655 That sounds so realistic that I almost believed i (2/2)

”That's right.”

”Why is it that you say you don't bear a grudge against your family? Being exiled must be an incredible humiliation,” Rota inquired.

Shika furrowed her eyebrows slightly as she stood next to Seiji.

”That's because I deserved what I got,” Seiji answered.

”Are you really certain?”

”What do you mean?”

”Haven't you ever considered that you were actually framed or led into a trap? Although I don't know your specific circumstances, I don't think that you're the type to make a major mistake like that, Haruta-san. It's quite strange that you received such a severe punishment like exile from the family,” Rota spoke in a low voice.

”That's because I've changed myself now. The past me was nothing like the current me,” Seiji stated calmly.

Everyone fell silent for a moment.

”Join our Revenge Alliance, Haruta-san.” Rota directly spoke his intentions.

Seiji looked him over.

”Earlier on the ship, I wanted to ask Rota-san about this Revenge Alliance, but you politely declined… Why is it that you're now asking me to join instead?”

”At that time, I wasn't aware of Haruta-san's circumstances. Now I'm aware, and have confirmed that Haruta-san has sufficient power which will be greatly helpful to our Revenge Alliance.”

”Helpful because of my personal power, or because of my Haruta Family bloodline?”

”The Haruta Family's bloodline is a part of your power as well,” Rota stated directly.

'Ah, so he's actually trying to recruit me because of my bloodline.' Seiji understood.

”Why do you need the Haruta Family's bloodline?”

”I'm sorry, I can't answer that question. But I promise that it's nothing bad for you. There will be no harm for you at all, Haruta-san.”

'That sounds so realistic that I almost believed it,' Seiji retorted in his mind.

”What benefits are there for me if I join?”

”You'll obtain far greater power, which will greatly exceed the power of the family that exiled you—for instance, power which exceeds Shuntou Haruta's!”

”A mysterious power obtained too easily is just like money growing on trees. I can't be rest assured about that at all.”

”It's not mysterious at all. You'll understand when the time comes. This is a new power belonging to this new generation!” Rota's tone sounded slightly fanatical.

His behavior didn't really fit Seiji's earlier impression of the cold and analytical detective… just what could Rota have experienced?

”Understand when the time comes? I apologize, I don't really trust words like that.”

”It's okay even if you don't trust me right now. As long as you agree to join us, I shall give you an item that signifies you're one of us. After that… you can choose for yourself whether or not to accept this new power. I'm confident that you will.”

”What if I refuse to join you?”

”Then we'll treat this conversation as having never occurred. Still, please consider carefully before making your final decision.”

”You're not worried that I'll report you?”

”I believe that you wouldn't, Haruta-san.”

'Believe? Yeah, right. I bet that you have some way of dealing with things even if I report you.'

”Rota-san, can I ask why you chose to join the Revenge Alliance? Or, are you the person that started it?” Seiji inquired.

”I'm not the person who started it… I joined because I want to establish a new order!” Once again, Rota's tone was starting to sound fanatical.

”What type of new order?”

”An order that's better than the current one! First, we need to overthrow the rotten families that have cruelly suppressed Sakura Island for far too long already. Those in high positions that have gotten away with whatever evils they wished for far too long need to receive the judgement that they deserve!!”

Rota's words seemed to contain a passionate fire that could actually physically burn.