Chapter 5: The Mad Gunner of Virgin City (1)

***

Kiriko, the mad gunner of Virgin City.

Also known as:

Kiriko of the Magic Bullets, Kiriko the Massacre, Kiriko the Ascetic, and even Kiriko the Great Monster.

Few characters in the story have as many nicknames as this one. This is partly because the character is active in many chapters, almost on par with the protagonist, but mainly because the character is exceptionally multi-dimensional.

Kiriko's eccentric personality often leads to unexpected actions, adding unpredictability to the story and constant changes to the character. Whether it's shaving his head and entering a temple for self-cultivation, or suddenly ingesting 'monster transformation special drugs' out of curiosity about the thoughts of monsters.

For these reasons, readers have given Kiriko numerous affectionate nicknames, such as "King of Stupidity Kiriko" and "Disgraceful Child Kiriko," in addition to the nicknames within the story.

However, in the early stages, when Kiriko was known as the "mad gunner of Virgin City," the character was not very multi-dimensional.

Rather, like many key supporting characters in shonen manga, Kiriko was a cliché character.

A "tsundere" character who seems cold and aloof but is actually the opposite.

A seemingly indifferent problem-solver who grumbles but gets the job done.

Typically, such tsundere characters first appear as the worst villains to set up a later twist.

Kiriko, in particular, had one of the most shocking debut scenes, pointing a gun at a man's head.

So, I thought I would find this guy easily. According to the story, he was already a very famous villain in Virgin City. I thought he would be causing trouble somewhere.

'Oh no.'

It's been two days since I arrived in Virgin City.

I haven't even seen a glimpse of Kiriko.

The city was quiet, and there were no signs of trouble. Hardly anyone was talking about Kiriko.

At most, they were whispering, "Hasn't he been quiet lately?"

Hmm.

The reason I specifically want to meet Kiriko instead of Leo is simple: Kiriko is the main character of this chapter. The chapter title is even "The Mad Gunner of Virgin City."

From the moment I decided to challenge Chapter 3, my strategy was set.

Focus entirely on Kiriko.

If I can assist him, I can leave a strong impression on the readers and the author.

'But I didn't expect to not even meet him.'

I scratched my head.

I tried to stay calm, but I was getting increasingly anxious. I didn't know when Leo would finish Chapter 2 and come here.

I had to make contact with Kiriko and leave an impression before that.

'No choice.'

I decided to activate Plan B. I had tried to avoid contact with other characters in case of unexpected variables, but it seemed unavoidable. If Plan A was to find only Kiriko, Plan B was to find him by any means.

"To do that... I guess I have to go there."

I moved without hesitation.

*

"This is the last place..."

I entered a secluded alley with a pounding heart.

If he's not here, I'll have to search all the alleys again.

Please, please...

Then,

"Got it!"

The world felt brighter.

After searching for half a day, there it was.

A dilapidated bar that looked like it could be haunted.

Just as I remembered from the manga.

"Madame Rosamaria's Moonlit Night"

Seeing the sign, I couldn't help but smile.

But the joy was short-lived. I had to calm down.

From here on, I had to be careful. It wasn't just Kiriko; everyone I met could be a character. If I got into a fight, the chapter could get complicated before it even started.

"Phew..."

I took a few deep breaths and opened the door.

Creak.

As soon as I entered, a subtle honey scent filled my nose.

'Oh, nice.'

The bar was wider than I expected. I didn't know the interior was described as "clean and spacious."

Then,

"Welcome."

A lazy voice reached my ears.

Turning around, I saw a familiar yet unfamiliar face.

'Rosamaria... she's beautiful?'

It was strange. The eerie discomfort I felt when looking in the mirror didn't come when I looked at her. She seemed real, and incredibly beautiful.

Of course, there were some unrealistic elements. Her figure was unrealistically perfect: a small face, a chest that seemed about to burst, a tiny waist, and absurdly long legs.

But it didn't feel strange, and she was beautiful.

'Could it be because of this?'

During the serialization, there was criticism that female characters lacked the distinctiveness of male characters, being drawn only to be pretty.

I was grateful that the author pushed through with determination.

"Customer?"

"Ah, sorry."

I must have been lost in thought.

I quickly looked around.

Kiriko should be in a corner...

"Huh?"

"Why are you looking like that?"

He wasn't there. I expected him to be there, but he wasn't.

"Um... Is the person who usually sits there gone?"

I pointed to the far corner, Kiriko's usual seat.

But her answer was surprising.

"Over there? No one likes that seat... And are you new to this place?"

"Um? Ah, yes, I am."

What's going on? I was confused.

It was definitely the seat Kiriko always sat in...

"Ah!"

I smacked my forehead. How could I mix up something so simple?

Thinking about it, Kiriko only started hanging out here after "that incident." Before that, he didn't really interact with Rosamaria.

No wonder it was so quiet without any troublemakers.

'Has it been too long since I read Volume 1?'

My head ached from the wasted time.

Just then,

"Why are you like that? Are you feeling dizzy? Would you like to sit down for a moment?"

Rosamaria looked worried.

"Ah... Yes, thank you."

I looked at her again.

The beautiful and kind Rosamaria.

Seeing her, I thought "that incident" could easily happen.

The incident in question is none other than Kiriko's debut scene.

Kiriko pointing a gun at a man's head.

And Leo witnessing him actually pulling the trigger.

The cause of the incident was the woman in front of me. A thug from the organization Kiriko was against had harassed Rosamaria, triggering the event.

I had thought it was just a common cliché for the story's progression.

Then,

"A drink will make you feel better."

Rosamaria smiled and handed me a glass.

"It's our special honey beer."

"Oh..."

I was taken aback. Offering alcohol to someone with a headache.

Hmm.

I had always been curious about the drinks in the manga. What did they taste like? How strong were they? How much could the characters drink?

So,

"Um... Just a little."

I took a sip, heart racing.

"How is it? Is it good?"

"It's good."

It tasted like regular beer, slightly sweet.

But it was quite strong, and I could already feel a slight buzz.

To drink this much and be fine... The characters here are definitely monsters.

"Hmm..."

I focused on my thoughts.

Since he's not here, the only way to find Kiriko is to ask someone who knows his whereabouts.

I knew who these people were and where they were.

Finding their base was not difficult. In fact, it was one of the easiest places to find in the city.

I had passed it dozens of times while searching for the bar.

The problem was that they were Kiriko's enemies.

And another thing: they were dangerous to everyone, not just Kiriko.

Thinking about it, I felt a surge of tension. One wrong move, and I could be killed before Chapter 3 even started.

"Phew... The drink helped a bit."

Just then,

Ding.

[Chapter 2 - 'Stupid Bandits' has ended]

The signal to move came.

*

Kiriko is set to be infamous in Virgin City.

This is a common trait of "tsundere" characters who are initially misunderstood as bad guys. It's a prerequisite for the "turns out you're a good guy" twist.

But what sets Kiriko apart is that he actually does those things.

He beats, breaks, and shoots.

He especially enjoys dismantling the city's powerful figures. There are valid reasons for the extras to gossip about him as a "bad guy" or "trash."

Yet, why is this character later called a "good guy" by the protagonist?

It's simple. The powerful group in the city, Kiriko's enemies, are the real villains.

The mafia organization that controls Virgin City. They are Kiriko's enemies.

I glared at the massive building in front of me.

The "Virgin City Tower," the mafia's headquarters in the city center.

"Phew..."

I felt a bit tense, the alcohol wearing off.

'Don't be scared. They're just extras from the early part of Volume 1.'

I gathered my courage and approached the two guards at the entrance.

"Stop. What is it?"

Guards I hadn't noticed in the manga. But up close, they didn't look so easy.

"Hmm..."

But I wasn't exactly harmless either.

I lowered my voice and spoke slowly.

"I'm here to meet the manager."

"What? Who are you?"

"Identify yourself."

A perfect reaction.

I smiled and delivered my prepared line.

"Can you handle it? I'm a member of the Red Scorpion."

Then,

"Yikes!"

"R, Red Scorpion!"

A typical manga character reaction.

The Red Scorpion.

They're not that impressive, just a slightly larger mafia organization from another area. But there's a rumor that their boss is connected to the "Black Shadow," making other mafias more wary and fearful of them.

Of course, this is my impression from watching the manga. I don't know how these guys actually feel about the Red Scorpion.

"Ah, I'll show you in!"

"Please, this way!"

Wow.

Their fear was evident. They didn't even question my identity and immediately guided me in. They must think no one would dare impersonate them.

Soon, someone came running.

"I, I'm sorry for the wait!"

"It's fine."

"I, I was delayed because the middle managers were out. There's no direct line..."

"It's fine, it's fine."

"And, and I'm sorry, but... the boss and other members are also out."

It didn't matter, but to maintain the role, I had to keep up appearances.

"What, where did they go?"

"I don't know exactly. They just said they had an important meeting with another organization..."

"I see. Hmm..."

I frowned. I needed to set the tone.

"Who are you, anyway?"

"Ah! I apologize. I'm a lower-level manager..."

He seemed to be the highest-ranking member left. Kiriko's information wasn't a secret, so what he knew would be enough.

"Alright, then. The reason I'm here is..."

Just then,

Bang!

A sudden noise came from outside.

"Run! It's an attack!"

An attack? Suddenly?

Then,

"Is this the place?"

Someone walked in slowly.

Holding a limp thug by the collar, he looked around.

I couldn't believe my eyes.

Red hair, eyes that seemed perpetually bored, a cigarette dangling from his mouth, and two revolvers with intricate engravings on his hips.

I was speechless.

It was Kiriko, the one I had been desperately searching for.

"Um... Over here..."

Just as I was in shock,

"Manager! Help me!"

The thug in Kiriko's grip suddenly shouted.

Surprisingly, his gaze wasn't on his manager.

"What... me?"