Kikunojou remained silent throughout the discussion. His narrowed eyes stayed fixed on the boy displayed upon the screen.
Unlike the others, he was not merely considering Xiao Feng's strength. He was considering his motives.
Every person Xiao Feng had killed belonged to the IISO branch. Every child held underground had survived.
The attack was not random. It was as if he was deliberately punishing those who abused the Cursed Children.
An IISO representative stood. His expression was filled with anger and humiliation, "Whatever his motives, this cannot be tolerated."
"The Tokyo Branch belonged to our organization. If this boy escapes punishment, every IISO facility in the world will appear vulnerable."
Seitenshi looked toward him, frowned and her eyes sharpened, "Before we talk about that boy. Can you tell us what was happening inside the branch?"
"The footage showed underground cells, medical restraints, and injured children. What exactly was your organization doing to them?"
Hearing this, the man's face changed, "Those were necessary medical examinations."
"Then why were the children imprisoned?"
"They carry the Gastrea virus. Proper security measures—"
"Why did several of them possess wounds unrelated to Gastrea combat?"
The representative couldn't answer.
Several officials avoided Seitenshi's gaze. Their reactions told her enough. The IISO had not provided the entire truth.
Seitenshi looked toward the screen again.
The final portion of the recording showed Xiao Feng breaking open the holding cells. His expression, previously cold and merciless, immediately softened when he faced the frightened children.
The contrast was striking.
To the armed personnel, he had been an unstoppable executioner. But to the children, he had lowered his voice and approached them carefully.
One young official murmured, "He didn't attack indiscriminately. Maybe he wanted to reduce the Cursed Children."
The IISO representative glared at him, "He murdered government employees!"
"He also rescued more than a hundred children."
"They were infected assets under IISO supervision."
The entire room became silent and Seitenshi slowly turned toward him.
"Assets?"
The representative realized his mistake. He had said something extra in anger.
"I meant registered Initiators."
"No! You said exactly what you meant."
Seitenshi's voice became colder and the man lowered his head.
Kikunojou finally spoke, saving the man some face, diverting the topic, "The IISO Headquarters has already distributed the footage to every surviving government."
"By now, the Osaka, Sendai, Hakata, and foreign regions are discussing the same matter."
"Most will avoid becoming involved."
One of the ministers frowned and asked, "Why?"
"Because the incident occurred within the Tokyo Area." Kikunojou tapped his cane lightly against the floor.
"They will place responsibility upon us while observing from a safe distance."
The meaning behind his words was obvious. To the other governments, the Tokyo Area had become an experiment. They would watch how Xiao Feng responded to negotiation, threats, or military force.
One person asked, "What recommendations did the IISO Headquarters provide?"
Hearing his words, the intelligence officer opened the accompanying document, "Currently, they have classified Xiao Feng as the highest-priority international threat. However, they strongly advise against direct confrontation until more information is obtained."
A bitter smile appeared on one general's face, "They lost a branch and now expect us to solve their problem."
No one disagreed with his words and many even nodded.
Seitenshi continued watching the image of Xiao Feng standing among the rescued children.
"What does he want?"
The intelligence officer answered, "According to surviving witnesses, he repeatedly stated that he intended to rescue the Cursed Children."
"Nothing else? No demand for territory, money, or political authority has been recorded."
A ten-year-old boy had attacked one of the most heavily guarded facilities in the Tokyo Area. Yet he had taken no wealth, claimed no authority, and made no threats against civilians. He had only rescued the children and punished those responsible for their suffering.
Seitenshi slowly stood, her expression firm, "I will meet him."
Hearing her words, several officials immediately objected.
"Seitenshi-sama!"
"That is too dangerous!"
"You cannot approach him personally!"
Seitenshi raised one hand, silencing them, "If we send soldiers, he may interpret it as hostility but if we send an ordinary official, he may believe that we are refusing to take responsibility. Therefore, I will speak with him myself."
Hearing the words, officers still tried to dissuade her but only some displayed genuine concern, most of the others concealed relief.
If Seitenshi succeeded, the crisis might be resolved and if she failed, she alone would bear the consequences.
Seitenshi noticed their expressions but said nothing. Instead, she turned toward Kikunojou.
"What do you think, Lord Kikunojou?"
Kikunojou looked at Xiao Feng's image for several seconds.
"We cannot defeat someone we do not understand. Nor can we determine his intentions from surveillance footage alone."
Kikunojou turned toward Seitenshi and said, "I believe a meeting is necessary."
Several officials were surprised by his agreement.
"However, you should not bring a military escort."
Hearing Kikunojou's words, one commander immediately objected.
"That would leave Seitenshi-sama defenceless!"
"Against someone who can stop bullets, destroy reinforced gates, and eliminate entire squads in seconds, your escort would provide no defence."
The commander fell silent and Kikunojou's gaze returned to the screen.
"The boy protected a young Cursed Child throughout the assault."
"He appears capable of tenderness, despite his violence. If Seitenshi-sama approaches peacefully, he is unlikely to attack without reason."
Seitenshi nodded and turned toward the officials gathered within the conference hall
"Then it is decided. I will meet that boy personally."