"The meeting will now begin just as it should have an hour ago, so everyone, please settle down in your places or stand still if there aren't any sofas to sit on anymore. Once again, my name is Suuji Ichi, the president of Flag Corporation, and for the last time, I'm fine. Nothing too serious, even though Katsuna just broke my spectacles with how strong he is. Such an impressive individual."

How much of a pompous ass do you have to be to call glasses "spectacles"? What era are we living in, Captain Katana?

It was unsafe to be far from Osomatsu when the sofa he was sitting on was across Ichi's, even though Fuyu and Yuki were on the other side of the room, holding Ichi's katana to ensure it was far away from them as possible. Kara and Todo still sat beside Osomatsu, except Todo had a really tight grip on Osomatsu's arm this time and the ice packs strapped on Kara were removed minutes earlier. Iyami and Chibita were back at the lobby, and they were at opposite sides of the sofa, meaning Osomatsu was basically at the middle at this point. Ichi still sat by himself, with Hatabou on one side, and Dekapan on the other. Hana and Homura were still probably at the café, wanting to avoid the mess Ichi made.

Todo's blazer was tied around his waist, since it had felt a little too stuffy for him earlier and his arms felt sweaty. The sleeves of his polo were rolled up, and Kara was glad he didn't seem to be uncomfortable with displaying the bandages on his left arm. And since Todo's hair was an absolute mess with strands popping out everywhere, Kara thought it would be better to attempt to tie into a small ponytail. Fuyu was a woman, so she naturally had a few hair ties with her and didn't mind giving Kara one.

Todo had a really, really shiny forehead, Osomatsu had pointed out when Kara combed back Todo's hair and Todo nearly bit off his finger with a growl. He really was such a wild animal, but Osomatsu couldn't help it; because of the sweat, Todo's forehead was pretty shiny and he just had the urge to poke fun at it. But losing a finger wasn't worth it. Todo's teeth were sharp after all.

As for Ichi, his glasses were now absent, though he did order a random employee to get him a new pair similar to his old one. While Todo had a plaster on the area he was cut by the sword, Ichi looked fine, despite the black eye. It didn't seem to bother him, since he just kept doing what he was supposed to do without screaming for someone to get him an eye patch. He wasn't a stereotypical bratty rich guy, so Osomatsu was thankful that Ichi didn't even care that he had a black eye and was basically doing nothing to cover it. It was more tame compared to a sword piercing through him, which was what Todo would have done if Yuki didn't grab the sword earlier.

Though Todo punched Ichi at the face the moment he walked back in and said something Todo considered highly offensive. Thankfully, Ichi didn't retaliate and Todo got a scolding from Kara.

Still, Todo shouldn't have punched Ichi straight at the eye for pointing out he looked like a mess. Honesty's the best policy!

"You may speak now, any of you." Ichi prompted. "I only want to know what happened to my little brother at the restaurant before the lights went out. You were all having a nice dinner, yes?"

It wasn't really pleasant having to wait for someone to tell you they needed to talk, and if they did try to say something else, another fight could break out between Todo and Ichi. Osomatsu glanced at both of his brothers and both of his friends, who had nodded in agreement. Osomatsu should talk first, since he was the self-proclaimed leader and they all agreed on this at the last minute. "Alright. Uh, first thing's first; we weren't having dinner, Ichi. I should know, since we weren't eating or drinking anything when Hatabou made us play that stupid game. Hell, Hatabou himself yelled out something like that, didn't he guys? Something along the lines.. 'We still haven't gotten our orders! Do you want us to starve, jo?!', if I remember correctly.."

The moment he said that, Hatabou paled and started sweating nervously. No one seemed to notice except for him and Dekapan.

Ah. He hasn't told Ichi about the game he made us play?

"A game?" Ichi glanced at Hatabou, who stiffened. He turned away from Hatabou to give a curious look to Osomatsu. "Hm. I didn't know Hatabou liked games. He doesn't participate much when it comes to things like that. Such a boring workaholic, he is. My brother and I do love to play games, either with each other, or by ourselves. He's particularly fond of hide-and-seek, and he hides in any floor of Flag Corporation with Yuki's assistance. I am more fond of chess, if anything else. But I'm sure you know that already." He brought a leg up so he could place one of his arms there, then proceeded to rest his face on his palm. "What game did Hatabou make you play, Matsuno?"

"I think it's a game he made up himself." This was getting interesting, thought Osomatsu. Hatabou was having trouble standing still and pretending to be stoic, but he wasn't saying a thing. "Uh.. if I remember it correctly, it involved Jyushi reciting as much information as he could about us within two minutes. If we interrupt him, we're automatically out of the game. Jyushi didn't seem to be happy with playing the game, but he kept saying he had to listen to Hatabou because-"

"Jyushi wasn't happy?" Interrupted Ichi, his eyes looking darker now. "What made you say that, Matsuno?"

"Dude, you weren't there to see it, but he was sobbing. I'm sure even his antenna was drooping." Osomatsu pointed out. If it was even possible to get whiter than a sheet, Hatabou did the impossible. He bowed to Dekapan, who had been watching him from the other side, and silently excused himself, scurrying out of the lobby. The employees who were blocking the way instantly parted in order to avoid having Hatabou crash into them. "Didn't.. didn't Hatabou tell you anything about that?" He asked.

It would have been weird for him to ask such a thing when Hatabou was around, and considering Hatabou acted like that, there was no doubt that he did something wrong. And even though Hatabou forced him to play a stupid game which would have lead to either him having a panic attack or having to be separated from Jyushi, Hatabou.. Hatabou was still his friend. No way he'd let Hatabou face Ichi's rage.

"No he didn't say such a thing. He simply said he was having dinner with the five of you before it was interrupted with the blackout. And you and Katsuna passed out from exhaustion or something like that. He never said anything about a game or Jyushi getting upset." Ichi clicked his tongue. "And judging by Hatabou's reaction.." He was now curling his hand into a fist. "He lied to me?"

Sensing something was going to happen, Dekapan slowly moved from his spot to behind Ichi, giving him a light tap on his shoulder. Osomatsu also bit his lip in pain when Todo's grip suddenly became much more crushing, though the pink demon remained his supposedly blank look while distractedly breaking Osomatsu's wrist. "Ichi." Dekapan spoke up. "You may vent your anger out later in any way you wish, just as long as you don't commit a murder. For now, we have a meeting and finding Jyushi is our priority."

Ichi took a deep breath. "Alright, alright. I'm fine, yes. Now," He clapped his hands together. In an instant, two employees were by his side, both of them carrying different items. There was a plastic bag that had some sort of white fabric inside and an evelope. "The police who investigated the restaurant last night found these items. Where, you might ask? Underneath the same table you seven were occupying. The envelope contains a letter, which I have read already, but I think you three," He pointed to Osomatsu, Kara, and Todo. "Will find the contents of the letter really interesting. And rather creepy." He took the evidence from the two employees, who both bowed and went back to the crowd of people as they left.

Before Ichi could recite the letter, he was interrupted again. "Okay, now hold the damn phone!" Todo suddenly stood up and slammed his fists against the table. "I know that's important evidence and clues we need to know right now, but I just heard utter bullshit!"

Ichi scowled at him. Osomatsu was honestly freaked out by Ichi's sharp row of teeth. He knew Ichimatsu had them too, but still. It was a bit unnerving. "Eh? Another interruption? Katsuna, I haven't given you permission to talk yet-"

"I don't really give a fuck, in case you haven't noticed. You can't tell me if I have the right to talk or not, you pompous piece of shit." Todo growled, leaning forward. "If you actually thought we'd find whatever's in that envelope 'interesting', why'd you try to kill Osomatsu?! You certainly can't see our 'interested' faces once we're dead!"

The purple-eyed man thought for awhile. "Ah, that? I wasn't really trying to kill him. I just wanted him to let me speak. Interruptions are quite rude and so bothersome." He waved his hand dismissively.

"So is pointing a fucking katana at someone's throat! Besides, he was simply being nice to you and tried to greet you! And how'd you react?! Like a fucking maniac, that's how!" Todo barked. Kara immediately jolted from his seat and held his friend by both of his arms to prevent Todo from ripping Ichi's face off. "Lemme go! He deserves another beating! The guy has no common sense left! Maybe if I punch him in his fucking face again, he'd remember what morals are!"

"Eh? Morals?" Ichi sat back, snickering in amusement as Todo tried to struggle against Kara. Osomatsu eventually stood up and tried to pull Todo down, with Chibita pushing him from his stomach area. "You're really cracking me up, Katsuna. As if you have the right to say that after you failed to 'protect' your best friend from the same yakuza group you joined. But I don't blame you. It's hard, isn't it, Katsuna? Pretending to be the nice guy. Pretending to have morals. Why, don't you wish to cut my limbs off right now? Then why don't you do it, then? More likely, why didn't you do it when you had the chance." Ichi had a shit-eating grin on his face, and Todo wanted nothing more than to break all of his sharp teeth.

Ichi felt another tap on his shoulder. "We have a meeting to continue, Ichi." Dekapan intervened with a sigh, giving an understanding look to Osomatsu. He knew how it felt like to have such a violent brat to take care of, apparently. "So please pick a fight later. We still have to discuss about the evidence the police found for us, right? For Jyushi's sake, please don't mess with his friends. We cannot waste anymore time, especially since we don't know Jyushi's whereabouts yet."

Ichi clicked his tongue in annoyance, his grin faltering and being replaced with a scowl. "Hmph. Fine."

"You too, Todo. We need you to remain as calm as possible so we can continue with the meeting and possibly find Jyushi faster. Calm down. Please." Kara murmured. He mentally thanked the gods when he felt Todo stopped struggling.

"Fine, but I'll kick his ass later.." Todo murmured, turning back on Ichi and sitting back on his spot next to Osomatsu, looking down at his own lap in shame.

"Can we all please cooperate? Just this once?" Asked Dekapan. Osomatsu noticed he sounded a bit more like the Dekapan in his dimension when sincere. "You can all go back to hating each other later, but for now, we all need to work together to find Jyushi. Whether we like each other or not. So let's all put aside our differences for now and just continue on with the meeting."

Ichi let out a sigh, running his fingers through his own hair. "Whatever." He grumbled. "I assume you all know what this is, yes?" Ichi raised up the plastic bag, before opening it and taking the white fabric out and placing it on the table. "Whoever kidnapped my brother was careless enough to leave such a thing lying about. But if they wanted to kidnap my brother without him screaming, he needed to pass out, since my brother is absolutely loud when he's terrified. And that's when the cloth comes in, correct? It's valuable evidence, as small as it is. I hate to think of the image of someone using the same cloth to knock out my dear little brother."

Osomatsu frowned. So there was a drug involved with the kidnapping. But it made sense, since Jyushi passing out was logical enough for him to not make any sort of sound, with how loud Jyushi naturally was. "We didn't even hear Jyushi make any noise, like his chair moving, or him struggling, or anything at all. Whoever kidnapped him was really stealthy too, since Todo and I couldn't even feel him beside us until I realized I didn't know where he was sitting, since Jyushi can't even stand. But still.. we don't have much clues to work with, Ichi. This is just a piece of cloth."

"True." He raised a finger. "But we still have the envelope, which could probably be our only key to finding my little brother and apprehending the vermin that dared to take him away from me." He opened the envelope and pulled out the folded paper inside. "I have read it earlier and I read it more than once, and the letter absolutely disgusts me to no end. Now, Matsuno Osomatsu." He handed the paper to Osomatsu, who was staring at it in confusion. "Do take your time to read it and let your friends skim through it's contents as well. I'm sure we'll all find the letter equally revolting no matter how hard we try to sugar-coat it. His kidnapper is quite a creep and I do hope he hasn't laid a finger on my little brother."

Osomatsu really hoped it wasn't as bad as he thought it was. With slight hesitation, he took the letter from Ichi, unfolded it, and started reading it in his mind.

"Dear friends of this sweet angel the demonic president calls his little brother..

You may call me Lonely. Not the feeling, not the adjective. It is a name that fits me perfectly.

I am the one that has captured the sunshine of Flag Corporation. And I have written this not to gloat on my success of doing so, but to say something very, very important. I am sure you are all thinking of the same thing right now; I want ransom, do I not? I want a lot of money in exchange for the safety of Suuji Jyushi, because I am a selfish human being that intends to harm a soul as innocent as Jyushi for money.

But that is so, so unlike me. I have no use for money, you see. I need something else entirely. Besides, if I did want ransom, I would have kidnapped someone else in the restaurant instead. Shonouske Hatabou, probably. He is a rather important figure in the company, is he not?

Enough with the chitter-chatter and beating around the bush, you are probably thinking, dear reader and listeners, if there are any. And you are all itching in your seats, frantically thinking about what is it I desire in exchange for Suuji Jyushi. I assure you, I have no need for money or materialistic objects. What I'm doing only requires your cooperation.

For you see, I am a terribly lonely soul. I could keep the small bird with injured wings and yellow feathers locked inside this cage as it hopelessly sings until it no longer has a voice. He would make a lovely companion, everyone must be thinking. Because I am living a life of loneliness, correct? And people assume that I would keep Suuji Jyushi here until I manage to make companions and feel less lonely.

You are all idiots if you think like that. Only a maniac would do such a thing. But I am a maniac too, people are thinking again! Because I kidnapped Suuji Jyushi, correct?

Non, non. Wrong again!

I have kidnapped Suuji Jyushi for a reason, but I am not as cruel as to keep him in here for all eternity. What I am doing is for the sake of the entirety of Flag Corporation, but mostly, Suuji Jyushi himself. In other words, I intend to keep him here in order to protect him. I don't know how long, but I guarantee it will be a rather long time.

Just kidding. Who knows how long? Definitely not more than a month. Fate will decide for us, and I intend to go with this for as long as I need.

You may think what I'm doing is a way to justify my actions, and that I am a hypocrite. There is an enemy that you are not aware of because this enemy of mine comes from outside Akatsuka City and has trespassed in this city of ours. He didn't even come from the little town outside the lovely city. And despite what any of you say, despite the amount of body guards you had given to Jyushi, they cannot protect him. I should know. I faced this enemy myself and let me tell you, he is a strong opponent.

He had plotted on murdering Suuji Jyushi in the most gruesome way as possible. He would torture him until the light in Suuji Jyushi's eyes disappear and his innocent demeanor has been completely tarnished. None of us want that.

What do I require, you may ask? Simple. Your assistance.

But why would I assist a kidnapper, some of you are thinking! But do be a dear and hear me out.

I will be holding a Masquerade ball two days from now, and I have invited different guests from all over the city, though their invitations are much more sweet compared to this one. I require Ichi Suuji being there, as well as the three look-a-likes of Suuji Jyushi I saw him being friends with. Suuji Ichi is the big brother of Suuji Jyushi, and I know he has the biggest will to protect his little brother. As for the other three, I'm sure the pink-haired one is strong enough to protect us all if something were to happen, if he's able to chase down a car without breaking a sweat.

Other than that, I also require at least three strong companions that shall assist us. Aside from that, I also require at least four of you to be the "brains" in the team. Ones that are good with looking for secret entrances and good with computers.

The masquerade ball shall take place outside the city, deep within Akatsuka Forest, where there is a rather nice mansion you would only see in a dream. But there are bears in the forest, you are thinking! No there aren't, those are just lies to scare people away from the forest because of a certain incident years ago that took place in there. I shall give you more details about how the masquerade ball shall protect Suuji Jyushi, but only if I know you are cooperating with me completely.

But how will we be able to contact you, you may ask. Simple.

Set up twelve green candles at the rooftop of the hotel at midnight, and put them in a circle. Also put a strawberry shortcake in the middle of the circle, as well as Suuji Jyushi's favorite toy. If you can't find a shortcake, anything sweet will suffice.

That is all I require. I will be there to check if there are candles or not. If there aren't, that basically means you are declining my offer in protecting Suuji Jyushi. If there are twelve, I thank all of you.

My enemy is a complete maniac and will stop at nothing to rid of his victims. Do not underestimate him. But even he is smart enough to not attack me directly, for I am the only one that is capable into bringing that man to justice and punish him for what he has done. I promise I will never hurt Suuji Jyushi. So please. Set up twelve candles later. I need help from the people that care about Suuji Jyushi in order to protect him and defeat my archenemy once and for all. I cannot have that maniac kill another innocent person.

Especially not Suuji Jyushi. I will protect him with my life.

I will keep Suuji Jyushi with me for the time being.

Sincerely yours, Lonely."

When Osomatsu had put down the paper to blink after just processing what he just read, Todo and Kara were looking at him, with Chibita and Iyami looking concerned. However, across him was Ichi and Dekapan, who both looked like they understood Osomatsu's feelings completely.

"Alright, first off." Osomatsu took a deep breath. "What even the fuck was this letter?!"