"Of course, it's true!" Seeing Matsuzaki's reaction, which seemed as though he might suffer a sudden stroke, Morin grew a little concerned. He quickly pointed to Kohina and the little loli Riko behind him, explaining his reason for coming: "My Initiator partner and I just met recently and came to the Tokyo Area. Today, we happened upon Riko being beaten and nearly killed... While I rescued her, I can't keep her with me forever, so Kohina and I made our way here."
"I see..."
Upon hearing Morin's straightforward words, Matsuzaki visibly relaxed. If Morin had claimed to be a kindhearted person who came solely out of a special concern for the Cursed Children, Matsuzaki wouldn't have believed such a pure-hearted soul existed. However, Morin's tone, while suggesting some underlying reasons, was undeniably friendly.
"I've brought food and medicine. I believe these children will benefit from them!" Morin's tone was warm as he looked at Matsuzaki and the little lolis behind him.
"Thank you very much for your concern..." After a long pause, Matsuzaki couldn't bring himself to refuse Morin's kindness, offering a grateful smile. Matsuzaki's gratitude wasn't without reason. In the Black Bullet world, ordinary people held deep prejudices against the Cursed Children. As the atmosphere in the Tokyo Area grew more radical, even the meager safety they once had seemed out of reach. Back when the Gastrea War had ended, though the environment in the Tokyo Area was harsh, it was still manageable. The Cursed Children were generally met with scorn and were occasionally driven away with sticks. However, the increasing ostracization forced the children into the dangerous Sector 39.
Using the underground drainage system there, Matsuzaki and the children found a temporary refuge. It was difficult for Gastrea Animals or malicious humans to infiltrate their hideout in the labyrinthine tunnels. However, while they were shielded from immediate threats, Matsuzaki still had to deal with the constant worry of their survival—mainly the lack of food and clean water. Alone, Matsuzaki could not ensure the children's safety and peace of mind. The lolis, despite rarely complaining, often went hungry and occasionally fell ill, causing him great distress. Therefore, Matsuzaki couldn't refuse Morin's generous offer.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the evening light cast a serene glow over the rows of Monoliths in the Tokyo Area. The homes in the residential areas were preparing dinner, and the scent of food drifted from the kitchens, making any hungry person yearn for a meal. In Sector 39, where the lolis usually had only small, barely edible portions for dinner, they now gazed in awe at the hearty meal prepared by Morin. It was a rare treat.
Fragrant white rice. Appetizing seaweed and egg soup. Cold mixed bean sprouts. A small fried fish for each child. Though it would be a modest meal for most, to these lolis, it was nothing short of a feast. For them, being full was a luxury.
Despite their hunger, the lolis waited patiently, lining up as Morin called them forward to receive their food.
"This is yours~!"
"Th... thank you, big brother..."
"What a good girl, go and enjoy your dinner!"
"Mmm~! Delicious!"
Watching the first loli courageously take her plate, the others followed suit, their wide red eyes filled with anticipation. Morin smiled, and Matsuzaki stood to the side, observing the children as they washed their hands, thanked Morin, and sat down to eat in an orderly fashion. It was a simple, peaceful moment, one that filled the air with a subtle sadness as the children ate contentedly.
"What simple needs these children have... They're grateful for even the smallest kindness," Morin thought to himself as he observed the lolis. Most were no older than four or five, yet they displayed a maturity that made their simple joy over a good meal both heart-wrenching and beautiful.
In that moment, Morin couldn't help but feel a deep frustration towards the people who tormented these innocent children. His mind turned to the events in the original Black Bullet anime, where such children had been ruthlessly bombed to death by radical groups. He silently vowed to make things right.
After the meal, Matsuzaki and Morin walked to the top of an abandoned building, gazing out over the Tokyo residential area where the first signs of light appeared.
Matsuzaki turned to Morin, his voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you so much, Mr. Morin. The children haven't smiled like that in a long time."
"You're too kind! Mr. Matsuzaki, at least you're doing more for these children than those other people!" Morin nodded, accepting Matsuzaki's thanks, but his expression was one of disapproval as he looked toward the residential area.
"Please, don't say that. I used to hate the children..." A faint, bitter smile crossed Matsuzaki's face. His eyes turned distant, as if lost in memories of a past that had scarred him deeply. "During the Plundered Generation... my wife and child were both killed by Gastrea Animals. Almost no family was untouched. Entire families were wiped out. Everyone's happiness was stolen from them... During those days, I thought of myself as a walking corpse, lucky only to have survived."
"I hated the Gastrea Animals with all my heart and even directed my anger at those poor children, thinking they were all monstrous creatures."
"But when I saw their situation—how completely helpless and innocent they were—I realized how wrong I had been. They had been ostracized, even harmed by others. Eventually, I let go of my hatred and did everything I could to take them in..."
By the end of his story, Matsuzaki's voice had become thick with emotion, and he sighed deeply. Morin stood quietly, listening to the heartfelt words of this man nearing the end of his life.
"I'm so sorry, Mr. Morin, I've been talking too much. I must be getting old," Matsuzaki apologized after a while, realizing how much he'd said.
"It's alright, Mr. Matsuzaki!" Morin waved it off, smiling.
Then, he turned to Matsuzaki with a request. "If it's alright, Kohina and I plan to stay here for a few days. Would that be okay?"
"Ah? Of course, that's no problem at all! As long as the two of you don't mind!"
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Need More Chapters
Every 300 Power Stones
2 Bonus chapter
Every 500 Power Stones
4 Bonus chapter.
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Try Other Fics I Have
•SAO: I replaced him?
•Anime: I Want Harem
•DxD: I am Kanda Sorata
•Anime: Curse Of Immortality
•Genshin Impact: I have Broken System