Chapter 41 Former Mayor and Caller's Determination

Former Mayor and Caller’s Determination

Uncle Minami’s car took us to a nearby park.

Uncle Minami said, “I’d like to talk to you about your father. Would you mind if Ichijo-san stepped aside for a minute?” He asked, and I shook my head.

“It’s okay. I have nothing to hide when it comes to my father.”

When I said that, Uncle Minami laughed softly.

“That part. You really are like your father. You’re a true reflection of his life.”

Ever since I was little, the adults around me told me “to be a good guy like my father,” and sometimes I felt pressured. But after my father died, the more I understood things, the prouder I became.

I want to be as close to my father as possible, but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to surpass my saintly father.

But, sitting on a chair in the park, the former mayor began to speak.

“It’s been many years since Mamoru-kun passed away. I can’t believe how quickly time passes. Eiji-kun, you’ve grown up too.”

He smiled sadly. At Father’s funeral, he mourned more than the family did.

Uncle Minami was a fellow volunteer with my father. My father ran a soup kitchen and a children’s cafeteria, and they became friends through these activities.

Later, Uncle went into politics to create a livable environment for everyone and supported Father’s activities.

“Eiji-kun, you became a good high school student. That’s why I wanted to talk to you. I don’t know how long I can stay healthy. I am truly sorry. I feel like I’ve taken your father away from you.”

He bowed his head, his eyes welling with tears. Today, all I’m receiving are apologies.

“Uncle, please raise your head.”

“Thank you. As expected, you are kind. However, I want to make amends properly. Your father was my ideal. He was a good man, full of responsibility and kindness. I was spoiled by him. He worked at Kitchen Aono every day and volunteered. I made Mamoru-kun shoulder a burden that was too heavy. Given his sense of responsibility, I knew he would overdo it.”

When he said that, Uncle looked up at the sky.

I know what he means. I think his remorse is sincere.

After all, I think Uncle Minami has been on guard ever since my father died. It’s a strange kind of worry.

“But that was my father’s choice.”

I dared to use the term father. (tl: 父 Fu “Father,” or most respected person.)

“I made him choose.”

That’s my uncle’s regret. He thinks that he forced my father to be idealistic, that he pushed him too hard, and then he collapsed.

But it’s not true. Because my father is…

“My father smiled with satisfaction. He really smiled with satisfaction when he died. I don’t want you to deny my father’s will, no matter how much you want to, Uncle.”

Father lived up to his ideals. So there’s no need for anyone to have regrets.

“… I see…”

“Uncle, you’ve inherited my father’s ideals very well. Father used to say that. He said that if someone else inherited his ideals, it would be as if I’d lived forever. He would be angry if Uncle Minami, who was supposed to carry on my father’s will, was the one who had regrets. I’m sure he would be angry.”

Uncle laughed, his eyes still watering.

“You really have become a good man, Eiji-kun. I used to think of you as my grandson, but today I’ve learned from you.”

Then, Uncle looked at me tenderly.

“That’s why I can’t forgive those who tried to hurt you. Maybe you think it’s none of my business. I know that you’re trying to grow up. But you are still a high school student who needs to be protected by adults. For your father’s sake, I will fulfill my responsibilities as an adult. I will protect you, I promise.”

Remembering my father’s smile, my heart was shaken by his concern for me, and I realized I was protected by all of them.

And we laughed.

Caller’s POV

Now, I’ve got some great evidence. How should I use it?

The easiest way is to put it on the Internet. If I do that, it will be very effective.

But that is the last resort. First, we should inform the teachers and the soccer club anonymously. If this gets out, it will have a big impact on the soccer club, and there will be internal commotion.

If there’s any kind of internal cover-up, I’ll hit them hard by leaking it to the SNS, the city government, and the media. If I work behind the scenes, they won’t even know who has the data.

I don’t work for money.

Punishment for their violence and abuse is meaningless if the mastermind behind it gets away with it.

Kondo.

I’ll destroy everything you have. I’m going to make you taste the same despair I felt back then.