Page 388 of Mercy Written in Blood

"You mean while you remove evidence," Ryota said.

"No." He looked towards Haruki. "Not this time."

Haruki studied him. Mori appeared more tired than he had in the Commander's office. The private ledger. Three hundred and twelve deaths. Regret without reversal. The man had not transformed overnight. Haruki trusted sudden redemption less than persistent guilt.

"What changed?" Haruki asked.

"The number of witnesses."

Mina laughed bitterly.

"So morality begins at scale."

"For institutions, often."

Mori did not flinch from it.

"That is not a defence. It is an explanation."

Haruki felt Renji's hand rest near his on the table. Not touching. Present.

Mori opened the file.

"Accord central command has ordered the transfer of all Archive materials to a secure facility."

"No," Haruki said.

Mori looked at him.

"That was expected."

"Then save time."

"They will not accept Ishida custody."

"They are not in Ishida custody."

Mori's gaze moved towards Renji.

"Takahara custody?"

"No," Renji said.

Riku's mother tightened one hand around her son's shoulder. Haruki noticed. Everyone did. The adults had already begun arguing ownership again. He looked towards the child.

"Riku," he said.

The boy lifted his eyes.

"You do not have to answer questions today."

Riku looked at his mother. She nodded faintly.

"What happens to us?" he asked.

Not the Archive. Not bloodlines. Us.

Haruki leaned back carefully.