Naruto: Dragon's Maw
Chapter 53
Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, Ninja Gaiden or DOA
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
This chapter is a bit more action oriented and (unfortunately) jumps around a lot. 90% of it is in Chiyoda but follows a chronological order so bear with it please. Here is chapter 53. Enjoy!
[ ] Signifies hand signs
Last time:
Tokyo Skytree, Sumida Ward, Tokyo
Juhyō Mizore reported in to Ashensunō's meditation area at the top of the Tokyo Skytree. She was a short, slender woman with a pretty face and long brown hair. She had a cell phone out and said; "Forgive me Ashensunō-sama; but we have a situation."
The white haired man turned around and said in a soothing voice; "I see you have Detective Akihara's cell phone there. I trust you've found out something; yes?"
She bowed. "Yes my Lord. We've tapped into her assistant Yamada's phone line as you ordered. Yamada somehow called in another ninja clan; the Uzumakis."
Ashensunō chuckled before breaking out into raucous laughter. "The Uzumaki's? Now there is a challenge! Let me hear the recording."
"Yes Ashensunō-sama; at once!" she answered. She set Akihara's phone down, pulled out a microrecorder and hit the playback button:
…
"…Uzumaki here."
"…This is Yamada. I'm in touch with the Shiranui Clan and they want to arrange a meeting."
"…When and where?"
"…Today at 12:00. I've arranged for an unmarked van to pick you up at the Tokyo PD Entrance."
"…Alright; I'll be there at 12:00 then."
…
"Wonderful!" said Ashensunō. "Officer Yamada and his ilk are quite foolish to have gone against me. This should be amusing."
"What about the Uzumaki Clan my Lord?" asked Mizore.
The Juhyō's leader pondered a moment and said, "Make an example of them. Blow up the van and everyone in it right in front of the Tokyo Police Department. I do believe you have a rocket launcher in your possession."
Her eyes widened in shock. "Ashensunō-sama; wouldn't that be a bit… indiscreet?"
He laughed again. "There is a time to be discreet Mizore; but this is a time to be ostentatious! I want to make the news in a big way. Besides, the Uzumaki Clan is supposed to be incredibly dangerous. I'm rather interested in seeing if they will survive this…"
….
Edo-Tokyo Museum, Sumida Ward, Tokyo, Japan -8:00 AM
The high kunoichi Shiranui Akina and Detective Akihara Minako were sitting in an empty basement cell below the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Akina was voluptuous and looked a lot like her cousin Mai in contrast to Minako who was willowy with bleach blonde hair.
Akina was thinking hard on an escape plan. She said to the detective, "We won't have to wait much longer. My clan mates will get us out of this."
"I have to wonder where your clan mates really are. You said there was a rendezvous point…" said the detective.
The Shiranui kunoichi asked, "How do you know they aren't at the assigned safehouse detective? You've been asking me odd questions ever since we were captured Akihara …Who are you really?"
Akihara's eyes widened a tiny bit and then she laughed. "Hahaha! You Shiranui scum are smarter than I thought. My name is Juhyō Kōri but my public name is Akihara Minako. I really thought between the drugs we shot in your system and you trusting the Tokyo Police Detective Akihara that I'd be able to find out where the Shiranui Clan was and wipe them out. Commissioner Kobayashi has determined that he needs a private ninja force. We of the Juhyō are just that. This whole 'freezing Tokyo' act is just a farce. Kobayashi and the Juhyō are just using it as a pretext to draw out clans like yours so we can eliminate them."
Akina frowned. "You must be pretty confident to be telling me all this."
Kōri smiled. "Why wouldn't I be? Your Heiress Shiranui Mai is meeting up with the Uzumaki Clan head and we're going to blow them to hell. Officer Yamada has no idea that I'm monitoring his every move. He's innocent as a lamb in this but even I couldn't have arranged it better! Now you can die knowing you failed." Kōri held up her hand and said, "Ice ninpo, cutting blade!" and a razor sharp icicle formed in the air. "Now die." said the Juhyō kunoichi as she launched the blade of ki charged ice.
The icicle hit a wall of fire generated by the Shiranui kunoichi and evaporated. Akina smiled wildly and said, "You do know we pyrokinetics of the Shiranui Clan are practically walking flamethrowers don't you? I could have walked out of here at will." Kōri's eyes widened as a wave of fire and an explosion rocked the museum and knocked her senseless…
…When the ice wielding kunoichi came around Shiranui Akina was long gone as was her equipment. Kōri stumbled out into the Juhyō base and found six of her subordinates were roasted alive and that the base was in shambles…
"Shit, Shit, SHIT!" screeched Minako. "I have to get to Master Ashensunō now!"
…
Uzumaki Safehouse, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo -8:23 AM
Naruto was sitting in a meditative position on his bed when the radio blared to life. Seeing it was from his auburn haired wife he said, "Go ahead Aoi-chan."
Aoi replied, "Momiji-chan and I just spotted an explosion at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. The place is being evacuated. Looks like Detective Akihara and her bodyguard may have broken out."
"Is there any sign of Akihara?" asked Naruto.
"Negative." replied Aoi. "I sensed a huge flash of ki before the explosion though. It's a real mess out here."
"Lay low Aoi-chan." said Naruto. "See if any obvious ki users come out of that mess. I'm going to call in Hinata-chan and the other girls. I have a gut feeling we need more firepower."
"Are you still meeting up with the Shiranui Clan, Naruto-kun? I have a bad feeling…" said Aoi.
"We've got no choice hime." answered the blonde. "Don't worry; I'll be careful. Besides, Maya-chan will be out here on standby."
"All right Naruto-kun; be safe." said the redhead.
"You too Aoi-chan." replied Naruto.
…
Uzumaki Clan Compound, Hayabusa Village, Japan -8:47 AM
Kasumi was sharpening and polishing her wakizashi Shrouded Moon when the radio lit up on Naruto's frequency. She was a bit surprised and answered, "Uzumaki Kasumi here; is that you Naruto-kun?"
She could hear the smile in the blonde's voice when he replied, "It's Naruto, Kasumi-chan. How are you my hime?"
Her eyes lit up when she heard her husband's happiness. "What's going on Naruto-kun? I'm glad to hear from you."
"I need you, Hinata-chan and Ayane-chan here in Tokyo." said the Uzumaki Clan head. "Things got complicated really fast Kasumi-chan."
"Is everyone all right?" asked Kasumi in concern. "Is anyone injured?"
Naruto replied, "Everyone is fine but we need more firepower for this job. We're fighting the Juhyō Ninja Clan and I'm trying to forge an alliance with the Shiranui Ninja Clan at the same time."
Kasumi sweat dropped. "No wonder you need us. Tell me where you want to meet and the three of us will head out."
"One of us will be waiting for you at our hidden Akihabara safehouse in the Chiyoda Ward tonight at 10:00PM." said Naruto. "I love you girls and I'll see you soon…"
…
Business District, Yamaguchi Construction Building, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo -9:51 AM
Inspector Otaki was following his gut instincts and decided to pay a visit to the Leader of the Tetsu-Kai in hopes of learning more about the Juhyō Clan. The Tetsu-Kai's Leader was a legitimate businessman (on paper) named Yamaguchi Nobuo that owned a construction company. Nobuo also was a former school chum of Otaki. The Inspector took off his hat and rang the front desk bell. A secretary came out and said, "May I help you sir?"
"I'm here to see Yamaguchi." said the Police Inspector. "Tell him his old buddy Otaki Seburo is here. I owe him brunch if he's not too busy."
The secretary smiled and said, "Right away Otaki-san." She went back and poked her head into Yamaguchi's office. "Boss, an Otaki Seburo-san is here. He says he owes you brunch if you're not too busy."
Yamaguchi was a heavy set, middle aged man with a shaved bald head. He looked up at his secretary and said in a tense tone of voice, "Is he wearing a hat?"
The secretary looked puzzled at the odd question and said, "Um, no sir. I think he was holding one."
Nobuo seemed to relax a great deal and said, "I'll get my coat. Tell Otaki-san I'll be right out."
…
Seburo and Nobuo were soon eating together at a quiet food stall that was run by the Tetsu-Kai. They were the only two there and the cook knew to stay uninvolved when his boss Yamaguchi was there. The two middle aged men were talking in quiet tones to each other. The Tetsu-Kai's Leader said, "I was afraid it was a Police raid until I heard your hat was off Otaki."
The Inspector rolled his eyes. "You know the hat has been our secret code for years. I know your construction business is clean Yamaguchi. A Police raid wouldn't do any good. Tell me what you can about the Juhyō Clan of ninja and I'll leave you alone for the time being. They have inside information and I want to know where it's coming from. Have you got a leak in the Tetsu-Kai?"
Yamaguchi looked at Otaki and said, "I thought the Tokyo Police were behind the Juhyō Ninja, Seburo."
Otaki raised his eyebrows. "Tell me you're joking Nobuo. The Tokyo PD uses Ninjas against monsters, not gangsters. If that were the case then it would sanctioning murder."
"Corruption is everywhere. Someone higher up in the food chain than you is behind it but I don't know who." said Yamaguchi. "I know you. You're too damn straight-laced to do something like that."
The Inspector paid for their meal and said; "Thanks for the vote of confidence. I've got some digging to do Nobuo; I'll see you later."
"Good luck Otaki." said Yamaguchi.
Inspector Otaki looked at his watch, 'It's already 11:15 AM. I need to get in touch with Yamada yesterday.'
…
Shiranui Safehouse, Yebisu Garden Place, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo -11:26 AM
The Shirunui Clan Heiress was talking to her second in command, Shiranui Fudo. "Fudo-kun, I've been in touch with Yamada-san and he's five minutes late due to traffic."
Fudo frowned. "You'd think he would be more punctual with you being our clan heiress Mai-sama."
Mai smiled and said, "Don't you worry about it Fudo-kun. I'm more concerned about finding Akina and you should be too."
"I understand that Mai-sama." replied the ninja. "Still, your safety is paramount. Be careful."
…
Mai was waiting in civilian clothing near the Shiranui safehouse in Shibuya when an unmarked white Toyota HiAce Police van pulled up. The beautiful kunoichi rolled her eyes. 'It's even got Tokyo Police license plates. Don't they understand stealth at all?' Yamada waved at Mai and she got in the van with a sigh. 'I have an uneasy feeling about this…'
…
Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo -11:40 AM
Across the street from the entrance to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters were two Juhyō ninja that were waiting on a rooftop. They were Mizore's precision sniper team and were twins. The two felt ridiculous because the weapon they were using was an anti-tank rocket launcher. "Of all things to have; why this beast?" ranted the male under his breath. "We're all about finesse. This ponderous thing is ridiculous. It's not a ninja weapon."
The female in the duo said, "Bear with it brother; it was Ashensunō-sama's orders; not Mizore-sama's."
"I know but there are dozens of better ways to do this sister." he replied.
"I feel ridiculous too." she said. "I mean- Van in sight! Get ready brother. Remember, one shot and we're out."
The twins quickly loaded the RPG*① and got ready to take their shot…
…
Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo -12:01 PM
The white Toyota Police Van wheeled around the corner and pulled up to the front entrance of the Tokyo Police Department where Naruto was waiting under the henge of a civilian. He quickly got in the van and saw the beautiful Mai and the not so beautiful Yamada Hisoka*②. "You're a minute late Yamada. Let's get going." growled Naruto.
Yamada grimaced as he closed and locked the door and said, "You ninjas are obsessed with punctuality. There was a lot of traffic and…" Seeing his excuses were falling on deaf ears he rapped on the driver's seat and said, "Let's go."
The van pulled forward about two meters and stopped. "Sorry sir; lots of traffic."
Yamada sighed. "Well, I guess I can introduce the two of you…"
…
The Juhyō twins sweat dropped as their target sat at a dead halt. She said, "They are sitting ducks. Put them out of their misery."
He pulled the trigger and the anti-tank rocket shot across the street at the HiAce van leaving a trail of smoke as it did.
…
The Police van driver looked out his window and saw the incoming rocket. He screamed "RPG!" a millisecond before impact. Those were his last words. Then the van and everything around it was blown to hell in a massive conflagration…
…
Uzumaki Maya saw the explosion and sensed a flash of her husband's chakra. Then she traced the trajectory of the anti-tank rocket to its source and spotted the two Juhyō ninja withdrawing in the commotion…
"Damn!" growled the violet eyed beauty as she got out her radio…
…
Naruto was looking down from the roof of the Tokyo Police Headquarters at the carnage below. He had body flickered out of the inferno with Mai and Yamada. Mai recovered almost immediately due to her kunoichi training but Yamada was dizzy and disoriented. The blonde ninja said, "We were set up." as he looked down at the carnage below. 'Shame I couldn't rescue the driver…'
Mai looked down and said, "That's a lot of death and destruction to kill just two ninja. It will probably go down as a terrorist attack."
Yamada was in a sitting position on the roof by then. He was still feeling nauseous. The Officer pulled out his phone and said. "I've got to call in and tell them we're alright."
The Shiranui kunoichi snatched the phone away from Yamada and said, "That's the last thing you're going to do Yamada-san. We're better off if the enemy thinks we're dead." Then she threw the phone off the roof into the blaze below.
Naruto's radio crackled and Maya's voice came in. "Naruto-kun; are you all right? Were you hurt?"
The Uzumaki Clan head answered, "I'm fine Maya-chan, just lying low. Did you see who shot that RPG?"
"It was the Juhyō Clan." answered the ex-detective. "Someone inside the Tokyo PD must have tipped them off."
"I agree." replied the blonde ninja. "I have Yamada and the Shiranui kunoichi with me and they are safe. Inform Momiji-chan and Aoi-chan to meet up at our backup point."
Maya said, "Understood Naruto-kun; I'll see you in a few hours."
…
While Naruto was talking to Maya, Mai was talking on her own radio to her right hand man; Shiranui Fudo.
The Shiranui Heiress said, "I read you loud and clear Fudo. Uzumaki-san, Yamada-san and I are unhurt. I want everyone to rendezvous at Point C."
"As you wish Mai-sama." replied Fudo. "Do you have any idea who was behind the attack?"
Mai frowned. "It was someone who knew about my meeting up with Uzumaki-san. My guess is there is a leak in to Tokyo Police Department. I'll be in touch."
"Good luck Mai-sama." replied the Shiranui ninja.
"And best of luck to you Fudo." said the Heiress.
…
Tokyo Skytree, Sumida Ward, Tokyo -12:45 PM
Juhyō Kōri reported in to her Master Ashensunō-sama shortly after the explosion at the Tokyo Police Department. She hoped he was in a good mood because her blunder at the Edo-Tokyo Museum could result in severe punishment for Kōri. The Juhyō kunoichi prostrated herself behind her leader and said, "Ashensunō-sama, I have come to give my report… and to beg for your forgiveness…"
Ashensunō didn't look back at her. He shook his head causing his white hair to sway back and forth. "If you mean that colossal bit of bumbling at the Edo-Tokyo Museum that resulted in the deaths of six of our kinsmen then I already know about it. On top of that you let the Shiranui kunoichi escape… I am most displeased. Was that what you came to report about Kōri?"
She shivered. "There is more to report Ashensunō-sama… The escaped kunoichi Shiranui Akina knows I am Akihara Minako."
The Juhyō Clan head spun around before Kōri could react and whispered, "…What…?" He pulled two senbon needles and said, "You come crawling back to me after giving your identity away? YOU FOOL! You were our greatest infiltrator! This operation hinges on you! You are our liaison to Kobayashi!" He hissed, "Give me one reason I should let you live Kōri…"
Kōri was terrified and her mind was running a million kilometers per hour. "If-if I go to Commissioner Kobayashi now; I can cover this up. It will be the Shiranui's words against those of a loyal Police Detective. Please give me another chance my Lord!"
Ashensunō drew a deep, calming breath to relax himself. He had a brittle smile on his face and he asked, "Can it be done Kōri?"
"It will be done Ashensunō-sama!" she swore.
He replied, "Good…good. If you fail me again then make sure you are the first to die Kōri… You may go…"
…
Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo 2:54 PM
Police Detective Akihara Minako arrived at the outskirts of the still smoldering Tokyo PD Headquarters area that afternoon looking like hell. It was her intention to pass for someone who escaped being held hostage but she was already a nervous wreck and frightened from her meeting with Ashensunō-sama. She was sitting in a Police Van from the Sumida Ward listening to the radio and looking at the smoke cloud in the distance.
"…The attack on the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters is reported as the largest act of terrorism in the Tokyo area since the Tokyo subway sarin gas attack in 1995. Injuries are in the hundreds with at least twenty-two dead on the scene…"
"Eyewitnesses claim a rocket launcher was used from the roof of a building across the stree from the Tokyo PD Headquarterst…"
"Public Security has declared a State of Emergency in the Chiyoda Ward…"
"…Could a cult be behind this? Experts say…"
"Commissioner Kobayashi has declined to comment other than to say it is 'unprecedented and barbarous."
"…No terrorist organizations have claimed responsibility for the attack…"
"Twenty two dead; at least fifteen of which were Tokyo Police Officers…Police experts have no suspects they can publically name at this point…"
…
Detective Akihara had to hide her smirk and act horrified at the news. 'There is no chance anyone in the van survived the rocket strike. It's a shame about Officer Yamada though. I always thought he was easy on the eyes.'
One of the Sumida Officers said, "Gods Detective; I'm so sorry. First you have to escape a hostage situation and now your home base has been attacked."
She teared up. "I just have to pray that my friends and co-workers are okay." 'I need to see Commissioner Kobayashi and explain my miraculous escape to cover my bases. Then I need to focus on eliminating the Shiranui Clan before they can reveal the truth. The Uzumaki Clan can wait. They are just demon hunters anyway.'
…
Shiranui Safehouse, Yebisu Garden Place, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo -4:10 PM
Akina arrived at the Shiranui safehouse in Shibuya only to find the place was surrounded with Juhyō Clan ninja. 'It is as I expected. Security has been breached so we fall back to point C. I hope everyone is okay. Fudo-san is not the greatest leader but he knows the protocols. Hopefully Mai-sama is alright and didn't change the protocols.'
That was when Akina sensed movement behind her. She silently pulled out two razor sharp bladed metal fans; spun quicker than the eye could follow and blurred into action. The two Juhyō ninjas sneaking up on her in the snowfall were incredibly well camouflaged but not silent as they could have been. That was a fatal error…
The Shiranui kunoichi lashed out at the pair simultaneously. Pivoting on her right foot she snapped kicked the first Juhyō with her left foot and slit the throat of the white clad ninja on her right with the fan in her right hand. The Juhyō that received the bone crushing kick was bent over and Akina continued her spin, grasped his head and snapped his neck. By the time the fire user completed her spin the one with the slit throat was hemorrhaging his life essence away and she finished the dying man off with a stab to the heart with her other fan.
By the time the two bodies were found by their Juhyō comrades; they were cold and frozen as the snow and ice around them. The Shiranui kunoichi was long gone by then; she had vanished in a teleport and discreetly headed to point C…
…
Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo -4:46 PM
Inspector Otaki Seburo was in the Chiyoda Ward. He'd just pulled into the parking lot at Headquarters when the explosion happened. Since then he'd been directing and coordinating Fire, Medical and Police forces to evacuate people from the Tokyo Police Department building. Everything was in lockdown and the flashing lights and sirens were all that could be seen…
Out of the smoke appeared Uzumaki Maya henged into her old Police Detective appearance. She was drinking coffee and said, "Hello Otaki. It's been a bad day."
Otaki nodded and said, "Maya; Yamada is-"
"-Hidden." whispered Maya. "Naruto-kun pulled him out at the last second. The targets were Uzumaki Naruto and Shiranui Mai."
The Inspector's eyes bulged and he whispered, "Then the terrorist attack wasn't terrorists; it was the Juhyō Clan!"
She smiled and nodded. "Yes; the Juhyō are out to eliminate their competitors. Don't tell anyone yet. I'm looking for solid proof."
He nodded and frowned in frustration. "I'll keep it under my hat."
"Inspector!" called an officer.
"You'd better split Maya." said Seburo. He turned to her and all that was left was the scent of coffee…
…
Commissioner Kobayashi's Office, Tokyo PD Headquarters -5:15 PM
Detective Akihara Minako managed to get in to report to Commissioner Kobayashi early that evening. She had already been to the infirmary and looked exhausted. Minako said, "Sir; I do not know what happened to my Shiranui bodyguard. She and I were separated after capture and I escaped due to our allies of the Juhyō rescuing me at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. It was a miracle I got away alive. I'm not sure who my captors were but I would guess it was the Tetsu-Kai. They must have found out we are connected to the Juhyō sir."
Kobayashi looked troubled. "You were captured and your subordinate Officer Yamada is dead detective."
She gasped. "Oh no! Not Yamada. He's my best officer; I-" Then she broke down into crocodile tears.
The Commissioner nodded grimly. "He was a fine Officer. We have to be strong for him and the others lost in the terrorist attack. I want you to contact our Juhyō allies and see what they can find out."
Minako sniffled. "I understand sir." 'Old fool, the Juhyō are manipulating everything. All I have to do is give the order and I can frame the Shiranui Clan. That will kill two birds with one stone.'
Kobayashi stated, "I want this done discreetly Detective. I'm assigning Inspector Otaki to work with you. When you vanished I feared the worst and pulled him in because of his previous experience with the ninja. He worked with your predecessor Detective Arii so he knows quite a bit."
The Detective cringed internally. 'Otaki is also smart and doesn't like or trust me at all. Shit! I may have to eliminate him too. Luckily for me he has plenty of enemies I can frame for that job…If it becomes necessary.' "I will get with Inspector Otaki immediately and begin the investigation sir. I promise you no stone will go unturned."
…
Shibuya Ward, Tokyo -6:10 PM
Uzumaki Naruto, Shiranui Mai and Yamada Hisoka were sitting in a Mazda CX-5 SUV rental car in a supermarket parking lot. Naruto said, "So it's settled. The Uzumaki and Shiranui Clans will each regroup and then meet up with each other in two days. We'll stay in touch on radio frequency 157."
Mai gave a sunny smile and said; "Yes; then we combine our forces and crush the Juhyō Clan at the Tokyo Skytree. What do we do with him?" she asked pointing at Yamada.
"The Uzumaki safehouse is small and inaccessible by car." said Naruto. "It would probably be better if he stayed with the Shiranui Clan."
The Shiranui heiress nodded. "Makes sense. Besides, we could use a car and driver."
Yamada asked; "Don't I get a say in this?"
"No./NO!" replied the two shinobi. Yamada just cried anime tears and accepted his fate as second fiddle again.
The blonde said, "Alright Yamada; take Mai-sama wherever she needs to go and stay safe. We'll be in touch." Then Naruto vanished in a body flicker…
Suddenly Mai started giggling like a schoolgirl and said; "He's so cool! I love the way he teleports! Tell me all you know about Uzumaki-sama; Yamada-san. I want to get to know him!"
Yamada just face palmed…
…
Shiranui Point C Safehouse, Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo -8:08 PM
Shiranui Akina arrived at point C which was in the Skyscraper District of the Shinjuku Ward. It wasn't any place to write home about but it was secure and better than their old one in the red light district Kabukichō. She noticed a navy colored Mazda CX-5 pull up at the same time. Her cousin Mai got out along with a young man she recognized; Officer Yamada Hisoka. Yamada didn't notice Akina's presence but Mai did immediately. The Heiress wanted to welcome Akina but the older kunoichi signaled Mai to stay put. Then Akina walked over and chopped Yamada's neck before he knew she was there…
…Yamada came around and found he was tied and gagged. He heard Akina and Mai arguing about whether or not he was trustworthy. Mai said, "Akina-nee; Yamada was nearly blown up with me. Unless he was willing to die in order to bait us then we can trust him. Besides; Naruto-sama's information is the Juhyō Clan was behind the rocket attack."
Akina replied, "He is also Detective Akihara Minako's right hand man. She is a Juhyō ninja whose name is Kōri. How do we know he's not working for her instead of the Tokyo Police Department?"
The young Officer was shocked. 'Detective Akihara is a Juhyō?! But that would mean this whole crises was a set up and she tried to kill me! That…that bitch! Inspector Otaki was right not to trust her! Now what do I do?!'
Mai scoffed. "Yamada is too innocent and naïve. He's too nice for it to be an act. If he was any more of a good soldier boy I'd throw up. Yamada's probably still a virgin."
Yamada blushed scarlet and thought, 'They are talking about my sex life?! Someone please kill me now…'
"Oh look; he's awake!" said Mai. "Let's ask him."
Akina came over and said, "You're right Mai-sama. We should get the information straight from the source." She took the gag off and asked, "Are you a virgin or not Yamada? Yes or no?!"
Yamada Hisoka was in hell…
…
Uzumaki Safehouse, Akihabara Station, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo -9:57 PM
Hinata, Kasumi and Ayane arrived at the backup safehouse the Uzumaki set up themselves during their battle with the Karasu Clan the year before. The Uzumaki Clan never had to use it but it was a convenient fallback point and was well hidden underground. They found Momiji and Aoi waiting for them. Maya arrived a few minutes later and Naruto a half hour after that. Everyone was happy to see each other safe and Naruto exchanged hugs and kisses with each of his wives.
The Uzumaki Clan was soon discussing the main base of the Juhyō Ninja Clan; the Tokyo Skytree.
Ayane was looking over the building plans of the Skytree and said, "The highest public floor is Floor 450 because it is 450 meters up. It's an observation deck called the Tembo Galleria. Above that is where the Juhyō are based from our observations. The area we have to cover is between 450 and 634 meters at the tip top. Considering the tower is closed to the public right now due to the weather we should be able to avoid civilian casualties for the most part. Unfortunately there probably will be civilian workers in the upper floors to service and maintain the antenna arrays up there. The security strength is a gamble."
Hinata nodded and said, "Between the Edo-Tokyo Museum explosion and the Juhyō attack on the Tokyo PD Headquarters there will probably be extra guards as well. We're going to have to be careful."
"The last thing we need is a firefight with Public Security while the Juhyō Clan escapes." added Naruto. "We need more data."
Momiji said, "We've got two days to figure this out with our Shiranui allies. Maybe they have information we don't."
"Either way two days will be go time…" replied Kasumi grimly…
…
Commissioner's Office, Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo -10:12 PM
Police Inspector Otaki had a long day and was exhausted. The last thing he wanted to deal with was the Commissioner. He sighed and thought, 'I don't get enough pay for this kind of shit…' Entering Kobayashi's Office he saw the Commissioner in his usual impeccable dress uniform and Detective Akihara Minako looking more disheveled than ever. 'She looks bad even for an alcoholic. That hostage situation must have really shaken her up badly.' He said, "Inspector Otaki Seburo reporting as ordered Commissioner. How may I be of service?"
Kobayashi said, "Inspector; I want you to team up with Detective Akihara here and help her sort this disaster out."
Otaki asked curtly; "With all due respect sir; which disaster? I was assigned to the Juhyō Ninja Case but the terrorist attack certainly takes precedence."
"I want you investigating the Tetsu-Kai Case Inspector." ordered the Commissioner. "Their drug operation is a greater threat than the Juhyō Case and the terrorist attack falls under the jurisdiction of Public Security."
'Is the old man blind?!' roared Otaki in his head. "Sir, the Tetsu-Kai case is-"
"-Top priority." finished Kobayashi. "That's why Akihara here is joining you. We believe she was held hostage by the Tetsu-Kai and I want them stopped before more people are kidnapped or killed."
Minako smiled tiredly and said, "It looks like it's you and me Inspector. I'll be in your care…"
"I guess you will Detective." replied Otaki. 'I guess you will…'
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: RPG: The abbreviation comes from the Russian phrase for "hand-held anti-tank grenade-launcher" Ruchnoi Protivotankovye Granatamyot. RPG does not actually stand for Rocket Propelled Grenade as Westerners have come to call it.
*②: I figured Yamada deserved a given name after all this time. Hisoka means 'reserved' which fits his personality pretty well.
Mass confusion reigns in Tokyo! Most of the puzzle pieces are there but nobody has them all. Next chapter things are going to get bloody. See you next time. Blue out. 01/24/21