Chapter 11
Of Announcements and Humiliation
April 1st 2001
"Sorry I'm late – got stuck in traffic." The words were garbled as Katsuo did not bother to remove the cigarette from his mouth before speaking.
Not that it mattered. They all knew he was lying; his sloppy appearance, the bags under his eyes and the stench of sex and smoke imbued into his very clothes fully attested to the fact.
Last night… last night had been wonderful. Mindless intercourse and drugs did that to a person and although his head was still ringing from the previous evening and early morning activities, he in no way regretted it. After all, this was pretty much what his life had been like for the past several years. The only difference being that this particular revelry had taken place in Tokyo.
It had been more or less four years since he had last been in Japan. He had spent that intervening time away in Korea, Thailand, Taiwan and even in the Philippines, away from his father's condemning eyes and finally free to enjoy the privileges of his rank.
Though his old man had sent him away to teach him the meaning of responsibilities, the lesson he learnt was of a completely different nature. Away from his father's unending list of restrictions, Katsuo had thrived. None of the underlings dared disobey the oyabun's heir and that was perfectly fine with him. Away from Japan, the yakuza lived under a completely different set of rules. They didn't waste time with useless formalities and divisions of power and whatnot. No. Their business, their fate lay in Katsuo's hands. The rules were much simpler and all that was required from them was their unquestioning obedience.
In Korea, the twenty-six-year-old bowed down to none. There was no stupid father looming over his shoulder ready to berate him at every minute. There was only him, at the head of the operations – though he did not even need to exert himself in order to ensure their success. He left the planning and the execution to his people. It was easier that way.
Overall, it had been the good life.
It all changed now that he was back. Katsuo somewhat resented his loss of freedom but then… this probably meant his little 'exile' was over. Now that he was back in town, he would probably have a greater say in their main operations.
Perhaps his father had finally acknowledged his worth.
The yakuza almost snorted at the thought as he plopped down on the only free seat – at his father's side as was proper. As if that cold uncaring bastard would ever pay attention to him! The man might have risen to become one of the greatest yakuza in the last decades, but he had not an ounce of caring in his frozen heart. The oyabun had never spared a second of his precious time on anything other than business – not on his wife, and certainly not on his son. He surely would not start now.
Well, the feeling was mutual.
Katsuo lazily blew the smoke up.
"Katsuo, I would appreciate it if you took your duties more seriously in the future."
Blah. Not as though you would even notice if I tried.
He did not bother to look at the oyabun however as the thought ran through his mind. He might have long ceased trying to meet his father's unreasonable expectations, but that did not mean the bastard's disappointed gazes were any easier to bear. Since he couldn't evade his presence in the room, he simply avoided looking at him altogether. Instead, he focused his attention elsewhere.
Through half-lidded eyes, the twenty-six-year-old lazily scanned the table's other occupants. Yamamoto was just as much a doddering old fool as before though he seems to have lost even more hair since his departure. Nothing too surprising there.
Oh. And Morinaga looked just as stern and serious. Were those more wrinkles he saw on the man's forehead? He squinted and tried to focus his sight some more. Yeah… there were probably some new wrinkles but the frowning certainly didn't help.
In fact, it seemed the whole pack of old fools were all somewhat frowning and looking at the head of the table in thought.
Rubbing his throbbing temples – the after-effects of the night's party still had not worn off – he turned his head. The sight that greeted him was not what he had expected.
A child, a boy – a very pretty one though – was primly setting next to his old man. He was dressed very neatly, like some snobby corporate heir or maybe the son of a politician, and Katsuo could not help but wonder what he was doing here. It was quite out of character of his father to bring a whore (with his looks, he couldn't be anything but) – no matter how nicely dressed-up – to their monthly meeting.
But then, perhaps his old man had loosened up over the years. Perhaps a demonstration was somewhat needed. It would make a fun distraction from the tedium of their meeting.
Letting out a yawn, Katsuo let his thoughts derail in this nonsensical direction. It was probably the hangover talking because though he was straight, he could easily imagine how tempting an image that whore would make, all mussed and dishevelled – dignity completely lost.
Well, it was how he liked his prostitutes. The women might try to look all high-and-mighty but they were all just waiting to be fucked. He loved to teach them their place.
Entirely caught up by his musings, he missed most of the conversation that was going on around him, until he caught the teenager clearly speaking out of turn.
Without even a reprimand from his father.
Katsuo blinked, unable to believe his eyes and ears. What the fuck was going on?
"Morinaga-san," the boy said in a smooth cultured tone, "I understand perfectly well why you would doubt my worth but would you actually doubt Takamiya-sama's judgement? He has led the Black Dragon for the past three decades without fail, he is not about to falter now.
"As for myself," a sly smile twisted his lips, "when given the chance, I will be glad to prove my skills."
Okay. Definitely making advances. So father is trying to secure his people's allegiance with his private whore? Hadn't thought he would ever use such tactics. But hey, people change.
Grinning, Katsuo could not help himself. "Your skills must be mind-blowing to have lured father away from his enforced celibacy…" He said with a twisted smirk, twirling the butt of his cigarette between his fingers as he turned towards the older man. "But I'd never thought you would be the type to share your personal little slut with others."
Silence greeted him as all the table's occupants stared at him in shock.
Face entirely drained of blood, the youth looked completely mortified. Meanwhile, the oyabun's normally impassive face was slowly reddening with anger. Katsuo watched their reactions with satisfaction.
Hit a bit too close to home eh father?
"Katsuo," the old man's voice was low but the threat was unmistakable. Perhaps, he had pushed a tad too far this time… "Apologize to your adoptive brother this instance."
Adopt –
"Huh? What?" His eyes bugged out and the fag he had previously been playing around with slipped from between his fingers. It fell on the ground without any ceremony. "You – you adopted that little slut? What the –"
The glare his father sent him silenced him at once. "You have not been paying attention to the past discussion, have you?"
Enraged by that baseless accusation – after all, why would he be the one at fault? – he snarled at his father. "So what if I wasn't? Why should I care about what you have to say about your catamite? Not like I'm one of those lining up to fuck him!" He turned to the little bitch. "So, how did you manage to seduce him? Women have been trying forever but perhaps what he needed was a sweet little piece of ass like you." A twisted bitter gleam glowed behind his pupils. "A bit young father, and of the wrong sex… but hey, mom was never of any interest to you, eh?"
"Katsuo." One word. His name. A warning that he dared not cross. "You will cease insulting Raito-kun this instant. He is your adoptive brother, Katsuo, nothing as crude or debasing as what you have –" the older man paused for a bit, his hesitance plainly showing his disgust for his son's words, "suggested."
"But –"
"Must I repeat myself?"
Brimming with barely repressed fury, he slumped back on his seat. His teeth gritted against one another.
That must be a lie… Why the heck would father adopt that pretty boy when he already has me?
It would have been so easy to shout his objection but Katsuo managed to refrain himself in time. He had already humiliated himself once and by the looks of scorn visible on each of those decrepit old men's faces, any further comment from him certainly would not be in any way appreciated.
Instead, he lit up his cigarette and bit into it. While he smoked away in sullen silence, the little whore went on about his task – charming the room with his oh-so-clever remarks – while his father watched on indulgently.
He hated this. He hated it.
Clearly, the rumours had been true. The ones he had ignored.
He had an adoptive brother – his mind spat out the repulsive words. That little bitch.
He hated it, hated him. Just as much as his father apparently adored him, if the way his eyes followed that – Raito's every move was anything to go by. He knew he had been right with his initial assessment. He knew the faggot had seduced his old man.
But they were all too blind to see it.
Under the desk, his free hand clenched into a fist. Someday, he would teach the kid a lesson. Nobody messed with his life. Nobody made a fool out of Takamiya Katsuo.
If the bitch loved taking it up the ass so much, he would be sure to indulge him and send him back to the brothels where he belonged.
After all, it was all he deserved. There was no way he would ever allow that slut to take away his birthright. He would die before he let that happen.
Oh… he was so going to pay…
A Prince should therefore be very careful that nothing ever escapes his lips which is not replete with the five qualities above named, so that to see and hear him, one would think him the embodiment of mercy, good faith, integrity, humanity and religion. And there is no virtue which it is more necessary for him to seem to possess than this last; because men in general judge rather by the eye than by the hand, for every one can see but few can touch.
April 5th 2004
"Raito is a college student now… I'm so proud of him."
The youth made no sign of having heard his invisible companion as he slowly got out of the limousine. Closing the door behind him, he saw the shinigami unabashedly gawking at his surroundings and the rows of Sakura trees in full bloom. His face bore a mixture of longing and disappointment – probably mourning that the driveway was not lined with apple trees instead.
Behind him, Kohashi was murmuring instructions to the driver.
Seeing that it might take a while, Raito focused his attention on the golden building erected before them, the Nippon Budokan. The imposing octagonal structure had originally been built for the Judo competition of the 1964 Summer Olympics and has hosted many martial art tournaments and concerts since. Today, a different occasion would take place under its sprawling roof. Below the red plaque and on the balustrade, a long banner proudly announced Tokyo University's 2004 Entrance Ceremony.
Raito was going back to school.
He did not know how he felt about the matter. It had been so long since he had had a 'normal' education and school now felt like a foreign concept to him. His last few years had been spent with tutors who had worked at his pace and later on, he had conducted his own independent studies. He learned at his leisure and though his knowledge was quite complete in all subjects, certain facets of his education had been rather… unconventional.
To once again confront the rigid structure of the educational system would be – different. Raito did not doubt that the pace of some of the lessons and the material would eventually exasperate him but…
The youth took a deep breath, closing his eyelids for a second, and felt the breeze ruffle his silken strands of hair. The freedom made it all worth it.
To be his own person among his peers, among people his own age, who had not been plagued daily with violence, death and crimes. It would be refreshing; it would be liberating. Of course, he would have to court the bright leaders of the future, the sons and daughters of politicians and the numerous corporate heirs, but why would that be a burden of any kind?
A soft Sakura blossom brushed against his cheek. Raito carefully caught it and held it between his index and middle fingers, softly smiling as he looked into its subtle pink tint. As he raised his head, he released his hold and let it drift to the ground.
He turned to his bodyguard and saw that he was done. The car was now turning around. The boom barrier lifted and the driver headed off towards the parking lot.
"Come. President Komiya is waiting for us."
With purposeful strides, he walked towards the building and climbed the low flagstone steps. Kohashi opened the door for him and he entered the Nippon Budokan.
Finding his way into the main hall was quite easy and a sea of green greeted his arrival. Helpers scurried about as they set up rows upon rows of jade-coloured chairs on a flooring of the same hue. In a corner, the musicians were rehearsing under their conductor's baton. Wagner's Meistersinger was at times interrupted by their leader's instructions and demands.
At the center of the room, a large platform had been set up with a long black curtain hanging behind it as its backdrop. A golden folding screen had been placed in the middle to contrast with the darkness of the cloth. Rows of chairs had been arranged at either side of the byobu and before it stood the president, looking over the preparations.
Without preamble, the eighteen-year-old walked up to the older man.
As soon as he caught sight of the youth and his bodyguard, Komiya-san came to greet him. He directed them through a side door and out of the hall.
"I hope your trip here was pleasant Takamiya-kun."
Raito presented him with one of his sweet infectious smiles. "Of course. Thank you for inquiring. I see the preparations are going well." He added with a slight nod to their previous location.
"Yes. The ceremony should be a success this year too. I especially look forward to your speech. If you are as great a speaker as a writer, I believe the freshmen will be impressed."
"You honour me Komiya-san."
"There is nothing to be bashful about Takamiya-kun." With a quick turn of his key, he unlocked one of the private rooms. "Come. We have much to discuss."
As soon as he entered the room, the school official shrugged off his black robe and carefully placed it on the back of the couch. He took out a few files from the briefcase he had left on the coffee table. Raito sat opposite to him, Kohashi at his back.
"As you know, Toudai prides itself for offering two years of general studies to our students before they head off into their individual specialisations. It really is a shame that you are determined to skim through this process by undergoing a double major. It would not be easy, of course, but we have studied your profile in detail and we believe you can manage. After all, you are probably the most promising student the college has seen in decades."
Raito made sure to show his full appreciation for their effort. His test scores had little to do with their compliance though they did help. No, it was his connection to the yakuza, his position as Takamiya-sama's adoptive son, that had the president of Tokyo University bowing down in deference. After all, though they had to go through a lot of trouble to create a program and schedule they did not offer previously, there was no need for the president to meet him in person.
No, it was all about politics and getting on his adoptive father's good side. For his help, Raito was willing to act more accommodating.
As the director detailed the various concessions the school had made, his listener could not help but silently bemoan how complicated it all was. Because he wanted to specialise in two fields, he would have to commute between the Komaba and Hongo campuses. The general education took place in the former while the latter offered most of the specific courses needed for his two bachelors. His schedule was consequently quite full and his breaks had been arranged purposefully so that he would be able to make it to his various classes in time, even when they were situated on two completely different university grounds.
Scanning through it, Raito suddenly realised all the time school was going to gobble up. His extracurricular 'activities' would again have to suffer. Still, the network among his peers he was determined to build would only expand in influence because he was studying in two campuses. His contacts would not be limited to the first and second year students – and the older ones from the math department – from Komaba.
When finally the discussion died down and Raito prepared to leave, Komiya-san abruptly spoke up. The sudden nervous tremor in his voice contrasted with the easy assurance he had shown earlier.
"One last thing, Takamiya-kun. I would like to ask you a – favour." Raito raised an elegant eyebrow at the words, inviting the man to continue.
"As you know, you received a perfect score on our entrance exam. Against all expectations, someone else managed it this year, a certain Ryuuga Hideki."
Raito's eyes widened at his pronouncement. There was someone as book smart as him? Well, that was interesting.
Seeing that his guest did not take offence, the president hurried through the rest of explanation. "However, he took the entrance exam quite late and consequently did not have time to write his own speech. I was wondering if you would mind sharing yours with him. I can understand if you don't want to but –"
The youth cut him off before his words derailed to incoherent babbling. "It's fine. I will be glad to help out a fellow representative. He can read the first half of the address and I will simply finish it off."
"Thank you so much!" The man told him, bowing down so low that his receding hairline was perfectly visible from Raito's seat. "It was what I told him but I was not certain if you would agree. Thank you!"
But Raito was no longer listening to his words of gratitude and the flow of compliments that followed. Instead, he was silently contemplating the character of this Ryuuga Hideki. It was a strange name, to say the least. He highly doubted the perfect scorer was the pop idol, but then, intelligence can be found in the strangest of places.
Whoever he was, the youth was quite anxious to make his acquaintance and find out the reason he took the exam so late. Just like in Raito's case, the school was making a lot of allowances for this new student and he felt an intense desire to discover why.
After all, it wasn't very often he met someone who could match up to him and had the potential of becoming his… equal.
Aizawa yawned as he closed the door behind him. A few minutes back, Ukita had left the hotel to replace him at the police station.
"So where's L?" He asked, immediately noticing the absence of the sugar-high detective among the room's occupants.
Soichiro did not bother to look up from the files he had been flipping through since the previous night. "It's the fifth today." He grumbled out. His free hand absentmindedly reached out for his mug of coffee.
"The fifth –?"
"L's gone to Toudai's entrance ceremony." Waraya-san elaborated in his stead.
Aizawa slumped down on his seat and ran a harried hand through his afro. "Damn. It's that time already. With the investigation going on, days seem to be blurring into one another and we still don't have much in terms of evidence."
But it was an entirely different matter if you're talking about a suspect.
Soichiro's hand hurriedly turned the page though he hadn't exactly read most of it.
"Yeah," said Matsuda. He placed his own documents on the table and started stretching his arms. "I'm beginning to wonder why L's so set on Raito-kun being Kira. Sure, I'd admit there are a bunch of coincidences but maybe that's just all there is to it."
Maybe that's all there is to it, but ask yourself, do you really believe it to be so? Are you willing to disillusion yourself? Or will you, as Raito asked, keep pursuing on, eyes open, no matter what.
"And the day he found out, didn't any of you find his reaction a bit extreme? Throwing us out of the room like that?"
Brushing her bangs out of the way, Waraya-san frowned at the young police officer. "Matsuda-san, I can understand your doubts on the matter but sometimes, you simply have to trust L. Though he does not look like much, you must not forget that he is the best detective in the world." She closed her eyes for a moment and sighed.
Appearances can be oh-so-deceiving, eh?
"Though he has overreacted, it does not mean his judgement is faulty. Most of you do not know this but L had been trying to recruit Kirin into the task force. He believed the programmer would have been able to help us find whatever traces Kira might have left in the FBI's files. Imagine what he must have felt upon discovering the truth. He had almost hired the murderer and thus irreparably compromised the investigation. Overall, his reaction is quite reasonable."
"But it isn't as though he really has any proof. Don't you think he's getting ahead of himself by saying that Raito-kun is Kirin and Kira? It's like – you know, coincidences," he said, emphasizing the last word.
"We already know that Kira specifically targeted Etsuko-san and his death was somehow related with what had been happening with the yakuza. It couldn't have been a mere coincidence that Takamiya-kun, a yakuza who might have gained much from Etsuko-san's death, was meeting Namikawa-san, Kirin's intermediate," Aizawa let out somewhat exasperatedly.
"But as I said before, it could have simply been a coincidence. And really, businessmen are all corrupt. They could have just been working out some nefarious deal together. Who said it had to have anything to do with Kirin?"
"Didn't you notice how friendly the two interacted with one another?" asked Aizawa.
He frowned in confusion. "Yeah, so?"
"Well, the ease they felt in each other's presence would not be found in normal business dealings. In addition, if this was somehow related to the sokaiya, Takamiya-kun would have kept his bodyguard around him as a precaution. But he sent him away because he wanted to keep the entire affair private. It most probably had nothing to do with the yakuza."
"Also," Waraya-san added, "after Watari failed to hire Kirin, L asked me research Namikawa-san. He is an extremely cunning and ruthless businessman but he is honourable. Although Yotsuba does occasionally deal with organised crime, Namikawa-san never actually entertained any relations with them, which only makes his friendship with Black Dragon's oyabun's adoptive son all the more suspicious."
As the two explained the logic behind L's assumption to Matsuda, Soichiro felt his heart sink. His own reasoning, triggered by the detective's uncharacteristic show of emotion, had followed a similar path, but to hear it out loud destroyed any hope he could have harboured.
But then… he knew his son – or knew him as much as he could.
He knew of his brilliance, of his righteousness. Despite all that had happened to him, his precious boy still maintained a high sense of justice. His letters were proof of that. After all, he was still concerned with the police chief's morals, often reprimanding him and reminding him of his duty.
He had never lost sight of the true meaning of justice, unlike his father.
It would not be entirely implausible for his beloved Raito to be Kira but then…
… that would mean he was the mass murderer. Soichiro felt his core being torn to shreds every time he approached that train of thought and so he concentrated instead on simply catching Kira.
Kira – not his son, please not his son. As long as there was no definite proof, he could still ignore what his instincts were screaming at him. He simply had to catch the murderer and hopefully put his heart at ease.
If miracles existed…
"But that's not fair to the chief!"
"Matsuda, please leave the issue alone."
"But Yagami-san's lost Raito-kun once already, why should he have to go through this when we don't even have any conclusive proof?"
"Matsuda, do not try to understand what I am going through," Soichiro told him icily. "I have resigned myself to catching Kira and if he is Raito, then I will live with the fact. I will not abandon my duty because of personal feelings."
Not again.
"But chief –"
His fingers tightened around the stack of papers and he could barely stop himself from snapping at his subordinate. Enough was enough. "Quit making assumptions. You have no idea."
He ran a hand through his grey-streaked hair. "Do you know how hard it is, constantly wondering how he has turned out because I lost him to his fate? Do you know how many sleepless nights I have spent, thinking about him, wondering about him – wishing to see him again, perhaps talk to him?" His voice was barely above a murmur. "I lost my child before he even turned twelve. He is now eighteen. Do you know how hard it is, to see him now, fully grown, an adult almost, and knowing I had no part in it.
"Do you know how difficult, how painful it is for me because he is the main, the only suspect in the Kira case? Deep down, I have always known he had become a yakuza but Kira? You cannot guess my feelings Matsuda. You cannot.
"You have not failed him. You are not the reason why he has turned out this way. So stop trying to meddle when there is nothing to meddle with."
He took a deep breath to get his emotions back under control.
"Raito might be my son but my priorities lie with the investigation. I will catch Kira, whether he is Raito or not. There is no need for you to concern yourself with my feelings. I will do my job and that is the end of the matter."
Silence fell through the room like a heavy shroud as the chief resolutely concentrated on his papers.
"Let us get back to work," Aizawa softly instructed. From the shuffling that resulted from his words, it seemed they all agreed on that point.
Fingers holding tightly to his pen, a sudden fleeting thought passed through Soichiro's mind. Toudai's entrance ceremony. Apparently, his son would be the student representative with L.
Toudai. The student representative. His son.
Somehow, he had always assumed that to be his beloved Raito's destiny after witnessing all his achievements as a child but…
… not at such a cost.
He shook his head and took another gulp from his swiftly cooling coffee. It was useless to dwell on reminiscences and past dreams and he firmly buried the thought before returning to work.
He would let L deal with Raito-Kira.
Soichiro was far too emotionally involved to even dare contemplate approaching his lost son. Kira was all he allowed himself to handle.
After all, duty should come before family.
"And now a few words from our freshman representatives Takamiya Raito and Ryuuga Hideki."
He watched Kira get up from his seat, his countenance the epitome of perfection. His every move exuded charm and grace and the utter flawlessness the detective had expected from that skilfully manipulative bastard. As he followed the beguiling young man up to the podium, his eyes would not leave his suspect's back. If stares could burn holes into someone, L's would as his bottomless pupils bore into the actor's being and tried to tear away his multiple shields. Yet, Kira remained unfazed.
Turning to look at him gently, he bestowed upon the detective a sweet, innocent smile and placed his crisply folded address on the lectern. Then, giving one quick reassuring nod, he moved aside, all the while inviting his enemy to fall for his charms.
L would never repeat that mistake.
Picking the sheet up with the tips of his fingers as though he were holding onto something contagious – which he probably was –, the sloppily dressed representative quickly skimmed over the printed speech and inwardly scowled at its predictable excellence.
There was no way L would fall for this show of pretension and actually make use of Kira's tools. No. He would warp them; turn them against their portentous master.
Inwardly smirking, the detective's brilliant mind quickly ran through the words, determined to completely tear down the mass murderer's brainwashing discourse. It was time they faced the blunt truth hidden behind this proficient actor.
With great glee, the elder male perverted the essence of Kira's speech as every sentence that escaped his lips became a cruel distorted image of its former self.
By depriving the killer of his masks and games, he was stripping his enemy down to his core. No unnecessary flourishes would be seen in this discourse – unlike all of Kira's wordy ramblings in the forums.
At his side, he could feel his foe brimming with barely repressed fury. L's eyes gleamed with malice and he further raised his usually low monotone.
The game was on.
'Ladies and gentlemen, at the risk of sounding cliché, I must say that I am truly honoured to stand before you all as your freshman representative,' Yes, you do sound awfully cliché, L thought vindictively, but that's what all these speeches are like unfortunately, 'even though I highly doubt I can ever faithfully represent you all. I cannot say what your wishes, dreams and aspirations for the future are; I do not know any of you personally – a condition we can hopefully rectify – but I do know how much work we have each put in to reach this point.' How very sappy! Kira is trying to recruit followers I see.
'Tokyo University might have been the main goal for many of us,' As if! The detective inwardly scoffed. Killing is your goal, you scheming psychopath… 'but it is in no way the end, only a brief chapter in our existence. As I walked up the steps to the Nippon Budokan, I cannot help but notice the Sakura trees that greeted our entrance into the next stage of our life. The transience of their bloom is very similar to our university time: short but full of potential.' More like the transience of your reign, Kira.
'Treasure these few years of studies. Never let your dreams fade. What you see before you now is but the beginning.'
"Everyone, I am quite honoured," the slight tilt in L's otherwise emotionless tone indicated his true opinion on this so-called 'honour', "to be your freshman representative. I cannot speak for you all because I do not know you, nor would I care to. However, as we are now entering Tokyo University, I would expect us all to keep working hard. This is the next step to our future and where the next battle will take place."
Despite Raito's usual mastery of his self, he had been unable to prevent himself from staring at that Ryuuga in shock. That – that insolent bastard had usurped his work and perverted its essence.
How dare he!?
If he had not been in public, he would have stalked up to the thieving scum and choked his miserable, cheeky life out of him. He had never felt so insulted and used.
For an utter stranger to –
No, he took a deep breath. He had to remain calm. He must keep his cool. Takamiya Raito was better than that – that freak. He had faced more dangerous and exasperating situations without blowing up. He was not about to let that scum destroy his dignity. He slowly, deliberately clenched his hands, this action unseen by anyone. Oh! They were itching to reach out for that pale scrawny neck but he refrained himself from murdering in public. Gradually, his furiously beating heart calmed. There was no need to cause a scene.
Keeping his gaze friendly – though the disrespecting bastard probably still felt his glare smothering his back – and his smile plastered on his face, he contemplated all the sweet revenge he would exact on that ungrateful undeserving gnat. He would crush the bug later. Make him pay.
But only when there would be no witnesses. He wasn't about to get caught for something so petty – but necessary to salve his wounded pride.
For now, all Raito needed to do was smile and keep his calm. Hopefully, he would be able to salvage the situation halfway through the address. After all, he was the one who would read the second part of the speech.
At his back, the shinigami was guffawing unrestrainedly, throwing out quick comments that compared the original to Ryuuga's 'improved' version. Apparently, Raito's predicament was quite amusing to the deformed monster.
Well, Ryuk would not be getting any apples anytime soon.
'So much awaits us. We have seen but a brief glimpse of what our world has to offer. And here, in Tokyo University, our search for knowledge and for ourselves will be partially answered.' More like my search for Kira.
'I still remember how young and innocent I was at eleven, so arrogant and assured of my own prowess. Believe it or not but I was convinced I would succeed where my elders and superiors had failed.' And here's another confirmation for Takamiya being Kira. He not only believed he was better than adults when he was young, but now, he is convinced he is above the law. 'Well, it landed me in a bit of a predicament, one I care not to repeat after getting the beating of a lifetime. I had never been so scolded before!' Well, it seems as though that lesson had not been enough, L thought darkly, 'But sometimes, failures are necessary in order to grow. We learn from our mistakes and though some would be graver than others, as long as we do not repeat them again, it is but another step forward.
'University is a learning environment, do not be afraid to stumble. Rising up again is what we need to strive for however. Sometimes, it takes another world, a greater challenge for us to realise our own insignificance and to be driven to heights further than ones we could ever have imagined.' So is that your excuse for becoming Kira – to prove your godhood?
"Tokyo University has much to offer us and we must strive to learn all we can. At this point in time, failure is no longer an option as our future is now at stake. The university is an entirely different playing field, one where only the strongest will succeed and survive," he said, glancing at Kira for a reaction as his challenge was thrown.
L was disappointed to be met with the mass murderer's indifference.
The president of Toudai was frozen in his seat as soon as Ryuuga-kun opened his mouth. The boy had twisted the entirety of Takamiya-kun's speech, only keeping its outline as though to mock its owner.
He nervously bit the side of his lips. This was not good. This was horrible. Should Takamiya-kun seek retaliation, there was no way Daichi could ever stop him. He feared for his school.
He did not want bloodshed. He did not want this. But with the yakuza involved, and especially after such an offence, he did not know what to expect. He really should not have accepted Ryuuga-kun's admission – despite his connections to one of their greatest sponsors.
He really shouldn't have.
When Ryuuga-kun did not stop halfway through the address and let Takamiya-kun take over, instead bulldozing his entire way through and razing the beautiful constructions of words to the ground in his destructive passage, Komiya Daichi knew that it was over.
There was no way for Takamiya-kun to reclaim his masterpiece. It had been torn down, obliterated. He was certain the young yakuza would not let such an insult pass.
Sweat pooled on his forehead. Now, he could only hope for a miracle and the Black Dragon's mercy.
'From this day forward, a different stage has been set, a new environment has been offered for us to explore and in which grow.' To fight. 'It is different, strange – unlike the small cage we are used to, with its strict classroom discipline and small groups of peers. Here, we have the opportunity to develop to our full potential at our leisure – if only we are not afraid of what lies outside of our golden bars.' Oh… you will be afraid when I am done with you Kira. The execution chamber is what awaits your murdering, lying soul.
'It might not be the jungle of the job market but this garden is wild nonetheless. But let your roots grow, let your leaves seek up the light of the sun and breathe in the freshness of the air. Nurture your being; do not deprive yourself of what your ecosystem has to offer. Despite the harshness of the studies that await you, do not give up. When winter melts away, spring will always be there to greet you and carry you on further.
'Let us spread our wings.' And I shall shoot you down.
"Like plants who have grown used to domesticity, we must learn and adapt because the world outside is not so kind. We will not be coddled here, protected from the wind and cold, and offered everything on a silver plate. Insects will swarm at us; weeds will try to steal our resources. In this harsher environment that is university life, do not give up, and do not lag behind.
"Because no one will be there to pick up your pieces. Nature is not kind to the weak."
"What the heck is that guy's problem?"
"Isn't the address supposed to be a bit more positive and encouraging?"
"Well, just look at him. He's totally different from the other representative who looks like a sheltered prodigy. Pampered and brilliant, like a plant in a greenhouse."
"Using the plants' metaphor now?"
Chuckles followed.
"Well, the other is wild and peculiar. I guess that's what you would call the disposition of a natural genius. Maybe that's why he's so unsympathetic. Must have gone through quite some trial to get to where he is today, unlike that – Takamiya-kun, was it?"
"Probably. And to wear that when attending Toudai's entrance ceremony and giving an address, he's probably dissing everyone."
"Plus, on his way up the podium, I noticed that he wasn't wearing socks and that he didn't tie his shoelaces."
"Yeah, maybe he's just poor."
"Like some scholarship student?"
"Probably."
As Ryuuga turned around and let him take the center stage with that blank expectant stare of his, Raito only smiled in response, seemingly completely unfazed. It would only irritate the freak if he did not react. He would not give him the pleasure of witnessing his frustration after all the grief he had caused him.
He would not let that ungrateful bandit throw him off his game. He was not so weak.
And although the bastard had mutilated his planned discourse beyond repair – he couldn't even reuse any of its elements – it did not mean he was completely helpless. His charisma had always been one of his strongest points and he would show that Ryuuga his mastery in the area.
Raito had always been highly adaptable and such a setback would not, could not unsettle him. He would show his dear fellow representative. He would show him how fiercely he could fight back and rise up to the challenge when pressed into a corner.
He would teach him.
Seeing the sea of expectant gazes watching him and wondering what he would come up with after Ryuuga's startling speech, he closed his eyes and prepared himself.
As soon as he reopened them, he was ready. Going with his instincts, he took a deep breath and started.
It was time to play.
"After Ryuuga-kun has suitably," he paused for a second, giving his companion a slight smirk, "traumatized you with the predators lurking in Tokyo University, I believe it is my role to reassure you of how very tame this book-torn battleground actually is. After all, could it really be any worse than the stress and oceans of coffee we've inhaled in order to get past Toudai's red gates? And no, they are unfortunately not, in an entirely academic point of view, the gates to hell."
A stream of chuckles followed his pronouncement.
"I might only be a freshman who has not experienced the university's dark pages and its forest of tomes – that are just waiting to devour our time – but I am certain we will all somewhat survive its perilous depths. Just as long as we do not study to death.
"Wouldn't want those vultures to devour our poor unprotected carcasses, now would we?"
Mogi Kanzo watched in amazement as the chief's son turned the situation around. Where L had delivered a bland speech designed to shock his audience and confront his suspect, the young yakuza had ascended beyond him. The investigator was not sure if he was truly responding to L's challenge – could he have known Ryuuga was L? – but he was certainly responding to his speech.
In an amusing, sarcastic and slightly dark style that had his listeners raptly following his every words.
Takamiya-kun was a young man any parent would be proud to claim as theirs. Handsome, brilliant and as bright as his name suggested, he could have been the perfect son. But all of it, all that potential had been torn from him by the yakuza. They had destroyed a family, destroyed the chief and had perverted the boy's essence for their own selfish reasons. Kanzo was not one to hate, but watching the youth on stage, pure rage at the injustice of the situation filled his being.
Because the presence standing before the crowd could certainly be Kira. He had the intelligence necessary to accomplish the task, the twisted but extremely adaptable mind and most importantly, all the clues and coincidences somewhat fit.
Especially with Namikawa-san's attendance at the ceremony, Kanzo thought, giving the businessman another quick glance.
He had been following the man ever since L's revelation half a month back and although he had not seen Takamiya-kun again in that period, it had not been a complete waste of time for his unseen stalker. The investigator had pretty much managed to confirm that Namikawa-san had absolutely no connection to any member of the yakuza besides Yagami-san's lost son.
It seems L's hypothesis in that regard had been correct.
Mogi Kanzo did not know what to think.
"I promise you, Tokyo University isn't a complete desert, despite how cold and impersonal Ryuuga-kun makes it seem. You will not find old students' remains half-buried in the sand, but if you do, be sure to advise the archaeology department.
"But no, as many of you will soon find out, the university is actually teeming with life. A jungle, you could say. And if rumours are correct, upon their entrance into the school ground, our freshmen predecessors have actually gotten mauled by the college's older inhabitants, caught by their roots and ensnared in their vines' vile, vile trap. Tokyo University is renowned for its clubs and varsities' aggressive recruitment.
"Fellow freshmen beware. Not of the difficult studies that lay ahead of you. If you have managed to make it to this point, keeping your good habits are the least of your concerns. No, be wary of the influence of your peers.
"Do not let yourselves be brainwashed when your objective here is to fill your head with knowledge. We are each our own person, not the extension of another's ambition. Our first responsibility is to our own fulfilment, or at least an attempt in that regard.
"Life – can be seen as a game, with its own set of rules and its own uncertain outcome. Each player has their own pair of dices." At this part of his speech, Raito's tone turned darker and more serious. "It is true we are unable to control our future and decide how our gamble will end, but that gamble is ours to take, ours to risk. You should not leave the task, your task, to another. That is foolish.
"As we proceed into the next level, Toudai's game awaits us. But who are you on this elaborate chessboard: the player who determines the flow, for better or for worse, or the piece waiting to be moved? That is for you to decide." He told them, his steady gaze sweeping through the hall.
Teru watched in awe as Takamiya-san progressed through his discourse.
He had not expected much to come out of the entrance ceremony when he had finally decided to attend. After all, he had transferred from Kyodo University and it was not necessary for him to come. He had eventually placed his doubts aside when he had realised that it was the perfect opportunity to scout out this year's batch of freshmen and uncover worthy followers for God. Since he would be studying on a different campus, he would have very little access to them.
It was a burdensome duty, maybe even a waste of time, but he had shouldered it, perfectly aware of his responsibilities. Upon hearing Takamiya-san clear voice, all regrets have faded from Teru's mind.
He had found the perfect spokesman for God.
All he needed to do now was find a way to approach him and recruit him for his cause. Teru was a diligent and persistent individual, especially for causes he believed in particularly strongly.
He would not give up once his mind was made up and Takamiya-san would become God's lovely messenger, his light and herald in these times of darkness.
"In this time of turmoil, where the ideals and morals of so many clash between one extreme and another, it will be hard for us to carve our own path. Our life is not a simple novel, a silly epic battle between Light and Darkness, Good and Evil.
"Our world is more complex than that, and far more complex than the harsh depiction of Tokyo University Ryuuga-kun has presented you with.
"Here, we will find resources to help us make our own decisions and orient our future. So many variables can come into play and it is consequently the one who can read farthest ahead and plan accordingly who will win. We may not like it, but we have little choice in the matter.
"Strategy games are simply annoying that way. But if you do know divination, then please share your gift. It would save me – I mean us – so much trouble.
"Everyone, this is the crossroad, the game room where we may prepare before we head blindly into our next adventure. So stock up your party, equip yourself with knowledge and friends and allies, and do not forget, Tokyo University is but your first step.
"Congratulation for getting in, but composing your future and the story of your life is the task of a lifetime.
"Now, with so much work ahead of us all, I guess it is time I stop talking and we all get started. But do try to avoid procrastination's evil temptress!" Raito finished with a flourish, a devilish smirk adorning his handsome features.
Roars of approval and a cacophony of clapping followed as the students began whispering excitedly among themselves.
As he gave a humble bow, Raito shot the freak a look filled with contempt.
Game, check and mate.
His usurping had only turned the situation to his opponent's favour.
Kiyomi watched, heart filled with wonder, as Takamiya-kun enchanted the crowd and pulled her into his seductive words. She had never met such a dazzling accomplished man – one she could respect and possibly – no she would not put the feeling into thought yet.
It was far too soon.
But she knew she would later approach him. He was too intriguing, too different from all those uncouth men she had met in the past to leave alone. If the image Takamiya-kun had presented at the entrance ceremony was his true face, then he might even become the only man she could ever accept and respect in her life.
But she must not be hasty. Too often had she been disappointed by her hanger-ons.
As the students all stood up to give the brilliant speaker a standing ovation, she felt her friend nudge her.
"This Takamiya-kun, he is quite godly, neh Takada?"
"Yes. Quite."
The twinkle in her eyes spoke unmistakably of her intention.
As the uproar died down, the rush inside of Raito subsided. All he felt was a vague emptiness for having adorned yet another mask, that of a cocky, confident young man.
A stupid façade he could never truly assume.
For that, he despised Ryuuga even more. For forcing him to discard his old discourse – one somewhat closer to his true persona despite its pretentiousness – for this one. The speech was brilliant, it amused and spurred the crowd, but the way he went about it in order to diffuse the damage inflicted by the freak's misshapen address was not him. Could never be him after all he had gone through.
Damn that Ryuuga.
Damn him all.
He gave the slightly hyperventilating president a quick nod and a reassuring smile to set his mind to rest. The yakuza will not descend upon Toudai. But as for Ryuuga, that was an entirely different matter.
Back straight, he walked down the few steps, with the freak shuffling behind him like some lost puppy. Suddenly, the bastard's breath brushed against his sensitive ears.
"Takamiya-kun, I must commend you for your brilliant manoeuvring of the situation and the speech you instantly came up with. I must admit I was mightily impressed. But then, perhaps I should not be surprised after all the conversations we have already exchanged. If anyone can turn a situation to his advantage, it is you Takamiya-kun," he whispered, strongly emphasizing the last few words.
Raito's eyes widened in sudden comprehension. His stance wobbled.
"It is great to finally meet you in person."
L. L! L had finally caught on to him.
L was here in person and letting him know of his precarious situation. L was going to –
And suddenly all the tension drained out of him. He should have known, he should have guessed. Only L would pull such a stunt and since it was L, Raito could forgive him. No matter how petty and vindictive the other man acted, the yakuza could let the offence slide through.
Because it was L.
For having discovered the connection between Kirin and Kira, Anti-Kira was perfectly in his right to behave in such a spiteful manner. Raito could not fault him, no matter the throbbing in his chest that this new development caused him. He simply accepted it.
It was the end of a wonderful friendship but that was nothing new. The different pages in his life tended to usually end up as cruel disappointment. L's reaction was nothing new, except for one little fact… the end of their amity was the beginning of another chapter, one where a different ray of hope now shone.
Justice.
The cold, merciless, uncompromising blade of Justice.
The young man wanted to chuckle with relief, give out a full-blown laugh for all the trouble the little pest had caused him and all the hope he had now instilled in his nemesis, but he didn't.
Instead, he awarded the detective with a radiant smile and shook his hand. "The pleasure is all mine but perhaps you shouldn't have revealed such sensitive information to me, knowing who I am," he finished conspiringly.
Let him make what he wanted out of that.
It could be because he was part of the yakuza or, as L would probably surmise, because he was Kira.
It did not matter.
L was finally on his case and the end was upon him.
Relieved, resigned, as though a huge burden had been lifted from his shoulder, he sat down upon his seat, not paying any attention to his companion. It was quite unfortunate that L still had no proof and as long as the detective could not touch him, Raito would not give up the fight.
He would only confess his crimes and face his deserved punishment when his charges and the evidence were all laid upon the table. He would not let a corrupt, inefficient system finish him.
He still had some of his pride left.
And so, with a silly pleased grin on his face, he carefully planned out his next steps. He had promised that he would not go against L, but who ever said he would make the task any easier for his so-called nemesis?
Behind him, Ryuk was dancing a little gig to show his glee at the strange new development.
All in all, L presenting himself today was an all-around win-win situation.
L glumly watched his suspect as everyone left the Nippon Budokan at the end of the ceremony. Kira was socialising, socialising with all the various officials as though he had not a care in the world – as though the destruction of his speech and the subsequent revelation (that he had L catching onto him) were the least of his concerns.
L felt rather insulted.
He really needed cake or ice cream. Preferably both.
He did not know what to make of Kira's reaction. The mass murderer had actually seemed content, relieved with the situation. He had actually appeared more stressed and off-balanced before his introduction. It was the worst of all possible insults.
L really hated the bastard.
And then, what had he meant by that last statement? Was he simply taunting him, knowing how close the detective was to catching him, but willing to risk his freedom by throwing out that tempting but oh-so-ambiguous statement? Like a cruel owner would to his starving dog?
Damn him.
The investigator would be sure to make the youth eat his words, if possible, with him watching the show holding onto a huge bowl of caramel popcorn.
That would teach the little bastard.
Finally, after what seemed to be an interminable amount of time, the serial killer headed out and L followed behind him sullenly, hands in his jean pockets and shuffling his dirty sneakers all the way.
Feeling the detective trailing him, Kira turned around. "Ryuuga-kun. Thank you for today."
L's blank eyes stared back at him, unsure of how to respond. "No, thank you."
"Well, I'll see you around on campus and best of luck on your projects." He sincerely-insincerely wished.
As his bodyguard followed him into the limousine, the insomniac overheard him ask his charge who that suspicious-looking fellow was. Kira's response, 'An interesting person', had L grinding his teeth.
He crawled into his own car and had he been able, he would have slammed the door behind him. Instead, Watari gently closed it – with no regards for his negative feelings.
Damn him. He played me like a fool.
He bit into his thumb, actually attempting to draw blood. Kira, you bastard… I have never been this humiliated in my life.
His fingers tightened around his shins. He wanted to scream and rage but this was not the place. He did not need Watari's worry.
This battle was between Kira and him.
To actually taunt him like that, by waving sensitive information before him like it was nothing – when it could be everything or nothing –
He knew Kira was cruel and this simply proved it.
L might have been slightly unreasonable when he had stated that he was 99 certain of Kira's identity, but his interaction with the yakuza confirmed it. Takamiya must be Kira. His pride and instincts would not let it be otherwise.
But then – no, he had to be calm and reasonable.
Kira was simply toying with him. Just like he had in the forum, twisting his feelings around as though they were a mere game.
Well, if Kira would bother with such tactics, then that meant he had nothing on L and was simply trying to unsettle him. He did not, could not know L's identity.
Fine. If that was the game Kira wanted to play, then fine.
On the surface, the two will be the best of friends, but underneath it all, they would constantly be trying to gain the upper hand on the other.
Interesting Takamiya, if you want a friend, then go ahead. I'm sure we'll get along just fine.
"Ah yes L, Aiber and Wedy have arrived."
The grin on his face widened.
Then, I'll find out everything about you Kira and send you to your executioner.
A/N: LOL. Turnabout is fair play!
Anyway, sorry for the very late update but I've been submerged by exams and then by my summer job. Not to mention my extracurricular activities. So yeah… But at least I have the entire arc planned out! Great, neh? (and Recipe for Insanity seems to be very amused by it all)
Well, thank you guys so much for the kind reviews and criticisms. As you can see, I've posted a summary of L's reasoning in my livejournal but I also decided to elaborate on it in this chapter, but from the inspectors' POV. Hope it was clear. I really took your advice into account.
As for the speech… Well, L wasn't reading a blank page – as some of you have noticed from the anime – but this is just as bad. grin If not worse.
Once again, review if you feel the inclination to. I love to hear about what you guys have to say, whether they are criticisms or just pure squealing.
And I really must extend a huge thanks to Recipe for Insanity for all her help in this chapter! Thank you so so much!!
Okay, so see you all next time!
Edited 01/06/08 (Recipe for Insanity)
