June 22nd
"That concludes Rise Kujikawa's statement regarding her temporary leave of absence from the entertainment industry. We're short on time, so if anyone has any remaining questions, we ask that you keep them brief."
Michael lifted the phone up to his ear, "Sorry, I'm refreshing myself on Rise-san's press conference. Seemed like the best way to kill the time before the clock strikes midnight," he said, the gentle sound of rain in the background.
"I probably should have done the same. The suspense is always so stomach churning," came Yukiko's voice from the other end.
Michael redirected his attention to the TV just as one reporter stood up.
"My name is Ishioka from Lady's View. It says here that you will be recuperating - are you facing physical problems?" the reporter asked.
The camera returned to the hourglass figure of Rise Kujikawa. Her hazel eyes looked tired and hopeless, a stark contrast to the well done makeup and meticulously-styled copper-colored hair. Something about the sadness in her eyes made Michael feel as though he was sharing her burdens on command.
That aptitude for summoning empathy in others must be how she's fared so well in the business, he mused.
"No, my health isn't an issue-" Rise began to reply.
"So psychological problems then?" the reporter persisted.
Rise looked visibly taken aback, "W-Wha-"
"Rumor has it you'll be staying with your relatives, but isn't that in Inaba where the murders have been taking place?"
Rise seemed bewildered by the barrage of questions, "Huh? Um-"
"Is it true that they run a traditional tofu shop? Will you be helping out with the family business?"
Finally, an agency spokesman stepped in front of Rise's podium and put an end to the interrogation.
"No more questions! This press conference is over! Clear the way, please!"
The scene cut back to the anchors' newsroom, "Once again, this has been a rerun of our breaking news in entertainment regarding rising star pop idol Rise Kujikawa taking a leave from the industry," the anchor concluded.
Michael flicked off the TV and rubbed his eyes, "Poor girl."
"Michael-kun, the TV!" came Yukiko's voice urgently over the phone.
Indeed, the TV flickered to life once more and figure appeared. The silhouette of a young lady wearing a swimsuit or perhaps lingerie who was moving about provocatively appeared on the screen through the static. The shot appeared to be zooming in mostly on her chest and hips. Just as quickly as it appeared, the image faded once more.
"Was that...?" Yukiko asked slowly.
"Rise-san? I'd say so. That hairstyle is hard to mistake," Michael replied.
"But...those clothes she was wearing..."
"Let's just focus on the fact that she is, indeed, on the Midnight Channel."
"Y-Yeah, you're right-"
Yukiko's voice was cut off by an incessant 'call waiting' notification on Michael's phone. He glanced at the caller ID and saw the winking face of Yosuke's contact picture on the screen accompanied by Narukami's deadpan one.
"Sorry Yukiko, looks like I got the boys on the other line," Michael groaned.
"Kyrie just called me, Chie will surely follow. We can compare notes at school tomorrow," she replied.
"As always. Good night," Michael hung up the phone and clicked it over to the group call.
"Good even-" he began.
"DUDE! That was Rise for sure, right?! Rise Kujikawa!" Yosuke said excitedly.
Michael instinctively held the phone away from his ear, disdainful of the shrill excitement in his voice.
"You're right, I think it was," came Narukami's reply.
"I thought so!"
"Fellas, let's keep perspective here. If she's on the Midnight Channel, she's going to be targeted by the murderer. Perhaps we shouldn't sound so giddy about it?" Michael rebuked.
"Oh, yeah...I guess you're right," Yosuke replied, "But still, that means we gotta go to her place tomorrow! What was it called again?"
"Marukyu Tofu," Narukami replied.
"Right! Guys, my heart's pounding already!"
"Gee, I wonder why," Michael replied dryly.
Michael had just finished packing his schoolbag when someone knocked on the door to his room.
"Good morning, Michael-kun," Mrs. Amagi said as opened the door.
"Good morning, ma'am. What can I do for you?" Michael replied.
Mrs. Amagi shifted uncomfortably, "I was hoping you could do us a favor for a friend of the family."
"Of course, name it."
"Does the name Rise Kujikawa ring a bell to you? Maybe under the stage name Risette?" she asked.
Michael thought for a moment before carefully answering, "Wasn't she on the news a night or so ago?
"She's a very popular idol who has been hitting the peak of her career lately. However, she announced a hiatus from the entertainment industry," Mrs. Amagi explained, "She's coming here to Inaba to stay with her grandmother at Marukyu Tofu. Unfortunately, the press has been able to get a hold of that information."
Michael sighed, "And so, Ms. Kujikawa and her grandmother will be getting swarmed by shutterbugs and muckrakers."
Mrs. Amagi nodded sadly, "Indeed. She is an elderly woman and despite everything, Rise is still a child. I fear for their ability to handle it all on their own."
"I assume that's where I come in?" Michael said with a slight smirk.
Mrs. Amagi smiled, "You were so good with keeping the press at bay when they were hanging around the inn. What's more, you fought off that gang of ruffians all on your own. I know it embarrasses you, but your nickname 'Sheriff' has become more of a title these days."
Michael rubbed the back of his neck, "Just to clarify, I didn't fight that gang on my own. I trussed up one of them and Kanji-kun scared away the rest."
"Nevertheless, you have a talent for this. I've already called your school, they confirmed that your grades are still top-notch and that you may take a day or two off if you must."
Michael considered it for a moment.
Having an excuse to keep her under surveillance could finally give us the advantage we need to catch the culprit, he thought to himself.
"Very well, I'll do it," Michael said.
Mrs. Amagi smiled, "Thank you, Michael-kun. I knew I could count on you. Rise-chan will be arriving later this morning, her grandmother asks that you be there before hand."
"Very well. I will walk Yukiko to school and then double back to the shopping district," Michael said, unzipping his schoolbag and unloading its contents.
Mrs. Amagi's smile faltered when she saw him slip the billy club into his waistband, "Michael-kun, as always, please be careful."
"I always am."
Michael explained the situation to Yukiko as he walked her to school. After he saw her into the school doors safely, he doubled back to the shopping district. Marukyu Tofu sat right around the center of the district's main thoroughfare and Michael was able to see straight down to it. A very light crowd had already begun to gather, but Rise had not yet arrived. He took the opportunity to step into Daidara's Metalworks. Within the shop, a lean, slender man stood over a glowing forge, in one hand he gripped a set of tongs and in the other he held a sizeable hammer. Michael cleared his throat to announce his presence. The older man turned to face him and set down his tools. The X-shaped scar across his face was his most singular feature and was accompanied by a thin, white bandana that circled his head. An unusual trait in a Japanese gentleman, he had a thin, red mustache that connected with his sideburns and showed no signs of being dyed.
"Now there's a face I expected to see in here again," the old man Daidara said, wiping his hands off with a dirty rag.
"What can I say, you do good work," Michael replied, examining a suit of plate armor that stood in front of the counter.
"How's that truncheon serving you?" Daidara asked, now standing at the cash register.
"As Teddie Roosevelt intended, it works best when I speak softly," Michael quipped.
Daidara's face hardened, "I've said it to you once and I will say it again, my pieces are not to be used to instigate violence, only for self-defense."
"I share your sentiment," Michael said as he held out a set of handcuffs he picked off a display.
Daidara raised an eyebrow, "So it's true, you're going to be guarding Marukyu."
"I am."
Daidara sighed as he rung up the purchase, "I know that, for right now, you're using your strengths for the right reasons. Just be mindful of how far you take it. Once a man tastes combat, he may find it difficult to resist it."
Michael took the handcuffs and tucked them into his back pocket, "Thank you for the goods," he said. With that, he left the shop.
"Sir, is Rise-chan here?!"
"This IS Marukyu Tofu, correct?!"
"Do you have any insight as to Risette's departure from the industry?!"
These questions and many like them assailed Michael as he stood at the top step leading into the shop. The reporters and fans had been insistent to get closer, but when Michael drew his billy club, they maintained their distance.
"There is no one by that name here. You're all mistaken," was Michael's response.
"Oh come now, the location of Rise's home has been leaked, the old lady even has the same last name!" came one reporter's reply.
"You've been fooled. Not a difficult task, I assure you," Michael quipped.
The motley assortment continued their questioning, but were shortly parted by two familiar faces.
"Out of the way, Inaba PD!" Dojima barked, making his way through the crowd. He stopped short when he saw Michael standing in the threshold.
"...Shouldn't you be in school?" Dojima asked.
Michael pulled out his phone to look at the time, "School was let out two minutes ago."
"...Shouldn't you have BEEN in school?" Dojima said with a sigh, "Look I appreciate the help you've been giving to the community, but you shouldn't let yourself fall behind for it. C'mon, Adachi will take over out here. Let's you and I go inside for a moment."
"Wait, what? But I was gonna buy some-" Adachi began to protest, but was shut down by a hard glare from Dojima.
"...Yes sir," Adachi acquiesced with a sigh and dutifully took position outside as Michael followed Dojima inside.
The store was empty aside from the elderly proprietor behind the counter who greeted the two men with a warm, but tired, smile. The crowd had scared off the usual customers.
"Ahh, Ryotaro-kun, how are you?" she asked.
Dojima smiled, "Probably better than I realize. I came to check up on things here, have the crowds been behaving themselves?"
"Oh yes, no incidents yet. Michael-kun has been doing a good job," she said.
Dojima surveyed the shop before speaking once more, "Is she here?" he asked lowly.
The old lady nodded, "Yes, we've been keeping her working in the back. Michael-kun, would you be a dear and go check up on her for me? Help yourself to a Topsicle from the freezer for your trouble."
Michael gave a slight bow, "Thank you, ma'am."
Michael left them to their conversation and went around the counter into the back room. Metal shelves filled with utensils and cooking supplies stood tall forming small rows and a couple freezers were pressed against the wall. At the furthest wall stood Rise hunched over a sink.
"Rise-san, your grandmother inquires after you," Michael said, opening a freezer to find his Topsicle.
Rise set down what she was working on and turned to face him. Once again, the sadness in her eyes made his stomach feel heavy.
"...I'm okay," she said quietly.
"Can I get you anything? Tea or coffee perhaps?' Michael asked.
Rise tried to smile, but only one corner of her mouth rose, "No thanks."
Michael hesitated for a moment, not sure whether to leave her in her current state.
"Well, I'll get out of your hair. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to let me know," he said before turning toward the door.
"...Wait," he heard her say behind him.
He stopped and turned, "Yes?"
"...Why are you here? To catch a glimpse of the famous Risette?" she asked bitterly.
Michael could not help but chuckle at the question, despite the bitterness with which it was asked, "Miss, until a few months ago I was a resident of the United States with absolutely zero knowledge of Japanese culture post-World War Two. I'm just here to help out a neighbor."
Rise looked at him in surprise, "Really? You aren't going to ask for an autograph? Or get my phone number?"
Michael laughed, "I hadn't planned on it, no."
With that, he noticed her shoulders relaxed, "Um, one more thing," she said.
"Shoot."
"...On second thought, I think I could go for a cup of tea."
Michael nodded, "Coming right up."
Michael took his position once more at the top of the stairs. Adachi had clearly been busy as Michael noticed parking tickets on the windshields of a multitude of cars that lined the street. The young detective was now standing in the middle of the street directing traffic. From his vantage point, Michael could see Narukami, Yosuke, and Kanji approaching the crowd.
Dammit, not now, he thought.
He pulled out his phone and tapped on Narukami's name in his contacts.
Michael: Yu, get out of here, your uncle's inside.
Michael looked up and, to his dismay, saw Narukami did not notice the text alert.
Michael: Yu, seriously, check your phone
The trio remained oblivious and began speaking to Adachi. Oddly enough, Adachi began looking more and more uncomfortable before finally hurrying off down the street, abandoning his post.
"What the Hell...?" Michael said under his breath just as Dojima came up next to him.
"Michael, I gotta head out. I'll leave them to you, but if you get in over your head, you call us, got it?" Dojima said, a tone of warning in his voice.
"Yes sir. Drive safely," Michael replied.
"Alright, clear out! Coming through! Hey, Adachi-" Dojima hollered as he parted the crowd. He looked to where Adachi had been directly traffic and saw that he was nowhere to be found.
"Dammit, I told him not to leave his post," he muttered before his eyes fell on his nephew and the others.
"What are you guys doing-" he began as he walked up to them, "Hm? Kanji Tatsumi...?! Are you friends with them?"
Kanji turned away, "Like that's any of your business."
Dojima studied him hard, "If you say so. I'll ask again, what's your business here?"
"We're just passing by," Narukami answered innocently.
Really? Just passing by? The most platitudinous excuse in the book? Michael thought incredulously.
"...Is that so?" Dojima said, clearly not convinced.
"W-Well, who wouldn't wanna come check it out if they found out an idol's family ran the local tofu store?" Yosuke stammered, "I'm...uh, a big fan!"
Dojima studied them some more, Yosuke and Narukami clearly nervous under the scrutiny while Kanji remained impassive. Dojima finally sighed.
"Okay, fine. But remember: she might be a celebrity, but this is her home. Try not to bother her too much. Your friend, Michael, is in charge of keeping the peace here, but don't think he won't throw you out just out of deference to your friendship. Understood?"
"Yes sir," Yosuke said.
"Yes, uncle," Narukami replied in turn.
Kanji remained his semi-respectful insubordination.
After studying them a moment longer, Dojima set off down the sidewalk, leaving the trio to their devices.
"Aw man, there's no one in there but the old lady. Risette isn't here after all," one man in the crowd announced.
"That's what I've been trying to tell you," Michael responded.
The announcement, along with the threats of their cars being towed, dispersed the crowd quickly.
"What, rumor?! She's not here?! Seriously?!" Yosuke lamented.
Kanji snickered, "You sound like the world's about to end."
"Shut up! Anyway, now that all those people are gone, we might as well have a look around inside," Yosuke suggested.
"Michael's here too, he might know something," Narukami added.
The trio approached the threshold where Michael was standing.
"Hey man, we're just gonna-" Yosuke began, but was stopped as the tip of Michael's billy club was pressed against his chest.
"Hold there," Michael said.
Yosuke laughed, "Okay man, we get it. You're the big bad wolf, but we mean no harm. We're just gonna look around."
Yosuke made one more attempt to push past him, but was shoved back.
"Some ground rules first," Michael said tersely, "First of all, I will accompany you in. Lastly, you will keep the conversation related to the case and the case alone."
"Wait, so Rise IS here?" Narukami asked.
"Keep it down!" Michael hissed, "But yes, she is. Agree to my terms, and you can come in to see her."
"We'll behave," Yosuke said, but his flushed face betrayed his excitement.
Michael surveyed the street once more before stepping aside, "Alright, come in. I'll take you to her."
He led them into the shop to the counter where Rise and her grandmother were working with their backs turned toward them. The old lady turned at the sound of their entrance.
"Oh, Michael-kun. It would seem the crowd has dispersed," she observed.
Michael nodded, "My lies along with police presence seemed to work wonders. Forgive me, ma'am, but these gentlemen here asked to be allowed entry to purchase tofu. They promised to spend quite a bit of money and I felt it was not my place to turn down the business."
The trio turned to him in surprise.
"S-Spend quite a bit of money?!" Yosuke protested.
"I-I don't-" Narukami stammered.
Michael laughed, "They are just being modest."
The old lady turned to her granddaughter, "Rise, would you mind helping them? These old hands are getting stiff, I'm going to go run them under some warm water." With that, the proprietress shuffled off to the back room.
Rise wiped her hands on her apron and turned her head slightly, "How can I help you?" she asked with a sigh.
"Uh, you're Rise?' Kanji asked.
"Yeah. So?" she replied bitterly.
Narukami and Yosuke's eyes widened at the sight of her face. Even Michael admitted to himself she was quite beautiful, despite the work clothes.
"No way, are you really Risette?" Yosuke echoed excitedly.
"What do you want?' Rise replied, aggravation in her voice.
"Yes, Hanamura-san, what do you want?" Michael asked through clenched teeth.
Yosuke winced, "Huh? U-uh s-sorry, um... Some tofu, please!"
"Me too," Narukami added.
"You asked for tofu...at a tofu shop. Okay, which kind?" Rise asked.
Yosuke panicked, "Huh?! Wh-which one's which again?"
"If you're going to eat it by itself, you should choose silken. Momen's better for cooking. It depends on how you use it," Rise recited.
Yosuke brain was clearly short-circuiting, "Uh...uh..." he stuttered before turning to Kanji, "Psst, Kanji, order something!"
Kanji gave him a confused look, "Why're you making me do it?! You said you wanted ganmo when we came in!" Kanji sighed and shook his head, "Dude here wants three ganmodoki."
"Okay. I'll go get them," Rise said as she stepped off to fetch the order.
"If you guys can't pull yourselves together, I'm kicking you out of here and I'll question her myself," Michael snapped.
"Oh come on, you can't blame me for being star-struck!" Yosuke said defensively.
"She seems pretty different than how she is on TV," Narukami observed.
"She's just tired," Michael replied.
Yosuke looked at him in surprise, "No way, have you actually been able to talk to her?!"
"A little, enough to gather that much anyway."
Yosuke's face brightened, "Still, I can't believe it's her! Mission complete!"
Narukami cleared his throat, "But we haven't even got what we came for yet," he pointed out.
"Oh yeah!" Yosuke said as she returned with a bag of ganmodoki, "Um, Rise-san?"
"What?" she asked flatly.
"H-Have you noticed anything weird lately?"
Rise raised an eyebrow, "Weird? Like stalkers? Are you guys fans of mine?"
"I wouldn't say 'we', but yeah, dude here's a big fan," Kanji said, throwing a thumb over his shoulder at Yosuke.
"Y-You little! Why did you let that slip?!" Yosuke exclaimed.
"What were you saying about her this morning? Oh yeah, 'her curves, her pos-'" Kanji continued.
"Enough, both of you," Michael snapped.
"Maybe you know already, but things have been dangerous in Inaba lately. We've been investigating some stuff," Narukami explained.
Rise seemed a little more interested, "Oh yeah?"
"Have you heard of something called the Midnight Channel?" Narukami asked.
"...That thing that was on last night? That's the Midnight Channel, yeah?" Rise replied.
"So you know about it?"
"I've heard the rumors from some friends of mine. The girl last night wasn't me though, I've never been filmed wearing that swimsuit before. Plus," she shifted uncomfortably, "the bust-line was wrong."
"What do you mean?" Yosuke asked.
"Mine aren't that big," she finished.
"Oh yeah, you're right..." Yosuke said absentmindedly before realizing what he just said, "I-I mean- What am I saying?! Dammit, I'm sorry!"
A small smile came over Rise's face, "Don't apologize so much," she giggled, "You're funny."
Yosuke's face lit up, "Hey, she smiled!"
The smile faded quickly however and was replaced by a look of thought, "What is that show all about, anyway?" she asked.
"We're not too sure either," Yosuke replied.
Michael spoke up, "All we know is that whoever appears on there is kidnapped shortly afterwards. Your...personal details aside, we have reason to believe that the person on the Midnight Channel last night was, in fact, you."
Rise looked up at him, "So that's why you're here, you're investigating this too."
Michael nodded.
"I know this is all sudden, but we're not lying to you," Kanji said.
"So we came by to let you know to keep an eye out," Narukami finished.
Rise thought some more, as if she was putting pieces together in her mind, "So...it wasn't all just a dream. I couldn't sleep last night, so I decided to try out the Midnight Channel rumor I heard about and I saw...Alright, thanks. I'll be careful."
Rise packed up the boys' orders and placed the bags on the counter, "There's a little extra in there for all of you, a little 'thank you' for worrying about me."
"Whoa, seriously? Thanks!" Yosuke said happily.
"I'll set some aside for you if you want some, Michael," Narukami offered.
"No thanks, I gotta grab some when I leave anyway as a gift for the Amagis," Michael explained.
Michael walked the boys outside, the clouds were ominously darkening.
"Hey, sorry if we made you look bad in there," Yosuke said.
Michael chuckled, "I can't blame you for being star struck, I suppose. Between us boys, if that were Laura Bailey in there, I'd probably have had the same reaction."
"So, you heading home soon?" Narukami asked.
Michael shook his head, "I'm gonna stick around until late in the evening and make sure all the nut-jobs are gone for good. By the way, where are the girls?"
"They said something about having plans. Can't blame 'em, why would chicks wanna come check out another chick? Anyway, I'm gonna head home. I'm just down the street if you need anything, Michael-senpai," Kanji said.
"Thanks, take care fellas."
Meanwhile at the Amagi Inn hot springs...
"Oh man, it's been forever since I've soaked in this thing," Chie said happily, sinking into the steaming waters up to her nose.
"This feels great, Yukiko-senpai! You get to use this every day?" Kyrie asked in awe.
"I'm so glad you enjoy it," Yukiko said with a smile. She noted that there were no bruises on Kyrie today.
"So, a wolf paw print bathing suit, huh? You must really like wolves," Chie observed.
Kyrie smiled, "Mhm! My dad worked as a biologist at a wildlife center. He worked with wolves, bears, badgers, raccoons, but his favorite was wolves. He really admired the pack structure, how they treat each other as family."
"Whoa, a biologist? Big brains must run in the family," Chie said with a giggle.
"Does your mother share the interest in animals?' Yukiko asked.
Kyrie's face fell, "Um, n-no."
The atmosphere grew uncomfortably silent.
"...I'm glad to see you healed from falling down the stairs," Yukiko finally said.
"What do you mean?" Kyrie asked.
"At the camp out, when we saw those bruises on you, you said it was from falling down the stairs."
Kyrie froze up, "O-Oh, yeah! I feel all better now!"
Chie and Yukiko looked at each other with visible doubt.
"Kyrie, if something's going on, you can tell us," Chie said, "we're your friends, we want to help you."
Kyrie slowly sunk down into the water, "...but you can't."
"We could if we were given the chance," Yukiko persisted.
"You don't understand."
"Then explain it to us," Chie replied.
Kyrie stared at the rippling of the water as small rain droplets sporadically struck its surface.
"...It's all my fault," Kyrie murmured.
"No way! Being abused is never your fault!" Chie objected.
"Yeah, there is never a good excuse to hurt a fellow human being," Yukiko added.
"No, it's not that...it's...I'm not feeling well. Can you take me home?"
Chie and Yukiko exchanged glances.
"I'm sorry, we made you uncomfortable. Please, just relax. We won't bring it up anymore," Yukiko said.
Kyrie just nodded and, closing her eyes, to her neck in the steaming liquid.
Back at Marukyu Tofu...
"Thank you very much, your receipt's in the bag," Rise said as Dojima picked up the bag off the counter.
"Seems like the crowds have thinned out," Adachi observed before turning to Michael, "if it gets rowdy again, give us a call at the station."
Rise and Michael nodded, "Okay."
"Hang on a second. Sorry, but there are some things I'd like to ask you," Dojima said.
Rise tilted her head, "Um, okay?"
"You do know that there have been multiple cases of violence around here lately, yeah? Have you seen anyone suspicious around?" Dojima asked.
Rise shook her head, "No...it's been like always."
Dojima and Adachi exchanged concerned looks.
"Like always, huh? Well, you're an idol, so I imagine you deal with folks like fans, paparazzi, and stalkers quite often."
Adachi clapped Michael on the shoulder, "Good thing you got ol' Michael-kun here, he's the bane of their existence, believe me!" he said with a smile.
"High praise from such a lofty source," Michael said with a half-smile.
Dojima gave Adachi an irritated glance before turning back to Rise, "What made you take a break from showbiz anyway?"
Rise turned defensively, "Does it really matter?" she snapped. With a sigh, she continued, "I just...I needed a rest."
The detectives nodded solemnly.
"Have you registered for school?" Dojima asked her.
Rise nodded, "I'm planning on going to Yasogami High since it's the closest."
The detectives exchanged glances once more.
"I don't mean to alarm you, but...you do have some things in common with the previous victims," Dojima explained carefully.
"And I might get kidnapped, right?" Rise finished for him, "I've been told that before. Don't worry, I'll be careful."
Dojima's, Adachi's, and Michael's postures all stiffened.
Shit, Hell of a time to start talking, Michael thought to himself.
"Huh? Someone told you already?!" Adachi asked in surprise.
"Uh yeah, there were these guys who came in. They were all wearing uniforms so I think they were high school students," Rise explained.
Dojima's interest increased, "Did one of them happen to look...How do I put this...Did he look something like a gang member?"
Rise nodded.
Adachi turned to face Dojima in surprise, "Wait... You think she's talking about your nephew and his friends?"
Dojima scratched his head before turning to Michael, "You know anything about this?"
Michael shrugged, "I know they came in here, not sure what they talked about though."
He noticed Rise look at him in surprise which turned into dismay.
"You let a few high school boys into a shop that houses a female idol and you didn't bother supervising them?" Dojima asked.
Michael's eyes narrowed, "Your nephew, Yu, is a respectful man with strong integrity of character. I would not have let them in here otherwise. What's more, is that Rise-san nor her grandmother reported any misconduct."
Dojima studied him awhile longer before sighing and beckoning Adachi to follow him.
"Something smells here..." Michael heard him say as the pair stepped out into the rain.
Rise walked up to Michael with apologetic eyes, "Did I get you and your friends in trouble?"
Michael shook his head, "No, nothing of the sort, miss."
"But that detective seemed really mad."
Michael forced a smile, "He's always like that. Dojima-san is a good man, just intense at times."
Rise thought for a moment, "...so one of the boys who came here was his nephew?"
"Yeah, looks like detective work is in the DNA."
"It wasn't the one who looked like a gang member, obviously. So which one was it?"
"The one without the foot in his mouth," Michael said with a wry smile.
Rise grinned, "...the gray-haired one? He's actually kinda cute."
Michael laughed, "If you say so, miss."
Michael arrived back at the Amagi Inn late that night, his clothes somewhat damp from the steady rain that had set in. Yukiko sat with him as he ate a late dinner to discuss their findings for the day.
"I see you got free tofu for your efforts," Yukiko said.
"Yeah, you're welcome to my share. I'm not a tofu-eating sort," Michael said, pushing the plate towards her.
"So what was she like?" Yukiko asked.
Michael shrugged, "She seemed like a girl who wants to be left alone to decompress. As a result, I didn't talk to her much, but she's nice enough."
"Did you tell her about the Midnight Channel?"
"She already knew about it. We explained to her the implications of it all and she said she'd be careful. It was odd, though. Maybe it was the fact that she was tired, but the news that she was at risk of being kidnapped and potentially murdered didn't really seem to faze her all that much," Michael explained.
"I guess I can understand that. It would be one of those things that would be very difficult to really believe, let alone accept," Yukiko said.
"You're probably right. How about you, what did you do today?" Michael asked.
Yukiko set down her chopsticks and stared at the table, "Chie and I brought Kyrie to the hot springs."
Michael stopped his fork midway to his mouth and set it down again, "Did you learn anything?"
Yukiko nodded slowly, "I think so. She was still evasive about the abuse, but she didn't outright deny it this time."
"Well, that's a start. Unfortunately, Rise's impending danger has to take priority here," Michael said.
Yukiko sighed, "I know, but-"
She was interrupted as Michael's text alert went off.
Narukami: Michael, you there?
Michael: I am. What's going on?
Narukami: What happened after we left?
Michael: What do you mean?"
Narukami: My uncle just asked me if we talked to Rise about the murders. Did he say anything to you?
Michael: Yeah, but I pled ignorance. Rise-san sends her apologies, she didn't realize she was getting you into trouble by talking to Dojima.
Narukami: I don't think I'm in trouble. I just told him we went there to share gossip. It made us look like dipshits, but I think he bought it.
Michael: Troubling, but we can't lay low now. Rise's clearly a new target, we'll just have to cast the die.
Narukami: Agreed.
"Is everything okay?" Yukiko asked.
"Yeah, it's just Rise's arrival has got the town all stirred up and Dojima along with it. Don't worry, Narukami's got it covered."
The sound of the rain hitting the window grew louder.
"The Midnight Channel will be on again tonight," Yukiko said darkly.
"Looks like it," Michael nodded.
There was silence between them before Yukiko spoke once more.
"M-Michael?"
"Hm?"
"Are you going to finish that fried tofu?"