Event Story – THE LINK OF GUNSLINGER, ch.9

[kozvme]

Gast: Yo, what's up? ... Yeah, it's okay.
What do you mean... things got complicated? It ain't just a turf war?
Yeah, I'm already off today. Can go there whenever.... OK, see ya in 30 minutes at the usual spot.

Hah...

Jay: That sounds pretty serious... Did something happen?

Gast: Yeah, but it ain't that big of a deal. Just a turf war among bad boys... at least it should be.
I heard from the gang that some new guys broke into the territory, but it seems that's lasting longer than expected.
They told me they want to meet me to talk, so I'm off for a lil'.

Jay: I've heard you were a well-known delinquent before, but... your gang still relies on you, huh.

Gast: Haham it's been a while since I quit, though. I appreciate they trust me.

Jay: You're like a hero for them.

Gast: You think? I really dunno.
If the guys adore me, then why's that with Ren it doesn't go well...
I can relatively easily solve a dispute among delinquents, but... Haha, color me lost...

Well, I'm going out for a bit. Thanks for putting up with a lot of stuff.

Jay: Okay, be careful. Don't push yourself too hard.

Gast: Ahahah, I appreciate your concern.

ー The next day.



Jay: Gast, was everything all right yesterday?

Gast: Yeah, nothin' particular to worry about. They just told me the new guys were fighting over a turf they claimed, though it happens often in the neighborhood.
They also told me they worked out a solution amicably, so everything's okay.
But they're also probably uneasy, so I was thinking of going whenever they contact me.
But instead they're worrying about me and the shooting competition. I was told "We know you can win, Gast-san!", kinda feelin' the pressure now.

Jay: Haha, what a nice gang you have.

Gast: I know, right?

Ren: For how long are you planning to talk? It's already past the starting time... Let's get to work, quickly.

Jay: Ooh, sorry, sorry. We had such a lively conversation that I just...
Alright, then, shall we start?



Gast: Ren, aim at the second enemy from the top!

Ren: ... Kh, I am!

Gast: I'll finish off the lower right first, then the lower left.

Ren: ...... Damn it!

Jay: ......



It's been a good practice, good work you two. How about we review each of the things you're displeased with one-by-one later today?
Let's practice one more time your team work and see how it goes after this.
Your results earlier were 20 enemies defeated for Gast, 15 for Ren.
Your movements got better than yesterday, Gast. It seems the time and number of bullets it takes you to defeat one is decreasing, keep going at this pace.

Gast: Could be 'cause you're good at teaching. ♪

Jay: Haha, taking on this job was worth it, if you tell me that. 
Take a break and eat some donuts for now. I'm up for counseling anytime, so feel free to come talk to me.

Ren: I will continue a bit more.

Jay: Ren... knowing when to rest and when to keep at it is important, you know? I don't recommend overworking yourself.

Ren: I don't like donuts... sweet things.

Jay: I knew you'd say that; I've prepared savoury donuts for you. I'm glad I find out about this in advance. ♪
If you don't want the donuts, you should at least drink something.

Ren: ... Got it.

Gast: (As expected, Jay's really amazing. Ren ain't resisting much either...
He's usually friendly, but he drops hints for us as we chat...
I do feel like I made some progress as a hero so far, but realizing it sure makes me happy.
... It's strange for me to think like that.)

Ren: ... I'll go practice for the single competition.

Gast: Ah, Ren...
(I still can't work well together with Ren, but being impatient ain't good...
Gotta improve myself so that I won't drag him down.)

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