hi!!! im megan, this is my sideblog dedicated to posting content relating to Toxic-a-Holic!!
i started just doing translations for myself, but decided i wanted to share them so that more people could get into and enjoy it!!
please keep in mind that i am not an actual translator so there may be mistakes and stuff but i've really tried my best to keep everything as accurate as possible!! please excuse my horrible syntax. im also riddled with adhd so please forgive any typos and such ;_;
disclaimer: i am using machine translation, research, and some of my own knowledge. ocr is used to lift text off of images.
this is all for funsies, new translations will drop whenever i'm able to get them done :3
with regards to the translations, i recommend watching the pr videos in chronological order, and reading the translations alongside the video; the voice acting is great and i wouldn't want anyone to miss out on the additional context it provides :)
*NOTE* i will use the hashtag tkhl spoilers so please blacklist that until you are up to date <3
Translations Index
What is Toxic-a-Holic?
"A group of intelligent lifeforms called "Toxients" (commonly known as "toxic guys"), who possess "poison" harmful to humanity, are the only ones who can oppose the mysterious enemy "Void" that threatens humanity.
These toxic guys are managed by a special agency established to fight the void. In an effort to improve their image as a group living between harmful and beneficial life, the head of the Tokyo Branch began filming a public relations (PR) videos.
The videos also serve as a recruitment ad for the Tokyo Branch, but with a gathering of toxic guys, each with their own quirks, things don't go so peacefully.
"Don't trust the toxic guys. They're all murderers and harmful beings."
A mixed media project with the theme of 'Poison x Mystery' has begun!"
thanks for reading!! i hope i can spread the word and provide some information and context about the series for others to enjoy <3
I interviewed C.B., the toxic guy who was to be brought to the Tokyo Branch at his own request and in accordance with instructions from headquarters. From headquarters' perspective, it's more like getting rid of a nuisance; if C.B. can be properly managed at the Tokyo Branch, that's fortunate, and if not, they'll have a reason to complain to me, that's fortunate for them too. Thinking about that makes me a little uneasy, but I'm very much looking forward to welcoming a new toxic guy. In particular, C.B., whom I interviewed this time, is an individual with special abilities, which is exciting for me as a researcher.
The interview went smoothly without any major problems… I think.
I was worried when he suddenly declared his special skill was spraying poison and demonstrated it on the spot, but luckily there was a blue tarp lying around so I managed to protect the equipment. I guess that's good enough. My reflexes aren't so bad after all.
C.B. is a strange individual. Of course, his distinctive tentacles and incredible teleportation ability are strange, but the strangest thing is that we don't know what kind of life he's lived up to this point. It seems that headquarters' investigations haven't yielded anything, so he must have had a very unusual life. Sadly, due to their abilities, toxic guys often have a past of being oppressed by humans. Therefore, I feel that they tend to be cautious and good at hiding their true feelings, but C.B. is not like that at all; he's incredibly free and honest. I can't help but wonder if that's also due to his upbringing. But! If he doesn't want to talk, I've decided not to pry. To some extent, he probably has to do it because it's an order from headquarters, but even toxic guys should have privacy, you know. I hope that one day he'll trust me enough to talk to me.
Well, the immediate problem is how to minimise trouble with the other toxic guys and staff. He promised not to spray the poison on people, but that also means he might do anything else…I hope he doesn't damage too much equipment…
C.B. said in his interview that he didn't want to be with anyone. I thought that was a bit sad, so I hope he meets someone at the Tokyo Branch that he'll want to spend time with.
International Toxient Countermeasure Agency
Document Number: [8815-1577] / Issue Date: [20XX/XX/X]
[HQ REPORT]
[Reason for Transfer to Tokyo Branch]
Subject: T-81-3-006 Reason for Transfer to Tokyo Branch
Date of Issue: 2XXX/X/X Issuer: XXXXX
For the following reasons, T-81-3-006 will be transferred from headquarters to the Tokyo Branch.
1. T-81-3-006 requested it.
2. It was deemed appropriate to transfer the individual to the Tokyo Branch, where the freedom of Toxients is most respected, as the International Toxient Countermeasure Agency headquarters and other branches would have difficulty handling the individual.
Although T-81-3-006 is a difficult individual to handle, it possesses many abilities not seen in other Toxients, including tentacles and teleportation.
We believe that keeping it under our control is extremely meaningful, especially for data acquisition.
Remarks:
In the future, if T-81-3-006 causes problems and incurs damage, Tokyo Branch Chief Akamune Mei will be held responsible. Depending on the nature of the problem, the method of responsibility will also be discussed.
Furthermore, if T-81-3-006 becomes difficult to manage at the Tokyo Branch, or if it causes problems that cannot be overlooked, such as using poison on humans, disciplinary action will be considered. In such cases, the Research Bureau and other relevant parties will discuss how to proceed, aiming to obtain as much useful data as possible before disposal.
International Toxient Countermeasure Agency
Document Number: [8815-1256] / Issue Date: [20XX/XXX]
[HQ REPORT]
[Career Investigation Report]
Subject: T-81-3-006 Background Investigation
Date of Issue: 2XXX/X/X
Issuer: XXXXX
2XXX
It was apprehended after storming into headquarters.
"I thought I could fight a lot of Voids," T-81-3-006 stated, but its true objective remains unknown.
Although he started operating as a combat position at the headquarters, not only does he not listen to instructions, but he also uses his unique ability, teleportation, to escape from private rooms, leading to repeated complaints from the staff.
Feeling the limitations of operations at headquarters, the individual requested a transfer to the Tokyo Branch, which offers greater flexibility, and it was decided to accept the request.
Despite having striking looks, there is absolutely no information available about its past career.
Whether they lived in the wild, untouched by human eyes, or were involved in the underworld, we will continue our investigation. Furthermore, in the case of individuals that lived for a long time, we will consider the possibility that there are records of them existing as mythical creatures or similar beings.
Remarks:
At the individual's request, it will be transferred to the Tokyo Branch.
The investigation into the individual's past history will also be handed over to the Tokyo Branch, but Branch Chief Akamune is lenient towards Toxients and may conceal any potentially unfavourable aspects of their history. Therefore, investigations will continue at the Agency's headquarters and other branches in the Asia region where the individual is believed to be from.
C.B. was born in the slums and lived there for a while.
One day, he assassinated by a drug dealer who was after his tentacles by the boss of a certain organisation, and was recruited. Since then, he has worked as a hitman for the organisation. When the boss hired C.B., he gave him jewels and promised to "let him be free." True to those words, C.B. lived quite freely even during his time with the organisation, and refused to do jobs he didn't want to do.
02
C.B. came to the Tokyo Branch on the orders of the organisation's boss to investigate how to make the poison used in the terrorist attack. C.B. was first taken into custody at headquarters and then transferred to the Tokyo Branch. At headquarters, he didn't listen to the staff and caused a lot of trouble using his teleportation ability, so he was transferred to the Tokyo Branch partly as a way to deal with him. Since C.B. is a special individual, headquarters knew he was uncontrollable, but they tried to keep him under their control, which is why they treated him this way. In fact, C.B.'s boss was clever and knew a little about the inner workings of the Agency, so everything was going according to plan.
03
C.B. originally had no interest in other people, and felt that there wasn't much difference whether the assassination target was human or Void. Furthermore, he had no interest in coexisting with others, and believed that the most important thing was not to be bound by anything. That way of thinking hasn't changed even now. However, he likes the members of the Tokyo Branch, and is willing to accept some restraints if it means being with them.
C.B.'s Past Story Short Story: "The Place Where Promises Are Made"
💜C.B.'s Past Story Short Story💜
We've published C.B.'s Past Arc Short Story in an article on X✨
Please check it out👀
"Oi, stupid tentacle! Are you taking the piss?!"
That weakling Cyan's angry shouts echoed throughout the room.
"Shut up," I frowned.
"Why are you getting so worked up over just one bead~? It's annoying."
A vein throbbed sharply in Cyan's temple as he came towards me.
Oh, this is our first fight in while. In that case, I'm definitely not going to lose.
Thinking this, I started to raise my upper body, which I had been leaning on the sofa - and then stopped.
Because An, who was sitting next to me, was staring intently at me with his big eyes, the colour of a sunrise.
"C.B., we all agreed when we started our resistance that you couldn't just take things without permission, right?" An said, puffing out his cheeks slightly.
I swallowed the words I had prepared to retaliate against Cyan.
I knew that this look on An's face was a bad sign. I knew that if I got carried away, thinking "it's okay because he's cute", he'd get angry and wouldn't speak to me for a while.
"Okaaay." I reluctantly gave a polite reply and slumped back into the sofa, my body having been halfway up.
"It's Cyan, the mulukhiyah¹ who'll in trouble if we fight, so don't pick one. I'll give you back a bead."
I took a sparkling blue bead from my pocket, then threw my hands behind my back.
I heard an annoyed click of the tongue, and at the same time, the beads were snatched away.
"Don't just take things without permission. Anyway, I'm not fragile¹."
"Okay, okaaaay, sorryyyy."
Cyan seemed satisfied that he'd got his beads back. After clicking his tongue deliberately once more, he appeared to head upstairs.
"An~~~! I was so good for not fighting, so praise me~!" I rested my head on An's shoulder as he sat next to me.
"Yeah. Good job not fighting, C.B." An tentatively placed his hand on my head.
"Praise me more~"
When I asked for that, a small hand tentatively stroked my hair. It's strange, but when that happens, the irritation I felt just moments before faded away.
"You've has changed too, haven't you?"
Dion, who apparently witnessed the whole thing from the dining table, said.
"You think?"
"Yeah. When you first came to the branch, no matter how much An told you to do something, you didn't listen to him so easily, right?" Even Chain, who was stood next to Dion, agreed.
I thought about it for a while, and I thought, "That might be true."
"If I've changed, I'd say it's thanks to An and the Branch Chief."
"Oh really?" Chain raised one eyebrow.
I remembered the promise I made with the Branch Chief the first time we met.
■
"There's one thing I'd like you to promise before you come to the Tokyo Branch." The Branch Chief said, panting heavily.
The reason he was out of breath is because he was holding a blue tarp the whole time I was demonstrating my special skill, spraying poison, trying to prevent it from getting all over the walls and equipment.
It was because he had been running around the room.
It was pretty entertaining~
I stifled a laugh and asked, "What's the promise?"
I was in a good mood because the Branch Chief was so cheerful, so I thought I might as well listen to him for a bit.
The Branch Chief took a deep breath, then adopted a serious expression,
"Don't spray the staff with poison. I just want you to promise me that much."
"Ugh. I don't like being tied down by promises and things like that." I pout.
Because I hate being restricted more than anything in this world.
I can't stand being forced to do something I don't want to do, nor can I stand being prevented from doing something I want to do.
"I expected you were that kind of person. But even so, there's one thing I need you to promise me and keep. I can't let my staff work if their lives are in danger."
"Then I'm not going to the Tokyo Branch." When I said that, the Branch Chief groaned with a troubled look on his face.
I knew that my going to the Tokyo Branch was decided by orders from headquarters, from people higher up than this person. Therefore, he shouldn't be able to be too aggressive.
His wrinkled brow and forehead were amusing, so I watched him while waiting for him to make a concession.
However-
"Why do you hate making promises so much?"
What emerged was not a concession or persuasion, but a question.
"Because I hate feeling restricted. It's boring when I can't do things freely, and when it's boring, I get irritated and feel like I'm going to explode."
I'm the boss's favourite, so I'm allowed to do whatever I want, but the lower ranks of the organisation are bound by rules called "agreements," and they always seem so bored. I've always thought, "I don't want to end up like that."
"Promises aren't necessarily meant to restrict people." The Branch Chief said, as if trying to reason with me, who looked dissatisfied.
"The promises I'm making have a different purpose. They're not meant to tie you down, but rather to ensure you stay with us."
"I don't want to be with you or anything, though?"
"Huh?" the Branch Chief laughed.
"I'd like to be with you. And I think that someday you'll find those feelings within you too."
I wasn't particularly impressed by those words.
However-
I thought to myself, "That's the first time anyone's ever said they'd like to spend time with me."
I'd been praised for my work skills before, but I'd never been told something like that. It felt like he was interested in me as a person, and that made me happy.
"Okay, I understand. I just need to follow your rules, right?" So I nodded.
Deep down, I was definitely thinking, "If all else fails, I can just break the promise."
But in the end, I never sprayed poison at any of the staff until the day I left the Tokyo Branch.
(I did accidentally spray the Branch Chief, but, well, the Branch Chief is resistant to poison and it doesn't put his life in danger, so it's fine!)
■
"If the Branch Chief hadn't been so smitten with me that he wanted to be with me, I wouldn't be where I am today."
"That's what that's about?"
"Well, he put it dramatically, that's basically what it was about, right?"
Ignoring the drunkard and pervert who keep butting in, I sit up and hug An.
"Then I met An at the Tokyo Branch, and I understood what the Branch Chief meant. I thought it was okay to keep a few promises if it meant being with An and not hurting him."
"Hehe, I'm happy that C.B. said he wants to be with me." An laughs in my arms.
"I love An the most~"
"I love C.B. too."
As I was snuggling up to An like that, Chain suddenly called out to me from the dining table.
"Personally, I'm more curious about C.B.'s former boss. What kind of person was he? It must have taken some nerve to work with you."
"I don't remember~"
I replied with the intention of telling him to stop bothering me, but Chain pretended not to hear and persisted, saying, "Just tell me what you remember."
So, I reluctantly tried to recall my memories.
A boyish appearance, yet a mature aura that seemed inconsistent. Thick sunglasses concealing his eyes. And then-
"He had a big blue gem."
"What?"
"When I first met him, he was wearing a necklace with a blue gemstone, and it really caught my eye. It was the first time I'd ever seen a gemstone, and I thought it was amazing because, unlike the sparkle I see when someone is killed, that sparkle never faded."
Now that I think of it, it looked similar to the blue bead from earlier.
"When I said I wanted one, he said I could if I worked as a hitman for them, so I joined the organisation."
"Hmm. C.B. really doesn't seem to be interested in people at all."
"Pretty much. Until I came to the Tokyo Branch, I didn't really care about other people. Oh, but…"
In the alleys of that slum, shrouded in fog and the stench of decay, I suddenly remembered what the boss had said.
"I remember when I said I hated being restricted, he said, 'Me too.' And then he said, 'I'll let you do things your own way, so join our organisation.'"
"That's the opposite of what the Branch Chief said to you," Dion said.
"Yeah, that's right. Well, that's precisely why I followed him back then."
I neither liked nor disliked the boss, but the fact that he didn't force me to do anything or make me endure anything wasn't so bad.
"Even so, I think things are better now."
As I said that, An called my name happily from my arms. Chain and Dion also looked at me with grins.
I was annoyed with everyone except An, but what I said was true, so I won't take it back.
I can't even get my hands on beads, let alone jewels, and there are a lot of troublesome promises to make.
"I enjoy being with An, and everyone else too I guess."
Ignoring Dion and Chain's protests of "Is that all?", I tightened my arms around him, and An laughed.
end
1 - so uhh c.b. called cyan this in a pr video before, it's a kind of plant used in cuisine; it sounds similar to 脆い which means weak, fragile, frail. he's just making fun of cyan in a silly way (again)
I interviewed Hemlock, a toxic guy who had requested a transfer to the Tokyo Branch. He was very intelligent, and he reminded me a little of Yohira.
When I asked him why he wanted to transfer to the Tokyo Branch, he stated that he was "interested in what would happen in a branch that attempts to encourage coexistence between toxic guys and humans." He's a toxic guy who has been alive for quite some time and is interested in philosophy. I got the impression that he was exploring "the meaning of toxic guys' existence in this world" from a different perspective than Yohira. Therefore, his desire to live in a place where toxic guys and humans coexist, like the Tokyo Branch, made sense to me.
However, my intuition tells me that the reasons he gave aren't the whole story. He seemed quite perceptive, so he might have realised that one of the reasons I established the Tokyo Branch was to atone for that terrorist incident. That said, I know he had nothing to do with it, so I'm still unclear quite what led him to volunteer for the Tokyo Branch. Well, he didn't seem like a bad guy, and my principle is to trust both people and toxic guys, so I think it'll be fine if I find out at a later time.
If anything, I'm more worried about whether he'll get along well with the members who are already in the Tokyo Branch because he's such a serious individual...I can already him getting annoyed by C.B. Hmm. Hemlock seems to be a Toxient with good combat performance too, so let's hope there won't be more scuffles within the branch.
If Hemlock comes to the Tokyo Branch, I'd really like to talk to him on a personal level. I've heard he's an individual whose made sceptical remarks about humans, but he seemed interested in my idea that "toxic guys should be granted the same rights as humans," and listened attentively. It seemed less like he was interested in it for his own benefit and more like he was genuinely interested in my ideas themselves. Through dialogue, I might gain clues to think more deeply about things than I already do myself. That thought excites me. I think I'll ask the London Branch about his favourite foods so we can plan a welcome party.
International Toxient Countermeasure Agency
Document Number: [8815-1566] / Issue Date: [20XX/XX/X]
[HQ REPORT]
[Reason for Transfer to Tokyo Branch]
Subject: T-81-3-002 Reason for Transfer to Tokyo Branch
Date of Issue: 2XXX/X/X
Issuer: XXXXX
He was being used as a combat Toxient at the London Branch, but he requested a transfer to the Tokyo Branch. His transfer was approved due to his long tenure at the London Branch, good combat record, and lack of problematic behaviour.
T-81-3-002 stated the following as his reason for requesting the transfer:
"I am interested in the relationship between humans and Toxients. I hear that the Tokyo Branch is experimentally allowing Toxients to roam freely. I am interested in what changes will occur in such a branch. If there are any changes, I would like to see them with my own eyes, and therefore I have requested a transfer to the Tokyo Branch."
Remarks:
As evident from the reason for the transfer request, this individual maintains a certain distance from both humans and Toxients, and it is unlikely that their attitude will change significantly even if they are transferred to a different branch.
Considering the insufficient number of Toxients assigned to the Tokyo Branch, and the fact that the reward system for outstanding Toxients at the London Branch was not functioning properly, it was determined that T-81-3-002's transfer would be more beneficial to the entire International Toxient Countermeasure Agency, and therefore the transfer request was accepted.
However, given that this individual is intelligent, the possibility that the reason for the transfer request is false must be acknowledged. Even after the transfer to the Tokyo Branch, regular reports will be required to be submitted by staff, and monitoring will continue.
XX BC
If we believe the individual's testimony, then T-81-3-002 would have existed since before the Common Era. Given that he can speak in considerable detail about that time, and given that he doesn't seem like the type to fabricate stories, it's highly likely that his account is true.
His detailed background leading up to his employment by the Agency is unknown.
In modern times, no reports of them causing any major problems have surfaced. Given their individual temperament and the fact that their toxins are not gaseous and do not easily harm their surroundings, it is presumed that they lived peacefully among humans. Therefore, there are no particular points to note.
2XXX
He personally visited the London branch of the International Toxient Countermeasure Agency. He was subsequently employed as a combat Toxient at the London Branch. His combat record at the London Branch was excellent.
However, although he followed orders, when attempts were made to communicate with him, he was known to make sceptical remarks about humanity. The London Branch accepted his request to transfer to the Tokyo Branch because of his combat record.
Although he exhibited some sceptical behaviour, he never disobeyed orders and was a model Toxient, so it was necessary to grant his request in order to maintain the motivation of the other Toxients at the London Branch.
Remarks:
While the Toxient has no problematic behaviour, and he doesn't appear to be an individual with a particularly strong desire for freedom, so we want to investigate the reason for his transfer to the Tokyo Branch further.
He maintains a certain distance from all staff and Toxients, and it is unlikely that he is colluding with Akamune Mei even after his transfer to the Tokyo Branch. However, if a connection is found between the reason for his transfer and the "terrorist incident" and the experiment that motivated it, we must be vigilant. We need to continue the investigation even after his transfer to the Tokyo Branch.
Hemlock saw in the Branch Chief the image of his former mentor, whom he had executed. He saw common ground in their belief in the goodness of others, their ability to question what was taken for granted, their continuous questioning of their own existence and the world, and their pursuit of a better way of life, as well as their unwavering commitment to their beliefs, even at the risk of their lives. Therefore, when the Branch Chief was murdered, Hemlock felt a profound sense of helplessness, knowing that another valuable individual had been lost to the world prematurely.
02
Hemlock came to the Tokyo Branch to investigate the truth behind the terrorist attack. He had a hunch that information about the terrorist attack might be hidden within the Tokyo Branch, so he volunteered to transfer there. He believed that the terrorist attack and its hidden motives were important in the history of the toxic guys and humanity, and that future developments would revolve around the Tokyo Branch. He saw the Tokyo Branch as the appropriate place to observe the fate of the world.
03
Hemlock executed his own mentor. At that time, he resented the world that had driven his mentor to execution and lost his reason for living. He began to fight all the time, hoping that he would die someday. However, it was during this time that he happened to rescue a kitten that became attached to him. As he cared for the kitten, Hemlock realised that "this kitten cannot survive without me," and he felt that this alone was a reason to live. This experience led Hemlock to reform, and he began to live the way he does now, keeping his distance, not harming others, and watching over the world.
🎂Happy Birthday Chain🎂
Today is Chain's birthday! ⛓
Thank you for always suggesting video ideas! Thanks to Chain, we're all able to have fun filming our videos! We'd love for you all to celebrate with us! 💐
Hemlock's Past Story Short Story: "The Philosophy of Mourning"
💜Hemlock's Past Story Short Story💜
We've published Hemlock's Past Story Short Story in an article on X✨Please check it out👀
I wonder why he had to die.
Realising I was trapped in such thoughts again, I let out a self-deprecating sigh.
It's been like this ever since the Branch Chief passed away. I'm ashamed of myself for not even being able to concentrate on reading.
I should have been used to seeing others off by now. Yet, a feeling of helplessness still lingers in my heart, and if I'm not careful, it'll fill my entire body.
The Branch Chief was very similar to my mentor.
A person who possesses both the kindness to trust in the goodness of others and the keenness to question what is taken for granted.
And who both share the same fear of death when it comes to upholding the beliefs found.
Honestly, they didn't need to be that similar.
However, knowing what kind of person he is, and having chosen to get involved with him, there's no way to deny it.
I distinctly remember thinking that when I first met the Branch Chief.
He may appear to be a gentle young man, but he's actually a stubborn, determined person.
■
"Why did you adopt a policy of aiming for coexistence between Toxients and humans?"
The conference room was bathed in the dry summer sunlight. I remember asking the Branch Chief that question during the interview, which was set up for a transfer to the Tokyo Branch.
It wasn't a question for which I particularly expected an answer.
However, the Branch Chief seemed to see right through me, so I only asked him that before he could pry any further.
"The only difference between us and you is the presence or absence of poison. Yet, I don't think well of the situation where we're unilaterally controlling you without even recognising your human rights."
Despite the sudden question, the branch manager answered immediately without showing any signs of hesitation.
"Hmm. So you're saying you have doubts about how Toxients are currently being handled?"
"That's right. In the midst of the chaos following the appearance of the Voids, I think it was somewhat inevitable that people were terrified and created laws that allowed them to use you as labourers. However, now that things have calmed down to some extent, a review is absolutely necessary."
"It's a good habit to question things that we take for granted."
"Well, the only reason I've come to think that way is because I have a personal history with a toxic guy."
The Branch Chief smiled for just a moment, as if remembering someone. But then he quickly became serious and continued.
"Ultimately, we tend to be preoccupied with thinking only about what's within our reach. That's why I thought it was important to have a place where we could live with toxic guys and get to know each of them as individuals."
"So, the Tokyo Branch has allowed Toxients to go out and about freely, is that right?"
"That's true. I don't know if that's the right thing to do, but I think it's very important to consider. I myself want to continue to put myself in such situations and keep thinking."
The Branch Chief spoke in a gentle tone. However, the strong light in his eyes made it clear that he was speaking with unwavering conviction.
I remember the corners of my mouth naturally turning up.
I wanted to have a proper discussion with him.
I realised that I was interested not only in the Tokyo Branch, but also in the Branch Chief himself.
■
That's why I was so sad when I heard the news of his death. I felt like there was still so much more we wanted to talk about, and I was deeply saddened by his passing.
But I wasn't surprised.
I'd always had a feeling he would die young.
Throughout my long life, I have met several people I considered intelligent, but invariably, they all died young.
What a shame.
I muttered this to myself, closed the book I was reading, and stood up.
Contrary to my gloomy mood, the sunlight streaming in through the window was dazzlingly annoying, and I thought about closing the curtains. If only it were as dry as the conference room that day, but the summer days in this eastern country are damp and unbearable.
However, the hand that reached out to the curtain stopped before it could be pulled. It was because a shadow crossed the courtyard, which had become deserted since the Branch Chief's death.
The little shadow ran part of the way across the courtyard as if chasing something, and then, perhaps finding the cool shade pleasant, it suddenly flopped down at the base of a tree.
It's relaxed posture calmed my mind a little.
I've heard that animals, unlike us, don't think. That cat probably can't even regret that the master of this branch, who used to pet it, is no longer here.
But it's always them who teach us the value of simply being alive.
Perhaps they are living their lives in a much more straightforward way than we, who tend to be so intellectually stimulated.
I remember the Branch Chief saying something like that once.
■
"It's unusual to see you in the courtyard, isn't it?"
The first time I saw that cat, the Branch Chief was standing next to it.
"…I see. You're is surprisingly fond of animals."
Despite describing it as unusual, the Branch Chief noticed the presence in my line of sight, and accepted it without question.
"I'm surprised you think that."
"Well, you're is more strongly associated with the image of someone who reads books, right? You're kind of an indoor type…"
"That's true, but…"
"Hey, why do you like animals?"
It was a beautiful spring day.
Perhaps the pleasant weather had put me in a relaxed mood. Strangely, I felt like answering questions that I would normally have brushed off.
"There was a time, long ago, when I lost my sense of purpose in life and went through a rough patch. It was a kitten that helped me get back on my feet."
"Fufu, I can't imagine Hemlock ever going through a rough patch."
The Branch Chief laughed, seemingly amused. However, he didn't ask, "Why was it rough?"
Relieved by that sense of distance, I continued speaking.
"I happened to rescue a cat that was being bullied on the side of the road. If I left it there, it would just get bullied again. That's why I reluctantly started taking care of it, but as I took care of it in various ways, I grew attached to it."
Even though it was so long ago, I could still remember the warmth of that tiny creature.
"Watching it drink the milk I gave it by hand, I realised that this kitten couldn't survive without me. That's when I thought, maybe that's all the reason I need to live."
"You lot, being toxic guys, live a long time, so you probably think about the meaning of life and things like that, right?"
"Don't you ever think about it?"
"It's not that I don't think about it, but if anything, I tend to think in terms of how I can find meaning in my life. Like, I want to live a better life…"
"Ah," the Branch Chief said, his words trailing off. The cat that was in front of my field of vision was walking towards me.
"Cute…"
The Branch Chief smiled as he picked up the cat.
"It might not be what you was saying, but I have some thoughts on the matter. Perhaps they live their lives in a much more straightforward way than us, who tend to get too caught up in our own thoughts."
The Branch Chief's hand gently stroked the cat's back.
A soft, purring sound could be heard.
"This little guy probably doesn't think about why it's alive or how to live a better life. But that's enough, isn't it?"
I nodded emphatically.
My life is a little too long to live so honestly.
Nevertheless, I knew that recognising that it's fundamentally that simple was important for living out this excessively long life.
■
The Branch Chief, and the mentor whom I had once executed with my own hands, would he have survived if he hadn't harboured a desire to seek a better life?
I shook my head, trying to chase away the question that had involuntarily popped into my mind. It was a pointless "what if" scenario, nothing to think about.
And ultimately, I personally liked their attitude.
I cannot truly believe, deep down, that questioning what is taken for granted in society and repeatedly engaging in thought and questioning in order to live a better life is pointless.
If such an attitude hinders one's ability to live, then I think the world is the one that's flawed.
But…
Beyond the thick windowpane, in the courtyard, the cat that had been lying down just moments before was now running around energetically. It seemed to be chasing a butterfly that had flown by.
I can't believe that everything in the world unfolding before me is wrong.
Therefore, I will see it through to the end.
I quietly reaffirm the vow I made that day when I recovered from my mentor's execution.
Because I am a toxic guy, it seems my life won't end so easily. Therefore, I would like to use my long life to see what becomes of this world.
That way, one day, I might understand why my mentor had to be executed, and why such a fine person as the Branch Chief died so young.
That's why I came to the Tokyo Branch, so I have to do my best.
The real reason I went to the trouble of crossing the sea to come all the way to the Tokyo Branch was because I believed this place would become the eye of the storm in the history of toxic guys and humanity.
Therefore, even without the Branch Chief, there must still be things I need to do.
I decided to stay focused on my purpose and see the story through to the end. I felt that believing the answer lay there was the only way I could pay my respects right now.
I interviewed Kaihai Hibari, who applied to become a supporter.
Knowing that he was the son of Kaihai-san and that he had lost his family in the terrorist attack, I was a little suspicious that headquarters might be trying to sweet-talk him into becoming a spy. However, from what I gathered, it seems that's not the case, which is a relief. Perhaps even the people at headquarters had some conscience, thinking, "It's wrong to burden a teenager with the role of a spy."
Hibari-kun, being the son of Kaihai-san, was very composed. He was probably many times better at interviews than I was. Compared to my own Branch Chief selection interview, he was so calm it made me want to tear my hair out. I thought he was a very strong kid.
Seeing Hibari-kun, I was reminded of how much Kaihai-san cared for his family. Because he was raised with love, Hibari-kun must have had the strength not to be consumed by hatred. Thinking about that, I was once again reminded of how incredibly unfortunate it was that Kaihai-san was caught up in the "Code: Franken" experiment, and that he lost his life in that terrorist incident as a result.
I feel strongly that we must never let such a tragedy happen again.
I'm really looking forward to Hibari-kun coming to the Tokyo Branch. However, as Hibari-kun himself admitted, he currently hates toxic guys. The guys at the Tokyo Branch are all good kids, but they're also a bit eccentric, and some of them were involved in that terrorist incident, so I want to be careful to prevent any trouble.
I believe Hibari-kun, who said he was impressed by my past thesis, is a boy who can confront and accept the toxic guys in the end. It's just that he can't do that now due to that tragic incident. I hope that by spending time at the Tokyo Branch, he can regain his original, gentle view of the world.
Anyway, when Hibari-kun comes, I'll do my best not to disappoint him!
2XXX
At the recommendation of his father, who was a research staff member at the Agency, he began frequenting the library at the headquarters of the International Toxient Countermeasure Agency. Despite being an elementary school student, there is evidence that he was reading papers by research staff, indicating he was exceptionally bright even then.
2XXX
His family died in a Toxient attack. Having no relatives, she was placed under the protection of the Agency.
2XXX
While attending school, he began working as a research assistant. His supervisor at the time evaluated him as exceptionally talented.
Remarks:
No problematic behaviour. No rule violations whatsoever, and he is considered to have the potential to become a core member of the institution in the future.
01
The reason Supporter came to respect the Branch Chief was because he read an paper the Branch Chief wrote about "Detoxification Methods for Toxients." The paper was read before the terrorist attacks, and Supporter did not yet harbour resentment towards Toxients. Therefore, he was impressed by the Branch Chief's perspective of aiming for coexistence with Toxients, and came to respect him.
02
After the terrorist attacks, he volunteered for a position at the Tokyo Branch in order to work alongside the Branch Chief. While he no longer shared the same sympathy for the "coexistence with Toxients" approach that he had felt when he was first impressed by the paper, he knew of the Branch Chief's excellence as a researcher. Therefore, he felt he shouldn't let his hatred of Toxients cause him to miss the opportunity to work alongside the Branch Chief, and that's why he volunteered.
03
Supporter's parents and sister died in a terrorist attack carried out by Toxients. His sister died holding a rabbit plush toy that Supporter had given her for her birthday. This has traumatised him, and he now dislikes stuffed animals.
Supporter's Past Story Short Story: "A Step Towards Dawn"
💜Supporter's Past Story Short Story💜
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I've heard that the Agency's headquarters is a renovated building that existed before the emergence of Voids. That's probably why it has an overall dated appearance. The lighting fixtures don't seem to be the latest either; it's always dimly lit whenever I visit. Unlike the bright and clean branches in other countries, this place doesn't look like a facility that handles the latest technology.
Even so, someone visiting for the first time would probably never guess that this was the site of a horrific terrorist attack.
On that day, was this corridor also covered in the Toxients' poisonous fluids and the bodies of the staff who died because of it?
The reason I find myself imagining such things is because I myself am a victim of the terrorist attack.
The Toxients' terrorist attacks extended beyond the Agency headquarters to include employee housing. The horrific scene is still etched in my memory, and it resurfaces at the slightest trigger like this.
The living room was like an unfamiliar place, with the furniture overturned. My mother and sister lay collapsed. My sister was clinging to a rabbit plush toy, desperately trying to hold onto it.
Every time I remember, my heart races uncomfortably, and I feel like I've forgotten how to breathe. Since that day, I can't even look at a stuffed animal properly. And even now, my hands are trembling slightly.
This can't go on.
I scold myself. Those around me were considerate and kind to me because I lost my family at a young age, but it was I who decided to move forward, without relying on their kindness.
It's unbearable to have everything stolen from me by those Toxients.
I clenched my fists to stop the trembling. Then, at the very end of the corridor,
I knocked on the door of the conference room I was heading for.
■
"Come in."
Encouraged by the gentle voice, I turned the doorknob, and there, sitting in the back of the old conference room, was a man with a kind demeanour.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Akamune Mei, the head of the Tokyo Branch."
"I'm Kaihai Hibari. Nice to meet you."
While bowing my head, I inwardly tilted my head in confusion.
Akamune Mei's reputation is generally as follows:
A young prodigy who became Branch Chief at the youngest age.
An excellent researcher with a keen eye for detail.
And, the most eccentric person in the Agency.
The photos I'd seen in the company magazine gave me the impression of a sharp, determined person, and I'd imagined him to be a brilliant individual who was somewhat unapproachable. But the man standing before me now was the complete opposite. To put it nicely, he seemed approachable; to put it less nicely, he seemed unreliable.
"When I heard that you had volunteered to be my supporter, I was incredibly happy."
Branch Chief Akamune offered me a seat and then, with a smile, began talking to me.
It was different from what I expected.
Furthermore, I was told that today was the final interview to become a supporter of the Tokyo Branch, so I was bewildered by the atmosphere. It was so different from what I had expected. Apparently, my transfer had already been decided within the upper management at headquarters. However, I had been told that, due to the system, the final approval of Branch Chief Akamune was required. Therefore, I had expected a more proper interview.
And yet…
"I've already come to the conclusion that I want to welcome you" Branch Chief Akamune said, unbelievably.
"...Then why did you go to the trouble of coming all the way from the Tokyo Branch to headquarters for this?"
"Personally, I'd like to welcome you. But I need to confirm whether you truly want to come to the Tokyo Branch."
"It's possible they're being forced to do it by headquarters," Branch Chief Akamune added, almost jokingly.
But his eyes weren't smiling.
I see.
Of course, he couldn't only have been just a kind person.
"So, I want to hear it from you. You lost your family in that terrorist attack, so why do you want to work at the Tokyo Branch?"
The Tokyo Branch is the only branch that adheres to the principle of treating Toxients as equally as possible to humans. Unlike the other branches, Toxients are granted some freedom. Given that they took my family from me, it was only natural that my desire to join the Tokyo Branch would be questioned.
"I admire you as a researcher. That's why I wanted to work alongside you." I recited the answer I had prepared. But Branch Chief Akamune continued to stare intently at me.
"I don't think you're lying, but I get the feeling that's not the only thing you truly feel."
His words, which seemed to see right through me, made me stiffen.
"You have a disliking for toxic guys, don't you?" Branch Chief Akamune said, without averting his gaze. I realised that there was no way to fool him.
"…They're detestable."
With no other choice, I spoke my true feelings. Of course I hated them for taking the lives of my family. I couldn't bear to see them being given freedom.
Branch Chief Akamune neither showed anger nor sadness; he simply stared at me intently.
"…But even though you hate them, you didn't want to lose the opportunity to work alongside me."
The answer he managed to come up with was undeniably my true feelings.
■
My desire to work alongside Branch Chief Akamune stems from my father's influence. In fact, I first learned his name from my father.
I think it was back when I was still in elementary school. I was so happy that my father had come home early, which was unusual, and I was bombarding him with questions about a paper I'd recently read.
"Hey, why are all the researchers at this institution only thinking about how to use Toxients?"
"Why do you ask that?"
"Because in school, we're taught to 'accept our differences and join hands,' right? So why is it that just because Toxients are poisonous, we don't want to join hands with them?"
Looking back now, it was a very naïve question. But at the time, I didn't know how scary they were, and therefore I was somewhat sympathetic.
My father made a troubled face when he heard my question.
"That's right. Toxients look similar to humans, but they possess a poison that humans don't. Everyone is afraid of them using it to fight back."
"Hmm. Even among Toxients, I'm sure there's all sorts of different ways of thinking, so it's kind of sad that they can't be accepted just because they're poisonous."
"Hibari is so kind."
My reaction wasn't necessarily kindness; it was probably just a projection of my everyday frustrations. I was somewhat relating to them, being judged lumped together as Toxients to my own reality of sometimes being judged by nationality.
Nevertheless, whether he knew it or not, my father ruffled my hair and stroked it roughly. And then, he handed me a research paper.
The title was "On Detoxification Methods for Toxients." The author was Akamune Mei.
"He's still a young research assistant, but he's doing interesting research aimed at achieving symbiosis with Toxients. He might just become a guiding light for you."
My father said with a serious expression. Then he continued,
"Even if everyone tells your otherwise, cherish your kindness. If you do that, Hibari, you will surely become a fine researcher."
My father was my idol even back then.
I remember often saying, "My dream is to become a researcher like my dad". That's why, along with my father's words, that paper and the name Akamune Mei are etched in my heart.
■
"I once read your paper at my father's recommendation. From that moment on, you became more of a personal role model than my father."
Branch Chief Akamune did not loosen his gaze. Nevertheless, he listened attentively, as if to sincerely consider what I was saying.
"Now that the terrorist attack has happened, I don't feel like getting closer to Toxients. …But I've always thought that I don't want to lose my dream. I don't even know what kind of researcher I should aim to be anymore, but even so, I have to move forward, otherwise my family won't be at peace."
"Yeah."
"That's when I saw the call for supporters for your work. Even if I don't agree with your way of thinking, you're an excellent researcher. You're also someone I once admired. Besides, my father once said you might become my guiding light." Determined not to be intimidated by his sharp gaze, I met Branch Chief Akamune's eyes squarely.
"I thought that by working alongside you, I might be able to achieve my dream again. I didn't want to throw away that opportunity because of my hatred for Toxients. I thought, 'I won't let Toxients take away not only my family, but my dream too."
Branch Chief Akamune nodded slowly, as if acknowledging my words.
"Thank you for telling me something that was difficult to talk about. You're a strong kid."
Then, he gently turned up the corners of his mouth.
"I understand your feelings completely. I also understand that you weren't instigated by anyone at headquarters to do this. So, my answer remains the same. You're welcome to the Tokyo Branch, Hibari-kun."
Before I knew it, the tension that had filled the room just moments before had vanished.
"I'm looking forward to you joining the Tokyo Branch, Hibari-kun. I don't know if I can be a guiding light for you, but I'll do my best as your superior, so I look forward to working with you!"
I shook the hand that was offered to me along with those words. Branch Chief Akamune's hand was large and warm.
■
The interview ended quickly after we confirmed the conditions. It seems my transfer to the Tokyo Branch is now confirmed, but it doesn't quite feel real.
As I walked down the still somewhat dimly lit corridor, I recalled the corridor of the Tokyo Branch that I had seen in photographs.
The hallways of the headquarters have been repaired as if the terrorist incident never happened. Of course, there was no sign of that day at the newly opened Tokyo Branch. One day, I wonder about myself and my precious family, and what they went through.
Will I forget?
For just a moment, that thought crossed my mind. But I immediately shook my head.
To ensure that such a tragedy never happens again, I must never forget it.
I strongly believe that.
I don't know what I can do to prevent a tragedy like that terrorist attack from happening again. But I hope I can find that answer at the Tokyo Branch.
"I'll do my best, so please watch over me." I whispered softly.
And the hand I had clenched, as if to steel myself, was no longer trembling.
[Yohira's Past Arc] Postscript Short Story "Echoes"
💜 "Yohira's Past Arc" Aftermath Short Story 💜
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The research lab, which I hadn't visited in a long time, was empty, devoid of its owner, and exuded an atmosphere like a shell.
Notes scribbled on the desk and walls. Chemicals haphazardly labeled. Experimental equipment displayed in a state far from neat and tidy.
These things all asserted whose room this was.
Yet, as expected, the guinea pigs used for experiments had been collected, and there was no sign of life at all. Because of this, a terribly lonely atmosphere hung over the room.
"I'm back, Yohira."
My voice echoed in the research lab. Of course, there was no answer.
I sighed and placed the small cardboard box I had brought on the empty space on the desk.
From today, this will be my research lab.
After my life was saved thanks to Yohira, I chose to return to being a research staff member. Those around me seemed to interpret it as, "He must have become afraid of Void after what happened to him," but that wasn't the case.
Simply put, when I realised that Yohira had saved my life, it felt natural. I should return to being a research staff member.
Yohira aimed to "unravel all the mysteries of this world." There are many things I can't do like Yohira.
Even so, I wanted to carry on his legacy as much as possible.
"For now, I'm going to dispose of the expired medications." I declared aloud, unaccustomed to the silence.
I'm grateful to the upper management of the institution for allowing me to return to research and even giving me a research lab, but I thought it was rather tyrannical when they told me, "We'll give you the lab you used, so clean it up yourself."
Facing this room full of memories, even though I thought I had sorted my feelings out, still made me a little uneasy. I braced myself and opened the refrigerator where the medications were likely stored.
The power wasn't off, and cold air brushed against my cheek. As expected, there were many medications stored inside. The complete absence of food is perhaps typical of Yohira.
"This is expired, so I'll throw it away."
"This still looks usable, so I'll put it back later."
And so, I sorted through the medicine bottles one by one. Just as I thought I was almost finished, I noticed a petri dish hidden in the back of the refrigerator, behind a medicine bottle.
My heart skipped a beat. I recognised the it. I took it out of the refrigerator, and it rattled. I held it up to look inside, and just as I suspected, it contained the candy I'd made with Yohira that day.
Why? I thought. Yohira had said that the experiment to make that candy was pointless. Besides, if I hadn't objected, he was going to throw it away, wasn't he? There's no reason to keep such awful candy.
"Mei-kun, are you okay?"
"Huh!???!"
My shoulders jumped dramatically at the sudden sound of a voice.
I turned around and made eye contact with Kaihai-san, who was looking at me. Now that I think of it, I remembered that Kaihai-san had offered to help. I must have been so lost in thought that I hadn't noticed the research lab door opening. I wonder what he thought when he saw me blink in surprise, suddenly brought back to reality.
"So you found the candy. I was wondering if I should have disposed of it earlier, but it was too late. I'm sorry,"
Kaihai-san said, lowering his eyebrows.
"No, no, there's no need to apologise…!"
I quickly bowed my head. Then I thought, "Huh?"
"By the way, Kaihai-san, did you know about this candy?"
"Yes, I heard about it from Yohira."
"From Yohira…?"
I wondered exactly what Yohira had said. As if sensing my question, Kaihai-san slightly raised the corners of his mouth and nodded.
"After you switched to a combat job, I came to restock the medicine and found that candy. At that time, I heard that him and you made it together."
"I see."
"I was going to throw it away because it was getting in the way when I was putting away the medicine, but Yohira stopped me."
"…Huh?"
"I've been wondering whether I should tell you about it all this time. That's why I left the candy there… You must be surprised."
"No…"
Did Yohira say not to throw away the candy? Even though I nodded vaguely, those words kept echoing in my head.
When I woke up, I heard that Yohira's core had been implanted in my body at his own strong request. "Yohira wanted you to live, Mei-kun," Kaihai-san told me, and I didn't doubt it.
But I thought that was a decision he made because he was facing death. Like, if he was going to die, he wanted to entrust something to someone. So I really had no idea he'd kept the candy.
I wish he'd told me.
I was unbearably regretful that I hadn't realised how much Yohira cherished me while he was alive.
My eyes welled up. I squeezed my eyes shut and looked down. I didn't want to cry again now.
"…Mei-kun, if it's too hard, I'll tidy up your room for you," Kaihai-san said, gently stroking my back.
"…I'm fine," I replied, staring at the candy.
The past cannot be changed. If anything can be changed, it's only the future.
"I was trying to solve the mystery that Yohira wanted to solve. That was the only reason I returned to my research position. …But now there's something I want to do."
When I asked if he would listen, Kaihai-san nodded.
"I'm going to research Toxients. But my goal isn't to pursue their mystery. I want to do the research necessary to find a way for them to coexist with humans."
If Toxients had been recognised as beings equal to humans, the "Code: Franken" experiment would never have been permitted. Furthermore, in such a world, Yohira's way of thinking might have been different.
But above all, I know from personal experience that humans and Toxients can interact as equal beings. That's precisely why it seemed like the research I should pursue.
"That's a good goal. You might get some disapproving looks from certain people, but I'll support you," Kaihai-san said with a smile.
I opened the petri dish and popped one of the candies into my mouth. As always, it wasn't sweet, yet it smelled burnt and wasn't tasty.
Even so, it was the taste of important memories.
If I hadn't met Yohira, I probably wouldn't have even considered a career in research, and I would still be vaguely afraid of Toxients. I thought that the path I would take from now on would surely be shared with Yohira.
I'm going to aim to unravel the mysteries necessary for my own purposes. So please watch over me, Yohira.
I declared it in my head without saying it aloud.
Somehow, I felt like Yohira could hear me from this room.
