Tokyo International Airport – 9:00 PM
"So, you're the infamous Saikyou Brothers," Aspect said, his gaze sharp.
"Yes, we are," the elder brother replied coldly.
"I'd like to ask you a few questions—"
"We're not here to answer questions," the younger brother interrupted, drawing his weapon. "We're here to end you."
"Step aside, big brother. This punk is mine."
"Tch... fine. I'll let you handle him."
"So, you're the first to die," the younger brother sneered.
"Oh? You think you can kill me?" Aspect smiled faintly. "Go ahead, try."
"You're dead, kid!"
The younger Saikyou brother lunged with his blade, but Aspect casually raised a single hand—and stopped the weapon mid-air.
"What...?"
CRACK!
With a flick of his wrist, Aspect shattered the weapon into pieces.
"Wha—how did you...?" The brother staggered back, stunned. "Who are you?"
"I'm not in the mood to answer. Now... it's my turn."
Before he could blink, Aspect was in front of him.
SLASH!
"AAARGH! My hand!"
"Now, answer me. Who sent you to Japan?"
"You bastard! I'll never talk!"
"Wrong answer." Aspect twisted his grip.
CRACK!
"AAAH! My other hand! You... you demon...!"
"I warned you. You only have two hands. One more wrong answer and you'll lose more than limbs."
"Fine! I'll talk!"
"Good."
"We came to assassinate a man in Japan. A company hired us... BLF Tycoons."
Aspect's eyes narrowed. "You mean William James? The rival of Hitachi Corporation?"
"Yes... yes! That's the one! He wanted to eliminate Satoshi Nakamoto."
"Why?"
"He couldn't surpass Hitachi, so he tried to eliminate one of its key men. He thought removing Nakamoto would damage the company's structure."
"I see. Thank you for your cooperation."
"You'll let me go now, right?"
Aspect picked up the broken weapon.
"W-wait... why are you holding that?"
"Because you lied to me. And sometimes... lies are necessary to protect the innocent."
"No... no, please—!"
"You asked who I am. Let me answer now."
Aspect stepped forward, eyes gleaming with lethal resolve.
"I am the Perfect Detective."
"Y-you're... Aspect?!"
"Seems I'm famous now."
SLASH!
The younger brother collapsed, lifeless.
---
Meanwhile...
Andrew was locked in a fierce battle with the elder Saikyou brother. Blood stained the floor. The older assassin's blade sliced through the air.
Andrew's breathing was heavy. He had let his guard down for a moment—enough for a fatal blow.
"This is the end for you!" the older brother roared, charging forward.
Andrew's eyes focused on the glint of steel, then shifted to a weapon lying nearby.
Now or never.
As the enemy raised his sword, Andrew reached for the blade and hurled it toward the exposed throat of his opponent.
THWACK!
The weapon struck true. The elder brother staggered, then dropped, lifeless.
Andrew collapsed on the ground, panting.
"I... I thought I died. Did I reach hell? No... I'm alive."
Aspect approached, expression unreadable.
"You killed both of them?" Andrew asked.
"I did. But you held your own."
"Wait—don't tell me... you threw that weapon from that distance and decapitated him?!"
"You sound surprised," Aspect replied calmly. "Don't worry. I won't kill you."
Sirens echoed in the distance.
"The police are here. Time to vanish."
"Wait... Aspect," Andrew said, standing up. "You saved my life. I owe you one."
"You can repay me with a favor."
"What is it?"
"I'll tell you later."
---
Japan Intelligence Headquarters – 1:30 AM
"You two did an outstanding job," the Chief said. "I'll personally handle William James."
"Understood, Chief."
"Andrew, go with Aspect and get some rest."
"Yes, sir."
---
2:00 AM – In a Park
Aspect sat calmly on a bench. Andrew stood beside him.
"Now, Aspect... what do you want me to do?"
"You live in the U.K., right?"
"Yes."
"Then you must know a lot about European politics and current affairs."
"Of course."
"Your task is simple—for now. Find out which country in Europe is the U.K.'s closest ally."
"That's it?"
"For now. But Andrew... from today, you're my ally. Follow my lead. One day, I'll tell you what I truly need from you."
Andrew nodded slowly. "I understand."
---
Somewhere Unknown – In Shadows
A dark hall.
A tall man in a cloak sat upon a throne, shrouded in shadows.
"I, Flamingo, greet the King of Mysteries and Knowledge."
"Did you summon me, Flamingo?"
"Yes, my King. It's confirmed—the Saikyou brothers are dead."
"Hmph... so that Perfect Detective took them out. As expected."
"What are your orders, my King?"
"Hire the three best assassins in the world. Assign them one task—kill the Perfect Detective. From now on, they'll be known as the Shadow Assassins."
"As you command, King of Mysteries and Knowledge."
"One more thing... have you found Elder Suryong?"
"I apologize, my King. It's been almost a century. He vanished after your rise to power."
"Then cease the search. He's likely dead of old age."
"Yes, Superior Supreme."
---