TBITW Chapter 19

Chapter 19 – Investigation Halted

Main Story 1, Chapter 7, Part 1

Novel Title: 獣はかくして交わる (The Beasts Intertwine This Way)

Author：沙野 風結子 (Fuyuko Sano)

Illustrator：小山田 あみ (Oyamada Ami)

Translator: K (@kin0monogatari)

Protagonists: 鹿倉 陣也 (Kagura Jinya -MC) & ゼロ (Zero -ML)

*Please read at freenovels.net, the original site of translation. TQ*

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“The investigation into human trafficking by the Eastern Alliance and Rong Lan has been halted,” Takizaki informed Kagura in the conference room, his tone serious.

At the unexpected news, Kagura couldn’t help but slam his hand down on the long table.  

“What do you mean? We’re ready to act and secure the evidence. And if we stop now, the one responsible for Machida Shogo’s murder will walk free!”

Takizaki, his face strained, sighed deeply.  

“There are several powerful people, including prominent figures and their relatives, who have been purchasing minors through that channel. Pressure is being applied.”

Kagura felt his chest tighten with frustration.  

“But this is our duty. Yes, it may require discretion, which could take time, but we have no intention of leaving this unresolved indefinitely.”

“There are people suffering now. This is no time for…” Kagura’s words trailed off as Takizaki gripped his shoulder to rein him in.  

“We need to wait for the right time. For now, hold your ground.”

But he didn’t have time. He had to save Xuan as soon as possible. After their failed attempt on taking his life, her position was likely even more precarious.

“A new joint operation with the Narcotics Division has come up. You’ll need to focus on that for now.”

Takizaki’s tone and expression made it clear that he too found this decision painful. But Kagura knew that, if things continued as they were, history would repeat itself.

A haunting memory of his late cousin’s face appeared in his mind, blending with Xuan’s image. Returning from the conference room, Sanae quickly approached him.

“What was that about? You look terrible.”

“We’ve been told to step back from the human trafficking case.”

“What?”

“Damn it!” Kagura punched the wall, so angry he barely felt the pain in his hand.  

―――What’s the point of being a detective if I can’t do anything?

It felt no different than his college days, when he was powerless to uncover the truth behind his cousin’s death. His gut burned with rage against the injustice of it all―――and his own helplessness.

―――I can’t just do nothing…!

He shook his head violently, refusing to let despair take hold.  

No, this isn’t over. It’s just cowardice to think that way.

―――I’ll use any means necessary… I’ll sell my soul to the devil if I have to.

That night, Kagura stayed awake, compiling every piece of information he had on the Eastern Alliance and Rong Lan into a digital file on a memory card. At dawn, he sent Zero a message saying he was heading to the apartment in Nakameguro. He doubted Zero would be there on such short notice, so he also included his request on the memory card.

As expected, Zero wasn’t in the Nakameguro apartment.

In the morning light, Kagura found himself reflecting on the time they’d spent together in this room. There was tension, a hint of bitterness, and… a sweetness he couldn’t deny.

He checked the time―――it was almost time to report for duty. He stood, threw on his coat, and headed for the door. As he reached for the doorknob, he felt a strange sensation. It was turning on its own, opening from the other side.

Despite the sunlight, it felt as if a shadow had entered the room.  

“Zero…”

As soon as he laid eyes on Kagura, Zero narrowed his gaze intently.

As Zero stepped into the room, he grabbed Kagura by the upper arm, shut the door behind him, and locked the door chain.

Zero reached up, grasping Kagura’s chin.

“You’ve got a serious look on your face.”

The scent of the man before him brought back vivid memories of their time together three days ago. With a dull ache, a sensual longing lingered in his core.

“There’s something I need to ask you to do. The details are on the memory card on the table.”

“If you’re serious about asking, then say it out loud.”

He was right; that was the proper way to handle it. Kagura’s gaze darkened.  

“Tonight, I’m going to rescue the girls from the floor above that shop and get them to safety. Whether I succeed or fail, the police will try to bury what happened. So, if I succeed, I’ll spread the truth―――about the crimes of the Eastern Alliance, Rong Lan, and the Metropolitan Police’s cover-up―――online. But if I fail, I want you to make sure that information reaches the world.”

“…”

“The magazine you work for will probably face political pressure, so I’ll need you to share it directly online, to the public.”

Zero exhaled slowly, resting his forehead against Kagura’s.

“Not exactly what I’d expect from you―――you’re a reckless guy.”

Their eyes met, close enough to see every detail.  

“You’re a hot one… in both mind and body.”

This man could sense the heat within Kagura’s body. That was the nature of their relationship.

He wondered what significance, if any, sex held. But somehow, that act had made him feel there was a bond between them. He’d never admit such a childish notion, though.

Zero might not really be a freelance writer. Kagura didn’t even know his real name.

Even in the morning light, Zero seemed shrouded in shadow, a mysterious figure whose true identity was unknown.

―――…And yet, I trust him.

Perhaps some trace of his emotions was visible in his gaze or expression, because Zero’s eyes softened, and he murmured to him.

“I’ll grant your wish.”

Zero’s hand, still holding Kagura’s chin, tightened. As Zero gently tilted his head back, Kagura instinctively lowered his gaze.

A warm weight settled on his lips.

A sweet tingle spread from the nape of his neck to the back of his head.

Zero pressed his lips to Kagura’s over and over, rubbing them together. Kagura, in return, rubbed his lips back against his. His lips felt unusually warm, and his pulse throbbed in his neck.

Despite all the sensual encounters they’d shared, this first kiss was almost shy, awkward, as if both were a bit self-conscious.

After their lips parted, both turned slightly, as though embarrassed. Kagura lightly punched Zero’s solid chest.

“I’m counting on you.”

Zero, feigning a casual smirk, replied, “Yeah.”

This might be the last time they would see each other.

Feeling his chest tighten, Kagura unhooked the door chain.

As Kagura walked down the hallway back toward Organized Crime Section Two after a joint meeting with the Narcotics Division, Sanae, walking beside him, whispered, “Is there anything I can help with?”

He tried to act normal, but Sanae, who’d been by his side for a while, must have sensed something wrong.

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*Translator’s Note: That first kiss was cute though… -K

Next update: 2025.09.22

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