“Did you say you cannot contact them?” Saito Genryu's expression rapidly changed.

“...Yes, sir,” Oizumi Shunsuke lowered his head.

“No contact? What are you implying with that, Oizumi? Are you trying to tell me that our men were wiped out even before they could contact us?! Do you honestly think such a thing is even possible!”

“...Sir, I also cannot fathom it, but it is an unquestionable truth.”

“Does it look like I'm in any mood to humor your insolent retorts!”

Oizumi Shunsuke shuddered at the rage directed in his way.

'Goddamn it!'

Making reports was one of the crappiest jobs imaginable. After all, one had no choice but to report to their boss despite knowing he'd be on the receiving end of the boss's rage. And Oizumi Shunsuke understood why Saito Genryu receiving his report was enraged, so he couldn't even complain about it, either!

“Other agents are understandable. They aren't skilled enough, anyway,” said Saito Genryu. “However, what about Sakatsuki? Is he also missing?”

“...Yes, sir.”

Saito Genryu stared in disbelief at Oizumi Shunsuke before a hollow chuckle leaked out of his mouth. “So... even Sakatsuki was killed?”

“It is still unclear if they have been killed, sir. But…”

Saito Genryu's expression was noticeably different from a second ago. If his previous expression hinted at his flabbergast, his new expression displayed his vigilance.

“I see. So, even Sakatsuki...