Hajime fatally attacked Aiko primarily because Shimizu was beyond rescue, and he sought to prevent Aiko from realizing Shimizu's tragic death, especially given that Aiko herself was the original target of the assault that claimed Shimizu's life.
The Desperate Plea and Dire Circumstances
Aiko had desperately pleaded with Hajime to save Shimizu, who was gravely injured. However, from Hajime's perspective, Shimizu was already in a state beyond any possibility of salvation. This grim reality formed the immediate backdrop for Hajime's subsequent actions.
Hajime's Rationale for the Attack
Hajime's decision to act against Aiko was driven by a complex set of motivations, aimed at managing the severe implications of their situation. The attack on Aiko, which resulted in her death, served multiple purposes:
| Aspect of the Attack | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Prevention of Realization | Hajime wanted to spare Aiko the devastating truth that Shimizu had succumbed to the attack. |
| Aiko as the True Target | Crucially, Aiko was the actual intended victim of the initial assault that had unfortunately led to Shimizu's demise. Protecting this secret was paramount. |
| Shimizu's Irreparable State | With Shimizu already beyond help, Hajime's actions were also a response to the futility of Aiko's pleas for rescue. |
This brutal measure undertaken by Hajime highlights the extreme pressures and difficult choices faced in their perilous environment. It underscores the severity of the situation and Hajime's calculated, albeit harsh, method of dealing with the immediate crisis and its underlying threats.
