Chongzong and Van didn't say a word along the way.
Chongzong was responsible for confirming the situation ahead, while Van focused on watching the situation behind.
With one in front and one in the back, they moved forward orderly, quickly, and steadily in the dim morning light, in the alleys of Kyoto.
At 4:50 a.m., Chongzong and Van arrived at a certain spot outside the walls of Yasaka Shrine.
According to the map and information provided by Manranyama Souren, at the start of the operation, five minutes later, at 4:55 a.m., it would be safe and unnoticed to climb over this wall.
"Murasaki No.1 in place, no abnormalities in the surroundings." (Chongzong)
"Murasaki No.2 in place, no abnormalities in the surroundings." (Van)
"Murasaki No.3 in place, clear visibility of Murasaki No.1 and No.2." (Uesugi Yui)
"Murasaki No.4 in place, no abnormalities in the surroundings." (Manranyama Souren)
"Alright, this is Unagi Bento No.1. Countdown for the Unagi Bento operation begins with 60 seconds."
"Unagi Bento No.2, confirmed." (Van)
"Unagi Bento No.3, confirmed." (Uesugi Yui)
"Unagi Bento No.4, confirmed." (Manranyama Souren)
Apart from the faint electrical buzzing in the wireless communicators, silence engulfed the surroundings.
In the early hours of the morning in Kyoto, the slight chill made the hairs on the skin stand up.
While most people were still asleep, at Yasaka Shrine, an operation that could jeopardize lives was about to begin.
At 4:55 a.m., it was time for the operation to start.
"This is Murasaki No.3, target infiltration location confirmed with no abnormalities. Please proceed with the infiltration." (Uesugi Yui)
"Unagi Bento No.1, Roger. Initiating infiltration." (Chongzong)
"Unagi Bento No.2, Roger. Initiating infiltration." (Van)
Chongzong pressed his back against the wall, clasping his hands in front of him and assuming a stable stance.
Van placed his foot on Chongzong's hands, using the leverage to lift himself up onto the wall.
With seemingly no weight at all, Van effortlessly climbed up the wall, then turned around and reached his hand down to pull Chongzong up as well, onto the top of the wall.
Then, silently, the two of them infiltrated inside the walls of Yasaka Shrine.
"This is Murasaki No.3. Murasaki No.1 and No.2, there are two individuals heading towards you from the 10 o'clock direction. They will likely see you in about 30 seconds." (Uesugi Yui)
Upon hearing Uesugi Yui's notification, Chongzong and Van quickened their pace, swiftly crossed the walls and the outer courtyard of Yasaka Shrine, and embedded themselves in the main building of the shrine.
From here on, they were out of Uesugi Yui's sight, with no more visual assistance, relying solely on themselves.
Van took out the map of the main building of Yasaka Shrine from his pocket, starting to confirm the positions and guide their route.
Chongzong focused on observing the surroundings, supporting each other as they moved forward rapidly.
At every unknown intersection and corner, Van would first use the rearview mirror to observe and confirm that no one was there before continuing forward. Thanks to the accurate information obtained by Manranyama Souren, they encountered no obstacles along the way and skillfully avoided patrol personnel. In less than ten minutes, they were only twenty meters away from the archive room.
It was at this moment that an unforeseen situation occurred, contrary to their plan. Through the rearview mirror, Van noticed a burly man standing at the door of the archive room, looking around. His width was such that three Chongzong could stand side by side and still not be as wide as him. His arms were thicker than Chongzong's thighs. Describing him as having a bear's back and waist was not enough. Just by standing there, he emanated an oppressive aura that made people dare not approach.
Van lightly tapped Chongzong, prompting him to take a look in the rearview mirror. With just a glance, Chongzong recognized this person.
"...Atlas Brown Bear." (Chongzong)
