Central City Trilogy: Wishes - chapter 2 What’s Gone - 2.6
*Gumi essentially means "gang," so it’s highly unlikely for it to be registered as the name of a publicly traded company. However, let’s just consider it a nostalgic tribute.
**The name Shuntaro can be interpreted as "the first child of spring," or more specifically, "Haru's eldest son." We will see him make his appearance in the next chapter.
“Thank you for informing me, Mira. Please remind the other store managers to stay vigilant as well. The start of a new school year is always the most chaotic time." After I finished speaking, the honey badger gave a slight bow and quickly jogged out of the office.
“Don't you think that wolfhound is a bit too fanatical?" A familiar voice came from the doorway. He walked straight into the center of the office, forcing me to step aside to avoid his large antlers. Then, he sat on the desk and glanced at the antler ornament hanging above the fireplace. “Antlers really do make for great office decorations," he mused, as if performing a one-man show. I sighed and shut the door.
“Where were you when I needed you?" As if to answer my question, Senpai raised his arms slightly and surveyed the room again.
“Too nostalgic—I ended up reminiscing and wandering around. I did live here for half a year, after all. Though, I remember this spot used to be for whiskey," he said, frowning at the small shelf near the bookcase.
“I got rid of all the alcohol. The Shishigumi is now a publicly traded company*, and we need to sever ties with our old image." Not that it seems to have made much of a difference. I pushed away a mental image of nature animal carcasses hanging from the Shishigumi's gate.
“A Shishigumi with fewer than three lions—it almost sounds like satire," Senpai remarked.
“I don't see why you think I need your help. If the wolfhound acts out, just give him a good kick. Even the honey badger is terrified of you. The black market seems perfectly under control." He walked over and patted me on the shoulder. “There's nothing to worry about." His tone was confident and assured. I, on the other hand, sighed, feeling the invisible weight settle on my shoulder.
“No, it's not that. While there are still some issues in the black market, Shuntaro** will handle them when he gets back." My thoughts drifted for a moment. He'd been away for over a month now. Based on his last update, things should be wrapping up, and he'd be back in Central City soon.
“Senpai, have you noticed any unusual patterns in recent crimes? It's the height of summer, yet cases of wolf pelts being flayed keep occurring. All the suspects either find ways to commit suicide in custody or destroy evidence, leaving critical clues missing. It's clear that a powerful group is orchestrating this from behind the scenes. Their ability to remain invisible to us shows just how dangerous they are." Senpai listened quietly, his gaze turning to the antlers on the wall.
“You do realize this isn't our primary area of responsibility, right? You've been too influenced by Yafya," he said with a hint of complaint.
Each Beastar has their own style for addressing Central Country's issues. Yafya, for instance, preferred to work from behind the scenes and often intervened in police operations. However, his focus was always on preserving the balance between society and nature animals.
“From the moment the first wolf pelt case occurred in this sweltering summer, I found it suspicious. The subsequent suicides and disappearing evidence only deepened the mystery. I'm certain the orchestrators behind this are incredibly dangerous. If we don't uncover their plans in time, society's stability could be at serious risk." I continued, while Senpai kept staring at the antlers.
“What you're describing is eerily similar to the early actions of those radical conservative militants, isn't it? Is that why you requested Eire to gather manpower? If it's those people trying to make a comeback, then we might have a chance to root out the entire organization." He turned to me, his gaze cold.
So, this was his way of giving me the green light. But is this truly the only path forward?
“I'm relieved to hear your thoughts. I'll discuss a new plan with the chief tomorrow. Thanks, Senpai." I yawned and prepared to leave, not wanting to make hasty decisions about such an important matter.
“Leaving already? I thought you came to the black market to hit up a bar with me or something," he said, stretching as he stood.
“Another time. I have other matters to attend to here. See you." I waved to him and left the Shishigumi headquarters.
***
“A total of 163 animals—just the ones confirmed to have been killed directly with his bare hands. Many fragments couldn't even be identified, nor could the number of animals torn apart be determined. Not to mention the trampling and structural collapses that caused further casualties. That incident claimed the lives of 361 animals in just a few minutes. The number of injured was uncountable—it was like a battlefield."
“The council used every resource to block reports and erase all video evidence. Now, only fragmented testimonies from survivors and poorly pieced-together rumors remain." Ayaan looked somewhat surprised at my explanation.
“It's hard to imagine that the Shadow Beastar responsible for such destruction is the same gray wolf who became a key advocate for the Beastars Act. I wonder what kind of journey he's been through," Ayaan said, glancing at me with a puzzled look as to why I had walked into a dead-end alley.
“Indeed. If you're really curious, you could ask him yourself. But I'd advise against using that title—he hates being called that." Just as I finished speaking, a massive gray figure landed silently. Despite his overwhelming presence, his landing made almost no sound.
“Dad, this is Ayaan, a classmate from my department—an Indian lion who doesn't eat meat. Ayaan, this is my dad, one of Central City's Beastars, a gray wolf who also doesn't eat meat. I'm sure you two will get along." After introducing them, I glanced at Ayaan, who seemed frozen, struggling to process what had just happened.
“Hello, please take good care of Haruo for me," he said, shaking Ayaan's hand. The latter, still in shock, mumbled something that sounded like “No problem" and “It's an honor to meet you," but his expression suggested it might as well have been “Please don't kill me." In hindsight, maybe I shouldn't have described that incident so vividly earlier.
“The moment you entered the black market, the Shishigumi notified me. If I didn't know your personality, I'd have thought you were looking for the thrill of underage meat consumption," he said, turning to sniff the air.
“When I first came to the black market, I was your age. Back then, it was dirtier and more chaotic. It didn't take long for the smell of meat to make me drool and my head spin," he recalled, his gaze momentarily distant before snapping back.
“But you sat in a restaurant surrounded by meat-eaters and ordered a salad, as if the smell didn't bother you at all. Do you know how long it took me to build the willpower to do that?" He sighed softly, meeting my eyes.
“I'm not trying to compare my weak willpower to yours, but as your father, I have to ask: during your physical exams, did you lie? Do you lack a sense of taste? Does everything you eat taste like sand?" I thought I could avoid this conversation forever, given your usual obliviousness.
“No, I didn't lie. My sense of taste and smell is perfectly normal." That was the truth. But the reality is far more complicated than you think—let's not make things messier for now.
“That's good. Seeing you stand firm where I faltered always reassures me. You'll become a better Beastar than I ever was." He visibly relaxed as he spoke.
“Is this a fatherly pep talk, or genuine admiration from a Sublime Beastar to the Beastar?" I extended my right hand to him.
“The latter, of course." He smiled and firmly shook my hand. Together, in the alleyways of the black market, we lightly swayed our tails in unison.