Chapter 21

Awaken Kiwami 極 [Part 2]

Commissioner Murakata scratched his chin pensively, mulling over how best to proceed with this meeting. Across from him was Konikazu Okumura, appearing as unflappable as ever, his daughter Haru, sitting dutifully with her hands folded in her lap, though seemingly just staring into space, and her fiancé Daigo Sugiwara, who sat up straight with his arms folded. His eyes travelled between Murakata, Okumura, Haru, and the window outside the office building Konikazu was currently working out of. Kamurocho at least, much to Murakata's comfort, seemed sleepy and quiet this morning, though it apparently was still more interesting to Sugiwara than the conversation Konikazu and Murakata were having.

Okumura-san needlessly adjusted the sleeves of his unfathomably expensive jacket, as he had many times this conversation out of discomfort, awkwardness regarding the subject matter, or both. "Last night's events were deeply troubling, Commissioner," he spoke still eloquently and precisely. "My daughter and her fiancé are both greatly troubled by the events, even with the added security you have graciously provided."

"I assure you, Okumura-san, we are just as concerned regarding the increased gang violence in the area as you three are. The delicate nature and timing of these events have prevented us from acting as effectively as we would have intended, though I assure you that we are mobilizing greater countermeasures to curb this madness as we speak."

"And I appreciate that greatly," Okumura spoke with faux ardentness. "However, my daughter and Sugiwara-kun will be marrying soon, Commissioner. Given that, I had intended to bring them more into the public eye in my campaign proceedings. That notion does seem less wise now though, given the barbaric slaughtering of that innocent young man last night. He was even younger than Sugiwara here, Murakata-san."

"Are you suggesting that we divert more officers to your protection, sir?"

"I am far more concerned with your aforementioned countermeasures, Commissioner."

"As am I," Sugiwara spoke up, pursing his lips indignantly. "Pardon my crassness, but I would not wish to see my bride-to-be wind up on the morning news for anything more imperative than the wedding proceedings."

"I am already collaborating with external forces, Sugiwara-kun," Murakata replied plainly. "These countermeasures I speak of involve cracking down on known Sakura Clan affiliates such as informants and arresting them promptly, even those who are only on record as having previous affiliations."

"Why have you not already arrested them?" Okumura asked.

"Okumura-san, you are a politician. Surely you understand the political balancing act we officers of the law must play with the yakuza in this day and age. Were it my decision entirely, I'd have Sojiro Sakura serving life with his own rivals as we speak. But the public has historically been far more mixed regarding the yakuza, especially Sakura and his cohorts. We have attempted to approach this matter delicately, but the time for that has passed. We will also be mobilizing the police to the greater Tokyo area beyond Kamurocho to ensure that new threats will be caught before they can do any more damage to our district."

Okumura nodded slowly. Haru looked off to the side, away from Sugiwara. She guessed she was the only one who noticed him leering at her chest. "I would like a copy of any new plans you are preparing, Commissioner," said Okumura. "And if you allow, I will publicly make known my support of these plans at my next press conference. Our combined efforts will show all Japan that both the law and legislation are united in this conflict."

"I will have them sent to you at their earliest availability, Okumura-san. Your endorsement can only bolster our efforts."

"Thank you. And I'm sure my daughter is of the same mind. Right, Haru?"

"Of course, Father."

"Excellent. Her first speech is scheduled for later this week, so this will give her even more to talk about, and put her in better standing with the public."

"Another important step in our crusade," Murakata nodded to Haru. She shuffled her feet as she bowed her head in return. "If that concludes our business, I have already arranged a police escort to take you back to your hotel."

"Thank you very much, Commissioner. We all rest easy knowing our guardians stand strongly on the side of justice."

"As we always have, and always will," the older men smiled at each other much like businessmen closing a deal. "Be safe on your return to your hotel."

The three of them excused themselves with respectful bows, making their way back to the entrance. Konikazu was called aside to speak with the police officer leading the escort, leaving Haru alone with Daigo as they waited for their vehicle and escort to be organized for departure. Only a moment after they were left alone, she could feel him leering at her more, inspecting her, criticizing her with his eyes.

"Have you had any breakfast, my dear?" he asked casually.

Haru knew exactly why he was presenting this question though. "I had an omelet and some fruit," she replied without looking at him. "That was all. I didn't have time for much else."

"Well, at least it wasn't sweets," Daigo replied flippantly. "Though perhaps you're just naturally inclined toward your weight distribution, seeing as how nothing has seemed to work to make you slim down."

Haru's nose crinkled in disgust at his comment. She wanted to slap him, as any other woman would be more than rightful to do. But she was under the watch of the public, and more than that, her father. Such an act would be catastrophically costly to their image, and to Konikazu's impression of her as an "Okumura daughter". Therefore, she surmised with resentment, Haru was trapped, unable to do much at all about her fiancé's cajoling. "I'd be pleased for you to not speak about my weight, Daigo," she said through clenched teeth, restraining herself from slapping some sense into him. "You've done enough of that already. And before you say it, no. I will not have any problems fitting into my wedding dress."

"For god's sake, Haru," Daigo rubbed his eyes annoyedly, "I am simply looking out for your health and beauty! Do not think you're the only one here with an image to uphold."

"And do you ever hear me commenting about your image?" Haru finally looked him in the eyes, making damn sure he knew how angered she was with not but her gaze. "Every day, you find another way to tell me you think I'm fat. Am I not allowed to be upset by that?"

There was a flash of anger in Daigo's eyes, far more menacing than the airs Haru was putting up. Her stern expression was stunted, softened by it, as for a moment, she was afraid he would strike her himself, given how he looked down at her. "In my opinion?" he asked in a lowered, slowed voice. "No. No, you are not."

"And why is that?"

"Because, as I said and have said so many times before, my dear, you and I have an image to uphold. And your every jiggling step insults both your father's family name and that of mine."

"How dare you?" she recoiled at his heinous comment.

"You don't want me to comment on your weight anymore? Then lose it. Quickly. I would be remised to allow some hedonistic hog into my family, and you father would be just as ashamed to walk something like that down the aisle."

Before Haru could fully prepare herself to slap Daigo as hard as she could, she was quickly whisked away by Konikazu and the armed police escort. Daigo seemed not at all phased by the verbal altercation, sitting in the limousine like nothing at all had happened, but Haru was now only more trapped, further unable to defend herself at all from her fiancé's detestable views of her. A future husband is supposed to be loving, she thought. Kind, supportive, one I would wish to spend the rest of my life with. Every girl knows that. I should be jumping with joy at having found the man who will love me and walk at my side forever, but I'm stuck with this cretin instead.

Oh, Father, she looked to Konikazu with a silent plea in her eyes, seeing only that he was dialing the number of his secretary on the car phone, completely oblivious to her pain. Why am I to marry this man? Why do you force me? Why does my name condemn me to this, and you don't care at all? How can you possibly be blind to my feelings? To how he treats me.

Father, I thought you loved me…

Tears stung her eyes, but she held them back, focusing her attention at the world outside her window. The filthy, crime-ridden streets of Kamurocho, which she ironically found to be a greater comfort than looking at her fiancé or father now. And that thought only hurt her more, but she withheld the tears, every one that burned behind her eyes and every cry stuck in her throat.

Just like a good Okumura daughter.

"Hey, Ma'am?" Kenjiro asked her, bringing Sae back to the real world. "Is everything alright?"

"Yeah, yeah…" Sae rubbed her eyes, trying to keep herself from falling asleep right on the top of her desk. "Sorry, I'm not all there today, I guess."

"I'm not blaming you," Ken replied. "Can't imagine what it's like having to be on the front line of this mess. I was just coming by to say that your report has been submitted for review. The commissioner, however, is currently out on business with Okumura-san and will be back in a couple hours."

Sae's hands travelled from her stinging eyes to her pounding head. Having gotten next to no sleep last night even while being spared the reports and interrogations due to stress, she truly felt like she was ready to pass out standing up her entire way to the precinct that morning, and that her office chair was far comfier than it ever had been before. "And here I was, about to ask if I could go home early," she groaned. "I thought fighting for war on the side of justice was supposed to be glorious or some shit, like in the movies."

"Do you really mean that, Ma'am?"

"Absolutely not," she shook her head, standing up so as to keep herself from falling asleep. "The only glory to be found in war is saved for those with enough influence and public image to sway the common people's perception of the conflict, Ken. Everyone else can at best hope for a medal and some payment. But we're not fighting for medals or payment," she turned to him, not caring that he saw how bloodshot her eyes were. "We're fighting for justice, for the people. That's why I'm here, and you're here."

"I agree, Ma'am. But still, even the most hardened of soldiers need to take a break every once in a while. Is there anything further I can do for you?"

Sae smiled, not even having enough strength to chuckle. "I'm glad we have someone like you here, Ken. You hardly see anyone who just wants to help out when there's no great prize involved."

"I became a police officer for justice and to protect the peace, Ma'am. That's the only reward I need."

"Then you're a representative of a dying breed, I think. Even Murakata thinks the same."

"All the more reason to stick at the police's side, no matter what happens."

Sae nodded, leaning against her desk with arms crossed, looking out the window pensively. "Hopefully your attitude will rub off on enough people to see this war through, Ken."

"I could say the same of you, Ma'am."

There was a knock at her office's door, and lo and behold, it was Tanimura. "Hey, guys?" he poked his head in.

"What is it, Tanimura?" asked Sae.

"I think you're going to want to see the TV, Sae. And, uh, sorry in advance."

"Jesus Christ," Sae sighed, preparing for the worst as they made their way to the lobby.

On the television overhead was the news channel as usual, and a middle-aged male reporter was making a statement. "The developing story of the hour centers on what eyewitnesses believe to be an escalating gang conflict at the old Magister's Casino off Interstate 64. Witnesses claim that an ongoing congregation of yakuza appear to be raiding the abandoned casino, and authorities advise all nearby residents to stay indoors until the situation can be contained."

Sae thought of Akira. She then punched the wall beside her.

"MOTHER FUCKER!" she shouted, storming off to get her jacket.

Hamura and his goons charged forward toward Yagami, Kaito, and Akira. While two yakuza attempted to subdue Akira, he got one's arm in a hold and knocked him to the ground before grabbing hold of the other man's throat and smashing their heads together to knock them out. Within the small room developed a chaotic pogrom as Ann and Makoto untied Ryuji, Yusuke and Mishima while being defended by the other three. Strong and elegant martial arts from Akira and Yagami devolved to wild flailing and blows, much like Kaito's furious street brawling style.

When the boys were untied, Hamura and Akira met each other's gaze, that promised "ass kicking" about to begin. Hamura's style was much like that of a boxer, but Akira was not going to give him enough time to set up his stance. Instead, he charged forward, grabbed Hamura by the head and flung his body through the door. With wild abandon, they traded blows, with Hamura even being surprised by Akira's recklessness. The blue flaming aura around him grew brighter as he pressured Hamura toward the other wall.

The older man threw up his guard out of reflexive desperation, and for a moment, there was no punch nor impact. At the time he internalized this, thinking about how to counterattack, Hamura's face was grabbed from between his arms, and he could no longer see. Akira rolled his wrist, twisting Hamura's face and dazing him before pulling him toward him, bringing his knee into the man's gut. Still holding his face, Akira kicked Hamura's legs out from under him and slammed his head into the ground before stomping on it. Blood poured from Hamura's mouth and nose, and he was unable to move, only groan in pain as his vision became blurry, all colors around him tinted in strange ways.

"You son of a bitch!" a yakuza cried out from behind Akira, charging him. He spun around, grabbed the man by the throat during his knockout punch and slammed his face into the wall. After truly knocking him unconscious with an elbow to the back of the head, Akira stood amidst the destitute pile motionless, not even noticing the blue flames emanating from him anymore.

The pogrom continued in the other room, though his friends seemed to have taken control of the situation. What finally did catch Akira's attention amidst the many blows was Makoto grabbing Kaneshiro by the collar, with him seemingly coming back to his senses just to spit in her face and laugh.

Ryuji and Yusuke knocked out the final yakuza with coordinated punches and kicks, with the former pumping his fist in the air in victory and the latter doubling over out of breath, wiping sweat from his forehead. Akira stood beside them, his flames finally going out as he stood in the middle of the room for all to see.

"What the hell was that?" asked Yagami.

"I don't know if I'll ever get used to that," said Ryuji. "Even though it's cool as shit."

Ann then stood at Akira's side. Their gazes met, and he seemed to be in something of a daze. His eyes were vacant, half-lidded and tired. "Are you alright?" she asked him quietly.

Slowly, he nodded, though she noticed his breathing become heavier. "I'm fine," he said flatly. "Just tired, is all."

"Are you burned? Is anything hurt?"

"Not that I can tell."

"You people are crazy," Mishima remarked. "Hanging out with you is terrifying, but kind of fun!"

Yusuke rubbed his temple. "That's one way to put it."

There was the sound of slapping flesh, and Makoto had just punched Kaneshiro across the already bruised cheek. She would not even try to hoist up his flabby, fat form, instead deigning to pin him to the ground with her knee digging into his shoulder. "Tell me," she glowered at him, "have you taken too many drugs to remember twelve years ago?"

"Why the hell do you wanna know, bitch?"

"Because I think you killed my father, you fat bastard," she nearly snarled.

"Honey, I've killed a lot of men. Can you give me more details than that?"

"You ran him over with a truck!"

Yagami came up behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Kid," he said in a calm voice, "we've won. We can deal with this the proper way back—"

"NO!" she whirled her back to look at him, her eyes alight with anger. "I've waited so long for this. I'll have my answers before anything else can happen to him!" Makoto turned back to Kaneshiro. "You ran over Officer Niijima of the Tokyo Police Department with a truck on April 24th, 1976," she sneered. "Why!? What did he do to you that prompted you to kill him!?"

"And why the hell do you care, bitch?"

Makoto's eyes shot open wide, and she punched him once again with all her might. Blood dripped from the side of his bruised mouth; his lip having been busted open. "Makoto!" Ann shouted to her friend, but she did not answer.

Makoto pulled him in closer, baring her teeth in fury, her ears starting to ring. "Because he was my father," she said. "And you took him from me."

Kaneshiro burst out laughing, guffawing as Makoto grew angrier. "That was your father!?" he exclaimed. "You came all this way, after all this time, for revenge!?"

Akira recognized this situation in a way that made his eyes twitch, his head pound. The fury in her voice, her eyes, all familiar to him. He reached out, about to tell her that this was not worth it, that she did not need this, when Makoto stood up, letting go of Kaneshiro. "To put you behind bars," she said darkly. "I will never become like you, scum. I just wanted to be the one to turn you in, for my family's sake."

Akira backed off, looking away.

"Well, aren't you a fucking saint," said Kaneshiro. "Not like your dad, anyway."

"What?"

"Your dad was a murderer, kid! You got any idea how many people he killed in his career? He and all his boys were ruthless! They were a fucking kill squad at the end, and that's why I took the liberty of taking him down, avenging everything they took from us!"

Makoto's fist clenched once again; her nostrils flared, her breathing sharpened. "Hey, Makoto," Ann touched her arm. "I think we should go."

Makoto did not answer, but Ann did notice tears in her eyes, falling down her reddening cheeks.

Kaneshiro laughed once again. "Guess they didn't tell you that one at the memorial, huh?"

Makoto flinched, but Akira grabbed her shoulder from behind her. "Wait," he commanded her.

"Don't tell me what to do," she snapped back, practically hissing the words.

"You said you want him behind bars, right? That's all we need. You've done your part."

"He knows something. He admitted he killed my father, and he laughed about it."

"And he'll be punished for it, Makoto. But you don't need to do that yourself. You caught him; that's all that matters. Your father would be proud."

Makoto shrugged his hand off her shoulder, which then fell as she became downcast. Slowly, she nodded. "You're right," she said. "This is enough. Father will have his justice."

"And that's all you both need," Akira nodded.

Kaneshiro chuckled to himself once again, but no one seemed to notice. Amidst the chaos they had endured that day, this moment seemed almost tender. Ryuji gave his friend a thumbs up, Ann nodded with a thankful smile, and Yusuke crossed his arms with a nod as well.

Then there was a tapping on the floor between them and Kaneshiro. Makoto looked downward, and there was a grenade canister at her feet. "GRENADE!"

Everyone dove backwards on reflex before there was a loud, sharp BANG. No one could hear anything except for the ringing in their ears. When the stun began to wear off, they realized that around them was billowing, acrid smoke. Everyone started coughing as they got back to their feet, and Makoto was the first to notice a tall blond woman in tactical armor helping up a dazed Kaneshiro.

"Sure took you're sweet time," Kaneshiro remarked sarcastically.

"Just walk," the woman commanded, sporting a Russian accent.

"Hey!" Makoto called out, as she was the first to rise to her feet, though still slumped over as the world around her seemed hazy, shifting and spinning incoherently. Kaneshiro and the woman turned to her for a moment as they tried to exit out the side entrance. "I don't know who you are," she scowled at the woman, "but I'm taking both of you down now – Ah, shit," she rubbed her eyes, trying to ignore the lingering stinging sensation.

The woman chuckled haughtily as she looked on the image of the dazed and confused young people struggling regain their senses. "Bold words for someone who can still barely see," she said. "You could have just stayed down and played dead." The woman then reached down to her leg and pulled a gun from her holster and aimed it at Makoto. "I don't have time to deal with you."

Makoto could swear that the woman before her, for just a flash, was her sister. Realizing what was happening, she could almost hear Sae bearing down on her, making every possible judgment of her life choices known as she had the last night she saw her. She had fucked up. Bad. And at none other than the moment of proving. The woman before her (was it Sae? She looked so much like Sae) narrowed her eyes, appearing entirely dispassionate as she pulled the trigger. Makoto braced herself; she closed her eyes reflexively as a gunshot rang out… and felt nothing.

Her eyes shot open, and before her was Mishima, arms spread out in defense of her. She gasped, covering her mouth.

"MISHIMA!" Akira shouted.

Mishima coughed in his throat. "Damn," he muttered. "That really hurts…"

He fell backward into Makoto's arms, going limp. A stain of blood began to soak his shirt from his midsection. "No, oh my god!" Makoto cried.

"Pfft, children," the woman remarked dismissively. "God, you all are so stupid." She raised up her gun again, ready to finish the job. Before anyone could react, there was another gunshot, but to everyone's surprise, especially Makoto, no one was dead. "What?"

The gun had been shot out of her hand from across the room. All present looked behind them and saw Sojiro pointing a nine-millimeter pistol at the woman's hand. He was obviously furious, but upon noticing the young man slumped over in Makoto's arms, became sullen. "Shit," he muttered, "I was a moment too late." He found his resolve once again and aimed the gun at the woman.

"Boss!" Kaito exclaimed.

"Come quietly, sweetheart, or that fingernail I just broke will only be the second worst thing to happen to you today."

She clicked her tongue, and Kaneshiro laughed, standing proudly as he caught Sojiro's attention. "What? Not even a hello, Boss?"

"You're lucky your brains are still in your skull, Kaneshiro. That's all I have to say to you. Now both of you can come with us quietly, or—"

"Shut up," the woman interrupted before throwing down another flashbang. Rushing out the other door with Kaneshiro, she started blindfiring to deter any pursuers, and they quickly escaped in the confusion.

The group was about to give chase until they heard a cacophony of thundering footsteps barreling toward them from the other door, and their options were suddenly limited. "Move!" Sojiro called out, leading them out the door behind them toward the entrance. Akira and Makoto helped Mishima to his feet and supported him as they joined the group.

"How bad is it?" Makoto asked him frantically.

"I think… it's getting worse," Mishima struggled to get out, "but I can still move my legs."

Their pursuers shouted taunts and curses from behind them as they followed Sojiro to reunite with Sakura Clan boys before sprinting as best they can, what with the dizziness from the grenades and Mishima's injuries. When they finally got to the entrance, Sojiro's men laid down covering fire to support their escape, with black, heavily tinted cars waiting for them outside.

"Get him in!" Sojiro commanded as they approached the largest, sturdiest car. "We'll patch him up on the way!"

"Where are we going?" asked Akira. "Back to LeBlanc?"

"Only for the night, then we're heading out of town. We're pushing the meeting of the patriarchs up so we can enact an offensive and defend my city. Events are moving quicker than ever, and we don't have time to sit on our hands anymore."

"You mean you don't," Akira snapped back. Sojiro only had the time to offer a stern glare before Akira continued angrily. "Our friend got shot because of your bullshit, Sojiro! We should've been on this a long time ago!"

Sojiro got in Akira's face, baring his teeth, though Akira did not move, instead staring him directly in the eyes. "Don't tell me how to fight my own war, boy! You don't understand nearly as much as you think you do!"

"Fine, screw it!" Akira threw his hands in the air. "Just make sure Mishima survives this, okay?!"

Before joining his friends in the car, Yagami grabbed him by the shoulder. "Look, kid, I'm gonna stay here and smooth things over with the cops. Don't worry, you and your friends will be safe, I promise."

"We'll handle it here, Kurusu," Kaito added. "Just make sure our hero is patched up."

"Thanks for everything, guys," Akira nodded. "We're counting on you."

Akira got in the vehicle with his friends, and Yagami turned to Kaito. "Uh, about that, man," he began.

"What is it, Tak?"

"I think I should take this one alone for now. I don't want you getting in trouble with the cops as well. Meet me back at my apartment later today, and we can go over things."

"That's probably a good idea. It'll give me time to catch up with the boys and figure out what the hell was going on… And to return Higashi's car."

Yagami nodded with a smirk. "We can compare who got more furious with us, Higashi or Niijima."

"Don't remind me."

As the young adults sped off, more cars came careening out of the backside of casino, speeding off down the other end of the highway. Makoto quickly and deftly applied first aid to Mishima with a kit stowed away in the back of the vehicle, managing to slow the bleeding but unable to remove the bullet. Mishima, for what it was worth, stayed calm through the entire painful process.

"Everyone's okay… right?" he said through heavy breaths.

Makoto was greatly surprised at his concern. "You're making sure we're alright? You took a bullet, Mishima!"

"I realized what was happening, and just kinda… moved. I'm sorry, Niijima."

"Don't be sorry," she shook her head, a light smile appearing on her face. "You have no idea how thankful I am. I'm just worried about you now, even though it seems to not be as bad as I expected. There's still no way I can patch you up completely though; Takemi will have to take it from here."

Akira lightly put a hand on their friend's shoulder. "You were amazing, man," he said. "You're a real hero."

Mishima smiled as well through the pain. "That means a lot… coming from you, Kurusu-san."

"Don't even think about it that way. Just try to rest."

In the spacious backseats of the van, everyone sat in relative silence as they made their way back to Kamurocho. They had travelled further than initially expected, with the drive taking just under thirty minutes while avoiding the main highways. Halfway to their destination, they witnessed a line of police cars speeding across the overpass above them, and Makoto's heart sank, thinking of how likely it was that her sister was in one of those vehicles. "I'm really starting to hate this city," she muttered.

Ann was sitting next to her, and wrapped her arm around her shoulders, pulling her into a hug which Makoto immediately accepted. "We're almost done," she reassured her. "We have to be. I think we're getting in a bit over our heads."

Akira then said, "Sojiro said they're going to have some sort of meeting with the patriarchs soon. Guess he's finally taking this shit seriously."

"It will likely be held at my family's estate," Yusuke added. "I assume they will be amassing a fighting force, and preparing an official declaration of war."

"And I thought things were exciting enough already," Ryuji remarked, rubbing his eyes. "But after the shit those Omi thugs tried on us today, I'm not about let a single one of them get away with all their teeth!" he cracked his knuckles with confident anger. "No one tries to hurt my friends and is still allowed to walk for the rests of their lives!"

Mishima chuckled, giving a thumbs up to Ryuji's enthusiasm before sputtering and coughing in pain. "Not a good idea," he whispered. "Not smart… hurts…"

Makoto chuckled as well, quietly but with a tender, genuine smile. "Your conviction is appreciated, Sakamoto. I just wish we all could have such strong resolve."

"You don't think you can!?" Ryuji shouted, his scowl turning to a cocky smile. "We may have gotten our asses kicked today, but we've got 'em on the run now! We'll get our men together, arrest that fat bastard for your dad's sake, and walk away from this shithole city as heroes! I'm staking my claim now: we're all gonna get out of this alive, and we're all gonna kick serious ass!"

"Hoorah!" shouted Ann with a wide grin.

"Our vengeance shall be complete and legendary!" Yusuke proclaimed.

"Hell yeah!" Akira added, pumping his fist. "We'll make your dad proud, Mako…" He trailed off, his gaze going distant and empty. Everyone then saw him go limp and faceplant into the headrest in front of him.

Shocked screams sounded off throughout the van, but upon inspection, Akira seemed only to have passed out. "I'll bet it's from the drugs," said Makoto. "His body probably just needs to sleep it off. We can get him some medicine from Takemi."

Ann shook her awkwardly, praying that her heartrate would reduce at some point so as not to burst out of her chest.

Whilst finishing a long smoke, Yagami had expected that seeing Sae exit her police car as the other team of officers fanned out to secure the area would not be exactly pleasant, but the outright fury in her eyes evident even from across the parking lot caused his stomach to sink, mentally bracing himself for the berating he was about to endure. She noticed him standing with Kaito as the rest of the Sakura Clan members had left to chase the Omi men out of the area, and her eyes flared up even more upon recognizing him.

"YAGAMI!" she shouted as she approached.

"Oh god," he muttered.

"What the hell are you doing here!? Are you involved in any of this!?"

"I was investigating," he deadpanned.

"Investigating what? Was this the Sakura Clan? Was Kurusu here?"

"Look, Niijima, a lot happened this morning, and I can fill you in, just not here."

"And why is that?" Sae grew more frustrated. "There was a goddamn shootout going on here a half hour ago, and I find you here in the aftermath looking like you got caught in an explosion!" Yagami examined himself, taking note of the soot, dirt, and bloodstains that covered his favorite jeans, shirt, and jacket. He then sniffed himself, smelling like hot garbage previously masked by the adrenaline rush and cigarette smoke. "Tell me what happened, Yagami."

"There was a shootout, yeah," he explained. "Omi thugs were held up in that casino but fled when the Sakura Clan came and broke down their door. I got in a fight as I was investigating, getting a tip from my contact in the Clan, and managed to escape amidst the chaos."

"Was Kurusu here? After everything we told him?"

"That's part of what I think I should explain privately."

"Then we'll go back to the station after I'm done setting up a crime scene."

"I was more thinking about my apartment tonight." Sae looked ready to kill the man. "That's not what I meant," he quickly corrected. "I mean it should be off the books."

"This is sounding very suspicious, Yagami."

"This whole shitshow is bad enough. You know I wouldn't just be pulling your tail for the hell of it, Niijima."

Another car then came to a screeching halt behind the line of police vehicles, catching Sae and Yagami's attention. Exiting the vehicle was Murakata, along with a tall man in his late thirties wearing a black business suit accompanied by two police officers in sunglasses that made them look more like bodyguards. Murakata seemed neutral in terms of expression, as he often was, though this new gentleman appeared extremely displeased with the situation as he approached Sae and Yagami. "You know him?" Yagami asked.

"I don't," she shook her head.

Murakata gave a wry smile as he approached them. "Quite the exciting start to the day, eh, Yagami?" he asked. "We really should start offering stronger coffee at the precinct, I think."

"Can we help you, sir?" Sae asked for Yagami. "The situation seems under control currently."

"That's exactly what we came to inspect, Niijima. We being myself, and the good Mitsuru Kuroiwa here," he motioned to the stern man beside him.

Without breaking his scowl, Kuroiwa bowed to the two officers before him respectfully. "I'm Lieutenant Kuroiwa," he introduced himself. "It's an honor to at last meet two of Kamurocho's finest. All of us in law enforcement have been greatly inspired by your actions as Noble Team."

"That's very kind of you to say, sir," Niijima bowed, as did Yagami. "May I inquire as to your business here?"

"I have been appointed to joint operational control of this Omi Alliance case, Niijima-san. Due in no small part to the Commissioner's generous recommendation," he glanced at the older man beside him. "On account of my new position, I took the opportunity to examine this new incident myself. I will be primarily handling arrest management and interrogation, and I was hoping to attain new sources of information myself here."

"Well, we can use all the hope we can get, Kuroiwa-san," said Sae. "It's getting harder to keep up with all these incidents on our own."

"That's why I am here. I will also be diverting any available forces from the penitentiary and nearby precincts to ease the load. The only way we will be able to contain these animals on this scale will be with joint operations." Kuroiwa looked to the casino behind them. "These degenerate parasites on society will learn the full power of the law soon enough. Mark my words, Noble." He then turned to Yagami. "You're Yagami-san, right?"

"That's right," Yagami said slowly.

"Will you be able to tell me what happened here?"

"A major shootout involving both the Sakura Clan and the Omi Alliance, sir. To my knowledge, no civilians were injured, although at least most members of both clans have fled the area."

"And you were here because?" Kuroiwa pressed.

"I was investigating allegations of drug trafficking in Kamurocho, sir. I tracked evidence I believed would lead me to the perpetrators that led me to this location shortly before the fight began."

"You're referring to the chase, correct? You didn't feel the need to call for backup? We could have intercepted them."

"They were already endangering civilians, sir. I was not about to cause a major shootout within a residential district. I knew that the precinct had already been alerted, so I focused on following the perpetrators without risking my cover."

Kuroiwa raised an eyebrow, but seemed to dismiss his claims. "We need everyone operating at maximum efficiency while maintaining their personal safety, Yagami," he said. "Do not put yourself in such rash positions ever again."

"Noted, sir."

Murakata sighed. "Well, might as well get this over with. Hopefully we'll have at least a few scumbags apprehended by lunch. How about you go back to the city, Yagami? Write up an official report on the incident from your perspective."

"Understood, sir."

"Right. Let's move, Niijima," he told her.

Yagami quickly whispered into her ear as she turned away, "My apartment, tonight." She hesitated for a moment, but slowly, she nodded. "See you." And with that, he left to pay for a ride back to the precinct from an officer he happened to know.

Sae repressed a long yawn as she followed Murakata and Kuroiwa, mentally preparing herself for the very long day ahead.

Yagami had better have something worth lying about. I don't want to have to arrest him too…

[Sorry about this chapter. I'm just trying to move things along as we reach the end of part two. Hopefully it was passable. Reviews are always appreciated, and thank you for reading.]