Macho Man Doesn't want a Slice-of-Life

Four years ago.

The suicide of the president of Amano Pharmaceuticals didn't stir much attention. It was as if someone wanted to keep the matter quiet.

But just three days ago, a fire broke out at an internet company and a media outlet. The remains of the executives found inside had been reduced to charred corpses. According to autopsy reports, they had already died before the fire started.

Cause of death: stab wounds—fatal strikes to vital organs.

"Mmm… mmph…"

Inside the office of a pharmaceutical company, over thirty executives were tied to chairs, their mouths stuffed with cloth. Every one of them had fear in their eyes.

Lying on the ground in front of them was a middle-aged man foaming at the mouth, eyes bloodshot and devoid of light.

A twelve-year-old boy threw aside a syringe and peeled off his plastic gloves.

"Just as I thought. Uncle Amano's suicide involved all of you. To get the license for the new drug, you colluded with the Shinomiya family's media companies to spread falsehoods. You even found and threatened Uncle Amano's family... I guess that's the Shinomiya family for you. Filthy to the core. Unfortunately for you, you ran into me."

Rinji chuckled and kicked the unconscious man aside.

"Your president was loyal to the Shinomiya family. No matter what I asked, he kept his mouth shut. Good thing I brought truth serum. Though I forgot to dilute it. Three doses and he's probably not salvageable."

He walked up to one of the bound, gagged men, ignoring his tear- and snot-covered face, and patted his cheek.

"After Uncle Amano died, I realized something. Even if I killed all of you, he wouldn't come back… But this is a matter of principle. So unfortunately, none of you are going to walk out alive."

"Mmph!! MMMPH!!!"

"If you're trying to say you have a wife and kids and want me to spare you—sorry. I'll just send them along to keep you company."

Rinji suddenly grinned and grabbed the man's face.

"You have to pay the price for your actions. And I get to decide what that price is."

Beep-beep-beep~

From outside, sirens wailed. Through the window, Rinji saw police cars pull up. Officers with riot shields and guns poured out, forming a line.

"So it's the Japanese police."

Rinji let go and walked out of the building alone.

"Don't move!!"

As Rinji emerged, the armed officers all aimed their guns at him.

The lead officer, tall and helmeted, stepped forward and barked, "Takamine Rinji, you are suspected of multiple homicides and threatening public safety. Cooperate with our investigation."

"No need to say 'suspected.' I killed those forty-something people."

Despite the guns pointed at him, Rinji showed no fear—just a bright smile.

Raising his hands in mock surrender, he smiled and said, "But maybe get your priorities straight. There are still a few people tied up inside. Aren't you going to save them?"

The officer glanced behind and seemed to radio for orders.

Eventually, five officers broke off to head into the building. The rest kept their guns trained on Rinji.

"Officer, may I ask a question?"

"Shut up! Hands behind your head, squat down!"

"Never mind. I don't hold a grudge against you. You can all walk away unharmed… but…"

Suddenly, Rinji's fingers opened, and the officer saw a small remote in his hand.

"You—!"

Click.

BOOOOOOM!!!

The moment he pressed the button, the entire building erupted in flames, the explosion lighting up the sky.

The officers who had gone inside were blown back by the shockwave, landing next to their commander.

Thanks to their armor, none were killed, but they were definitely injured.

The people tied up inside, though, were beyond saving.

"You bastard!!!"

All the officers aimed their rifles at Rinji's head, fingers tightening on their triggers, awaiting the commander's order.

"Commander!"

A subordinate rushed to the officer's side, hesitating before speaking.

"Higher-ups… told us to back off. They said someone else will handle this."

"What!?"

"Don't be surprised. The higher-ups just need my help for something. Don't look too deep into the politics. There's nothing in it for you," Rinji said as he yawned and stretched. He turned to leave.

"Stop! Or I'll give the order to fire!!"

"If you want to shoot, just shoot. Scum like me dying would be good for society. However…"

Rinji pointed upward.

Suddenly, everyone noticed at least two red laser dots moving across each of their bodies.

The commander scanned the area and saw snipers aiming from nearby rooftops.

"..."

"Understand the situation now, officer? This isn't the place for heroism."

Rinji walked up and patted the man's shoulder before heading off.

"Stop right there!!"

The officer roared, gun still aimed. "Even if that's the case, I'll kill you today! Someone who treats life like garbage shouldn't be allowed to exist!"

Rinji halted.

He turned and walked straight up to the man, grabbed the rifle, and pointed the barrel at his own head.

"You…"

"Shoot."

"What?"

The officer froze.

"Today isn't the end. I still need to settle accounts with the Shinomiya family. More people will die by my hands. You're right. So shoot me."

"..."

The officer desperately wanted to pull the trigger—but his finger trembled, unable to move.

"If you're wondering what will happen if you shoot, I'll tell you. First, your subordinates will be killed. Then your family. Even if you flee Japan, they'll hunt you down to the ends of the earth."

"..."

As he instinctively tried to lower the gun, Rinji held it firmly against his own head.

"But it's worth it. I'll kill thousands, maybe tens of thousands. I can't stop—this is my job. Killing me now would save all of them. A small sacrifice for countless lives. So shoot."

"No…"

"Do it."

"I can't…"

"SHOOT!!"

Smack!

The officer suddenly shouted and yanked his gun away.

Sweating profusely, he stared at this small boy. What he felt wasn't human.

"Why didn't you shoot?"

Rinji wasn't mocking him. He looked genuinely disappointed.

"You want to kill me in the name of justice, right? Watching a murderer walk free—is that justice?"

The officer clenched his teeth. He wanted to lift the gun and pull the trigger.

But the orders from above and fear for his family kept him frozen.

Rinji walked away. The officer remained still.

Among the riot squad, one man watched Rinji's retreating back, slowly clenching his fist.

"Takamine Rinji… I will execute you."

---

"The challenger has entered! Now, let's welcome the one being challenged—'Calamity'—Takamine Rinji!!!"

As Sayaka's voice echoed, Rinji stretched his neck and walked into the arena through a burst of fireworks, stepping in front of Akoya Seishu.

Akoya's expression was grim. His piercing eyes locked onto Rinji, as if ready to kill.

"Takamine Rinji."

He took a stance, glaring at the boy before him.

"Four years ago, I followed orders and spared you. But today is different."

"Yeah. It is different."

Rinji smiled and took his stance as well.

The match—or rather, the bloodshed—had officially begun.