Stealing Spree

“This little--! Oi. Do you think I won’t hit someone like you?” His face scrunching up into an ugly scowl, the pompadour man tried pulling his arm out of my grip.

Too bad for him, it’s impossible.

“From how soft your arm is, I bet you’re the type who’s always relying on others.”

I put on a mocking expression and tightened my grip on his wrist. Just like I said, his arm was too soft. It’s like all he had going for himself was his out-of-its-era hairstyle and glamorous suit.

I was aware that provoking him wouldn’t lighten the situation. However, just from how he so easily tried to use force to make Auntie Yayoi come with him and how he ignored my question, I had to nail in his mind that we’re not going to be a pushover.

Auntie Yayoi would probably even feel bad that their guest in their house stepped into this rather troubling situation.

“You don’t have to do this, Onoda-kun. Let an adult handle this.”

As expected, from behind me, Mina’s mother wouldn’t just stay silent, she grabbed my shoulder and tried to pull me back as she whispered that.

Should I do just that? Of course not. I just shook my head to her and gave her a reassuring smile to let me handle the situation. Whether she accepted that or not, I had no time to confirm anymore.

The two thugs behind the man in suit had started to move.

Compared to this man who started to feel the pain from my grip, I was more cautious against those two because of their body builds that they kept on flaunting since earlier. They’re definitely hired muscles to be used in solving issues through violence.

That’s why before they could jump at me, I yanked the man in suit, turned him around, and put him in an armlock. This way, he became our shield.

“Argh! Damn it! Let go of me! What the hell is with his strength?!” He immediately cried out and struggled but the more he did that, the more pain coursed through his arm. If he’s not careful, he would break his arm himself.

Not that I care too much about it. Nevertheless, with their idea still a mystery, I had to be a little careful.

From how he uncaringly banged on their door and invited himself in, he’s definitely used to doing that as if the law was just a piece of paper that he could use to wipe his snot in.

Although he’s not that knowledgeable about Yakuza. He wouldn’t believe it if this man claimed to be one. Noble houses might be lowered to just influential families but those organized crime groups were still existing in the shadows.

They wouldn’t openly raid someone’s house and kidnap its resident.

There must be more story to this and Auntie Yayoi held the clue to it. But before that, I had to make sure that they’re repelled today. I’ll worry about what’s going to happen next once they leave.

“W-what are you two doing?! Hurry and get this pipsqueak off me!” Amidst his pained grunts, he shouted at the two who stopped in their steps.

The two thugs looked at each other and began treading carefully.

At least they’re aware that if they move carelessly, their boss would suffer more.

While taking a step back, I gestured for Auntie Yayoi to do the same.

She’s still worried that I stepped in her problem but she finally understood the situation. She resolutely nodded, removed her hands from my shoulder and retreated.

Once I saw that she’s at a considerable distance, I tightened the armlock resulting in the man in suit screaming louder and the two thugs panicking.

Of course, they’re still deliberating to move unless they’re sure that they could take me down and liberate their boss. However, it would also turn disadvantageous to me if this situation wasn’t resolved soon.

“I know you’re in pain. So, spit it out. You’re all adults and here you are trespassing and attempting to kidnap its resident. For your information, I called the police before coming out to look. They’ll be here at any moment.”

“State your business. Who you are, who sent you and why are you trying to take auntie with you? Also, stop squirming. I can’t guarantee your arm won’t break if you continue being stubborn. It’s an easy question.”

As I said that, I gradually loosened the lock on his arm to give him some slight relief. However, every time the two thugs would attempt to move closer, I’d just revert it back to where he’s about to cry from the excruciating pain.

“I-I’ll tell you! So let go!”

“Do you still take me as a pipsqueak? I’ve had my fair share of dealing with unreasonable people like you but if you want to forfeit your arms then so be it.”

I exhaled a fake sigh before using my other hand to grab his other arm and locking it just the same.

At this point, I already saw from beyond their front door that onlookers began to gather. That’s thanks to the racket they made earlier and to the volume of his screams as if he’s a pig being gutted.

His knees gradually bent as kneeled down powerlessly on the floor.

Fortunately, my gamble paid off. Perhaps he’s finding himself close to losing his consciousness from the pain, he blurted out his answer to my questions in quick succession.

And upon hearing those, Auntie Yayoi that’s standing behind exclaimed in utter disbelief. “I-it can’t be. He’s not that kind of man.”

-

-

A few minutes later, the two thugs carried the man in suit, who had already lost consciousness, in a hurry. They forcefully parted the onlookers outside to leave and get in their vehicle as the sound of a siren gradually became clear.

For insurance, instead of releasing that man after answering the questions and verifying that it was the truth, I hit the back of his head, rendering him unconscious.

Naturally, that made the two thugs furious. I was prepared to block their charge and defend against them when Mina emerged from where she was hiding.

Her phone was on loudspeaker, the operator of the emergency calling updating her of the ETA of their dispatched officers.

With that, instead of attacking, they decided to just pick up the man and flee.

When the police arrived, we gave the testimony as well as the recording Mina took.

After watching what transpired, I received praises from them and… a reminder not to do the same stunt again.

Well, they thought it was reckless of me but if not for that, Auntie Yayoi would be taken by them.

Speaking of Auntie Yayoi, she’s still in shock upon hearing who sent them to take her away.

I still had no idea who that was but if it’s enough to put her into shock then he’s probably someone she knew personally, closely even.

The police officers asked her to come with them to file a case but Mina told them that they’d come later to do that. Acknowledging their choices, they left the house to report and chase after those three.

With the front door closed once more, silence finally returned in the house.

Mina guided her mother to the sofa and had her sit on it. She’s more suited to talk to her after all. Instead, I took the tea her mother brewed and reheated it to serve it to them.

A while later, when Auntie Yayoi finally got out of her shock, Mina started her question, “Mom, who is Iwakiri?”