In the morning, Canoe woke up to the fact that Marie was lying next to him.
Good morning, Canoe! Marie said with a smile. – How did you sleep?
Okay, I really had a nightmare. Canoe replied, rubbing his eyes.
By the way, happy first day of October. Marie said, getting up from the floor. – Uncle Manhiro's birthday is coming soon.
Yes. Next week. Canoe drawled. – We should figure out what to give him.
Let's come up with a joint gift from the three of us? Marie suggested. – And you can add more from yourself, if you want.
We'll think about it at school, but now it's time to wash up and have breakfast. Canoe said, heading for the bathroom.
After washing up and having breakfast, Canoe and Mari headed to school, where Hirata was already waiting for them. Up until lunch, Canoe and Hirata discussed their gift options, with Mari joining them during recess. When it was time for lunch, the friends continued their discussion: In general, I'm going to give you a watch on my own. Hirata said. – Not so long ago, passing by the store near the house, I saw an awesome watch, but it won't fit me, but Uncle Manhiro, I'm sure it will be just right.
I want to give you something that I will make with my own hands. Marie said thoughtfully. – Photo collage!
Good gifts. Canoe said with a smile. – Well, I'll give Dad gloves and perfume.
Oh, why is that guy looking at us like that? Marie asked with slight fright, pointing her fingers in the direction of the door.
Turning around, Canoe noticed Aris, whose expression betrayed some kind of extreme seriousness, however, when their gazes collided, Aris' face blossomed into a smile and he waved to Canoe.
It looked like he was looking for someone. Canoe replied. – Let's get back to the gifts.
After discussing all the options, the friends decided that a huge custom-made cake would be a common gift.
After school, saying goodbye to the guys, Hirata went home, and Canoe and Mari went home to the Tsushima family.
Already on the way to the house, Marie and Canoe noticed an unusually large crowd of people, in the center of which stood Manhiro and Han, giving instructions. When Canoe and Marie got closer, almost all the fighters of the Scarlet Sakura clan got into their cars and drove away.
Dad, is something wrong? Canoe asked, coming up to his father.
The soldiers who disappeared yesterday were found. Manhiro replied.
At these words, Khan's face expressed anger.
So, why is Uncle Han angry? Canoe asked.
Marie, close your ears for a while, please. Manhiro said.
Marie was surprised, but she did as she was asked.
Today we received two boxes containing their heads. Manhiro said, clenching his hands into fists. "There was also a note.
And what does it say? Canoe asked, feeling slightly anxious and angry.
It's like it's time to pay for your sins. Khan replied.
Hence the conclusion that the Shirashi clan is involved in everything. Manhiro said with a sigh.
What's the plan of action? Canoe asked, noticing that Marie had removed her hands from her ears.
Now you're going to take Marie home and tell San and Amy that they have to move in with us for a while," Manhiro said. They'll be safer here.
Uncle Manhiro, why is that? Marie asked, not knowing the reason for such actions.
It's better this way. Manhiro said, patting Mari on the head. "And you'll have more time with the Canoe."
After saying that, Manhiro smiled warmly at Mari and winked at Canoe. Khan got behind the wheel of the car at that time.
Okay, we'll go to the office, and you go. Manhiro said, getting into the car. "I'll see you tonight."
Heading towards the Shui family's house, Canoe felt a sharp pain in his heart area and clutched his chest with his hand.
What happened? Marie asked, startled.
No, nothing like that, it just itched a little. Canoe replied with a forced smile.
As they walked, he had the feeling that something bad was going to happen. When they got there, Canoe immediately noticed that the door was open. Marie noticed it too and was about to go inside, but Canoe stopped her.
Stay here a bit, I'll check everything. Canoe said, patting Marie on the head. "Don't worry, everything's fine.
Good. Marie replied softly with a slight panic in her voice.
Entering the hallway, Canoe started calling for Amy and San, but there was no answer. After going to the kitchen, he didn't notice anything, so he went to the living room, but it was empty, so he went to the second floor. As soon as he climbed the stairs, he immediately noticed a trace of blood on the floor.
"It's just that someone cut himself," he told himself, but because of the blood he saw, his anxiety increased. Heading down the corridor, Canoe noticed with his peripheral vision that the door to San's office was ajar, so he decided to enter.
Once inside, Canoe fell to his knees from what he saw. San was sitting in his chair with a bullet in his forehead, and Amy was lying on the floor in front of him in a pool of blood. The sight instantly filled Canoe's eyes with tears. He did not understand how this could happen, why, and most importantly, who did it.
After trying to calm down a little, Canoe heard some kind of ticking sound, which he did not notice at first due to his emotions.
"What the hell is this?" thought Canoe, trying to see the source of the sound. After listening, he realized that the sound was coming from the place where San was sitting. As he got closer, he saw a timer mechanism with 8 minutes remaining. Realizing that it was a bomb, Canoe took out his phone and dialed Manhiro's number.
Yes, son, have you already conveyed my words? Manhiro asked. – You rarely call me on the phone, is something wrong?
Dad, Uncle San and Aunt Amy are dead, and there's a bomb. Canoe said, tears starting to flow again.
If this is a joke, it's a very stupid one, son," Manhiro said.
Dad... I'm not kidding. Canoe replied tearfully.
Listen to me carefully. Manhiro said seriously. – Grab Marie now and run to our house!
What about the bomb? Canoe asked. – Otherwise the house will explode.
I'll send people now, they'll neutralize it. Manhiro replied. – The most important thing is not to let Marie see it.
After finishing the conversation, Canoe tried his best to pretend that everything was fine. After leaving the house, I approached Marie.
What's up? Marie asked.
No one is at home. Canoe replied. – Come to us.
Why are your eyes swollen? Have you been crying? Marie continued to ask.
No, it's okay. Canoe replied, forcing a smile.
At first, Marie looked very seriously into Canoe's eyes, and then she said:
I trust you, and I hope you're not lying.
After that, they headed home to the Canoe. Once inside, Canoe went straight to the bathroom, and Marie sat down to do her homework.