On a misty early morning, Sakurako is currently helping out her mother with cooking for breakfast. The menu of the day consists of rice, bacon, white eggs, and a vegetable mix of spinach and tomatoes with a side dish of peanuts. After cooking the slices of bacon and eggs, her mother told her to prepare the drinks and call her sisters. Sakurako then placed the drinks of milk on each chair before heading off to the living room to find Hanako and Nadeshiko watching the news on TV. It seems that they are already finished their uniforms' last touch, which is the clean, folded collar shirt.

"What is the news all about?" Sakurako asked.

"A stabbing incident against a member of the house representative," Nadeshiko replied. "Looks like someone hated him for one of his policies."

"Policies?" Sakurako asked.

"It's a way that the government wants or does not want to tackle a particular issue. It usually looks like a part of the law or regulation."

"I see," Sakurako then turned to the TV. "What was this policy about?"

"A policy that can let authorities access private media social accounts in order to spot future potential criminals," Hanako replied. "Even without our knowledge."

"Doesn't that allow the police to use people's accounts to bully or even blackmail them?"

"Wow, I didn't know you could think that far," Nadeshiko leaned her head back. "But yes, there's a huge possibility for that. I don't even agree with that policy either. We would feel insecure if that passes."

"I don't think that will be a problem," Sakurako replied flatly. "The house representative member already felt insecure after someone stabbed him in public."

Hanako stifles her chuckle, whereas Nadeshiko smiles and shakes her head at her. "Was that a joke?"

Sakurako guiltily shrugs. "Well, I tried."

Nadeshiko sighs, keeping her smile. "Aside from that, I'm sure they'll be voting on that policy after that incident, and the only people who can stop that policy are those who oppose that policy."

"I see," Sakurako nodded. "Breakfast is almost ready. Okaa-chan was calling for you."

"Alright," Nadeshiko responded as she stood up.

Suddenly, a chime rings out, coming from Sakurako's phone. Nadeshiko and Hanako went ahead to the kitchen as Sakurako checked her phone. It's apparently a message from Shiba. The blonde Oomuro opens the text message and reads the following:

"Morning Sakurako, just letting y know I got a job available for you this evening. A protection job, I should add. If you're up for it, let me know via message. We can talk about the details at my place."

Sakurako looks back at the news on TV. She takes herself a few seconds to consider the proposal and her plans for the evening. Realizing that she doesn't have anything to do in the evening, not even a little fun with Himawari, she writes back.

"Sure. I'll take this job. When do you want me to come?"

Sakurako pockets her phone and goes to the kitchen for breakfast, filling themselves with nutrition as they prepare to go to school.


16:00 PM.

Sakurako was a bit surprised to see George was not present for the day, though she was pretty thankful that the other doorman was more than happy to escort her to Shiba. Even most of Shiba's men were pretty contented with her presence now, knowing how punctual she is every time Shiba has a job for her. Along the way, the men exchanged greetings with her, especially the few men who looked pretty scary from the very beginning. She even overheard that some of them were saying good things about Sakurako, despite knowing she is intolerant against working as another run-down criminal that hurts people. Upon reaching the office, the doorman bids farewell before Sakurako enters, finding Shiba in her usual chair while Maru sits unprofessionally on her desk.

"Ah, welcome back, kid!" Maru then hopped off the desk. "You missed me?"

"Yes, Maru-san," Sakurako then turned to Shiba with a small smile. "Good evening, Shiba."

"You too, Sakurako," Shiba returned a warm smile. "I hope I didn't interrupt any of your plans for this evening."

"Don't worry. I have nothing to do for this evening," Sakurako replied as she scanned the room. "Where's George, by the way?"

"Oh, him?" Shiba raised an eyebrow. "Today is his day off."

"So he's having a vacation today?" Sakurako asked.

"Yep," Maru quickly replied. "I'm guessin' he's payin' a visit to the gym now. Gotta keep that body ripped, y'know what I mean?"

"I… guess so?" Sakurako hesitantly replied. "How was your trip to Papua New Guinea?"

"It was hot as a frying pan there, but I had a lot of fun," Maru paused as he smiled. "Aside from our transaction is as smooth as a feather, I've got a chance ta' meet with a lotta tribesmen there. They're even blacker than George."

Shiba rolls her eyes. "Wonder what happens if you said that in America."

"What were the tribesmen look like?" Sakurako curiously asked.

"Just like what we all imagine a tribesman look like," Maru replied. "But boy, their ritual dancing was so fun."

"I think I can imagine that," Sakurako then turned to Shiba. "Shiba-sensei. The job?"

"Right," Shiba then pulled out a document. "First, I want to ask. Did you see the news back in the morning?"

"I only saw the news about a house representative member getting stabbed because of a policy."

"Yes, that one," Shiba replied. "While the guy in the news supports that policy, this job comes from the member opposing that policy and wants you… to protect the guy supporting that policy."

Sakurako had already winced her eyes, staring blankly forward for a few seconds before looking straight at her. "I'm sorry, what?"

"Yeah, ya' heard it right," Maru shook his head, hands on his hip, and let out a spitting sigh. "That guy wants you to protect him."

"Why would I want to protect someone who wants to access people's private accounts?" Sakurako replied. "Shouldn't I shoot him instead?"

"Hey, look, I don't even like his policy, but not because I don't want him finding out what business I'm doing," Shiba replied. "But shooting him dead is not even ideal for everyone."

"Why not?" Sakurako asked back; her tone remained neutral. "I do not want anyone using my email for bad purposes without me knowing it."

"If you were to kill him, that only helps the supporting representatives strengthen their policy," Shiba then tilted her head and winced her eyes. "Gosh, I always thought you don't like killing people."

"I never said I wanted to kill him," Sakurako responded. "I just want to shoot him."

"That's still encouraging that policy, kid," Maru crossed his arms. "But I get where you goin' with this."

"Now, the reason why this opponent wants you to protect this supporter is that the only people who can stop that policy from being implemented are the opposing representatives themselves, which can be done through arguments and votes," Shiba explained. "If someone were to harm this supporter, more people, especially the police themselves, will begin supporting this policy to be made public. When this happens, there's nothing the opposing representatives can do except make more proposals and arguments to pull that policy, which may take more than a year."

"I see," Sakurako nodded. "But even with that, there are still more people outside authorities who don't like that idea, right?"

"Yes," Shiba blinked. "But the decision falls on the representative themselves."

"Okay," Sakurako then sat across her. "What do I need to know about the job?"

"The man you'll be protecting, Sakatomo Yoshinori Domo, wow, that's a mouthful…," Shiba trailed off a little as she gave her a look at the document. "Will be giving a speech in a small square downtown. From what this man gathered from his informants, a few people are not so happy with this Sakatomo guy and already paying someone to assassinate him. Just him."

"This Sakatomo is a controversial guy, even more, controversial than Joe Rogan," Maru added. "All I'm sayin' is that he talks a lot on lotta things and he gets a lotta hate most of the time. Abortion, LGBT, lax documentation, and whatever topics can get people pissed off just by uttering those topics."

"Did he say how many assassins I need to deal with?" the blonde leaned against the chair

"Less than five, possibly snipers," Shiba responded. "One of them could be on the ground, but it's unconfirmed. You won't be dealing with them up close and personal. However…."

"You want me to be a sniper?"

"That is right, my dearie," Shiba smiled. "But do not worry, Maru will be joining you on this mission."

"Hey, boss, d'ya mind if I tag that driver along?" Maru asked with a pointed thumb. "We could use a third pair of eyes out there."

"Sure, I'll let him know you need his help," Shiba then turned to the blonde, sliding aside the photo and the document. "Maru will provide you with the M21 Marksman Rifle for this job, and he will take you to the location. Now you people should get going. The speech is going to start at five o'clock."

"Got it, boss," Maru gave a thumb up as Sakurako stood up.

"Oh, and Maru?"

The two turn around, and Maru answers. "Yes, boss?"

"Try not to be reckless, alright? We don't want everyone knows Sakurako can do something like this."

"I'll keep that in mind, boss," Maru assured her before he and Sakurako left the office.

After the door closes, Shiba re-tidies the document and stores it on her desk. With a peaceful silence returning into her room, she grabs the fresh crackers from behind her and drags the tea that was set aside. She grabs one of the crackers and then dips it into the tea before eating it with enamored delight. She can rest all this evening with all the work done, including Sakurako's current contract.


16:47 PM. Downtown.

After the van has been parked at the available parking, Maru leads Sakurako and their driver through an alley. While the driver wears nothing but casual clothes and a cap, Sakurako has a grey parachute jacket with a hoodie to hide her face, while Maru wears an unzipped brown leather jacket and a white shirt. Maru is carrying a guitar case while Sakurako is carrying a backpack. Maru eventually leads them towards the square, where many people gather around. From they are standing, it seems a bit rowdy with all the audience and the press watching.

"That's plenty of people," Sakurako flatly commented.

"I wonder if they run in all directions if I shoot a bullet in the air," Maru stated his opinion.

"They'll be scared shitless, but that's not why we're here," the driver turned his head. "Where should we set up?"

"That apartment block," Maru pointed to the building on their left with his chin. "Let's go."

They quietly follow him down the sidewalk and eventually reach the building at the corner of an intersection. Entering the apartment block, there was no receptionist or landlord in sight, and it was enough for them to make their way upstairs. Of course, they were heading for the roof, and it was pretty easy for them to find the door access to that floor. There were no CCTVs in sight, so Sakurako was enough not to get paranoid. Although they were a bit uneasy with the silent atmosphere of the apartments but that may be because they bothered to attend the speech at the square.

When they reach the roof, it is as expected, and no one is on it. I mean, why would someone want to be here? Nevertheless, Sakurako and Maru immediately go to the edge of the roof while their driver shuts the door and jams it with a broom and a heavy box left next to the door. The roof's edges are fenced and have short walls, which are enough to help them concealed from the populace. Maru then opens up his guitar case as Sakurako unzips the bag and pours its content onto the ground.

Maru puts out two different rifles, one of which is the M21, while his weapon is the M110 Sniper System Rifle. Just by looking at the other rifle's magazine, she's surprised that the bullets used are the same as hers. The driver runs over toward them and scans the crowd, whereas Maru and Sakurako are adding attachments to their guns, particularly suppressors and scopes. Of course, Sakurako only handles the suppressors; she never attached scopes or optics before, so Maru doesn't mind teaching her a little.

Their driver scratches the back of his itchy head ferociously, combs over his messy hair, and then looks over to his wristwatch. "He should be here by now."

"Oh, where's that fat bastard?" Maru asked as he grit his teeth.

"Who? Sakatomo?" she asked without bothering to look at him.

"Yeah," Maru replied. Putting his rifle's barrel on the wall. "For a controversial asshole, I think this is the first time I've seen him lately."

"He could be warming up a little," the driver replied.

"What, Riko? For a speech?" Maru asked him. "I don't think that dude gonna need some papers to memorize."

"Well, I've been to a speech contest before," the driver replied. "You try speaking in front of many people without having to a stutter a word is goddamned agonizing. Even improvising words are the suck."

"Kinda sounds like something that boss would do."

"She's a negotiator, yes. But I don't think she's keen on doing a speech at this level. I think her parents can do a better job at that."

Sakurako continued to stare at the crowd when she caught a glance at something and immediately placed her rifle. "He's here."

Maru quickly aims his rifle at the stage podium while Riko uses his small binoculars. Surprisingly, there was their VIP with a disheveled formal suit but a proper thin dark grey haircut. They watched him fixing his tie a little before placing a small paper on the podium. At first, he smiles at the crowd, eventually greeting and rallying the people before he quiets them down. Then he gives his speech.

"My dear, loyal citizens of Takaoka, on behalf of the house representatives of Takaoka and my own behalf, it is indeed a great pleasure for me today to address you on the issue of the need on a sensitive issue. That is to combat potential crimes in the future for the peace and prosperity of our city and her people…."

As the speech continues, Maru gets off the scope. "How long d'ya reckon he'll be giving this speech?"

"Five, maybe ten minutes tops," Riko looked off into another direction. "It could be longer than that."

"Let's hope he finishes his speech much quicker than that," Sakurako replied.

"Yeah," Maru replied. "I'm watching over the right."

"I'll watch the crowd," Sakurako volunteered.

"I'll watch the left side," Riko volunteered.

After a minute of watching and suffering Sakatomo's speech, something clicks in Sakurako's mind. And she realizes that she may forget something important.

"Did Shiba mention to you where the snipers might be?" she asked.

She waits for a response for a second, but when she doesn't get any answer, she turns to look at Maru, who merely shrugs. Her eyes eventually turn empty, and she looks back through her scope. Another difficulty she has to deal with. She didn't complain, though, and scans throughout the crowd and then to the buildings surrounding the square. Nothing is still amiss-

"Guys, got something."

Sakurako quickly turns at Riko. "Sniper?"

"Brown building on the left. Next to the stage. See the barrel?"

Sakurako and Maru veer their rifles toward the left side. "Which floor?" Maru asked.

"Third floor."

Following his direction, Sakurako was the first that caught the sight of the barrel protruding out of a window, alongside his fingers as well. Maru soon catches sight of the barrel as well and stands up.

"I'll clap him," Maru assured. "You guys stay here."

"'Kay, bro," Riko responded.

Maru steps away from the edge and runs over to the right end of the roof. He then sets his M110 there and aims back at the said sniper. Sakurako looks back through her scope and watches the barrel. Not soon after, she heard a soft shot and saw the barrel suddenly retreats from the window. She looks over to the crowd and the VIP; looks like they aren't alarmed yet. Sakurako gets off the scope and looks at Maru, who's giving a thumbs up in the air.

"That's one," Riko stated. "Let's see if there's more."

Sakurako then scans the buildings across and on the right side. To keep listening to the representative's speech while tentatively searching for a target she might miss is terribly a nerve-wracking experience. Honestly, she would rather be under fire now since these re-scanning is starting to make her feel bored. However, she reminds herself of one particular line that Himawari had told her long ago.

"You need to be patient on these things, Sakurako. It is a virtue for a mature woman."

So she holds back her rush and scans the last column of windows of the grey apartment building. That's when she spots something.

"Riko-san."

"Hmm?"

"Is that the sniper?"

"Where?"

"Grey building. Fifth Floor."

Riko quickly turns his binoculars at what she's aiming. After he looked at the window, Sakurako pointed it out, and he scanned the suspected person for a moment. There's a barrel jolting a little out the window, but whoever the person using the gun is hard to look at with all the shades over him.

"Yep, that's a sniper," Riko confirmed. "Do you think you can make the shot?"

"Yes," Sakurako responded. "I can make the shot."

"Then fire when ready."

Sakurako winces her eyes even using through the scope. She raises the scope just above where she assumed the sniper's neck is. Gradually, she squeezes the trigger and pauses for a moment. When she's confident it will hit him, she clicks the trigger.

*PSSHHT* *DAG-DUG*

For a suppressed marksman rifle, it's still loud for her ear, but she saw the sniper immediately fall back into the room alongside his weapon.

"He's down," Riko replied. "Good shot. You got him in the chest."

"Oh, you saw that?"

"Yeah," Riko nodded. "I got good eyes on that, kid. Let's keep looking for another."

They then continue their scanning, at which Sakurako decides to look back on the crowd. If there's one thing that made her worried, is that there's no way of making sure their targets are still on the ground. But with the jolt she had felt within her chest, she decided to ignore that thought and worry for later. She veers her aim to the right, watching over the road and the sidewalk as she identifies for any possibility of hostile action.

*PSSHHT*

Another silent shot rang out, and she turned to see Maru was the one who took it. He, in turn, gives a thumbs-up back at them. Sakurako nods and returns to her scope, noticing at least a dozen people turns their heads at the foreign noise drowned in Sakatomo's speech. Thankfully, those people eventually focus back on the speaker. Satisfied that they went unnoticed, Sakurako then aims her rifle towards the building across them agai-

*THWANG*

Sakurako and Riko were forced to cover as a speck of dust jumped off the wall. They weren't expecting this sudden development. Maru at the far edge had ducked as well after hearing that ricochet.

"Shit!" Riko swore, cautiously peeking out. "That was close!"

Sakurako puts a hand on her chest to calm her fright. "Crap. Now he knows we're here."

Maru peeks out for a second before he hollers loud enough only for them to hear. "Where'd that come from?"

"I don't know!" Riko was about to peek out when another shot hit their cover. "Kuso! I think that came from across us!"

"We need to take that guy out!" Maru exclaimed. "Sakurako, let's find that bastard!"

"Okay!" Sakurako aimed, then ducked after an incoming fire. "Crap!"

"You two change place!" Maru ordered. "I'll draw his fire! Go!"

Maru immediately peeked out, just enough to distract the sniper off them as Sakurako and Riko moved away and repositioned at the center of the roof. After a shot hits Maru's cover, he immediately repositioned into the far left side of Sakurako's previous position. Due to this, there was a pause on the enemy sniper's side, and it was enough for Riko and Sakurako to scan those buildings.

Riko immediately speaks up while using the binoculars. "Found the sucker! Second building from the left! Sixth floor! Third window from the left!"

Sakurako aims as directed and immediately finds the sniper. Unfortunately, the sniper also spots them. "Get down!"

*THWANG*

As they duck, Maru returns the shot. Nevertheless, he gritted his teeth with aggravation. "Dammit, missed 'im!"

Sakurako and Riko immediately aim back at that window but find him gone. "Where is he?" Sakurako yelled.

"He's on the move!" Maru responded. "He's running to the right!"

"Right!" Riko repeated. "Sakurako, check the other floors! He's bound to shoot again!"

Sakurako immediately aims her scope onto the floor above but finds nothing. Then, she runs her scope onto the floor below, yet there's no one on the fifth floor. She then moves to the next floor below. Scanning the windows from the right, she found the sniper on the fourth window. To her disdain, the sniper also aimed at her. The thought of him shooting him firsthand had made her pull the trigger quickly, and as it happens, the sniper also does the same at such a simultaneous time.

*CHAK* "AGH!"

Sakurako is startled, but she wasn't the one who got shot. The sudden yelp came from Riko, who fell onto the ground and clutched his back arm. Sakurako looks back to see she missed, and the sniper immediately made a run to another window.

"Crap! You okay, Riko?!" Maru immediately blurted.

"I'm fine! My arm's scratched," Riko grunted and turned at Sakurako. "Change position, kid."

"Sakurako, take my place!" Maru ordered; he and Sakurako quickly exchanged positions. Now, Sakurako is directly in front of the target building.

"Did you see where he ran to?" Maru asked Sakurako.

"I think he went to the left."

"Got it," Maru aimed at that floor. "Riko, you should patch up that arm."

"I'm fine!" Riko insisted as he got up and used his binoculars. "Wanna make sure you give that ass a run to his grave."

"I'm checking the floors below. Riko, watch the fourth and fifth," Maru ordered. "Sakurako, check everything above the fifth floor."

Sakurako merely nodded. This was already tough, tougher than spraying bullets in the general direction. Her other eye can see that the crowd keeps turning their heads, yet the speaker remains unaware. If this goes on, it will cause a panic. Relentlessly, she scans the entirety of the six floors with precise deliberation and confirms he isn't in those windows. Realizing she was taking too much time scanning, she opted to scan the next floor just by glancing at him.

Starting her scan from the right, she immediately breezes her aim until she immediately catches a glance at a barrel and its miniscule shadow. She finally found it in the sixth window, and it appears he's aiming for Maru, but not for long. Sakurako takes a quick deep breath as she makes firm on her aim, then she breathes out before pulling the trigger.

*PWSHHHTT* *DAG-DUG*

Then the sniper fell, disappearing from the window entirely. Sakurako then turns at Maru and gives him a nod.

Maru simply smiles. "Great job, kid. One less sniper to worry about."

Sakurako was about to scan again when Riko immediately intervened. "Wait. Huh, just in time."

They both look over to the square to understand what he referred to. To their satisfaction, Mr. Sakatomo has finished with his speech. He makes his way off the stage now and is escorted by his secretary and security.

"Looks like he's leaving," Riko stated. "Let's make sure he's in his car before we leave."

"I got ya'," Maru agreed, aiming and scanning the crowd now.

Sakurako does the same with her rifle, carefully making sure her finger is off the trigger so as to not shoot innocent people. As she trails over the leaving speaker, she notices a suspicious movement within the crowd being the left side of Sakatomo. A woman is making her way through the crowd to reach the VIP. She doesn't seem dangerous, but….

"Maru, there's a woman moving through the crowd," Sakurako remarked.

Maru adjusts his aim. "The beauty with the long black hair?"

"That one. Do you think she's dangerous?"

"Only one way to find out."

Maru and Sakurako zeroed in on the woman, calmly waiting 'till the woman could come out from the rest of the crowd. When the woman reaches the edge, she seems to look around her momentarily before focusing on the VIP. Sakurako manages to see an angry glare on the woman, and before she knows it, the woman goes into a sprint at the representative, whose back faces her. Soon, her knife raised in the air.

*PWSHHHTT*

The woman was suddenly shot in her right waist, screaming as she fell and put pressure on her bloody waist while the knife was thrown from her grip. In an instant, the entire crowd is terrified, and Sakatomo himself is so spooked that he drags his secretary into the car before his personal security drives them away. Some of the crowds dispersed, and some still remained; a couple of officers were thankfully present to subdue the wounded woman. Now that the VIP had left the scene, Sakurako put away her rifle and looked over at Maru.

He gives the nod. "Alright, guys. Time to get the hell out of here. Let's pack it up."

Maru and Sakurako immediately disassemble the attachments of their rifles as the driver keep watch of the situation. Once the rifles are in the guitar case and the mags alongside the attachments in the bag, they quickly scramble for the door and leave the roof. They are still more than glad that no one happened or noticed the gunshots they were making up there. Stepping out of the apartment building, they walk faster out of the square and enter their parked van. They immediately drive out of the lot and leave the scene. Not one ever noticed that they were the ones helping behind the scene of this incident.


One hour later.

Nothing is more annoying than getting called into the scene while it's clear she's feeling so exhausted from yesterday. Sumida steps out of the car, wearing her jacket on this cold evening. Of course, she is not feeling so keen to be outside during this time since she knows it will be December next month. No snow had fallen yet, but had wished she didn't forget her scarf. Nevertheless, she enters the crime scene as a couple of officers allow her access through the yellow line.

She then sees her female partner, who notices her and salutes. "Detective Oharu-san."

"Hey," Sumida casually greeted back. "What'cha got for me?"

The female officer then leads her into the square. "Attempted assassination on house representative Sakatomo-san. That woman suspect over there…."

Sumida looks over to the wounded woman hauled into an ambulance, escorted by a few officers. "She attempted to stab Sakatomo from the back before getting shot in the waist."

"His personal security shot her?" Sumida asked.

"No. He doesn't even own a gun," the female officer stopped. Now, they stand in the middle of the square. "Actually, there were four other snipers before that one."

Sumida winces her eyes and glares with incredulity. "Where'd that come from?"

"Well, we just scoured the buildings surrounding this square, and we found four dead snipers in four different buildings."

"Gee," Sumida raised her eyebrows. "Kinda saying something when a lot of people wants that loudmouth dead. Wasn't he giving a speech about us authorities accessing private information without any consent?"

"He was," the officer replied. "It's kinda surprising he survived that, given what happened yesterday on the other representative."

"Yeah," Sumida agreed with a nod. "How did the snipers die?"

"They were shot," the police officer replied. "It seems we have a fifth sniper unaccounted for, given the size of holes on their bodies."

"Hmm?" Sumida raised a curious eyebrow. "Do you know where they shoot from?"

"That building behind you," the officer pointed as Sumida turned. "We found six bullet casings on the rooftop. One of the co-workers immediately recognized them as the same one back at that love hotel."

"That fast?" Sumida asked. "Are you sure he's not guessing?"

"Well, you have to see it for yourself," the female officer replied. "It also seems that sniper was exchanging fire with the sniper on that building across him."

Sumida looked at the supposed building and saw an officer standing near the window where the sniper might have fired his rifle. However, there's another thing that felt odd.

"You said they exchanged fire," Sumida responded. "How come Sakatomo wasn't alarmed by that?"

"Those snipers, including the fifth one, and that's just a conjecture, were using suppressors," the officer replied. "Witnesses reported hearing something like a swift rock passing by in the air, but they haven't realized those were suppressed gunshots, even after Sakatomo finishes his speech."

"That's pretty spectacular," Sumida complimented the snipers. "So we're just missing the fifth sniper."

"Yes," the officer replied. "Unfortunately, that building doesn't have any CCTV, and there was no one who saw them coming up and out of the roof."

"Damn, another setback," Sumida cursed. "Ah well, we'll do with what we have. Where's Sakatomo?"

"He's locked up in his residence, shivering, but he's doing alright," the officer replied.

"Alright," Sumida replied. "See if you can bring the witnesses' testimonies to me while I look around."

"Yes, detective."

The officer immediately leaves her. Now, Sumida is standing by herself in the middle of the square, glancing at the stage and the surrounding buildings. Sumida places her hands on her hips and lets out a heavy sigh. This would be a long night of investigation to see if any lead was left behind.

"Now, from where should I start?"


18:30 PM

Sakurako is now sitting in the passenger seat next to Shiba, who's driving her black Chevrolet car down a small road. They can see the evening sun sinking on the horizon, perhaps much slower than a titanic could. Observing the sun leaving the sky from the car's windshield seems satisfying to look at. It would've been better if lush, dark greenery surrounded them as the sun was about to sleep. Sakurako, feeling so bored, rested her head against her door frame.

Shiba side-glances at her. "You must be tired from all that sniping."

"I'm just bored," Sakurako replied.

"Well, cheer up a little," Shiba replied. "You managed to protect him until he left unscathed."

"Hm," the blonde simply responded.

Shiba then sighs, awkwardly trying to come up with a topic. "Well, to be honest with you, the guy who paid you to protect him forgot a critical information."

"And that is?" Sakurako asked.

"One of those snipers was an experienced hitman," Shiba answered. "Quite a lesser infamous man from Korea, I heard. The South Korean Police were apparently looking for him after a series of political assassinations. Four out of seven political members were murdered by him."

"I see," Sakurako absent-mindedly acknowledged.

"The fact that you managed to kill him without getting shot is a damn miracle, Sakurako," Shiba responded with a shook and a grin. "That is no easy feat, Sakurako."

Sakurako turns at her with a confused look. "What do feet has anything to do with that?"

"Wha- it is a feat. With an A," Shiba bewilderedly replied. "As in achievement."

"Oh, okay," Sakurako replied with a nod. "I hope something good comes out from this."

Shiba warmly smiles and turns back at the road. "I'm with you on that, Sakusaku."

"Hm?" Sakurako turned with a raised eyebrow. "What was that?"

"Sakusaku," Shiba responded. "That's my pet name for you."

Sakurako stares on before turning forward. "Thank you for that, Shiba-sensei."

"You're welcome, Sakusaku."

It didn't take them long to reach Sakurako's house. Of course, she could see Nadeshiko waving by the porch as if she's been expecting them. Shiba pulls over before Sakurako exits the car.

"Thank you for the ride home, Shiba-sensei," Sakurako bowed slightly.

"Anytime, Sakurako," Shiba happily replied. "I'll see you later."

Sakurako closes the door shut and steps back, at which the black car drives away, intending to return to the comfort of her respective home. When the car finally vanishes from her sight, Sakurako heads onto the porch and greets her eldest sister.

"Onee-chan, konbanwa."

"Konbawa," Nadeshiko happily smiled. "Did you have fun at Shiba-sama's place?"

"Pretty much," Sakurako replied. "I'm not late, am I?"

"You're just in time," Nadeshiko assured her. "Okaa-chan just finished making something new for us."

"Something new?"

"Come on in," Nadeshiko pointed her head at the door. "I'll show you."

Nadeshiko leads her curious sister into the kitchen, where the rest of her family awaits. Even before reaching the kitchen, there was a savory, meaty, and caramelized aroma in the air that was seducing Sakurako's nostrils. Upon entering the room, they found Hanako and their mother sitting at the table. Diverting her eyes onto the table, she discovered that the dinner for tonight would be pretty extravagant.

On the table is the well-cooked steak steaming in hot barbeque sauce; alongside it are French fries, sliced tomatoes, lettuce, and mashed corns and carrots. There is an extra small plate on the side, a sliced piece of cake. The top and bottom of the cake are brown, and in-between the layers are two layers of whipped cream. Lastly, a glass of dark red liquid was filled to the brim. Each member of this family has these particular plates and drinks at their table.

Sakurako looks up to her mother. "This dinner seems so expensive."

"Well, it might look like it," the mother replied with a big smile. "Nadeshiko helped me out with the dinner while you're away."

"I see," Sakurako then sat down. "What kind of menu exactly are these?"

"Caramelized bourbon steak, tiramisu, and cranberry juice," her mother then pointed at her. "You're drooling a bit there, Saa-chan."

"Oh?" Sakurako wiped her mouth with the fore of her fist. "Sorry. It's already delicious even if I haven't eaten them yet."

"My heart fills with so much joy when you say it like that," her mother replied. "I should teach you how to make them one day."

"I will be looking forward to that, okaa-chan," Sakurako returned a warm smile.

"Shall we eat?" Hanako asked.

"Of course," the mother nodded.

Everyone clasps their hands together and says their prayer. "Itta dakimasu!"

They then begin their dinner. Sakurako is already cutting on the steak before eating a mouthful of it. After savoring the meat, she can't help but widen her eyes in delight. And her mother was more than pleased to see such an expression.

"Is it good?" the mother kindly asked.

"I think you could beat Gordon Ramsay in a cooking competition, Okaa-chan."

"Hehehe," the mother chuckled. "You think too highly of me, Sakurako. That's quite rare."

Hanako then looks up to Sakurako. "By the way, I think you visited Shiba's place a bit often, Saku-onee-chan. Is it really that fun at her place?"

"Yes, for me, though," Sakurako replied.

"What are you playing with her there?" Nadeshiko curiously asked.

"Oh, well," Sakurako replied. "We played poker."

Everyone stares at her in such an awkward way that the mother glares at her. "Is she trying to teach you how to gamble?"

"Hmm?" Sakurako looked back with mild confusion. "No, we don't even gamble."

"Ah, I was just making sure," the mother then looked out the window. "Hmm, it's starting to get cold again."

"Next month would be December, Okaa-chan," Nadeshiko added. "Do you think we will make a Christmas Party for the 25th?"

"I had thought about it," the mother replied. "But I'm still considering about that."

Hanako then calls to her second sister. "Do you think you'll have any plans for that day, Sakurako nee-chan?"

"Hmm… maybe," Sakurako vaguely replied. "I can guess Kyouko would invite me for a Christmas celebration for that particular day."

"What makes you say that?" Nadeshiko asked.

"Well… it's Kyouko," Sakurako replied. "This is something she usually does."

"Well, I guess so," Nadeshiko nodded. "Also, Sakurako?"

"Yes?"

"Don't forget about presents for us."

Sakurako looks at each family member before returning a joyful, warm smile. "I won't forget, onee-chan."

And with that, they continue on their nightly feast and celebrate their next day of a brilliant everyday life.