A/N Hello everyone, Im back and late again. Good news, my wrist feels a lot better and I'm able to write fine again. My job has been swamping me left and right and very long hours. I've feel like I hadn't time to properly put time into my story as the past few chapters haven't felt as good as I prefer them to be. But I am trying to cut out time to dedicate to the story. I've been ignoring the urge to go back and redo chapters but I want forward progress and I feel like redoing them will just slow me down.
I have been going back and fixing grammar issue with older chapters but that takes some time too.
Also a huuuuuuge shout out to Jazinedraws for an AMAZING PIECE OF FANART. A lovely drawing of a clean-shaven joker in his wild west outfit. The link can be found here: /JazineDraws/status/1313266911908593674
A shorter chapter but I hope you all enjoy the chapter. Feel free to review
Chapter 39
Present Day, 1885
"We need to talk…."
"And as I said Detective, I am busy."
Akechi knew when Sae got into her stubborn moods, she would be focused on the task at hand. Task SIU was taking advantage of according to Okumura. There was only one way to get her from her work. The one card he had yet to play.
"It concerns your sister," that news had stopped her in her tracks.
"What about my sister, what happened to Makoto!?"
"Akechi inwardly sighs, "I can tell you she's not at school but she is with people that will not harm her."
"And how did you come across this information Detective?"
"A source."
"And you thought it would be wise to lie to me?"
"Not lie, simply withheld information. However, that's not all I wanted to say." He thought back to the information Okumura provided, "I fear you yourself may be in trouble."
"I've been threatened before by disgruntled criminals, nothing new."
"This threat is a bit different," he tried to stress to the prosecutor, " Don't head back to HQ, in fact, leave town, find somewhere else to live with your sister."
"Where the hell is this coming from? I am so close to a promotion from the Captain and you just want me to quit!?"
"I'm asking you to look at the full situation Sae. The last thing we want is to tell your sister grave news. The case the Captain is trying to shut down, there's more to it. I thought it was just about a group of lowly criminals, but it's not. Didn't you once believe uncovering the truth was important?"
For a brief moment, Akechi thought Sae might've considered it, but she turned back to her borrowed desk and got back to work.
"I don't have time to deal with your unproven complaints, I need to finish this report."
Giving up, for now, Detective Akechi storms out of the room to deal with his other headache.
The carriage ride back to the family estate felt slow and tense as her heartbeat increase. The anticipation of a scolding from her father. Her time at the Yoshizawa estate was a breath of fresh air, one that will be taken once she is tied to Sugimura.
Another carriage was seen stopped outside the front door. The Detective was arguing with someone standing in front. Stepping out of her own vehicle, she sees it was nonother than Sugimura.
"I'm an honored guest of Mr. Okumura, how dare you deny my entry Detective!"
"As I was just explaining, Mr. Okumura no longer requires your services and ask that you leave the property at once."
"That preposterous! I want to speak to him right away."
"Mr. Okumura is busy." Akechi looked to see Haru from the corner of his eye, standing calmly by her carriage "Our conversation is over, you best not be here when I come back out."
Sugimura grumbled back into his own carriage before leaving. Akechi let out a loud sigh as he turned his full attention to the Okumura heiress.
"Was your visit with your friend pleasant?" He asked her.
A soft smile graced her face, still thankful for the surprising decision to disobey her father, "Yes, I had a wonderful time. Thank you again, Detective. But I must ask," She paused for a moment, "My Father….."
Akechi raised his hand to stop her, "I've taken care of your Father. You're free to come and go, he asks you to be mindful of the family name. Since that is all, I must prepare for my upcoming task. Please let me know if you're planning to leave the mansion anytime this week."
Haru couldn't believe what he told her. Her father was allowing her freedom as well as dismissing Sugimura. She had to be dreaming. The young heiress would have to get the word out later this week to invite the young Amamiya for tea again.
As she made her way to her room to prepare for supper, she reminisces about today's events. The tea and small cakes were delicious, and she was enthralled in his tales of adventure during their walk in the garden. The places he's seen around the country even at such a young age. She only wishes she has the same chance.
Supper was eventually served but it was just her at the dinner table. Her father must have taken dinner in his office while their other two guests occupied their own time. Alone is what she felt, she felt it a lot lately. But perhaps things may be looking up.
The Phantom Thieves were waiting, waiting on the next information for the past two days. Once they've confronted Okumura personally, they would have to leave town; fast.
Ren wasn't upset at Mishima's contact, Ichiko Ohya was going as fast as she could while still covering for her job. The info was coming in slow as the signals sent out wouldn't come through clear on Ohya's ending. She had to use a specific line that was only free during certain times of the day. Mishima was camped out in this room waiting for the high pitch ping of the telegraph device.
Futaba had spent a whole day translating the instructions that came with the device. Though Ren wondered how Futaba understood how to read morse code herself. The young girl was still too shy to speak to the contact, only agreeing to offer translations.
It was getting late into the night, Mishima sat by the table training up on the codes while Ren sat in the chair. The elder sibling was staring at the reflection on his hunting knife as they waited. A small stubble was beginning to make its appearance.
Hair always grew on his face. His father, Akira Sr had a beard, even Boss grew exceptional chin hair. Ren felt he was the only one of his age range to deal with this. Yusuke's face was as smooth as a woman's palm. Morgana was still growing, and Ryuji at most only had a small stubble on his chin.
Maybe Makoto likes his face with hair?
Ren jolted up at the thought. Why should he care if Makoto likes him clean-shaven or rugged? He's been both around her but….
"Ren! I'm getting something," Mishima interrupted his thoughts as he placed a headset by his ear. Grabbing a pen and paper he proceeded to write down the information.
"Info. STOP. O... l...obiliterate?" Mishima said confused.
"Does she mean obituaries," Ren questioned.
"Okumura….associate….STOP." Ren let Mishima focus as he tried to get correct names. Taking a few tried, 3 names of interest were written down.
"Ask her about locations," The older Amamiya ordered. The blue hair man scrambled through his notes to find the right ones to send back.
Ren peaking at his pocket watch checked the time, "We're one hour behind her down here, her office is going to close soon.
"I'm moving as fast as I can Ren." Sweat began to sheen on Mishima's forehead. He will admit this was a stressful situation. His contact was risking her own neck for vital information about a man who owns the county's transportation.
"Location. STOP. Shinsuke ," Tapping the device sent the signal back slowly. It was another 10 minutes before the device came alive. Mishima had listened intently as Ohya relayed and repeated the message through morse code. Translating the signals into a message both could understand.
"Location Unknown. STOP. Last sight. STOP. 32.29N. STOP. 90.18 W. STOP. Good Luck. OVER."
"That sounds close by, maybe a day or two rides away. Let me check a map," Rn ran to the guest library where logs of town maps could be found. "We're here near the City of Breaux over here is 32.3…..32.29….."
He points to a spot on the map a little Northeast of here. About a two-day ride on horse like he guessed, maybe one if one was riding fast. "Mishima look at this, last known sighting was by a trading post. Shinsuke, was that the banker or the businessman?"
"He was a businessman. One Yasuo Jochi, banker; dead. Yohei Kiritani, former employee; dead," Ren resource provided him.
"As far as we know Shinsuke is alive as he resigned from his position. Maybe that move didn't draw Okumura's ire. But…." he points to the second name gather, "Kiritani, that rings a bell."
Mishima knows what he means, that name had popped up before on his own notes of Okumura, " Former employee, he had led a few strikes against the company over the mistreatment of the workers. But it seems he meets an unfortunate 'accident."
"Okumura is definitely a man not afraid to throw others under the train. But we need to contact Shinsuke Kishi to see what he knows. But quickly, before he too finds an accident t his doorstep." Ren gathered all the notes they've collected so far to study. He planned to be up all night.
"Get some rest Mishima, I'll see you in the morning."
"If you say so," The other man got up stretching his muscles, "Good night Ren."
Hours upon hours, it was ticking towards the 3 AM hour. He stuck his head with as much information about Okumura as he could find or remember. Ryuji and Yusuke heard him addressed as Mammon, backing up Kaneshiro's info. Sometime within the last few years, he had changed according to Haru's tale with men in black suits. Ren just needed 5 minutes with him. Tell him where he could find Samuel so they could end this wild chase. It was becoming frustrating.
But what will happen to Haru? The cops are in Okumura's pocket, even if evidence of his order of murder were shown the light, not much would happen sadly.
We could take her with us…..but it's too dangerous. Bringing her would make Morgana happy, Ren argued with himself. Giving up on the notes for now, he chooses to take a small nap, ready for the coming dawn.
Breakfast was prepared in the guest kitchen, the Phantom Thieves have woken up, starting their individual task.
Their leader Ren Amamiya stood in the hallway that house the rooms when Ann stepped out.
"Oh Ren, good morning. You okay, you look exhausted. "
He couldn't help letting out a yawn, "Late night. Grab some grub quick, I'll get Yusuke. I have a job for you two.
Getting Yusuke wasn't an issue as the artist was a morning bird. He drank down a quick cup of coffee while stuffing toast in between.
Placing a map on the kitchen table, Ren points to the coordinates he and Mishima received last night, "I need the two of you to ride out as fast as you can and find him. The trading post was his last known location."
"And what it is we are to do if we find him?" Yusuke spoke.
"Make him talk. We need to make a move on Okumura's mansion. We've been here for over a month, we shouldn't stay in one place for so long. Boss, Takemi, we need to start loading up the wagons. We need to strike Okumura in the next few days."
"But what about Haru!" Morgana's concerns were heard loud and clear. Ren walked over placing a comforting hand on his brother's shoulders.
"We'll get her out safe and sound," Ren turns back to the address the rest of the team, "We'll be cutting it close with Ann and Yusuke out. Ryuji, Makoto, Morgana, and I will lead the charge. Does everyone approve?"
Approval was heard around the table. The second part of their plan was in motion.
Ann was packing up supplies on Carmen before being helped up on the saddle.
"Please be careful out there Ann, I don't wanna lose you," Ryuji offered a small pat on her knee. He was still feeling a bit unwell in his leg when he woke up. He understands Ren's reasoning, but he still gets nervous when they split up.
"I'll be fine Ryuji. I think I'm becoming a pretty good shot. Yusuke will also keep me company."
Ryuji draws his attention to the artist on his own horse, "And you, if she comes back hurt—"
"Hold your threats, they're meaningless. Unlike you, I'll make sure to watch her back not her backside."
Ann laughed at the two banter, "Come on, we're wasting sunlight. We'll be back in a few days."
Ryuji grumbles but waves goodbye. Standing there until the two disappeared from the dirt road, "Good luck, we're all going to need it."
After breakfast, Ren tried to force himself to stay awake. Going over news clippings from the daily paper. They were raving on and on about this Shido guy for an upcoming election. The name popped up a few times he recalls but never pursued it.
It was here that Kasumi found him dozing.
"Perhaps you should get some rest, Ren. Your friend told me you stayed up quite late."
Rubbing his face, he tried to wipe the sleep out, "Its midday, I'll sleep when it gets darker," arguing back.
She reached out her hand to touch his, only for Ren to rescind his own had closer to his body. Kasumi tried to not let the hurt show on her face.
"I…..appreciate you letting us stay here for so long. But its time I—we got to move on. We don't wanna bring any further trouble."
"You're not trouble Ren, I've already told you."
"Kasumi, your life and mines are different, it took me some time but I've learned to move forward. I have to move forward. And I don't mean to be rude, but I would like to get back to work. I'm sure you have your own matters to attend to then worry about me." Ren was focused, exhausted, and stressed. All he wanted to be at this moment was alone.
Kasumi did leave on her own a moment later, leaving Ren by himself head in his hands. He news to remind himself what this is all for, he needs to focus. He is so close, he could feel it. But once this revenge was done, would it all really be worth it?"
The sun was going down when he was shaken awake. Eyes blurry to the face in front of him, blonde hair was the first indicator that it was Ryuji.
"Finally waking up it seems. I wanted to wake you up earlier, but Makoto recommends we let you rest."
Ren sat up groggily cracking his neck, "What time is it?"
"Half-past 6, pipsqueak suggested going for some drinks. Get a little loose, come on." He taps the leader urging him to move faster. He probably should grab something to nibble on before drinking. When was the last time he ate something today?
Nevertheless, Ren grabs an apple on their way to the stables. Each grabbing the reins to their own horses.
"Hey Arsene, how have they've been treating you?" The mare neighed back letting his owner get a few pats in, "Let's go stretch those legs."
The three rode to a local pub in the middle of town, a decent establishment with mix clientele. They took a table near the back ordering drinks. Beer for Ryuji, Ren stuck with his whiskey, while Morgana found appeal in Ale. Though Ren always advises he shouldn't drink to much.
"So what exactly are our plans after we deal with Okumura?" Ryuji whispered softly to the other men around him. The loud chatter of other tables drowns out their conversation.
"We go after the man in charge, Okumura is already a part of his inner circle, there can't be much left to go. If we can get a location out of him about Samuel, we immediately start making our way over."
"But what about Lady Ann and Yusuke?"
"I gave them a meetup spot in case we've already left the Yoshizawa estate after a certain date."
"And your certain the person they're chasing isn't to much for them?"
"The man didn't even stand up to Okumura and resigned, I also have faith in those two to look after one another. They can handle a gunfight." Ren took a sip of his drink when the sound of glass breaking could be heard at the bar.
"Is that all you serve just lousy cheap beer! I'll have you know my father won't…..wo;t stand for this." A man drunkenly says at the bar.
"Hey isn't that…" Morgana eyed the man closer as he was causing a scene.
"You know him, Morgana?" The elder Amamiya asked. The man in question was wearing a gaudy suit, much fancier than what most people in here were wearing.
".….yeah that bastards Haru's Fiancee!"
The owner was getting tired of his complaints, cutting him off of their supply before throwing him out back in the alleyway.
"How DARE you, I'll have my father shut—gurp." Sugimura vomited up the contents in his stomach on the ground.
"You don't look to well there buddy," Looking up he sees three unknown men wearing a bandanna on their faces.
"W-wait don't hurt me. Do you want money? I got lots of money," He tried to plead. It was dark in the alleyway behind the pub as the street lamps faced closer to the road.
Ren had crouch down to Sugimura's face level, te man was easily intimidated. He felt sorry Haru had to deal with this man.
"We're not looking for money, we want something else instead." Reaching out to straighten the man's tie, Ren got back up, a smirk hiding behind the mask.
"Fellas, why don't we take the nice young man home…."
A/N And the OKUMURA finale is next chapter. The telegraph information was hard to find information on that can be confusing. They didn't really have a drinking age back then so if Morgana wants to drink, let him drink. Ren's frustration was also showing a bit, he's usually cool and compose but its becoming frustrating. I'm excited for next chapter, I hope you are too. I also hope you all enjoy the drawing. Please also check out their page, they're an AMAZING artist. Thank you once again the art looks FANTASTIC.