DIRTY BACKYARD

Now then, let's see...

Which areas do we have left?

Fog Hollow is the only one remaining.

Nice.

Let's give it a once over and head back.

Ugh, this fog is ridiculous.

I can barely see anything whenever I come here.

*Cough cough*

My throat is killing me as well.

You can probably thank the local factory for that.

It's always belching out plumes of smog,

and that ends up producing more fog as well around this area.

Must be hell living in this place.

Moran?

Oh, hey. Long time no see.

We-welcome!

What are you doing in these parts? You didn't even call.

Have I ever contacted you before I came here?

You're sweating an awful lot.

Are you not feeling well?

N-no! I feel perfectly fine!

I must have worked too hard yesterday, that's all...

Well, you certainly are a hard worker.

Anything going on lately that I should know about?

No, there's not much going on.

Nothing at all, actually.

Are you sure about that?

You're not lying to me, are you?

You're acting strangely.

You look like you're trembling.

H-honestly! There's nothing going on!

Now that everyone knows this is the Peony Association's turf, nobody would dare touch a hair on our heads.

We can't thank you enough for watching over our village.

There's no need for that.

I'm just doing my job.

We promised to guard this place, and so we will. That's what loyalty is, is it not?

Loyalty... right.

You always were enamored with loyalty.

At any rate, you should take it easy.

You might collapse at this rate.

Okay, I'll be more careful.

I can't quite make it out thanks to this fog,

but is that the factory over there?

Is that a smaller one next to it? That's new.

...!

That... that's right. We expanded and created an add-on to the factory.

That would certainly explain why you're overworked.

What are you all producing over there?

Um... just run-of-the-mill pharmaceuticals.

If you want, we can share some with you...

Ahhhh!

!

What was that?

I think it came from...

The warehouse!

...!

What the...

M-Moran!

The wall...

"Moran did this"...?

What?

Is it saying...

that I killed these people?

*Sigh*

I feel like I'm losing my mind.

...

No. Sitting here moping won't solve anything.

You've got to be kidding me!

Easy there, Moran.

There's no need to take it out on that innocent table.

It's so unfair!

Why would I kill those people out of the blue?

I've found out something, but I think it'll only make you more upset.

What is it?

Listen carefully.

There are various voices in the Outer Rim discussing this...

there have been reports of mass murder and internal strife.

And they're pinning it all on you.

What?!

I don't know all the details yet,

but all the evidence points to you. And there have been people testifying against you.

This can't be happening...

You don't actually believe it, do you?

Of course not. How could I?

But the same can't be said for everyone.

These rumors have apparently already spread as far as the Ark.

I don't think this is a matter for us to handle internally.

I suggest you ask Sakura or Rosanna for assistance.

I just tried to do exactly that.

Apparently, something's cropped up on their end as well.

They seem to have their hands full.

Well then, that means there's only one person we can turn to.

Who?

The man you care for so much.

The Cadet.

Tell me about it. If I was the only one affected by this, I could handle it.

But if any of my subordinates,

or the people living in areas that I oversee, are affected because of these rumors,

that I cannot, and will not, endure.

...

So...

I'm asking...

No, I'm begging you to help me prevent the Peony Association from being torn apart.

To ensure that those around me don't suffer needlessly.

I hope that you can find it in you to trust me, and help me clear my name.

...

Huh?

You do?

You really trust me?

...

Haha!

Those words are music to my ears!

I can't tell you how reassuring it is to hear you say that.

Thank you so much.

I knew you were a real one.

Not really.

I figured going back to Fog Hollow

would be a good starting point.

If I dig around and ask some questions, something is bound to come up.

Oh, yeah... sorry.

I didn't think that far ahead.

Sakura and Rosanna are pretty busy right now though...

The what?

Hey, Partner.

Frima is zonked out in the corner, as usual.

Milk stepped out for a moment.

Why? What's up?

Ah, an assignment, is it?

Let's hear it.

...

You're not pulling my leg, are you?

You're telling me

you really didn't kill those people?

Of course I didn't!

That entire village is under the Peony Association's protection.

I visit them every month. They're like family to me. How could I ever harm them, let alone murder them?

What about places that aren't managed by the Peony Association?

The same thing goes for those areas too.

Why would I randomly harm people for no discernible reason?

That's why it's so baffling that there's all this incriminating evidence against me.

Why would I ever kill those people?

You said all these separate cases occurred within a short time, right?

Sounds like an investigation is in order.

All right, I'll take on this assignment.

Nope, no need.

I can handle this on my own.

I'm positive.

The more people you have digging about in the Outer Rim, the more likely you are to attract attention.

We've got enough people as is.

Please. This is investigation 101.

Perceptive as always, Partner.

I've recently come across some parts that I want to add to Black Typhoon.

And those parts don't come cheap.

Considering what a prominent figure Moran is in the underworld,

I presume that the compensation will be appropriately substantial?

Hold on a minute.

The Peony Association isn't exactly flush with cash.

You know that as well as I do.

Let's get ready to head to the Outer Rim.

I'll see you two later.

...

Here I am.

Your outfit!

It's been a long time since I've seen you wear that.

...

I used to dress like this when I lived in the Outer Rim.

You didn't know?

She had quite the reputation.

What made you throw that old thing back on?

It's comfortable when you need to be in the Outer Rim. Convenient, too.

You're telling me that thing is comfortable?

No way.

Enough talking. Let's get a move on.

...

All right, let's go.

It's always reassuring to have an old pal along for the ride.

...

... Nothing. She didn't mean anything by it.

...

Just a little more, and we can get out.

Mist... we need Mist.

...

...

Wha...

What is going on?

I haven't a clue,

but whatever it is, it looks serious.

Hey, what in the world happened here?

I'm dead... If this doesn't stop, I'm dead...

Huh?

I need to hurry... I need Mist... is there any Mist anywhere?

Do you have any Mist?

I need to find Mist quickly. I need it bad.

Moran... yes, that's who we need.

What?

She's the one who distributes it. Yes, that's it.

Must find her, gotta find her... can't die, gonna die...

What the...

Did I hear that correctly,

or did that guy just mention my name?

...

O-okay.

Yes?

Uhh, are you okay?

You're bleeding!

Don't move.

Let me take care of that wound.

What are you talking about?

I'm perfectly fine.

Wait, are you Moran?

Yes... but why?

Everyone!

Our savior has arrived!

Moran is here!

!!

Moran!

She's finally here! She's f... blurgh!

*Cough cough*

Save us! Otherwise, we're all dead!

Please, have mercy on us!

Give us the Mist! Please!

I beg you!

What is happening?

W-wait! Everyone! We can talk it out, okay?

!!

Partner, hurry, get on!

Time to get outta here!

O-okay!

Thank you for saving me.

Partner, come here.

!

I knew from the beginning something stunk about this whole operation.

What are you hiding?

Not only did you drag Partner into this

and put his life at risk,

but you just stood there and let that crowd overtake you.

Were you planning on silencing them because they mentioned your name?

...

So you're suspicious of me, is that it?

How could I not be?

They all recognized you, and they kept asking you to give them Mist.

They were practically worshipping you.

That tells me you are the one distributing Mist to those people.

W-wait!

Those people kept talking about Mist.

But I don't even know what Mist is!

You expect me to believe that?

I really don't know what it is!

You're a liar.

No... no.

Something stinks, you're right about that. But it's not me.

How do you know all this?

What do you mean?

How do you know what Mist is?

...

Come to think of it, that's not the only suspicious thing about you.

You knew the Peony Association doesn't have nearly enough money to pay you,

yet you still took on this assignment.

When we saw that gruesome scene after arriving,

you were the only one

who wasn't rattled.

Almost as if you anticipated it.

Don't try and turn this against me. You're the one who nearly got Partner killed,

and now you're trying to justify your actions.

You leave me with no choice.

You?!

It's been a while, Sugar.

What do you say we put the weapons down and discuss this in a civil manner?

...

Boy, am I glad to see that outfit again.

Seeing you wearing that makes me feel ten years younger, haha.

Siccing your underlings on me, are you?

I didn't call him.

How did you know I was here?

You forget who I am, Moran.

I'm the brain of the Peony Association.

Tracking you down was easy as pie.

Sugar,

Moran really doesn't know anything.

That's absurd.

How can she not know?

If anything, I'd much rather like to ask you

how it is that you do know about Mist?

...

I'm not at liberty to reveal that information.

Sounds awfully suspicious to me.

This is Mist.

To the average person, it might seem that way.

But this...

is no ordinary candy.

What do you mean?

This is an extremely dangerous narcotic.

Everyone calls it Mist.

When you consume it, your mind goes hazy, as if enveloped by a thick fog.

It's apparently a euphoric experience.

If you take too much, yes, I've heard users can become impervious to pain.

You can also experience hallucinations and become aggressive.

That's exactly what we saw before.

Perhaps they consumed some of this stuff?

You see? She didn't know about any of this.

Still harboring any doubts about her?

...

Just look at her face.

Surely you can tell how wronged she feels.

... Maybe.

Don't think this means all my doubts are dispelled.

Those junkies were demanding Mist from Moran,

and they all but dropped to their knees and exalted her.

And lest we forget all these murder charges she's been accused of.

I don't blame you.

All these things you've just described, I've seen them as well.

People crying while cradling dead family and friends, howling that Moran is the killer.

Others say that Mist can be acquired from her.

Every last one of them spoke with the utmost confidence, utterly convinced of what they were saying.

Precisely.

She also has an alibi for the previous incidents as well,

since she was at the Peony Association the entire time.

The most damning evidence against her is that message

that was scrawled on the wall,

which accused her of being the killer.

You're right,

but be that as it may,

all of these people are saying the same thing.

I feel someone else is behind this. It's like someone is controlling them.

I haven't found that out just yet,

but I did find out

where this Mist stuff is being produced.

...!

You know the exact location?

Where?

Fog Hollow.

The first village where you were falsely accused,

and our next destination.

That's where they're producing Mist.

What?!

...

Looks like you knew about this all along, Sugar.

Is that why you suspected Moran?

... Yes.

Fog Hollow is Peony Association's territory,

and apparently, all of this Mist stuff is being produced there.

Not only that, production volume has recently increased over twenty-fold.

And you're telling me the person overseeing this place had no clue any of this was happening?

You'll have to excuse me if I find that a little hard to believe.

I swear I didn't know!

Believe me, please!

Fog Hollow has always been bathed in impenetrable fog that makes it impossible to see everything.

Sure, it seemed like a rough place to live,

but everyone here seemed friendly enough.

I trusted them, so I never considered poking my head inside the factories.

I didn't want to disturb them.

But...

you're telling me they were making this stuff the entire time?

Yes, it seems they've been using those factories to secretly produce Mist.

Okay... first off,

let's assume this is true and it is being manufactured there.

Is it being sold there as well?

That hasn't been confirmed yet.

It is, however, in active circulation on Dark Net.

That makes it difficult to discern who the suppliers are.

Have you seen it being made?

Not personally, but I've gotten this information from a reliable source.

So you didn't see it with your own eyes.

In other words, we're not 100% certain about any of this.

What?

So you're on the villagers' side?

Yes. I trust them.

I haven't seen anything myself, so we can't be sure of anything.

I need to visit these factories

and talk to the people there myself.

Why go to all this trouble?

How can you ask me that?

What if these people are being framed, just like I am right now?

...!

I've been wrongly accused, and everyone is eyeing me with suspicion.

If I don't stand up for these people, who will?

...

I understand how strange this may appear to you,

but the residents of Fog Hollow are salt-of-the-earth individuals.

Every day, they break their backs trying to feed their families and fellow villagers.

Their loyalty knows no bounds, and they wouldn't hesitate to give a stranger the shirt off their own back,

even if it meant they themselves would go cold.

That's why I need to see what's going on for myself.

And what will you do then?

If they are being framed, then I'll fight alongside them to protect the village.

If it turns out to be true...

...

I will destroy that place myself.

...

Actually, Partner, why don't you head back?

You saw what just happened back there.

If I hadn't been there, you two would have been up the creek without a paddle.

We're fortunate to have escaped, but there's no guarantee we'll be so lucky next time.

I'm sorry, Cadet.

I got too flustered.

I had no clue what was going on.

I didn't know what to do.

I put you in danger.

I won't let it happen again.

I'll protect you with my life. I promise.

... Thank you.

I don't think so.

Until we get to the village and get to the bottom of all this,

Partner stays with me.

... Okay.

Jin! Let's go.

Sorry Moran, but I'll have to sit this one out.

What?

You know I'm no fighter.

Besides, you're like a storm cloud. Wherever you go, bad luck follows.

I can contribute just as much if not more from behind the scenes.

I'll send some other members your way.

You stay safe out there.

That's no good...

*Sigh*

... Let's go.

What is it?

You look so dreadfully serious.

...

What do you mean?

Then how am I usually?

So that's how you see me?

If anything, I'd much rather like to ask you

how it is that you do know about Mist?

...

I'm not at liberty to reveal that information.

... Yes.

Fog Hollow is Peony Association's territory,

and apparently all of this Mist stuff is being produced there.

Not only that, production volume has recently increased over twenty-fold.

And you're telling me the person overseeing this place had no clue any of this was happening?

You'll have to excuse me if I find that a little hard to believe.

... Heh.

You're asking me questions that I really can't answer.

How do you think I know?

And pray tell, how exactly do you think I would have gone about that?

You're as sharp as ever.

... Yes. You're right.

I went to Fog Hollow not long ago.

I'd gotten a request.

I'm sorry, but that's confidential.

I'll fill you in later.

For now,

what I can tell you is that it's related to that village.

That's why I went there;

then I find out about the Mist that was being produced.

But when I got there, you know what the villagers told me?

Let me tell you something.

You have no idea how dangerous this stuff is. The harm it can do to people.

Of course, we know about that.

And yet you're going to continue making it?

W-wait!

We didn't want things to be like this either!

But if we don't make this, we're dead.

We have a conscience too. That's why we initially made so little of it,

just enough to get by.

But then the higher-ups threatened us and demanded that we make more.

They said that if we didn't comply, they'd kill us all!

Eep!

I shouldn't have told you all that!

Are the Peony Association the ones ordering you to do this?

...

Yes.

Yes.

They were making Mist under duress.

Their lives were being threatened,

man, woman, and child alike.

If I had,

I would have been sentencing that entire village to death.

They were weak people being taken advantage of by the strong.

I had no choice but to let it slide.

After that, you and Moran came looking for me.

In order to find out the truth and keep you safe,

I accepted.

You nearly got killed back there,

so I apologize if I got a bit emotional.

Having said that, I'm still not letting Moran off the hook just yet.

I'll be keeping my eye on her.

Right.

Even if I'd told her, she wouldn't have believed me.

That's just the type of person she is.

Once she trusts someone, she'll have faith in them until the very end.

Her belief in those people will never waver until she sees it for herself.

We're almost there.

Once we pass through this area...

Moran!

Is that you?

... Yes.

Please, can you give me some Mist?

I-I'll die without it!

...

Is this what you're looking for?

Yes! That's it!

Hold on. Let's just watch for a moment.

Just one, one little hit is all I need. Like that one you're holding!

Please, can I have it? Please? I'm begging you.

Sure, I can give it to you,

but in return,

you've got to answer a question for me.

Anything!

There are a lot of prying eyes and ears here though, so let's go somewhere quiet.

Here, take it.

Thank you! Thank you!

Now, time for my question.

Hey!

Y-yes?

You're no junkie.

...!

You've never tried Mist before, have you?

Wh-what are you...!

I can tell by looking at your eyes.

I've seen people who are hooked on Mist.

Their eyes are as blank as a corpse's.

Yours, on the other hand, are crystal clear.

Wh-what kind of claptrap is that?!

Ahhh!

Don't kill me!

What, afraid that I'll hurt you? Or worse?

That doesn't make any sense either.

All the others who were jonesing for a fix

couldn't care less about their well-being.

They rushed in headlong asking for Mist.

Uh... Uhhhh...

Which brings me to my question:

Who ordered this stuff?

You look like someone's underling.

Who the hell ordered you to do all this?!

I-I can't say!

No?

Maybe you just need a little convincing.

...!

Hmm?

What is that?

Hand it over.

N-no, please!

Hey Partner, catch.

What the... when did you...?!

Heh... hehehe...

Sixo, you dirty rotten son of a bitch.

Sixo?

Huh?

That sound... that's...!

Cadet, get down!

...

Cadet! Are you okay?

Are you hurt?

Thank goodness...

Who was that guy?

His body had been rigged with explosives.

He brought us here so he could blow himself up and take us with him.

I don't think that's it.

He seemed just as surprised as us when that beeping started.

Besides, I had barely put any pressure on him and he was already begging for his life. Hardly the type to be a suicide bomber.

If that had been his aim, he could have done it as soon as he brought us here.

Hmm...

Did you get a message from Sixo?

... Yeah.

Are they from the same sender from our dearly departed friend's phone?

Then that must mean Sixo is the one responsible for this.

Sixo... I swear I've heard that name before.

But you're not sure?

No. It sounds familiar, but I'm not positive.

Well, allow me to fill you in.

She is deeply involved in the Dark Net.

There are rumors going around that she may be the Master.

Good question.

Maybe she's trying to

To stop us from reaching Fog Hollow.

What makes you think that?

I don't really have a reason.

Just a gut feeling.

At any rate, let's hurry and get there.

S-save me!

...

Give it back.

Our lives depend on it.

These fools tried to abscond with it.

Did you make these yourselves?

Here in this village?

... Yes.

Why? Why would you do such a thing?

You ordered us to.

What do you mean?

I would have never issued such an order.

How do you know Sixo?

Fess up.

...

So, you already know.

I'll tell you how I know her.

Our entire village is being held hostage by that sadist.

She's using that Mist that you're holding against us.

Why didn't you say anything?

Telling you wouldn't have changed anything.

How can you be so sure?

You didn't even try to tell us!

If we want to stay alive, then we need to produce Mist every day.

It's not that much, so leave us be.

Is that what you would have had us say to you?

...

Sixo caught us making Mist,

and she's blackmailed us ever since, forcing us to produce more and more.

You have to help us.

If we said that, do you think you would have come to our aid?

Of course I would have.

...!

You all are under the protection of the Peony Association.

We value loyalty above all else. Betrayal is not in our vocabulary.

If only you had reached out before it came to this.

Before betraying us...

I would have helped you, somehow.

...

Moran, you remember the factory,

where you saw all those people?

Don't tell me...!

Yes. That's right.

They were used as an example,

to show us what would happen

if we request help or fail to meet the quota.

We were... so scared.

So all of this...

is because of Sixo?

Leave the Mist here and leave.

If we can't meet our quota, we're all dead.

Absolutely not.

I can't do that.

It's because of this poison that the entire Outer Rim is in chaos,

and you want to continue peddling it?

Get rid of all of it, right now.

If you don't, I will.

...

Please save us, Moran!

We have to do this to survive!

Sixo even planted explosives throughout the village!

Please!

I don't want to die!

You fools!

If you're not above begging, why didn't you ask for help sooner?!

I could have helped you... and those people wouldn't have had to die...

Why! Why did it have to come to this?!

Please... please spare us...

Let go of it.

I said let go!

?!

Sugar, what are you doing?

You can't take it.

Leave these people alone.

You said it yourself.

If you found out that Mist was being made here,

you'd destroy this factory and everything in it.

I remember.

And now that I've confirmed what's happening,

that's exactly what I'll do.

Yes...

That's what I must do.

I will tear down everything with my own hands.

I won't let you do that.

What?

If you're intent on destroying this place, you'll have to go through me.

If you think I'm kidding, try me.

What is this? Why are you taking it this far?

I could ask you the same thing.

We protected these people, and they thanked us by stabbing us in the back.

As we speak, they're synthesizing a drug that kills people.

Do you know how many lives are being ruined because of this Mist?

You've seen what it does to people.

This is beyond the pale.

Judgment has come to Fog Hollow.

The people here are powerless.

Many people here did not want to produce Mist.

But their lives were being threatened. They had no choice but to make it.

If you destroy this place, what do you think will happen to these people?

They're already on the edge of the precipice.

If you go through with this,

you'll be tying the noose around their necks and throwing them off.

...

If that is what must happen, then so be it.

They've left me with no choice.

A crime is a crime.

Countless innocents have suffered because of these people.

If we want to solve this problem, we have to tear it out by the roots.

I know this is the right decision.

No, you don't. You don't know that.

You haven't had any dealings with Sixo.

Nothing you say

will change my mind.

Cadet, this place is dangerous. Come to me.

Partner, this way!

...!

Thank you, Cadet.

... I'm sorry to hear you say that, Partner.

Everyone, into the factory!

Argh!

Ugh...!

Whew... Whew...

Gasp... Gasp...

?! Dammit!

Cadet, wait.

Give me just a minute.

My leg is giving me a bit of trouble.

I'm fine.

A little patching up and I'll be good as new.

I can't thank you enough, Cadet.

Looks like I owe you another one.

... No.

Well... to be exact,

I don't have a choice.

I'm a member of Underworld Queen and the boss of the Peony Association.

I know that these people probably had little choice in the matter.

I can empathize. All too well.

They didn't know where else to turn, and they got scared.

How could I not have noticed?

For months, I watched them as they went about their lives.

But no matter how much I care for them, some things cannot be excused.

Damning entire swathes of people to save yourself?

That's unforgivable.

Maybe things would have been different if they had told me about this sooner,

but it's too late to turn back now.

...

Cadet.

Our members will be arriving soon.

When they do, I plan to head straight to the factory.

So, let me ask you for one more favor.

If you would, I'd like you to talk to Sugar first.

She's been acting suspiciously before we even arrived at the Outer Rim.

I've been concerned about her for a while now, but now I can see it clear as day.

There's something going on between her and Sixo.

She always reacts to the mention of that name.

That might be why she's gotten so wrapped up in this thing emotionally.

Since my stance on this matter is in opposition to Sugar's,

there's no way I can objectively try to figure out

what she's thinking or what her intentions are.

That's not the case with you, though.

I don't want to fight with my comrades.

She saved you earlier, and I'm incredibly grateful to her for that.

So, I'm begging you.

Talk to her.

At least until our reinforcements arrive.

Thank you.

Huh? Partner?

What are you doing here?

Yes.

Like they told us earlier, this village has been rigged with explosives.

When the bomb in the factory went off,

these people got caught in the disaster.

It's okay, just a superficial scratch from Moran.

Absolutely not. I still feel the same.

...!

...

All right, then it's time to throw down.

Cadet...

Everyone, into the factory!

Argh!

Ugh...!

Whew... Whew...

Gasp... Gasp...

?! Dammit!

Partner, let's go!

What is going on?

Argh... the explosives in the factory went off.

This has to be Sixo's doing.

But I don't understand... she said she wouldn't touch the factory.

That's who she is.

Sixo never has been one to honor her word.

Mom! Wake up!

Urgh...

We've got a lot of casualties here,

and we've got to extinguish this fire as well.

Partner, can you help me?

It's okay, just a superficial scratch from Moran.

Absolutely not. I still feel the same.

...!

... So, it was that obvious, huh?

Yes, you're right.

I received a request from Sixo.

I am to protect Fog Hollow.

Do you remember that I used to live in the Outer Rim?

At that time, I was doing a lot of work for Sixo.

Dangerous assignments, at that.

A while back, when I was in a different squad.

Back then, there wasn't a person in the Outer Rim who didn't know who I was.

But I wasn't renowned. I was infamous.

People in the streets avoided me.

There were rumors that wherever I went, bad things were sure to follow.

That was the old me.

I didn't think for myself. I simply followed orders like a mindless machine.

Until one day...

I heard something terrible had happened because of what I did.

You monster!

You said we were family! You said you would protect us!

How could you do this?!

What are you going to do now, huh?! Answer me!

...

After that, I washed my hands of Sixo.

I didn't want to have to recall any more memories like that one.

My plan was to take a calculated risk and try to dig up some information on Sixo.

I figured I could at least turn up something on her, but instead,

I got myself involved in another gigantic mess like I always do.

She knew perfectly well

this is how I would react to what was going on here.

She had everything planned out in advance. She's the one who asked me to wear this outfit.

Yes, it's what I always wore back when I was operating in the Outer Rim.

The instant anyone saw these clothes, they knew to stay away.

They were like a scarlet letter.

A marker, letting everyone know the sins I'd committed. Sixo wants to remind me of what I did.

She doesn't want me to forget how big a part I played in all of it.

That's why I want to stop Moran from doing this.

Once a sin has been committed, it can never be undone.

You can repent, and you can regret, but you can never truly go back to the way you were.

M-Miss!

Moran is here!

Partner.

This is gonna be one hell of a fight.

So stay back, okay?

...

Inside this factory

are those who have spit upon our loyalty to them.

Out of selfish self-preservation,

they created a dangerous drug called Mist

and allowed it to proliferate through the Outer Rim.

They did all this, despite knowing what happens to those who consume it.

It's because of them that the Outer Rim has descended into chaos.

It's because of them that innocent people are suffering.

They've crossed the line,

and for that, they must be punished.

Take Fog Hollow and burn it to the ground.

As always, there is no plan.

Knock down all those who would stand in our way.

Take what those people cherish and demolish it.

Show them what happens to those who cross us.

Show them what happens when you seek to disrupt the established order.

Make sure it's something they'll never forget.

Understood!

...

Let's go.

Sugar...

Step aside. I don't want to fight you.

Nor I.

But I can't let you destroy these people's homes.

I've been ordered to protect this place.

I intend to follow those orders.

I told you. We have to pull out the roots to get rid of the rot.

This is how the underworld operates.

Sorry to break it to you, but I turned my back on all that long ago.

From where I stand, those rules don't sit particularly well with me.

You're throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

You've made it so that those who can't defend themselves are guaranteed to die.

What are they supposed to do?

Do you think I'm doing this because I want to?

This place was under the Peony Association's protection!

I trusted these people! I thought they were loyal to us!

But instead, they go and do this.

Don't you remember?

There was a similar incident before, in the Outer Rim.

Back then, we held back. We didn't pull evil out by the root,

and everything fell to pieces.

You have no idea how I feel!

*Sob*

Moran...

...

Fog Hollow is already under Sixo's control.

On top of that, we've confirmed that Mist is being produced here.

Do you really think she'll just pack up her things and go? That she'll ever leave this place alone?

...!

You seem to be well-acquainted with her.

You should know better than anyone what she'll do.

*Sigh*

Everyone, burn it all down!

Roger!

I won't let you do that!

Reports indicate that Fog Hollow, a settlement inside the Outer Rim, has been decimated practically overnight.

The suspect has been determined to be a high-ranking criminal leading a violent organization called the Peony Association.

The individual is suspected of attempting to destroy evidence related to the production of dangerous drugs.

The Central Government is conducting an investigation into the matter...

We were waiting for you to show up.

It's been a while.

Welcome, Mister.

...

Mustang wanted to see her.

Hard to say.

It seems that even Mustang is having some difficulty covering up this incident.

We're not sure whether the information was accidentally leaked or done so intentionally.

It's even reached the Ark.

You saw the news, didn't you?

We've confirmed that

Sixo framed Moran and besmirched her name.

Fog Hollow was Peony Association's territory,

and it was the only place where Mist could be produced.

Perhaps her greed got the best of her

and she wanted to get Moran out of the picture so she could have it all for herself.

The Mist is even more dangerous

than we thought.

It's highly addictive,

and there are people everywhere begging for it.

None that we know of so far.

There are addicts causing trouble all over the Outer Rim.

You got a taste of it yourself when you went there.

People experience hallucinations, are highly aggressive, and become impervious to pain.

Murders and assaults have skyrocketed.

To be frank,

if this continues, I have a bad feeling that we might have to dispose of those who are addicted to regain any semblance of order.

But if it comes down to that, we'll have too many addicts to deal with.

If we don't do anything, the damage done to the Outer Rim will be tremendous.

I'm considering discussing with Mustang potential ways to isolate the addicts.

No.

We've searched everywhere,

but haven't found so much as a single clue.

She's quite skilled.

She's been getting rid of any incriminating evidence and tampering with information

so that we can't make heads or tails of what's true or false.

As a result, the Peony Association has hit rock bottom.

Sixo apparently has a hand to play when it comes to the media.

People take the news at face value,

and don't ask any questions.

Because of that,

Moran has been portrayed as a psychopath who destroyed Fog Hollow to benefit herself and her Peony Association.

No one has any idea what the truth is, and they don't have any desire to find out.

But we can't just leave it like this.

Sixo has launched a flagrant assault on Underworld Queen's turf.

Should the Peony Association fall, it will have a significant impact on Underworld Queen.

That is why we are making our move.

Isn't it obvious?

We are going to track Sixo down and make her regret the day she was ever born.

We're going to give her a taste of underworld justice,

and we're going to administer it nice and slowly.

Partner?

How did you know I was being discharged?

Hmm...

I'd feel a whole lot better if you gave me a smooch.

Well, I wasn't banged up that badly.

Bah, I just needed a day off, that's all.

It's nice and quiet here in the hospital.

Anyway,

where's Moran?

Should be fine?

...

I'm still waiting on that smooch to make it all better.

...

I'd be lying if I said I was okay.

Moran bested me, and the entire village was destroyed as a result.

I was wrong about thinking Moran had something to do with Sixo.

The media didn't waste any time pouncing on this story.

Sixo is the one behind all of it,

and they're completely clueless.

As we speak, they're dragging the Peony Association through the mud.

It's not like I can blame them, really.

They're hungry for someone to blame, and they're going after what's in front of them.

I've come to a decision.

I'm setting aside all my other professional obligations,

and I'm going to focus purely on finding Sixo.

I want to clear Moran's name.

I'm positive.

If I miss this chance,

I'll never catch Sixo.

I've got to get my hands on her if it's the last thing I do.

As for you, Partner,

take care of Moran.

She's got it the roughest out of all of us right now.

...

Hi there, Cadet.

It's been a hot minute, hasn't it?

How have you been?

Would you get a load of all this?

It's okay though... I can handle this on my own.

If it gets too much, I can always assign a few people to take care of it.

I feel great!

I'm made of strong stuff.

Hehe...

Right.

You always trusted me.

There we go,

that one wiped off nicely.

But...

This one's a bit more stubborn.

It really doesn't want to come off...

Such anger.

I chose this. I have to face the consequences.

But still... this is...

What was I supposed to do?

I thought I was making the right choice.

I did what was expected of me.

Why do I have to face all of this?!

Do they not think me and the others are suffering too?

I thought I would make everything better, but neither I nor the Peony Association have resolved anything!

Why... Why?!

What was it all for?!

...

S-sorry for scaring you like that.

That wasn't my intention...

...

... Thank you.

Truly.

Here.

Whoa... how did you get this?

I thought they weren't making Mist anymore?

That's not true.

If you've got enough money, anything is possible.

As long as you've got enough of these bad boys, there's nothing you can't do.

But can we really sell this?

Didn't you hear? Fog Hollow was decimated.

A minor setback thanks to some meddling intruders.

It doesn't matter.

You can always find another place.

We need to make a living too, don't we?

Yeah, right. I've gotta eat too.

Hehehe.

We'll meet here again. Same place, same time.

Good.