Chapter 96: Lantern II (Fura, Arima, and Minami)
April 13th, 1998, 7:04 PM
Ward 13, Undisclosed Building, Rooftop
"Seems like the Ghoul Investigators are hard at work trying to find us." Jason said, calmly. Jason is 6'4, has black hair, and is wearing a black t-shirt, black pants, and black leather shoes, with a lower half black mask.
Yakumo "Jason" Oomori. One of Eto's former high-ranking executives.
Ghoul Profile:
Name: Yakumo Oomori
Aliases: Jason, Yamori
Affiliation: Aogiri, White Suits
Rank: S
Kagune: Rinkaku
Status: Deceased
Notable Events: 02/11/08 Cochlea Escape, 02/21/08 Club Killings, 11/19/11 Tanaka Complex Massacre, 11/29/11 Ramen Cart Murder, Ward 11 Raid
From what Arima told me during my homeschool sessions, Jason was a sadistic cabrón (bastard). You can blame that from his 2-week stay at Cochlea, where he was tortured beyond agony by Gomasa Tokage. Jason would get revenge on Tokage by severely disfiguring his face. Jason would also use that opportunity to escape from Cochlea back on 02/11/08. From what Eto told me, she and Tatara hired Jason 3 days later.
From what Doc told me, he and Amon fought Jason on 06/10/11. They found him at Ward 13, where he asked Hinami's father, Asaki, to make some pliers. Jason easily escaped Doc and Amon. Out of every member in Aogiri, besides Hinami and I (after I learned about Naki's motivations), Jason is the only person that has ever shown Naki respect, patience, and loyalty. From there, Jason, Naki, and Gagi & Guge formed the White Suits, where it is now over 700 members strong.
Jason entered my radar on 11/19/11, when he and Nico invaded my apartment complex to look for me following Rize's murder. I was working late that night, so to blow off steam, Jason killed at least 6 people on the 6th Floor (they thought I lived on that floor, but I live on the 9th Floor). After that, I stayed at Anteiku for 10 days as Rize's final request from the video she sent to me.
Jason, Nico, and Ayato almost found me again two weeks later, but once again, I was at work, and instead they kidnapped Kaneki. Kaneki spent two and a half weeks at Aogiri's base in Ward 11 (8 days chopping bodies, and 10 days being tortured by Jason). Jason broke Kaneki to the point where Kaneki ended up contracting Marie Antoinette syndrome. After a "pep talk" with Rize, Kaneki turned the tables on Jason, and mercilessly beat him within an inch of his life. Before he left, Kaneki ate a ginormous piece of Jason's Rinkaku.
I only met Jason once and that was during the Ward 11 Raid. Shortly after Kaneki dealt with him, I found Jason in his torture room on the fifth floor of Tower 5. As soon I opened that metal door, Jason looked at me, and ran at me. I closed the door IMMEDIATELY, and just ran up to the top of the building to fight Ayato. During my fight with Ayato, Juuzou found Jason. It ended with Juuzou killing Jason, and then dragging his body to the CCG command base. Lo and behold, Juuzou's Quinque, Jason.
"Probably because you guys eat like crazy." Jason said, sighing.
"Nope. Not us." The Ghoul said, skeptical. The Ghoul is 5'8, has chin length blonde hair and purple eyes, and is wearing a black t-shirt, white jeans, an upper half white mask (bulbous nose), and blue Skechers.
"It shouldn't be the investigators you guys need to worry about." Lantern said, as they looked at the Lantern.
"It's the two students." Lantern said, as Jason had a puzzled look on his face.
"Kids?" Jason said, scoffing.
"Yeah, seriously?" The Blonde Ghoul said, chuckling.
"They're not just kids, Jason and Kato." Lantern said, reassuring them.
Sumiharu Kato. Occupation: Hairstylist.
Ghoul Profile:
Name: Sumiharu Kato
Aliases: N/A
Affiliation: N/A
Rank: A
Kagune: Ukaku
Status: Deceased
Notable Events: Amamiya Hair Salon Murders
Arima and Fura encountered this guy during their adventures of finding Lantern, thanks to the help of another student, who I'll get to soon. Kato worked at Amamiya Hair Salon for at least a year. Kato had one of the strangest cravings for Ghouls: consuming the hair of his clients. He racked up a body count of just 6 before being killed by Arima and Fura.
"One of them is a muscle head, but the other has a Quinque on them." Lantern said, cautiously, as Jason and Kato had surprised looks on their faces.
"Quinque?" Jason said, curious.
"They've killed 4 Ghouls recently. Take them lightly and well…" Lantern said, letting Jason and Kato finish the sentence in their heads.
"It's just kids playing with toys. We've killed and fed on investigators." Jason said, skeptical.
"Children are great with toys. Though it'd make things easier if you guys were dead. Hell, I can see a Kagune like yours being made into a toy sometime in the future, Jason." Lantern said, chuckling.
"Piss off, Lantern." Jason said, irked.
Just two students, eh? Kato thought, wondering.
4/15/98, 3:30 PM
Ward 13, Amamiya Hair Salon
Kato is wearing a white polo shirt, black pants, and brown leather shoes, as he's cutting the hair of a female client.
"It's spring, so I suggest something short." Kato said, as he places a black drape over the client's body.
"Short, huh?" The client said.
"You could pull it off with my help." Kato said, calmly, as he brushed the client's hair with his fingers.
"If you say so." The client said.
"I see someone's not getting much sleep." Kato said, as the client had a surprised on her face.
"How'd you know that?" The client said.
"Touching your hair. Feels stressed out." Kato said, as he grabbed the scissors and black comb to commence the haircut. He puts the comb underneath the end of the client's hair and snips it with the scissors.
"So, how's school going?" Kato said, as he continued to clip the hair, while the hair follicles fall to the ground. His eyes widen in delight upon seeing the follicles hit the floor.
04/15/98, 3:48 PM
Ward 13, Outside Amamiya Hair Salon
"Good luck with your club. I'm sure your classmates will love it." Kato said, as he waved his client goodbye.
"Thanks." The client said, happily, as she waved at him, before walking away.
"See you soon." Kato said, as he smiled.
04/15/98, 8:05 PM
Ward 13, Amamiya Hair Salon
Jason is wearing a black t-shirt, white jeans, and blue Skechers as he pulls out a Ziploc bag full of the hair follicles from the client's haircut. He opens the Ziploc and begins to grab pieces of the hair out of the bag. He tilts his head, takes the hair to his mouth, and eats it. He spends the next 30 minutes eating the whole Ziploc bag.
04/16/98, 4:03 PM
Ward 13, Amamiya Hair Salon
Kato is wearing his usual work clothes, as he sweeps the floor with a broom.
I haven't eaten properly because of those investigators. Got to find a body soon. Now that I think about it… Kato thought, as he hears the bell clang, to signal that the door was opened. He looks up to see a girl. She's 5'2, has shoulder length brown hair, and piercing brown eyes. She's wearing a buttoned up blue t-shirt, red tie, black skirt, and blue Converse.
"Hi." The girl said, happily.
"Minami, hello." Kato said, calmly.
Uruka Minami. The third member of Arima and Fura's Three Amigos group. She's also the infamous Ghoul that moonlights as Lantern.
Ghoul Profile:
Name: Uruka Minami
Aliases: Lantern, Pumpkin Head
Affiliation: N/A
Rank: S
Kagune: Bikaku
Status: Deceased
Notable Events: Lantern Killings
She transferred to Seishin High in July 1997, after a rough upbringing. She lost her parents at the age of 9 over at Ward 10. She split her time in the world of humans and Ghouls perfectly. The popular, intelligent high school student by day. The vicious Lantern by night. She always wanted to live the life of a human. But she also resented how humans got to live in their world peacefully, and without bother. She killed her first human at the age of 12 and racked up a kill count of around 40.
She would be targeted by Kato until Fura and Arima rescued her. There, the three of them worked together to hunt down the Lantern. That was until Fura and Arima discovered that Minami WAS indeed Lantern. She tried to kill Arima when Fura split from them (Minami hired Jason to kill Fura) but was eventually defeated by Arima. In a last-ditch effort, she tried to kill Fura, only for Fura to deliver the final blow to Minami. Arima said that during her pastime, she would occasionally babysit.
"The usual, Minami?" Kato said, wondering as he wrapped Minami's body with the black drape.
"Yep. Just a little trim." Minami said, happily, as Kato grabbed the scissors and black comb to start trimming her hair.
Six months. Second-year at Seishin High. First time I got a look at her long, brown, shiny hair, it just…, Kato thought, delighted as he trimmed off the tips of Minami's hair.
And that scent, all the blood that's emanating from her pores. Not even shampooing your hair with concentrated blood can recreate that, Kato thought, as he continued to trim Minami's hair.
04/16/98, 8:35 PM
Ward 13, Undisclosed Building, Rooftop
Kato is wearing a black sweater, white jeans, his upper half white mask, and blue Skechers. He's looking at Minami, from 50 feet above. She's on her way home after spending time at school.
Minami is walking, as she turns around to see if someone was following her. There isn't. She sighs until she feels the back of her neck be lightly gripped by Kato.
"Not a smart idea walking alone." Kato said, chuckling, as he hoisted her up while activating his Kakugan.
"OW!" Minami said, in pain.
"Snip, snip." Kato said, as he then hears footsteps fast approaching. He looks to see where it's coming from. He sees Arima (wearing a buttoned up white t-shirt, blue tie, gray rim glasses, black leather shoes, and black pants), and Fura (wearing a red t-shirt, blue jeans, and white Reeboks). He lets go of Minami, who falls to the ground, as oxygen enters her body again. Kato jumps up to avoid an attack from Arima's Yukimura 1/3 but fails to see Fura coming in hot with his spiked baseball bat. Fura lands a solid blow on Kato's head.
WHAT THE F-?! Kato thought, shocked as Arima then lands a slash across Kato's stomach with his Quinque. Kato falls to the ground, as Minami looks on in shock.
"You okay, Minami?!" Fura said, worried, as Minami struggled to speak.
"Fura and…Arima?" Minami said, hesitant.
"Taishi. I didn't hit his Kakuho." Arima said, calmly, as Fura looked at him.
"Huh?!" Fura said, as Kato got up to his feet. Kato then releases two Ukaku wings, with drills sticking out of the wings.
"Snip, snip, snip, snip…" Kato said, chuckling.
"So, you two kids are the ones causing a commotion at Ward 13." Kato said, menacingly.
Shit, he knows about us! Fura thought, worried.
"Taishi. Get ready." Arima said, as Kato launches numerous drill-like projectiles out of his wings. The projectiles arrive at break-neck speed. Arima looks down at the ground and a metal sheet in next to his feet. He kicks it up, as the sheet manages to stop the projectiles from piercing him, Fura, and Minami.
Kato then sprints towards a wall, runs across it, and jumps off. He's about to collide with the metal sheet, when Arima kicks it down, readies his Quinque and slashes Kato across the chest.
"GAAHH!" Kato shouted, as he took the pain in while standing his ground. Arima slashes at him again, but this time, manages to cut off his left Ukaku. Kato's left Ukaku collapses to the ground, as Kato grits his teeth. Arima backs up a couple of feet, as the two ponder their next decision.
This guy's a lot tougher than I thought, Kato thought, as he lunges at Arima, when a baseball-sized rock hits him in the face, shattering the left side of his mask in the process.
"Ahh! Motherf-" Kato said, as he falls to the ground. He looks to see Fura, who is protecting Minami, while holding another baseball-sized stone in his right hand.
"Eat that." Fura said, as Kato angrily grits his teeth. He then sprints towards Fura, as Kato gets to impale him with his right Ukaku.
"Minami, get back!" Fura said, as he gripped his baseball bat when…
"What the…?" Fura said, surprised when he sees Kato jump over him.
"I don't give a shit about you two! All I want is her!" Kato said, as Minami had a horrified look on her face.
"What?" Minami said, shocked.
"Give me your…" Kato said, menacingly as he walked towards Minami, while she closes her eyes.
"GAH!" Kato shouted, as Minami opens her eyes to see that Kato had been stabbed in the chest by Arima.
"Yeah, you were strong. Though not by much." Arima said, calmly as Fura and Minami had shocked looks on their faces. Arima then pulls his Quinque out of Kato's back, as Kato then falls to the ground, dead. His mask then falls off his face, as Fura and Minami then walk towards Arima as they look at Kato's dead body.
'Talk about cutting it close." Fura said, relieved.
"I'm just glad you're all right, Minami." Fura said, as Minami looked at Kato.
"Kato. He cuts my hair." Minami said, somberly, as Fura whispered into Arima's left ear.
"Hey, I think she knows who you are now, man." Fura whispered, as Arima had a neutral expression on his face. Minami then looks at Arima and Fura.
"Thanks, guys. For saving me. To think that you two… I promise I won't tell anyone." Minami said, reassuring them.
"We appreciate it." Arima said, calmly.
"Uhh…So…, Can I help you guys as well?!" Minami said, bluntly.
"Say that again?" Fura said, flabbergasted.
04/21/98, 4:06 PM
Ward 13, Undisclosed Hospital, 5th Floor, Room 503
Fura is wearing an unbuttoned white t-shirt over a sleeveless red shirt, blue jeans, and green flip flops, as he enters Room 503. He sees Aki. She's looking at the window, taking in the lightly cloudy view, with what limited vision she has. She turns around and sees Fura.
"Fura. Hey." Aki said, politely.
"Hey, Aki." Fura said, with a light chuckle.
"Keep visiting and everybody's gonna assume I'm a juvie like you." Aki said, as she smiled.
"You are…dummy." Fura said, as he smiled.
"How's the eye?" Fura said, wondering, as Aki rubbed her right eye.
"Not bad. It's just that I can't see anything from my right eye. I don't even know which way I'm looking." Aki said, as she struggled to hold back her tears.
"Is this a form of punishment? For not going to school, doing whatever I want to do outside? I am not normal?" Aki said, as tears streamed down her face.
"Is that why I lost my right eye, and our best friend Ryo, as well? As God's way of punishment?" Aki said, as she wiped the tears off her face, while Fura had a somber look on his.
"No. God didn't take your eye and Ryo. It was a Ghoul." Fura said, calmly.
04/22/98, 3:20 PM
Ward 13, Seishin High School, Rooftop
"All right. After talking to the students, I discovered a multitude of rumors that might be connected to Ghouls." Minami said, as she placed the notebook down for Fura and Arima to see. Minami is wearing a buttoned up white t-shirt over a red tie, black skirt, knee high black socks, and blue Converse. Fura is wearing an unbuttoned white t-shirt, sleeveless red shirt, black jeans, and green flip flops. Arima is wearing a buttoned up white t-shirt, black pants, gray rim glasses, and black leather shoes.
"This is the list." Minami said.
"Holy shit." Fura said, floored.
"The one who witnessed a suspicious person in a prefab office over at a construction site is our best bet." Minami said, as she pointed at where the construction site was on the map inside the notebook.
No wonder Minami's our class rep, Fura thought, as Minami continued to speak.
"From what I gathered, there were half a dozen reports of human bones found around the construction site, according to the clippings that's in the notebook." Minami said, as Fura chuckled.
"Thanks, Minami. You don't have to stick your neck out for something as dangerous as this." Fura said, as Minami looked at Fura.
"I want to contribute. I mean, it feels quite exciting." Minami said, as she clenched her hands.
"Let's go investigate that prefab office!" Minami said, excited.
"Huh?" Fura said, flabbergasted.
"Uh, Minami. I think it's best if Taishi and I take the office. Thanks for the information, though." Arima said, stoically, as Minami had a defeated look on her face.
"A bit blunt, don't you think, Arima?" Fura said.
"After you guys saved me, I figured…" Minami said.
"No. Too risky." Arima said, calmly, as Minami let out a small sigh.
"Okay. Just let me know if anything comes up." Minami said.
04/22/98, 9:49 PM
Ward 13, Undisclosed Construction Site, Prefab Office
"Minami was right. There was a Ghoul near the Prefab Office." Fura said, as Arima pulls Yukimura out of the chest of the Ghoul he and Fura took down.
"From the list that Minami gave us, the number of Ghouls that populate Ward 13 are overwhelmingly high." Arima said, as Arima places Yukimura back into his guitar case.
"My guess, this Ghoul was sold out." Arima said, as Fura had a puzzled look on his face.
"So what now?" Fura said, as Arima picks up his guitar case, while Fura starts up his motorcycle.
"Wait for my superiors to arrive and process the scene." Arima said, as Fura got on his motorcycle.
"Hey. You sure about Minami knowing about what we do?" Fura said, wondering.
"Yes. It's okay if she knows." Arima said, as Fura sped off on his motorcycle.
04/25/98, 8:07 PM
Ward 13, Shibuya Crossing
Fura is wearing a Pearl Jam t-shirt, black jeans, and green flip flops. He's carrying with him a shopping bag, and inside the bag are orange sodas. He looks up to see Minami standing in front of him from 10 feet away. She's wearing a buttoned up white t-shirt, red tie, black skirt, knee high black socks, and blue Converse.
"Fura." Minami said, politely.
"Minami." Fura said, as they walked towards each other.
"Shopping?" Minami said, surprised.
"Yeah. My mom doesn't do much. So, I got to do things by myself." Fura said, as he grabbed an orange soda from the bag. He opens the can and drinks it.
"That's nice." Minami said, as she smiled.
"That tip about Prefab Ghoul helped." Fura said.
"Really? Glad I could help." Minami said.
"You know. I started coming back to school when you transferred here. I wasn't interested anymore at school. But then on my first day back, you were there." Fura said, as Minami had a surprised look on her face.
"Really?" Minami said.
"Honest truth." Fura said, affirming.
"You and Arima. How long have you been friends?" Minami said, wondering.
"Just a month." Fura said.
"I see. Unusual name, Arima's." Minami said, as Fura had a puzzled look on his face.
"It's almost like he's a knight. His name and how he shows up in a pinch." Minami said, clarifying.
"A blunt one, to be exact." Fura said, as they chuckled. Minami then spots a man (6'4, wearing all black clothing). It's Jason, as he walks across the Shibuya Crossing.
"That man." Minami said, as she pulled out the notebook from her brown purse. She flips through it and spots Jason's profile pic.
"Is he a Ghoul?" Fura said, wondering.
"Not sure. We should call Arima, just in case." Minami said, cautious, as Fura looked at Jason from behind.
10 guys. Maybe this is the one, Fura thought, determined to avenge Ryo and Aki.
04/25/98, 9:39 PM
Ward 13, Undisclosed Building
"Are you sure he entered through here?" Arima said, wondering. Arima is wearing a buttoned up white t-shirt, blue tie, black pants, gray rim glasses, and black leather shoes. He's also got his guitar case with him, as does Fura with his baseball bat. Arima, Fura, and Minami then enter the building.
"For sure." Minami said, as Arima looked at Fura.
"Taishi. Those stairs. Check to see if he's down there. Minami, come with me." Arima said.
"O-Okay." Fura said, hesitant, as he walked down the stairs, while Arima and Minami keep walking.
04/25/98, 9:44 PM
Ward 13, Inside Undisclosed Building
"Arima. Thanks." Minami said, calmly.
"For what?" Arima said, confused.
"From the other night. You really are one-of-a-kind. Honest, goal driven, etc. It's great." Minami said, as she smiled, while Arima turned his head to face her.
"There is one request I'd like to ask, though." Minami said, as a red lizard-like tail abruptly lunges towards Arima. Arima moves to the left to dodge and then jumps back a few feet. Arima looks up to see that the Bikaku tail is retracting itself back to its user, who is none other than Minami. Minami then opens her eyes, revealing her Kakugan.
"Arima, could you die for me?" Minami said, giggling.
04/25/98, 9:44 PM
Ward 13, Inside Undisclosed Building, Basement
One floor down, Fura is walking around the basement, pondering his thoughts.
Arima and Minami. An ideal match. They're both intelligent, and they seem to have great chemistry, Fura thought, disheartened as he rubbed his eyes.
Can't be distracted. Got to find… Fura thought, as he then hears footsteps approaching him. He looks up to see Jason. Jason is wearing his lower half black/white mask as he stares down Fura. Jason activates his Kakugan. Fura's eyes widen in horror, as sweat drips down his right cheek.
04/25/98, 9:45 PM
Ward 13, Inside Undisclosed Building
Minami charges at Arima with her tail, while Arima pulls out his Quinque from his guitar case. He manages to block Minami's Bikaku, as sparks wildly fly everywhere around them. Minami backs away and does a backflip, before unleashing another whiplash attack from her Bikaku.
"DIE." Minami said, menacingly as she lunges her tail at Arima. Arima parries her tail again, as Minami jumps back and retracts her tail. Minami then pulls out from her purse a white jacket, the same one seen from all the Lantern cases, as she puts it on.
"How'd you guess that I was a Ghoul?" Minami said, wondering.
"Size 22." Arima said, as Minami had a puzzled look on her face.
"There a blue Converse sneaker found near the murder scene over in the hotel district. You're the only transfer student that I know of who wears a size 22 and wears that specific brand at our school." Arima said, calmly.
"Insignificant, don't you think?" Minami said, chuckling.
"Call it trivial. I also sensed your mistrust towards me. You gave up that Ghoul from the prefab office to see my response." Arima said, calmly, as Minami sighed.
"His place was a mess, but the tools in his office were neatly stored. Someone that organized causing a scene amongst our classmates. Impossible." Arima said, as Minami nodded her head to affirm what Arima said.
"Fair point." Minami said.
"One question. Your hairstylist. Was that attack staged?" Arima said, curious.
"HAHA. That dumb fuck. He fell for that trick in which I doused myself with human blood to make him think I was 100% human." Minami said, chuckling, as she combed her hair.
"He was completely unaware that I spoke with him numerous times through masks. I was planning to kill him before you guys showed up." Minami said, giggling.
"It doesn't matter anyway. Because…" Minami said, as she held out her right index finger, while her tail moved around.
"…I've invited a friend along today. And I know for sure that Fura WILL not survive." Minami said, as she held out her left index finger, before crossing both fingers to form an X. Minami then proceeds to giggle, as Arima grips his Quinque.
04/25/98, 9:47 PM
Ward 13, Inside Undisclosed Building, Basement
Jason attempts to punch Fura in the face, only to punch a hole in the wall as Fura moves out of the way. Fura turns around and tries to run back to the stairs, only for Jason to jump ahead of him and kick him. The baseball bat cushions the blow, as Fura falls backwards.
He's fast for a big guy! Fura thought, scared.
"Damn Lantern. Leaving me with scraps. All right. Top or bottom? Choose wisely." Jason said, as his red/pink scale-like Rinkaku tentacle emerges from his hip.
04/25/98, 9:47 PM
Ward 13, Inside Undisclosed Building
Minami attempts to lunge her Bikaku tail towards Arima multiple times, with Arima dodging each attack with quick reflexes, as he runs towards Minami.
"Hah!" Minami shouted, as the next attack from her tail, lands a cut across Arima's right cheek.
"I scratched you, I scratched you." Minami said, giggling as she retracts her tail. She then proceeds to caress it.
"You DO care about Fura, don't you?!" Minami said, as she lunges her tail 4 more times, as Arima jumps back 4 times as well.
"Are you going easy on me? Don't make me fucking laugh!" Minami said, angrily, as she lunges her tail at Arima again. Arima then proceeds to lunge Yukimura at Minami. The Quinque manages to pierce through Minami's tail multiple times, as Minami looks on in shock.
"WHAT?!" Minami shouted, as Arima runs back to his guitar case to pull out two more pieces of Yukimura. He readies the dual Quinque, as the blades begin to form from the hilts of Yukimura 2/3.
"Are you serious?!" Minami said, shocked, as she struggles to free her Bikaku from the Yukimura that has tangled her tail. Arima then sprints towards Minami and lands a double slash across Minami's chest. Blood begins to spurt out of her mouth as she falls to the ground, while her tail disappears, causing the blade to fall to the ground as well.
Arima then gets down on his knees and jams Yukimura 2/3 onto the ground.
04/25/98, 9:49 PM
Ward 13, Inside Undisclosed Building, Basement
"WHAT THE?!" Jason said, as Arima's dual Quinque pierces through his Rinkaku tentacle and then his chest, stopping him from killing Fura, as Fura looks on in shock. Arima then pulls the blades out of Jason's chest. The Rinkaku disappears, as Jason turns around and flees the scene.
"Shit!" Jason said, frustrated.
"Stop!" Fura said, as Arima spoke from the holes he made with his dual Quinque.
"Taishi! Leave him. Lantern's here with me upstairs." Arima said, as Fura's eyes widen in shock.
LANTERN?! Fura thought, shocked as he ran back up the stairs. 60 seconds later, Fura comes across Arima and Minami, who is struggling to breath.
"Wait, Minami? Arima, I don't…Minami is our classmate!" Fura said, processing the scene.
"Minami is Lantern." Arima said, stoically, as Fura places his hands over his head.
"I can't wrap head around this shit! Minami attacked Aki and murdered Ryo!?" Fura said, in denial.
"That's correct." Arima said, affirming.
"Minami…., Say something, for fuck's sake…" Fura said, somberly, as Minami looked at Fura.
"I…I love going to school. I always wanted to hang out and study. Live like a human." Minami said, as she looked at her brown purse.
"THEN WHY THE FUCK DID YOU MURDER RYO?!" Fura said, angrily, as Minami chuckled.
"I hate people like him. He would ride his motorcycle every single night, making a ruckus and not knowing just how grateful he was at the life he got." Minami said, as a wicked smile emerged from her face.
"It's people like him that piss me the fuck off!" Minami said, angrily, as she coughed up blood from her mouth.
"That's why I killed him. He and the rest of the people I killed needed to understand. Because they're fucking imbeciles! WHO THE FUCK CARES IF THEY'RE DEAD?! They're just unwanted scum!" Minami said, angrily, as she presses her arms against the wounds on her stomach.
"Yes, they're imbeciles." Fura said, somberly.
"Driving with no license. Causing fights. Running from the law. They're unwanted scum. Ryo, he knew how to control himself. Once he lost his temper, there was no stopping him. But he never laid on guys who were weaker than him. He always cared about his friends." Fura said, as he struggled to hold back his tears.
"Aki. She's just like me. She can't wrap her head around whatever shit is shown to her. But she takes the time to listen. With both eyes open." Fura said, as tears streamed down his face, while Minami continues to wheeze.
"You're right. We are unwanted scum. But…" Fura said, as he pictures the best day he had with Ryo and Aki during their childhood years.
"…To me, they meant something!" Fura said, angrily.
"I don't give a shit how many times you dream about being human! You'll never be ONE OF US! Anybody who takes the lives of others is not a fucking human being!" Fura shouted, at the top of his lungs. Minami then scoffs.
"Listen to yourself." Minami said, angrily as she gets up and lunges at Fura. The moment causes Fura to fall backwards. But in the process, he grabs Yukimura 1/3.
"You try being born LIKE THIS!" Minami shouted, angrily, as Fura then impales her in the chest with Yukimura 1/3. Minami struggles to bear the pain, as she lets out a weak laugh.
"Look at what you've done. You're a killer now, too." Minami said, weakly, as she pulls herself free from Yukimura 1/3, while Fura looks on in shock.
"You know? During my time as Lantern, there was a human boy that I met in Ward 6. He called me a hero." Minami said, as she deactivated her Kakugan.
"Shucks…there's a test coming up next week. I studied very hard for it too." Minami said, as tears streamed down her face, as she finally collapses to the ground, dead. Arima then walks towards Fura, who is still in shock at what just happened. Arima places his right hand on Fura's left shoulder, as Fura begins to cry again.
04/28/98, 2:04 PM
Ward 13, Undisclosed Park
"Hey. That Ghoul who ran away from me. Did you guys ever catch him?" Fura said, wondering. Fura is wearing a red t-shirt, blue jeans, and green flip flops. Arima is wearing a buttoned up white t-shirt, blue tie, black pants, gray rim glasses, and black leather shoes. They're looking at kids playing baseball.
"Nope. He resisted a lot more than they thought." Arima said, stoically.
"Still out there, huh?" Fura said.
"He'll lay low for a while. Give or take, CCG will catch him in a year or two." Arima said, as Fura looked at him.
"Do all Ghouls want to be human like Minami?" Fura said, curious.
"Who knows? I don't speak with Ghouls." Arima said, as Fura sighed.
"Must be rough. Knowing you can't be something no matter how many times you wish for it. I know how Hinami felt, but what she did with Ryo and Aki. That's wrong. Whoever that kid was that said she was a hero to him, must be one cruel kid." Fura said, calmly.
"Arima. I want to protect what's important to me. Can you do me a favor?" Fura said, politely.
05/15/15, 1:48 PM
Ward 1, Outside CCG Hospital
"Our friend, Minami; her body was sent to the CCG. The truth was kept secret from my school to avoid panic. Arima moved after that. Went to Ward 2 to take on the One-Eyed Owl." Fura said, as he finishes telling the story to Shirazu and I.
"His social skills improved since then. Without him, Minami would've killed me. Aki and I got married shortly after I graduated from GITA. Natsu came into our lives a few years later." Fura said, as he puffed out some smoke.
"To tell you the truth, Investigator Shirazu. I couldn't use the Quinque that I got from Minami as well." Fura said, as Shirazu had a flustered look on his face.
"Are you serious?! So, how'd you overcome it?" Shirazu said, curious.
"It doesn't happen overnight. You need to sift through all your thoughts of regret and guilt that's stuck in your head. Once you do that, the rest is easy." Fura said, calmly.
"Yeah. To tell you the truth, Shirazu. It took me a while to think about using my Quinques. How the Quinques that my dad and then my mentor, Investigator Mado, gave to me after their deaths made me struggle. Not knowing that I was putting good use to them." I said, as I let out a somber sigh.
"I mean, we're just taking lives at the end of the day." Fura said.
"Investigator Fura, you don't mind if I take one of those?" Shirazu said, as he looked at Fura's packet of Marlboro's.
"Here." Fura said, as he hands a cigarette to Shirazu.
"Still, whoever that kid was who thanked Minami…Well, I feel sorry for that kid, if he's still alive." Fura said, somberly.
05/15/15, 3:32 PM
Ward 1, CCG HQ, Lobby
"Shirazu, Isaac. Hey. Have you thought of giving Nuts to me, Shirazu?" Hayashimura said, wondering, as Shirazu and I walked towards him. Hayashimura is wearing a black suit over a white work shirt, blue tie, black pants, and black leather shoes.
"No. But Investigator Hayashimura…do you think you can me a pep talk?" Shirazu said, as Hayashimura had a curious look on his face.
05/15/15, 5:54 PM
Ward 1, The Chateau
"Uh…Shirazu." Capitán said, flustered at the buzz cut that Shirazu recently got. Capitán is wearing a black work shirt, blue tie, black pants, and black socks. Mutsuki is wearing a buttoned up white work shirt, black pants, and black leather eyepatch. Saiko is wearing a blue t-shirt, black jeans, and white socks. Urie is wearing a green work shirt, black pants, and purple socks, as he reads the newspapers.
"Uhh…Shirazu, did Isaac do that to you?" Mutsuki said, wondering.
"No. He asked Hayashimura to do it. He surprisingly complied." I said, chuckling.
"That's what he used to do back then." Saiko said, as Shirazu bowed his head down.
"Guys. I'm sorry. I'm sorry for what happened back at the parking structure. I'll be a better squad leader from here on out." Shirazu said, with determination.
"Shirazu." Urie said, calmly.
"Urie." Shirazu said, as Urie looked at him.
"What is it?" Urie said, indifferent.
"Thanks for the advice." Shirazu said, as Urie had a puzzled look on his face.
"Sure." Urie said, as he read his newspaper again.
Weirdo, Urie thought, as I patted Shirazu on his right shoulder.
"Don't worry, Shirazu. It just takes time. Use your Quinque when you're ready." I said, calmly, as I smiled at Shirazu.
Chapter 96 complete.
Author's Notes:
This was an adaptation of Chapter 42 of TG: re, Chapters 4, 5, 6, and 7 of TG: Jack, and the OVA anime adaptation of TG: Jack.
Fura, Arima, and Minami take the spotlight for Chapter 96, as the chapter concludes the story of TG: Jack, and how Fura's time with Arima and Minami changed him, and inspired Shirazu to try to encourage him to use his Quinque. Chapter 97, Isaac gets an update with Eto after her "talk" with Kanae.
For now, post-credit scene.
Post-Credit Scene:
08/11/96, 5:54 PM
Ward 6, Undisclosed Apartment
I'm wearing a blue t-shirt, blue jeans, and black Skechers. I'm sitting at the kitchen table, doing my homework, when I hear a chair being pulled next to me. I look to see that it's Minami. She's wearing a blue t-shirt, black skirt, knee-high white socks, and black Converse.
"Hey, Isaac." Minami said, happily, as I look at her.
"Hey." I said, somberly. Minami notices the tone in my voice.
"What's wrong?" Minami said, wondering.
"Nothing. I'm just sad." I said, as I write down my answers.
"Your parents told me that you guys moved here earlier this year. From Mexico, right?" Minami said, as she smiled.
"Yeah." I said, saddened.
"You should be happy. You're in another country with so much to explore. Why are you sad?" Minami said, curious.
"I was thrown over a wishing well a few months ago. Some older kids told me that if I stare into the well long enough, I'd find myself in…China." I said, as I tried not to get angry.
"Ahh. I see." Minami said.
"The kids around me kept calling me mojado (wetback). It's a word that only people from my Hispanic heritage can say, but when said by others outside of my heritage, it's a sign of racial disrespect." I said, as I had an angered look on my face.
"I wish I can fight back against them. But my parents told me I must respect my enemies. Which is stupid." I said, angrily.
"Do you have any photos of what they look like?" Minami said, wondering. I then get out of my seat and go to my room. I come back a minute later to show Minami the 1995-1996 Morihoshi Elementary yearbook. I flip through the yearbook and point to her the 3 boys that tossed me into the well.
"Do you know any places they usually hang out at?" Minami said, wondering.
"Basketball court, half a mile from Sensoji Temple." I said, somberly.
"Don't worry, Isaac. I'll talk to them." Minami said, as she smiled.
08/12/96, 6:58 PM
Ward 6, ½ mile from Sensoji Temple, Undisclosed Basketball Court
Boy #1 is wearing a Dragonball Z t-shirt, blue jeans, and red Skechers. Boy #2 is wearing a green t-shirt, blue jeans, and purple Champions. Boy #3 is wearing a red t-shirt, black shorts, and blue Reeboks.
"Hey, come on. Toss the ball over." Boy #1 said, annoyed, as Boy #3 tosses the ball to him, only to be intercepted by Boy #2, as he catches it.
"Hey, come on. We're playing H-O-R-S-E. You're referee." Boy #1 said, as Boy #2 had a frustrated look on his face.
"Fine." Boy #2 said, annoyed. The 3 boys then hear something hit the basketball net, as they look up to see. It's Minami. She's wearing a white jacket, black pants, white gloves, blue Converse, and a pumpkin head to cover her face.
"Guys, who's that?" Boy #1 said, worried, as Minami activates her Kakugan. Her red lizard-like Bikaku tail then emerges from her back, as the 3 boys look on in horror. Screams echo throughout the court, as Minami lunges at them.
08/15/96, 4:40 PM
Ward 6, Undisclosed Apartment
I'm wearing a blue t-shirt, black pants, and red Skechers. I hear the doorbell ring, as I get up from the couch and walk towards the door. I open it to see Minami. She's wearing a green t-shirt, black skirt, knee-high black socks, and blue Converse.
"Hey, Isaac." Minami said, happily.
"Hey, Minami." I said, somberly.
"Don't worry. I talked to those kids a few days ago. They won't bother you anymore." Minami said, as I had a surprised look on my face.
"Really?" I said, as a smile emerged from my face.
"Yep." Minami said, as she giggled.
"How did you convince them?" I said, wondering.
"That's a secret." Minami said, as she winked with her right eye.
"You're a hero, Minami." I said, calmly, as Minami's cheeks turned orchard pink.
"Thanks, Isaac." Minami said, as she smiled.
Author's Notes:
Twist. Apparently, Rize wasn't the only one that Isaac asked to deal with the racist bullies at his school, as he unknowingly asked Minami for help.
While Fura was understandably pissed about what Minami did to his friends, for Isaac, it made him happy, and he considered Minami a hero (unaware that she was a Ghoul).