Ikebukuro
Young Bukuro's Editorial Department, 6am. Sunday

"Chieeeeeef!"

A loud voice echoed into the editorial department. The eyes of the bleary employees twitched, the dark circles under their eyes were signifying the lack of sleep. Cups of coffee had already been rallied in dozens, while empty ones could be seen all around the room. They were walking around like zombies feeding on coffee. When the end of the month was near, you could witness the same scene again and again, every single month, every single time. The deadline was approaching and the fatigue and their stress were turning them into different people.

Trying desperately to move as fast as they were able to, every one of them wished the same thing:" If only I had the strength to scream 'shut the hell up' right now". The door opened and closed really fast making a loud noise. Silent curses filled the room and their tired eyes tried to focus on the tycoon that had just entered the room ignoring them and their pain.

"Good morning everyone!" the person who had just entered cheerfully saluted.

"What's wrong with that newbie?"
"Day after day… that's enough."
"I can't take this anymore, I want to go home."
"Mummy… I miss you…"
"That's it, I'm dead and I'm in hell… I should have been a better person…"

Mumbles, whines, curses and complains filled the room and created a ruckus. A heavy hand slammed the desk and everyone turned towards the same direction surprised; silence prevailed again in the office. The chief, while holding a big can of black coffee, raised his head and stoop up slightly. You could easily hear his joints clicking with every move his was making.

"You failures, stop complaining like crybabies. We wouldn't have to go through this if you were doing your work efficiently," he clicked his tongue. "Why do I have to babysit you every single time? It wasn't like that in my days…"

Everyone froze in their position and lowered their heads. It was not a good idea to irritate their Chief, especially in days like these. When mad, he would go cursing and scolding everyone in sight and of course the words he spoke at that moment were really soft compared to the words he had said before in similar situations. He was undoubtedly a chief worth of respect as in the end he always had the job done and he was despite his harsh words we was supporting towards his subordinates; however at times like these his temper was rising everyone could describe him only with one specific word; 'scary'.

"Come on, Chief! Don't look so down! I'm here with a biiiiig scoop this time!" the youngster assured him patting his back.
"Che… How many times have I heard that coming from your big stupid mouth, you little shit? Huh? You keep bringing useless stuff every single time. I don't even want to call you a reporter anymore," he said rubbing his neck and fell back in his chair sighing. "So, what did you bring this time?" he finally asked facing the only energetic person in the room.

The newbie grinned. What an envious energy that person had, the man thought but he was afraid of what he was about to listen. It wasn't like she was working along with them to meet the deadline and she was nothing more than a hassle considering that fact, but he had no other choice. Maybe he should quit that hopeless magazine and that dull office. A khaki bucket hat, bigger than her head, was covering her eyes the most of the time, a shirt with really long sleeves and a pretty long scarf and on the top of that bleached hair; all of them, along with her weird movements, were completing the image of an eccentric person or should he say a person with no fashion sense. Did this kid read a lot of Sherlock Holmes, maybe manga were getting into her head, she should read more books instead. Should he just throw her out? He wished he'd be home, taking a nice, hot shower instead of being there; such thoughts were passing through his mind while the girl was talking.

"Look at that, look at that!" she said placing a photo and a few papers on Chiefs' desk and he snapped out of it.

Without being impressed to the slightest, he raised an eyebrow, picked up the photo and scratched his scraggly beard. A pause followed and you could hear only this colleagues typing as fast as they could. Everyone was waiting for a reaction since he was looking at the photo with a black expression for quite a while, glanching over at him as sneakily as they could. What was this time? Even his silence was scaring them since they didn't know what they should expect. Things were usually ending with chief's outburst as he was kicking that weirdo out of their office.

"So?" he sighed. "Who is the guy? Your boyfriend? Some kind of celebrity? Are you stalking him?" he asked waving the photo in front of his face with a twisted look. "Or are you getting married? So I guess we won't be seeing you again. Oh, how sad, we'll get lonely you know," his sarcasm could not be more obvious.

A sigh of relief filled the room, a weird sense of relief. Their chief had reached the point he had no motive to react anymore. To his eyes the newbie was someone who was carrying around an imaginary tag with the word idiot engraved on it, though the said idiot" didn't seem to be very aware of that.

"Eh? Chief, could it be, you're jealous?," the newbie said patting the chief's back.

'This person doesn't get, it doesn't get it at all.' the thoughts of the editorial department were combined.

"So, who is he?" the man asked bored already.

'He didn't react at all, is he a genius at handling this?' everyone thought.

"This guy's name is Heiwajima Shizuo! It is said to be a strongest man in Ikebukuro! No! The world's!" she announced throwing her hands in the air to emphasize the words spoken.

"Ah… very impressive," the chief said, still not impressed at all and put the photo aside. "So, where is the big scoop?"

"You don't get it, Chief," she insisted. "This guy is superman in flesh! Maybe he is a Newtype or maybe the result of underground experiments! An alien? A cyborg living between us…" she said pointing at the photo eagerly.

"Aah, this kid is hopeless," everyone thought, they just wanted this conversation to end already and some time to relax without any noice. Why did she have to appear, spouting even more idiotic things than the last time? There was no scoop there. How did their chief manage to deal with that person? Why she had to show up the busiest day every month? Were the higher-ups trying to harass them?

"I see. Ok then, you can proceed with this one," the chief calmly replied to this nonsense. "It's not that it's something new anyw-"

"Really?" her voice joined the surprised reaction of the office's employees.

The Chief Editor gave them a cold look and turned his back to them. He snickered alone, crossing his hands. Oh, he was so clever, so clever that he tried his best to refrain from praising his self in front of his subordinates. A genius idea had crossed his mind, an idea that he would save him from trouble for quite a while.

"OK! You can take up to three months, or more. Don't bother me until you have results in your hands," the chief said standing up and placed his hands on her arms. "I, Ikeda Daikichi, at this moment, with the condition that you won't appear in front of me till you have the scoop you are talking about… am entrusting you with this mission. Find everything you can about this person! Don't disappoint me, Katou." 'It's not like I was ever proud of you though.'

"Chief…" she said moved to tears. "I didn't know… Chieeeeef, I won't fail you! I, Katou Kou, will live up to your expectations!" she declared and ran out of the office.

"Well…. this will settle things for a few months," the chief said and sat on his chair again, feeling like a burden was taken away from his shoulder. "Euh? What's wrong with everyone?" he asked seeing his employees looking extremely moved for some reason.

"CHIEF, WE LOVE YOU!" they cried.

"Idiots! Go back to work! It's because you are slacking all the time that we fall behind schedule every single time!" he barked slamming his fist on his desk.

"Why do we have to get scolded at the end?"

Ikebukuro
Hinodecho Park, 7.20am, Sunday

"Camera… Camera… Camera… FOUND IT!"

Katou took her camera out of her bag in triumph, drawing the attention of a puzzled passersby. A grin appeared on her face once again and she sat on her parked scooter taking out Ikebukuro's map at the same time.

"Aaah-ah, I hope I won't get lost again. Maybe I should ask someone… Ah, excuuuuuuse me!" she said out loud and ran towards a group of five highschoolers, waving her hands to make them notice her.

The kids jerked back at this view and tried to continue their way and deliberately ignore her, but that was pointless. The erratic person behind them didn't stop pestering and calling them out. That person definitely looked kind of shady, a type of person you wouldn't like to walk with in public.

"Oooooi! Can't you hear me? Can I ask you something?"

"I can't take this anymore. Just what does this person want?"
"Why don't you just stop and help this person? Men should take initiative."
"Doesn't he look too dump to be dangerous?"
"Eh? I think she is a woman."
"Idiot! Maybe that's what he wants you to think."
"Ah! Where is he? Where is he? He disappeared!"

They mumbled to each other and looked around rather scared. There was noone there. Where did he go? That was definitely a bad sign and all of them felt the urge to run away; should they report it to the police or should they stay quiet? At that moment they were not sure what was the right thing to do but that feeling was was nothing compared to the fright they took few moments later when two of them felt someone's hand on their shoulders. The let out a loud scream and hid behind their schoolmates.

"Oi! Can you help me for a moment?" a high, drawl, voice asked behind them.
"How can we help you?" they asked frightened.
"Ah, you see, I have this map over here, but I don't know from where I should start. Do you happen to know this person?" the person asked holding a photo and a flashed them a smile.
"Euh?"
"His name is Hieiji-no Heiwajima… That's it Heiwajima Shizuo. Rumors say that he is a really strong person you know."

'He is definitely a shady person!' the kids thought.

"I have a mission you see," she continued scratching her cheek, now looking kind of embarrassed, while the kids were already standing there petrified. "Our chief entrusted this - kind of important- mission to me… Oh, Our chief is really cool you know… "

"What the hell is he talking about?"
"I still think that it's a 'she'".
"Who the hell is the Chief? Or more like, what is that Chief doing?"
" The Chief? Is this some kind of code name? Is this person in some kind of organization?"
" Are they after Heiwajima Shizuo?"
"What are we going to do? What are we going to do?"

The kids mumbled to each other while the stranger was too busy praising the so-called chief. Should they trick this person and run away? No. What if he gets mad and goes after them later? Would their families be safe? Should they try to run away without saying anything? Maybe he would give up right away and he would go after them. But, what if his comrades were somewhere around this area? They wouldn't manage to escape.

"Ah… I think…"
"…and he is like SOOO cool when he is bossing everyone around. But I think what makes him look really manly it's his beard. Despite that, he can be funny and kind; like he entrusted me with this important scoop and let me follow my dream even though he'll miss me so much!"
"Em… you see…" one of them interrupted her.

"I know about this person," a random guy behind them said. "Heiwajima Shizuo, right? The one with the bartender outfit."
"Really?"

"You are a savior, " the kids thought looking at their unexpected rescuer.

"Yeah, he is pretty well-known in Ikebukuro. Him and Orihara Izaya that is," the guy continued and Katou took out a notepad.
"Orihara Izaya…?" she repeated while keeping notes. "Good, good, what else do you know?" she asked excited.
"They create mayhem frequently. These guys are insane; you can have my word on that."
"Do you know what's the connection between them?"
"Well, it's pretty obvious that they hate each other, don't ask me why though. Something personal I suppose, " the guy said shrugging. "You'll definitely find out more about them if you hang out around Sunshine City.
"Thank you, sir!" Katou said shaking the guy's hand with both hands. "You were a great help! THANK YOU!" she shouted.

The six of them gave a nervous smile and waved back at her who kept waving relentlessly until they lost her from their eyes.

"He was just an idiot after all…" one of them said and the rest nodded in agreement.

"Ok, Sunshine City, here I come!" she said with enthusiasm, putting on her helmet, without bothering to fasten it though.

Ikebukuro
Toshima Post Office, 7.45am, Sunday

"Why do I have to give them a ride every time?" Togusa complained fastening his belt.

The two otaku at the back seats were overexcited; they had just laid their hands on a massive order they had purchased not long ago. Of course, he was familiar with the excitement of getting a new product too, but those two, as always, they were overdoing it. Cries of joy one after another and a continuous commentary on every single thing that had managed to see the light out of the box was a deadly combo in the morning.

"And why so early in the morning?" he added.
"It can't be helped. There is no way to stop those two when they want to get something," Kadota droned on.
"They should have taken the bus then," Togusa fussed.

"Ah! Look at this one! Limited editions are the best after all!" Erica said moved.
"Yeah for limited editions!"
"YEAH!" they applauded together jumping on their spots.

"HEY! STOP SHAKING THE CAR LIKE THAT!" Togusa ranted. "Show some respect here!"
"Aaa," Kadota sighed. "And the day just started. That's not a good start, that's for sure," he mumbled.

Togusa finally turned on the car, obviously displeased with his morning chore. On the other hand, Erica and Yumasaki looked like they could die from happiness, that morning couldn't be better for them. As for Kadota, all he could do was to sigh once more and look out of the window silently mourning his day off. Togusa was more annoyed that usual Situations like that one were part of their routine; they were not that welcomed by Togusa but in the end everyone was getting along well so it didn't even matter. He smiled to his self. Maybe things weren't as bad after all; everyone has a bad morning every so often, his friend wasn't an exception. He had to look at the bright sight of things.

"Togusa, we will treat you later, so don't be so grumpy," Yumasaki said.
"Togusa is like an old man sometimes," Erica emphasized the last three words.
"Be thankful, ok? I won't give you a ride again!" Togusa said, calmer now.
"Maybe we should start calling him grandpa now," Yumasaki suggested.
"Ah, it suits him-it suits him."
" Grandpa Togusa!" they said in unison.
"Cut it!" Togusa said, losing his temper once again.
"Ah, you guys… You never know when to stop," Kadota said calmly. "Ah… what the… Wait, Togusa! That scooter!"
"Euh?"

Togusa and the others turned their attention to the scooter from the oncoming line taken aback. The rider wasn't focused on the road and that was clear. They narrowed their eyes. Just where was the driver looking? And why was he wearing a hat under his helmet? Or more like, was he able to see at all with that hat covering his eyes?

"What the… he passed… it's red for you… damn it!" Togusa said turning the will with all his might.

Ikebukuro
Across The Sunshine Theater, 8.10am, Sunday

The sounds of the horns were penetrating the ears of those around, while curious pedestrians with a lot of time in their hands had gathered to take a look at the scene the accident had occurred. When Katou recovered consciousness, she shook her head and looked around feeling dizzy. where was she and what had happened. She could not recall the situation right away. Blinking for a moment, she tried to remember but her memory was a bit hazy. She had waved at that helpful group of friends and moved off, going towards the Sunshine City and…

"Ah, that's right! I saw an Itasha!" she exclaimed. "That was SO cool!"
"Yet, you obviously didn't saw the red light!" said the man next to her.
"Euh? AHHHHH! THERE WAS A RED LIGHT! I SAW IT!" she said pointing out a finger.
"Well, it was too late though, I assume," he said giving her a weird look. "You should be more careful, it's a good thing that neither of us got hurt."
"It's a good thing that our Togusa is a good driver. He could be in a car racing anime," a girl said. "Like in Wagan Midnight."
"Or Initial D," another guy added looking pleased with the remark of his friend.
"Ah… Togusa is…" Katou said pondering.
"The driver over there- the driver!" Erica said pointing towards him.

Togusa had clenched his hands into fists, staring at a specific spot on his van and shortly after his whole body started shaking. In the meantime, Katou had already stood up. She hesitated for a moment, scratching the back of her head confused. The poor driver seemed pretty shocked from the accident, maybe a few words would help him to recover. But when she finally decided to make a step forward, Togusa finally turned towards them.

"Who? Who is the bastard who made me scratch my van? Euuuuh?"

Well, with a second look, he didn't look shocked at all, he was more like… extremely furious and ready to kill the one responsible on the spot. Katou made a few steps back, her natural instinct was telling her that the best option she had was to run for her life as soon as possible and that was what she'd do.

"Togusa is mad," Erica stated the obvious.
"Ah, that's no good, is it?" Yumasaki asked. "Togusa always go crazy when something happens to his car."
"Euh?" Katou looked at them worried as their words affirmed her instinct. "Eh… Well… The driver seems fine so… I'm off!" she said lifting up the scooter and jumping quickly on it.
"Euh? Wa- When did he-" Kadota looked surprised.
"I'll become the wind!"
"Hey! Hold on-"
"Dotachiin let his guard down," Erica snickered.

"Come back, you jerk! I'm not gonna let you escape like that!" Togusa yelled and ran back to his car.
"Oh, that's bad, he'll leave us behind. Come!" Kadota said. "Togusa, calm down! Calm down, man!"
"No! Our limited editions!" Erica and Yumasaki said in unison, following after him.
"Read the mood for once!" Kadota finally snapped.

Ikebukuro
Higashi-Ikebukuro Cetral Park, 10.30am, Sunday

"Ah, it was hopeless after all. By the time we lost sight of that person, it was already too late I guess," Erica said sitting on a bench.
"Well, Ikebukuro is not that small after all. I shouldn't have let him off my eyes," Kadota sighed resting his back on a tree.
"Let's look at the bright side. He definitely stands out in crowd, so there is still a chance to find him someday," Yumasaki noted.
"Well, that's for sure," Kadota admitted. "Oi, Togusa… euh…"

Togusa was standing in front of his "wounded friend" again. Apparently he wasn't going to calm down easily that time and they all knew it. Ultimately, that morning wasn't like every day and definitely it wasn't a very enjoyable one.

"I won't forgive that weirdo, I won't forgive him…" he mumbled, still angry, cracking the can of coffee he was holding.

"Which one of you gave him coffee?" Kadota asked.
"Ah… That was probably me," Yumasaki replied innocently.
"Ah… And I thought I would have a peaceful day off," Kadota sighed feeling exhausted already.

Ikebukuro
Sunshine 60 Observatory, 10.30am, Sunday

"Hm… I wonder if I should rent an apartment… or should I find a hotel instead?" Katou said scratching her cheek. "Oh, well… I guess I should check the area first, a hotel should be fine for my first night here."

Ikebukuro, the home of the infamous "color gangs". Different kinds of people gather there, form a headless rider and a Slasher to gangs and ordinary school kids. Every one of them is longing for something, searching for something… And that freelancer had just entered that world.

Sunday, 10.30, Ikebukuro, one more weirdo was added.

Hey there fellow writers and readers. I humbly thank you for reading this fanfic despite my bad grammar and vocabulary, not to mention syntax. I know it is not great but I hope that you will be able to enjoy the story anyway. Any suggestions, comments etc are welcomed by any means, so don't hesitate to review or pm me.