A Vague Identity (曖昧な正体, Aimai na Shoutai) is the 113th chapter in the Gachiakuta manga series written and illustrated by Kei Urana. It was published on October 9th, 2024.
Summary[]
Kuro thinks back to when he told the Cleaners that the choker maker can listen to their voices. He says that Enjin is one thing but wonders if Rudo will be able to keep his lips zipped. As he sits next to Riyo, she tells him it’s dark out and remarks that she’s surprised he took care of her all day, calling him “Mr. Rare Character.” Kuro responds by asking if she has a problem with it since not many people get the chance to be cared for by him. He assures her not to worry, saying he’ll leave as soon as Eishia arrives and he witnesses her full recovery. Mildretta enters with Meriege and tells him to get ready to leave, as Eishia has just arrived. Eishia rushes to Riyo’s side, apologizing for taking so long. Riyo says it comforts her to see a familiar face in an unfamiliar place.
Eishia examines her and diagnoses a fractured spine, broken ribs, and internal organ damage. She explains that Riyo is lucky the southern branch was able to treat her; otherwise, she might have been holding her life in her hands. Eishia then gets anxious and tries to remind herself not to speak like that in front of patients, assuring herself that since there aren’t many people around, it’s okay. Riyo notes to herself that Eishia is doing it again. Riyo tells her not to worry, saying that even if she can’t be fully healed, she likely won’t die, so there’s no need to stress. Mildretta encourages Eishia, saying that if she’s succeeded before, she can do it again. Kuro wonders to himself if Mildretta is really only 24 years old. With renewed confidence, Eishia begins treatment. She grabs the power cord wrapped around her neck and plugs it into the wall. Kuro explains that her Vital Instrument is the cord, which uses electricity to administer treatment. But it’s no ordinary electrotherapy; he remarks that this is what makes givers so interesting—their experience and thought process inform their Instruments’ abilities. Eishia activates Type: Heal and touches Riyo’s chest. Kuro further explains that due to Eishia’s pure heart and inherent kindness, this ability is unique to her. Electricity flows through the cord, then to Eishia, and finally into the patient, healing them by “recharging” them. Riyo’s eyes fly open, her hair standing up from the electricity.
Eishia is relieved she succeeded. Riyo says she always knew Eishia was amazing, to which Mildretta wonders aloud if anyone at Headquarters plays the straight man. Kuro asks Eishia if her powers work by converting electricity to life force and sending it to every part of the patient's body. Eishia explains that her grandmother, Alice, taught her, and the first medical procedure she saw was when her grandmother started a heart with a cardiac defibrillator. She was so moved that electricity could save people that she found a cord and used it to mimic her, but ended up electrocuting herself. From then on, electricity became a source of trauma for her. When she conquered that fear, however, it created a special attachment to the cord, which made her a giver. Eishia warns that what she does is really dangerous, as a single mistake could burn her patient to a crisp. Riyo feels disappointed that Eishia is starting to think negatively again.
Riyo fixes her hair, and Eishia says it’ll go back to normal after washing. Riyo thanks her before leaving, to which Kuro comments that it takes a load off his shoulders now that everything ended well. He then offers Riyo a question as an apology. Riyo, taken aback, asks if he’s soft on the Cleaners and if the value of his product would diminish if he handed it out like that. Kuro smiles and says he simply has a special attachment to the Cleaners. Riyo, deciding to take advantage of her luck, asks Kuro why he doesn’t put his fingers in his gloves. Kuro, confused, asks if that’s really what she wanted to know. Riyo confirms, saying it’s been bothering her. Kuro yells, calling it a trivial question, and tells her she should have asked for more valuable information. He then offers to tell her about her mother, but Riyo falls silent before chuckling, saying he really does know everything. She adds that no one asked him, and that if he’s desperate to share something, he should tell Rudo about the Trash Beast at Tori or reveal his true identity. She then tells him to get lost before leaving.
Kuro smiles in satisfaction, observing that Riyo hasn’t fully healed yet. He transforms his body into a crow, remarking to himself that he’s long forgotten his original form after playing so many roles. He says that if anyone can remind him, it’s Rudo.
Appearances[]
Characters[]
- Kuro
- Riyo Reaper
- Mildretta
- Meriege
- Eishia Stilza
- Alice Stilza (Flashback)
Locations[]
- Ground
- Cleaners Southern Branch