Moreover, even if one cannot afford to buy it, it doesn't mean one cannot "take" it. As the Organization's Top Killer, his list of social contacts includes quite a few characters who are nothing but killers and arsonists.
Similarly, judging who exactly is the gift-giver from their interpersonal relationships is likely not that easy either.
In fact, given Gin's personality, there aren't many people who are more than just acquaintances to him. Since he is a fellow member of the underworld, he has offended many people in the past and has collaborated with many different forces. Furthermore, since he has already resigned, it is estimated that his former colleagues and leaders likely hold a grudge against him.
The ring carried too many special meanings; it was impossible to say whether it was an act of goodwill or malice.
So Gin changed his line of thought.
Not many people knew his current address, among them, those with the ability and time to go to great lengths to send him a gift, yet who were determined to remain enigmatic.. there seemed to be hardly any, right?
The Silver-haired killer raised the ring in his hand and observed it in the sunlight.
The moment he received the ring, he had already performed a thorough inspection. Only after confirming the absence of a series of common or uncommon hidden dangers, such as poison, bugs, or miniature bombs, did he handle it directly to examine it. Although Gin had believed from the very beginning that the ring would not be dangerous, his suspicious nature made him habitually perform a full set of precautions.
The afternoon sunlight was somewhat dazzling, causing Gin to squint slightly. He silently shortlisted his suspects in his mind, ranking them by probability, before continuing to observe the facets of the green diamond.
This craftsmanship.. doesn't seem to be a technique from this side of Asia..
And the color of the green diamond also looked quite familiar.
Gin paused, as if realizing something, then rotated the face of the ring, confirming his suspicion.
It certainly looked familiar.
The color of the green diamond was very similar to the color of his eyes, Gin thought.
..
The first person Gin excluded from the suspect list was Akai Shuichi.
This FBI Ace Agent knew his address well and would issue invitations to live together from time to time—and actually did so on certain occasions—his personality was to his taste, he acted like a riddle-maker.. in short, he seemed to be the one at the top of the suspect list.
When he received the ring helplessly, Akai Agent was right beside Gin; from his strange expression at that time, Gin felt that he likely had no idea.
It was undeniable that Akai Shuichi's disguise skills were superb, there was indeed the possibility that he was deliberately pretending to be unaware, but based on the Silver-haired killer's understanding of this nemesis and lover, while such a possibility existed, the probability was almost negligible.
There is no need, really, he has no need.
And if it really was a gift from Akai Shuichi, he probably would have said something long ago, rather than being here now, puzzling over the "gift-giver" with Gin.
Yes, after getting a vacation from his boss, Akai Agent is currently researching this mysterious gift with Gin—the ring is still in his hands.
Similarly, after learning about the recent status of Amuro Tooru and Vermouth, Gin excluded the two of them as well.
The next one Gin excluded was the Mastermind.
In fact, given the current situation, it would be more appropriate to refer to that man as the former Boss.
The reason is simple: currently, the Silver-haired killer and the former organization are in a delicate balance. It is not impossible for that gentleman to cause him trouble, but if he were to actually take action, he would never choose something as insignificant as giving him a ring.
Incidentally, the color of the green diamond on the ring was almost identical to Gin's eye color—Gin judged that the gentleman would not be so particular about such trivialities regarding "sense of ritual."
Moving down the list in his mind, Gin successively ruled out several more candidates.
The progress wasn't fast, but he was not anxious.
After all, although Gin cared about this ring he had received for no reason, he truly did not have much of a sense of crisis.
Someone of unknown origin, whose intentions—friend or foe—were unclear, was able to find his address and had the ability to send him a gift without his knowledge.. This was certainly enough to make him vigilant, but so what?
There were plenty of things worth being wary of.
Even if there was malice behind the ring.. could Gin really not handle a "greeting" of this level?
It was just that life had been far too peaceful lately, like the calm before a storm, as if a massive upheaval was about to be unleashed. Gin was prepared to face the storm and had all sorts of contingency plans, but the wait for the storm was, in many ways, somewhat boring.
So he played with his ring for entertainment.
He suspected Akai Shuichi was thinking the same.
The Black-haired agent's interest in the ring was less about curiosity toward the mysterious gift-giver and more about wanting to use the opportunity to dig more information about Gin's past out of him.
However, after all, entertainment is just entertainment, this sudden little accident was about time for an end.
After seeing off Akai Shuichi, who claimed he had "received a call from the FBI and needed to return to work on short notice," Gin responded to the man's enigmatic expression with silence, the two shared a quiet gaze.
This was clearly also an attitude.
Akai Agent had clearly understood, so Akai Agent flashed an ambiguous smile before rushing off to his battlefield.
After watching Akai Shuichi leave, Gin returned to the living room. The expensive ring spun around his fingertip; its owner paid no heed to its value or rarity, treating it like nothing more than a common trinket.
“Did you send it?” The Silver-haired killer asked, playing with the ring while calling the man he considered his prime suspect.
His long hair was tied up simply, showing a touch of casual domesticity, a strange look that would strike an outsider as unsettling. His green eyes shimmered with a cold luster under the light, reflecting the green diamond ring on his fingertips.
What?" The man on the other end of the phone sounded genuinely confused, his voice carrying a real sense of bewilderment that made Gin doubt his own judgment. Then, he suddenly realized, "You mean the ring?
Gin keenly captured the emotion the other man had inadvertently revealed. "You've been busy lately?" Otherwise, how could he not even remember what he had done.
“Yeah.” The other party admitted straightforwardly, the sound of paper flipping faintly coming from the other end of the line, "Very busy. Why don't you consider it and come over to help me quickly?"
The end of his voice betrayed a sense of exhaustion, as if he hadn't had a proper rest in quite some time.
However, Gin didn't feel any heartache about this at all.
The Silver-haired killer ignored the other party's invitation, focusing only on the question he should focus on: "Why send a ring?"
Are there some customs he doesn't know about? — This was where Gin was somewhat confused after roughly guessing the identity of the gift-giver.
"How did you guess it was me?" The other party did not answer him directly, but instead posed a question of his own.
A sound like a book being closed came from the opposite side; the person giving the gift had likely set aside their current work and closed the file.
Just to clarify," the other party added, "I knew you would definitely figure out it was me, but the speed was somewhat unexpected.. I had originally planned to give you a 'surprise'.
Gin placed the ring he had been playing with on the coffee table.
Your 'surprise' was somewhat unexpected as well," the Silver-haired killer replied indifferently, before answering candidly, "I wasn't certain it was you, but you were the most likely candidate.
I'll just ask you directly.
The gift-giver, having understood Gin's hidden meaning, raised an eyebrow, a strange laugh escaping his throat: "I see, I see."
He couldn't help himself and chuckled softly for a moment before answering seriously, "I just felt it would be more appropriate to give some gifts—or rather, 'tokens'—to several important supporters."
“They match your eyes quite well,” the giver said slowly. “Do you like them?”
Gin remained silent for a moment.
This time, it was his turn to give an evasive answer: "So, the reason for choosing the ring is.."
This?" The Gift-giver tapped the table lazily. "Personal preference.. Simply put, I just thought it looked good.
Gin fell silent once again.
He said coldly, "I hope you haven't been reading any strange manga."
A few seconds later, a dry response came from the other side: "Ah, of course."
-----------------------
Author's Note: The gift-giver is actually quite obvious, hahaha, but I won't state it directly here.
..
The plot involving this ring was actually originally intended to be written in the main story, but it didn't feel quite right to include it directly, so I decided to insert it as a side story instead.
Before the Lunar New Year, there will be more.. I took a look and felt that this story is truly nearing its end.. but I just haven't had the time to finish it (facepalm).. I am truly sorry, Little Angels..
After that are some side stories I've mentioned before, such as AU and IF lines.
Chapter 245: Chapter 223: However, you are his counterpart..
As the date of the trip to Italy drew closer, Gin finally ended his state of idleness.
In fact, his life lately hasn't been particularly easy. Although he had handed over all specific matters to the relevant personnel, as an invisible control freak, Gin still maintained control over the overall situation from time to time, keeping track of the latest developments to ensure that events did not exceed his expectations.
He was only one step away from making his escape, a careless mistake was not the outcome he wanted.
The reason he appeared leisurely and relaxed, standing in stark contrast to Amuro Tooru and the others who were so busy they wished they could split themselves in two, was primarily because the time had not yet come.
What he wants has not appeared yet.
—But not for long.
I don't know if it was intentional, but a few days before Gin was set to depart, Sheila finally brought news of Pandora.
This was the cooperation they had reached before; Ms. ICPO seemed to be quite trustworthy.
She did indeed bring specific information regarding "Pandora," but she also brought a covetous follower—the Zoo Organization.
Gin was not surprised by this in the slightest.
As an important prop on the mysterious side, as well as a focal point in the Phantom Thief Kid and Zoo arcs, it would actually be strange if it could be obtained easily. In fact, the fact that Sheila could find it so quickly was enough to prove her sincerity.
But that was all.
Her attitude was clear: We might not compete with you for Pandora, but if you can't handle the trouble or secure Pandora, don't blame us for picking it up for ourselves.
As for this, Gin's response was simply to send a ".", indicating that the message had been received.
He certainly had a way, or rather, he had been waiting for this day for a long time.
Whether it be Pandora or the so-called System, neither should continue to exist.
Just like the "Silver Bullet" that involves life and death and the reversal of years in the shadows.
The weather is beautiful today. Gin looked at the distant, clear sky, thinking to himself: It is a perfect day to eliminate a hidden threat.
The silver-haired Organization's Top Killer put on a tactical vest, skillfully loading various daggers, firearms, other weapons, then donned his preferred black trench coat and walked out of the Safe House.
Bright sunlight spilled through his hair, revealing a dazzling luster. The silver-haired killer, dressed entirely in black, moved with an elegance as if heading toward a banquet.
Even after leaving the Black Organization, his skills remained agile, his gaze remained sharp, his mind remained steadfast, his intellect remained sharp.
He was still a top-tier, extremely, extremely difficult enemy to deal with.
A Jade Ping An Kou shimmered with a clear, moist luster somewhere.
Gin does not like to leave any hidden dangers.
So before heading to Italy, he had to resolve everything.