Event Story – Heroes with Dirty Faces, ch.17

[kozvme]

 

Jay: I'm sure many people whose faces you can't even see, who don't know the circumstances, will say whatever they want.
And yet, here you are, respectfully accepting their criticism...
The past you wouldn't have been able to be so calm about this. Am I wrong?

Gray: ... Yes, I guess you're right.
But, even as we talk my hands are trembling... Violence is not something I am used to, let alone abusive language...

Jay: This has nothing to do with being or not being used to it. Managing to face what you can't handle or what scares you is a sign of growth.
And I am so proud of you.

Gray: ...!

Jay: Now... Jet is not coming out anymore, right?
I've opened the whisky I received from the mafia boss... What do you say about joining me to pick up where we left off?

Gray: Eh...?

Jay: It's already late, so I don't mind if we just have one glass. How about it?

Gray: Uuh... Alright, just one...

Jay: Nice, nice. Here's one for you.

Gray: T- Thank you very much...

Jay: Drinking on the roof at night during this time of the year is a treat. I'm happy I got you to experience it, Gray.
Cheers! ♪

Gray: C- Cheers...
......
Uhm, Jay-san...

Jay: Hm? What's wrong?

Gray: Well... I apologize if this is a tough question to answer...
Do you regret losing that... your right arm...?

Jay: Right arm?
... Remind me, have I told you how I lost this arm?

Gray: I've never heard about it directly from you, but... I know what the general public knows...
That, uhm, a lot happened because of an earthquake 17 years ago...

Jay: I see.



...  I don't regret sacrificing my arm to save people. I remember I didn't hesitate at that time either.
But, I'm not going to lie... there have been times I wished I had it.
Especially after my son was born...
I did think not being able to experience what it feels like to simply hug my son, hold hands with him, patting his head with my real arm... was kind of sad.

The latest technology allows you to understand how it feels, but it's still not the same as having a real arm, is it not?And above all, the feeling my son perceives is not that of flesh and blood... When I think about that I do regret it a little, yes.

Gray: ......

Jay: Haha, don't make that face. You asked if I regretted it and I elaborated it willy-nilly.
For what it's worth, my son says this arm is really cool.
When he was younger, dear me, every time we met he asked me to use my beam attack. Haha, that brings me backー



Gray: I also... think that that arm is really cool...

Jay: What?

Gray: Lives were saved thanks to the arm you sacrificed...
... You are an awesome ally of justice, Jay-san.

Jay: Gray...

Gray: I mean...!! You probably know that even if I don't say it.  You have already said something similar earlier...
I'm sure New Million... no, the whole world thinks you're an incredibly cool ally of justice...
Uugh... please, do not worry about what I've just said... I'm truly sorry... How embarrassing...

Jay: No... Thanks, Gray.
I'll treasure your words forever.

To Chapter 16 | Chapter 18