and he stared warily at Bacardi.
"Back then, this organization was mostly supported by Lord Rum, and you're here talking about pragmatists?" Bacardi scoffed.
Scotland immediately looked at Gin, only to find that although the other man's expression was indifferent, he showed no intention of refuting her.
It's true.
He immediately realized this, and his palms were instantly sweating. Was this the pragmatic second-in-command who had once controlled most of the organization? That was far more terrifying than the mystic Rum.
"A hero doesn't dwell on past glories! Is Rum getting old? He won't show up himself, but he's sent you here instead," Takanashi Chinatsu rebuked mercilessly.
Bacardi gave Takanashi Chinatsu a helpless look, softening his voice and even coaxing her, "Little princess, please don't embarrass me, okay?"
Takanashi Chika showed no mercy and continued, "Ten years ago, it was Rum's world, but now it's Gin's world. Can you deny it?"
Gin stiffened, his gaze sweeping coldly over Takanashi Chika.
Bacardi's expression also changed, and he tried to stop him with a somewhat unpleasant look.
But Chinatsu Takanashi continued arrogantly, "Am I wrong? Rum is not as good as before. He can't even be considered to be on par with Gin. Gin will crush Rum under his feet sooner or later!"
She took a step forward, making a stomping motion.
With a "thud," as Chika Takanashi landed, Scotland's heart trembled, and everyone present felt their hearts tremble with her movement.
Bacardi immediately fell silent. He reluctantly released Gin, opened his mouth several times as if to say something, but in the end, he said nothing and slunk away.
"Gin, I'm speaking up for you!" Takanashi Chinatsu looked at Gin triumphantly.
Gin's eyes glowed with a sinister green light, like a wolf lurking in the darkness, enraged yet suppressing its fury, still silently hiding in the grass.
After a long pause, he gave a meaningful chuckle and asked, "Are you speaking up for me?"
Takanashi Chinatsu felt a little guilty, but she still forced herself to stay strong: "Yeah, I spoke up for you, didn't you hear me? I even managed to shut down Bacardi."
"Thank you so much," Gin said casually.
Chika suddenly felt a chill, grabbed Scotland's hand, and hurriedly pulled him away.
It was already dark. Scotland burned the apology with a lighter next to the trash can, looking at Takanashi Chinatsu with a complicated expression.
Chinatsu's eyes were fixed on her toes, lost in thought.
"You did it on purpose." is a declarative sentence.
Scotland tossed away the last embers, letting the last piece of paper burn to ashes on the floor, and rubbed his temples with a headache.
"Why?" He didn't understand.
“Because I hate Gin.” Takanashi Chinatsu stubbornly raised her head, staring into Scottish’s eyes as she asked, “I know he’s good to me, and I trust him, but that doesn’t change the fact that I hate him. Is that so hard to understand?”
Recalling the rumors circulating within the organization, and the scattered truths pieced together from Takanashi Chika's words, Scotland smiled bitterly and said, "If he did hurt the people close to you, yet he was very good to you, then it's not hard to understand. Love and hate aren't always so clearly defined."
"As long as I'm here, he won't be able to take any further steps easily." Takanashi Chinatsu looked up at the starry sky, fully aware of what she was doing.
Sooner or later, she and Gin will truly be locked in a life-or-death struggle.
A note from the author:
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China: I support trampling Rum underfoot!
Chinatsu did it on purpose. She knew that these words would reach Karasuma Renya's ears, and Karasuma Renya would definitely be wary of Gin because of it. So far, the desire for revenge still prevails.
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