Hey, hey, haven't you noticed that I look different from all of you?
However, subsequent events proved to Gin that this Golden-haired cat was quite reliable in this regard.
—At least it's more reliable than that blue-eyed cat.
-----------------------
Author's Note: (1) Scottish Folds sometimes sleep lying flat or sit like otters to relieve the pain from their hereditary bone disease.
..
Even if there is a beginning, there isn't necessarily a sequel.
This is a non-canonical side story. The plot, emotional developments, settings, relationships, and.. other things will certainly differ from the main story, it also has its own unique settings.
Actually, this should be called "Those Years of My Kratom Constitution and the Liquor Group's Comedy Troupe"
Chapter 56
Gin is a person who is not to be trifled with.
This was the consensus among the vast majority of people in the Organization.
Even for those who had some acquaintance with Gin, such as Vermouth and Heine, the labels that were gradually added to the Silver-haired youth as their acquaintance deepened could not change their initial perception of him.
And those who have collaborated with him are even more in agreement with this impression.
The Top Killer in the Black Organization, who is known for his cold temperament and ruthless methods, indeed lives up to his reputation.
Scotland is also one of them.
As the hidden hand of the Japanese Public Security within the Black Organization, his day-in and day-out life as an undercover agent had allowed him to deeply understand the bloodshed and coldness hidden within this mysterious Black Organization; even in his midnight dreams, the chilling sensation seemed to entwine within his very marrow, all proclaiming the evil contained within.
To survive within it, one must abandon certain things.
For example, kindness, for example, Justice.
To him, someone who had already secured a position within the Black Organization at such a young age was a legendary figure known only by name. Beyond superficial respect and admiration, deep-seated dread and vigilance were etched into the very bones of the Public Security elite.
He and Gin had only met a handful of times.
But as for this man, the impression was truly profound.
This deep impression was not merely caused by the caution brought about by Gin's identity, but was also a subconscious remembrance of the man himself.
Even with minimal contact, he found it extremely difficult to forget the aura of this silver-haired, black-clad Top Killer and his sharp intuition that seemed capable of seeing through people's hearts.
And it was precisely because of this that Scotland was not very willing to deal with Gin.
He always felt that if they had too much contact.. they might expose something.
Or perhaps—
Scotland frowned: Had he already become suspicious?
Public Security elites could not be certain, but for the time being, there was nothing they could do except to be even more cautious.
By the way, speaking of which, Rei-kun.. isn't he acting a bit strange?
—This was Scotch Whisky's first impression of Gin.
After Amuro Tooru and Gin had a brawl at the training ground (though in reality, it was the former being beaten up unilaterally), Scotland remained cautious for several days, but unexpectedly, Gin didn't do anything.
Was he unexpectedly magnanimous?
Or perhaps he had forgotten them?
Although he didn't know the Silver-haired youth very well, Scotland felt that the latter was more likely.
Afterward, they partnered with Rye, the top of this term's Newcomer, completed many missions—by the way, Rye was truly too cautious; sometimes, even if he and Amuro wanted to intentionally mess up a mission, they would have to think about it for a long time.
Some people in the Black Organization say that Rye is a bit like Gin, which is actually a compliment, but from Scotland's personal perspective, there are still many differences between the two.
Fundamental differences.
—But it is also true that there are many similarities.
He wasn't sure if it was his imagination, but he always felt that Rye seemed to care a bit too much about Gin as well.
Please do not doubt the use of the word "also," because he is almost certain that Amuro indeed cares for Gin in a certain way.
This interest was not very obvious, appearing more like a manifestation of curiosity, yet it went beyond mere interest in an ordinary enemy.
It also went beyond the level of concern one would have for a difficult enemy.
—Especially since they rarely had much contact with Gin.
Scotland and Amuro Tooru could be considered longtime friends, he clearly saw the inconsistency in Amuro's behavior; the blonde-haired youth seemed to be searching for the answer to a puzzle, acting with great caution.
—And he seemed to take great pleasure in it.
Whether he was intentionally seeking death or simply enjoyed the thrill of solving mysteries amidst danger, Scotland tried to drop hints several times. After discovering that his Friend would not let this "secret" interfere with his serious business, Scotland simply decided to leave him to it.
For a period of time after that, Scotland did not focus his attention on Gin.
After all, he had too many things to do, by comparison, that silver-haired reaper hidden in the darkness was far from him.
After that, the Whisky Trio split up, Rye was promoted and transferred to Gin's subordinate.
—A good thing.
This was Scotland's first reaction.
To be honest, Rye's abilities in all aspects were nothing short of extraordinary. If he weren't part of the Organization, he would have even considered recommending him to join the Public Security. As a teammate, he couldn't be more reliable.
However, they didn't want a reliable Teammate [male] who belonged to the Black Organization!
For an undercover, is there anything more sorrowful than his partner being such an outstanding teammate?
This arrangement was simply perfect; at least after he and Amuro became partners, many things became much more convenient.
After that, Amuro and he were transferred to different departments.
At this time, Scotland and Bourbon were already capable of handling things on their own. It must be said that their experiences within the Black Organization had allowed the two already excellent youths to grow rapidly.
Everything seemed to be on track. Scotland was waiting for his promotion and raise to reach the pinnacle of his life—no, he meant reaching the pinnacle of his life by destroying the Black Organization.
However, things did not go as expected.
..
The Blonde-haired youth felt a hint of confusion in his eyes upon receiving the transfer order, but deep down, besides his vigilance, there was also a sense of relief, as if to say, "It's finally here."
—Or perhaps, was he just throwing caution to the wind?
When the Western Restaurant incident came to an end, no matter how slow-witted Amuro was, he realized there was something unusual about Gin's behavior; receiving the transfer order at this moment was consistent with his own expectations.
Then, Scotland was left looking completely bewildered.
"Why would Gin suddenly notice you?" The brown-haired youth frowned as he looked at the mobile phone Amuro Tooru was holding in his hand, his tone sounding somewhat strange.
However, Amuro Tooru did not notice this.
His attention was mostly focused on things like "what he had been doing lately" and "whether he had left any flaws," and since he had always trusted his friend and senior, Scotland, he naturally failed to notice Scotland's somewhat strange behavior.
The blonde-haired youth remained silent for a long while, a thought suddenly flashing through his mind, but after a moment of hesitation, he shook his head helplessly: "I don't know."
This statement was half-truth and half-lie.
Amuro Tooru was somewhat suspicious that his investigation into the events of "back then" had been discovered by Gin.
However, this was not something easy to talk about—if he spoke of it, her senior would likely press him for every detail, even if he managed to gloss over it, he would inevitably face a lecture.
Scotland had always looked after him, Amuro Tooru, who had lost his parents at a young age, viewed this gentle and magnanimous senior as his own brother; he truly did not want to have any conflict with Scotland.
Lying at a time like this made him feel inevitably guilty.
Scotland didn't notice his guilt.
He unexpectedly thought of the chance encounter at the Bar the previous night, the bottle of Scotch Whisky the Silver-haired youth had treated him to.
The Brown-haired man narrowed his eyes slightly, feeling an unavoidable sense of doubt in his heart.
Had he revealed some sort of flaw?
But how could it involve Amuro Tooru?
Scotland's heart skipped a beat, his expression turning grim: Could it be that Gin knows about his connection to Amuro and is testing him on purpose?
This guess was perfectly reasonable. Scotland's right hand clenched into a fist instinctively, a sense of crisis surging in his heart, his Finger clenching so hard his knuckles turned white.
He instinctively wanted to tell Amuro his deduction, however, the words reached his lips only to be swallowed back down.
If it really is like this, it is better not to let Amuro know.
If he were to be suspected, Amuro would not remain indifferent, it would be inevitable that he would reveal some flaw.
If he were unaware, given his intelligence, there would be a high possibility that he could bluff his way through in this situation.
After a thousand swirling thoughts, Scotland lowered his eyes, having already made up his mind.
—If I really am exposed, I must, absolutely never involve anyone else.
"What's wrong with you?" The Blonde-haired youth came to his senses, only to find that his senior also seemed to be spacing out, looking at him with a hint of curiosity.
Scotland gave a soft laugh, his tone soothing and his voice as gentle as always: "It's nothing."
..
Gin had no idea at all about this "murder case triggered by a single glass of liquor."
The Silver-haired youth sat lazily on the sofa, making a phone call to sternly instruct Nana to train his skills properly and stating that he would come to check on him later. Hearing the Nani girl's tearful response on the other end, his mood inexplicably improved.
The Owl fluttered within its birdcage, letting out a sharp cry, but Gin cast a sharp, raised-brow glance toward it, the bird instantly fell silent.
Even an Owl has a will to live.
Gin lay on the sofa listlessly, the coldness in his green eyes having vanished, yet they lacked any luster, possessing a somewhat deathly quality.
The Silver-haired youth stared blankly for a while, then reached up to touch the jade pendant inside his collar, blinking his eyes.
Tomorrow, how should I torment my new Subordinate?
The dead fish eyes brightened, Gin curled his lips in interest.