Disclaimer: Disclaimer.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This begins the introduction of OCs

During the time of writing this, I felt that the characters of Osomatsu-san was not enough to create some development in the story, especially ones with this scenario. Even during the planning of this fic, I thought of adding characters that I thought would make sense in being there due to Osomatsu's circumstances. For example, there had to have been police searching for Osomatsu when he was first kidnapped. I also wouldn't think it would be realitic for Oso, a criminal, to return to his brothers and there wouldn't be any sort of authority involved. However, I also felt readers would be off-putted with original characters especially if they were scenes with only them and no canon characters in it. My opinion on OCs is that they have to be relevant in the story but also not taking away the focus of the canon characters. So I hope you guys don't mind the OCs as I will try and make sure their existence in the story is to help the development of the established characters. If you don't like OCs in fics and you find yourself uninterested in the story because of it, I completely understand.


Tough It Out

The events of last night brings about the introduction of some meddlesome people. All the while, Karamatsu goes to pick up Ichimatsu from the station, and Osomatsu finds out some bad news.


It was around two in the morning at the manor owned by French collector Matthieu Le Corre. An ambulance and a small amount of police cars were parked outside and the flashing color of red brighten the still darkened grounds of the estate.

There were three individuals standing at the back of the ambulance. Two of them, Police Detective Abe Hayato and Matthieu Le Corre, were standing over the injured janitor who was sitting in the vehicle, while the third person stood a couple feet away from them.

Detective Abe looked to be a man in his early 30s wearing a suit and tie. His serious expression easily hid the exhaustion and impatience evident in his eyes.

All of them stayed silent as they listened to the witness' recollection of what happened a few hours prior.

"I yell'd into my walkie to call the guards over ya know and then all of a sudden, the guy's in front of me with a knife in my face. Man, I was so scared. I thought I was goin' to die! It happened so fast but the next thing I knew I'm on the ground with my head bleedin'."

He said this as he gesturing around at his bandaged head. "By the time I was fully awake, I heard that the guy left the area and the police were chasin' after him."

"I see," Police Detective Abe Hayato jotted the man's story in a small notebook. "Saito-san, think carefully, do you recall any physical traits of the suspect? Did the suspect ever speak to you? Do you believe the suspect was alone during the crime or with an accomplice?"

The janitor placed a hand on his head looking as if he were in deep thought.

"Maybe? I know for sure he was in a black jacket, a hoodie maybe, and he got black hair. I'm sorry but it was really dark and I couldn' see his face really well. He was maybe around 5'5''... 5'6"? He also seemed pretty young, at least, he sounded young. Like a teenager or something. I remember before he knocked me out he said "big mistake"... what a bastard...uh...excuse my language. As for if he was alone or not, I don't know. Pretty sure there was another person. When I was on the ground, I think I heard the kid talking to someone but I didn' see who. That's all I know Sir."

Detective Abe cleared his throat and nodded. "Thank you very much Saito-san. We'll now have you taken to the nearest hospital for further examination of your injury. If you remember anything else, please connect the police immediately."

As the ambulance drove away, Abe turned to Le Corre and sighed.

"Well, it's not much but it's a start. We'll have my crew check for any more evidence on the suspects who robbed your estate and we'll notify you personally if anything comes up."

The aging owner gave a disappointed frown, but otherwise seemed resigned.

"Merci Detective," he said in an exhausted voice. "I wish there was more that could be done, but I suppose all my family and I could do is wait until you catch the culprit. "

"And you're certain that the suspects took around 500,000 yen from your safe?" The detective asked.

"Around 5,000 francs, yes."

"I assure you Le Corre-san, we'll catch the thieves and return your money back."

The old collector smiled at the detective..

"Thank you, but the money's not too important. If it were pieces from my collection then yes. I'm just disappointed someone would do something as horrible as stealing money that was to be given to a good cause." He sighed, massaging his forehead. "By the way Detective, you mentioned that you believe that you might know who the thieves are?"

To this, the gentleman nods.

"Yes," he started. "Apparently, there have been cases recently in which people from various cities were robbed at knifepoint by a young man, most likely in his teens, in a black hooded jacket. Just yesterday night, there was a multitude of robberies in Nagoya by someone with the exact same profile as what your employee described."

"But," Le Corre hesitated. "Come now Detective. Mr. Saito's description was very vague. I mean many people in Japan have black hair, and a black hoodie isn't uncommon to wear for a thief. Besides, how would it be possible for a young boy to be robbing from places that could be miles away from each other?"

"Unless he had accomplices which is very possible," Detective Abe answered back. "Transportation could also be a helpful factor no matter what age." He takes another long exhausted sigh. "I understand it might be a bit difficult to believe. However, his appearance, age, height, the use of a knife...Hell, right up to the arrogant behavior he seems to possess. This has been noted by multiple witness accounts, mind you. All seem to match the information from the other stations as well. We need to take into account that the person who targeted your estate might be the same person responsible for the other robberies as well."

Abe placed his hand on his chin, pondering.

"Still, I do find it strange that they would target someone of your wealth when recently, there have only been cases where they robbed pedestrians or people in their homes. It seems that the culprits needed big money fast... Anyways, Le Corre-san you said that your home was installed with security cameras correct?"

"Yes," the older man nodded. "I could have one of the guards show you the footage right now if you want."

"Yes, please Le Corre-san. I'll need to know if the cameras caught any of the culprits. We'll be able to gather some clues from there."

"May I join you Abe-san?"

The men turned their heads to an approaching figure. A man looking to be in his mid to late 40s wearing a collared shirt and clean, black overcoat. He had a worn out look to him with unkempt hair, sunken cheeks, and a growing stubble on his chin. He gave the men a grin and shortly waved a hand in a friendly greeting.

Abe, unfazed that the stranger knew his name, spoke in an irritated voice. "And you are?"

"Ah sorry," the man answered in a lazy tone. He digs through his pocket and pulls out a badge. "I'm Detective Makihara Hiroki. Pleasure to meet you."

"Makihara?" Abe wondered before his eyes widen in shock. "Wait a minute… THE Makihara Hiroki?"

"Hmmm," Makihara seemed to look amused. "Didn't know my name could still surprise people these days."

Le Corre looked at Abe, slightly puzzled. "I'm sorry Detective, but who is this?"

"Oh, my bad," Abe gestures at Makihara. "Le Corre-san, this is Makihara Hiroki. He's a well-known detective back in Tokyo. He specialized in a lot of missing persons and abduction cases a few years back. He was famous among the NPA from what I remember. Most of his cases came out successfully when he was in charge."

"That's impressive." the collector looked impressed. "Pleasure to meet you Detective Makihara."

"Pleasure." Makihara slightly bowed his head in greeting. "But emphasis on the past tense I'm afraid. Nowadays, I'm just a private investigator."

Abe, collecting his composure, bowed then cleared his throat. "Yes, in any case, what brings you here Detective?"

"Forgive me for interrupting you on your investigation, but apparently I believe that this case you are working on might provide me with some help. If I find the right kind of evidence, this could reopen an old case of mine."

"So it's a cold case..." Abe seemed interested but frowned. "May I see a warrant, please?"

Makihara glanced nervously at the side. "O-oh, um, well Abe-san you see, I don't really have one at the moment."

At this, Abe frowned even further. "Really then? So I am to assume you didn't come here under orders?"

The other detective scratched the back of his head and grinned anxiously. "Well not necessarily, but-"

"Unfortunately," Abe cut in. "I can't help you unless you were given permission from your station's superintendent. Otherwise, you have no clearance to investigate my crime scene."

"Hey, come now Abe-san!" Makihara nervously smiled, his hand made its way to pat the other detective on the back. "It's not like I'll be interrupting your crew here. I just need one little peek at that security foota-

Abe, however, shruged the man off and steps away in disapproval.

"I think that's enough Makihara-san. Clearly, you of all people know that there are rules to follow if you want to investigate someone else's crime scene."

"Please Abe-san," Makihara's composure seemed to become a bit disgruntled. He moves over to the detective hastily. "If you would just allow me to accompany you! You see, this case is-"

"Enough." Abe now had a stern look on him. The two did not speak, only staring at each other for a moment before the younger detective exhales in exhaustion. "I'm sorry. I'm really am. Whatever explanation you have though doesn't concern me at the moment. Perhaps Le Corre-san here will help you out once you've gotten the 'Okay', but for now I must ask you to leave the area."

Loosening his tie, he then turned to French collector. "Well, I must continue my investigation. Come, Le Corre-san."

"Ah, yes…" The elder man glanced apologetically at the older detective before following Abe as they both headed back into the mansion.

Makihara was left standing there for a few seconds in silence.

His shoulders slouched a bit as he placed a hand over his face. He gave a small 'tsk' sound under his breath. "I figured as much but, it couldn't hurt to try...Dammit!"

Makihara brushed a hand through his hair in frustration. He was about to storm off until he heard a voice from behind him.

"It seems that our famous detective seems to lose his cool if he doesn't get what he wants~ So, on a scale of 1 to 10, how desperate are you to see that security footage?"

Makihara, surprised that he wasn't a alone, turned around to see the third individual who had stayed quiet during the entire conversation.

It was a young man who looked to be maybe in his early 20s with a slender figure, light brown hair, and blue eyes. He stood there leaning casually against the wall of the manor. An amused grin was plastered on his face.

The detective crossed his arms trying to regain his composure. "Oh right, I remember you in the papers. You are Le Corre's youngest son, Alexandre, am I correct? Shouldn't you be inside with your father and Abe-san, or comforting your upset mother right now?

The younger man just raised his eyebrow expectedly at the detective, waiting.

Makihara looked silently over at the boy for a few seconds before shrugging his shoulders. "I'm sorry 'young master', I'm not sure I should even be discussing this to you," he then smiles a bit and waves his hand dismissively. "Truthfully, I'm not sure. It's probably nothing anyway, and this isn't something you should be worried ab-"

Alexandre, almost looking entertained, cut him off. "You can't possibly think I can believe that for a second, do you?" he asked in a heavy French accent. "You're not under orders to hide anything from me so spill. This has to be important to you. So important that you might reopen a cold case it seems."

He walked over to the detective and points a finger up in a scolding manner. "Thus in conclusion, 'I'm not sure' mon cul! Be honest Detective, on a scale of 1 to 10...It's. ~"

The older man huffed in irritation but, nonetheless sighed in defeat. He pulled a box of cigarettes from his pocket and lazily lit one up. He puffed a few before answering back with a smirk.

"Well, aren't you a smart cookie? Yeah, that footage your folks got... I just need to be sure. I can't tell you the exact details but..." He paused for a second, unsure if he should say anymore to the young man.

"But?" Alexandre questioned. He rolled his eyes impatiently. "Let me tell you something. I was so bored with hearing my father and that other detective talk to each other earlier. To me, it was just a bunch of petty robberies and besides, it WAS my father's fault for being too careless. But with you in the equation, it makes things much more interesting. Come now Sir, my curiosity can't take it! I won't tell Father or Detective Abe. Promise."

Despite his cheerful disposition, Makihara could see something hidden in the boy's eyes, but he wasn't sure what.

"You're the stubborn type...I have a strong hunch that these recent robberies, including this one, are connected to a child abduction 8 years ago."

The younger's smile seemed to slightly fade. "Oh?"

"The case was placed in limbo when we found certain evidence to believe the child had been...but we weren't able to confirm definitively. I believe that the security footage might provide some new evidence good enough for the case to be looked at again."

"Hmmm, I see." The boy placed a hand to his chin. "You do realize it's pretty risky to reopen a case like this. And for what? A gut feeling?"

"You may be right about that," Makihara simply answered. "But be it as it may, I need to be sure... I owe it at least to the child's family."

Alexandre crossed his arms and looked off to the side in thought. Makihara waited for a bit. When the other didn't say anything else, the detective just shook his head and chuckled to himself.

"It's nothing you can do, right? Well, I must be off," Makihara smiled at the boy and turned to leave. "Go back inside, Le Corre-kun. A little advice. Do keep that curiosity of yours in check."

As he made his way off the property, he heard Alexandre running towards him.

"Wait s'il vous plaît!"

"Hm, what is it?"

The young man glared at him. "Do you know how rude it is to leave someone when they are trying to come up with an idea to help you?"

"Help me?"

Alexandre just replied with a smile. "You should be grateful that I'm intrigued with this case of yours."

He moves closer to Makihara. "Now listen here," his voice now hushed in a whisper. "For the time being, Detective Abe and his crew will be staying around to investigate. They might even take the security footage along with them and it's 'bye bye evidence' for you unless you get permission. Which, if I'm correct, would take time to process. And you want to know now. "

The detective tossed his cigarette on the ground, patting it down with his shoe. "Yes, and...?"

"However," he continued. "I can get myself a copy of the footage before the feds completely take it into their custody. Give it a day or two for things to quiet down. We can meet up and I can show the videos to you."

"Really now?" Makihara looked at Alexandre skeptically. The later only grinned excitedly.

"How about we make a deal mon ami?"


Karamatsu stood leaning against a wall outside the train station. He looked at the clock on his cellphone. It was 15 minutes past noon and rush hour had begun.

He yawned and took another bite of the onigiri he had in his other hand. He was so tired and hungry.

He only had about 5 hours of sleep after work before he was due to pick up Ichimatsu from the station, and he hadn't eaten since 2am during his lunch break. He was grateful his manager allowed him to take home outdated food from work. The onigiri wasn't much but it was the most of a breakfast he could get with his ever busy schedule.

Finishing the snack, Karamatsu pulled the hem of his scarf further over his mouth. It was chilly outside and would be a matter of time until there would be snowfall in Japan.

Karamatsu shivered, pulling his coat tighter around him as the breezy wind blew at him. He glanced over at the time on his cellphone again. He remembered yesterday his mother telling him that Ichimatsu would be arriving at Tokyo Station at noon.

'His train should have arrived by now.'

Karamatsu eyes scanned the area. Various people walked in and out of the station; some were rushing to catch their train while others stood leisurely off to the side with their phones glued to their face.

Karamatsu sighed and decided to close his eyes a bit. He was still exhausted. Not just from working the graveyard shift at the convenience store, but also from the events that transpired that earlier that night. He wished he could have stayed and tried to comfort Choromatsu a little more after the argument, but he knew it wouldn't do much. Choromatsu hated people worrying over him, and for sure wouldn't have wanted his older brother doing the same.

Still, he couldn't handle it seeing his brother that way. So shut down and haunted. Everyone knew how Choromatsu would react when that personwas mentioned. Everyone. So it was utterly frustrating having Todomatsu bringing up things like that just to provoke everyone.

It was unacceptable and having to hear him speak about their mother that way... Next time, he would not stop the youngest brother from leaving and give him what for. Karamatsu would have to be more strict with him, even if he didn't want to. However, he only really wished there was a way he could somehow connect with Todomatsu.

"Hey Shittymatsu-Niisan, are you just going the stand there dreaming of La La Land, or should we get going before I catch a cold?"

...And probably Ichimatsu as well.

Karamatsu opened his eyes to see the annoyed face of his third youngest brother. Even though it was a glare he was greeted with, Karamatsu was happy to see Ichimatsu looking well.

Despite his ever ruffled hair, Ichimatsu looked relatively fit and well-fed. Unlike himself, Ichimatsu seemed like he was also getting enough sleep as Karamatsu saw no hint of tiredness or fatigue from the younger.

"Ah it's good to see you brother!" Karamatsu smiled. He stepped up to the younger, placing a hand over his shoulder and pulling him into a hug.

"You look well. How's University huh?" He could hear a disgruntled sound from the later and felt him slightly shying away from his touch.

"God, you're gross," was all the response he got.

Typical of the Ichimatsu, but that didn't make it hurt less for Karamatsu. He was very much aware that out of everyone of his brothers, even Todomatsu, Ichimatsu absolutely hated being anywhere near his brothers. He remembered when Ichimatsu got accepted to a university two hours away, it was the first time he saw his little brother grin. A pang of sadness hit him and took his arm away from Ichimatsu.

"Haha sorry sorry!"He laughed, trying his best to seem unfazed. "Didn't mean to go all Big-Brother mode, so let's get going shall we?"

Ichimatsu continued to glare before huffing in annoyance. "Fine…"

Ichimatsu shoved his suitcase over to Karamatsu and grabbed the duffle next to him. "There better be food at home," he grumbled as he already starts walking away. Karamatsu grinned, taking the suitcase and quickly followed after him.

"You hungry? I have another onigiri in my pocket if you want one?"

"Why in the world would you have onigiri in your pocket in the first place?"

"Well little brother, you see, we were planning to throw away some during my shift, so I took some. BIG SAVE!"

"...Gross."

As they started heading home, Karamatsu tried to continue making small talk with the quiet brother.

"So, everything going ok at school?"

"Yeah."

"That's good to hear. Hope you're not studying too hard. So how's your apartment? Do you get along with your roommate?

"Fine. We study together."

"Oh, I see. Have you made any other friends?"

"A few."

"Really? That's great! What do you guys-"

"Shittymatsu-Niisan."

"Yes?"

"Stop."

Karamatsu looked to Ichimatsu, the other's face giving a look of indifference. He clamped his mouth shut and coughed awkwardly, unsure what to do next.

They walked a couple of blocks in silence. If Ichimatsu didn't want to talk it was fine. Karamatsu yawned and rubbed his eyes tiredly. He couldn't wait to go home and rest. It was a good thing he was off this afternoon.

Ichimatsu glanced over at him.

"Still working three jobs?"

Karamatsu perked up at his brother's question. "Y-yes! It's a little exhausting, but I manage. I even talked to my boss over at the music shop and he even considered giving me a pay raise."

"I see," Ichimatsu muttered. Karamatsu thought he was going to say something else about it but Ichimatsu decided to move on to the next question. "So, I heard mom and dad already left right?"

"They left late yesterday morning."

"It was to Europe correct?"

"Ah, I think it was bother Europe and America. They'll be gone for 3 weeks. They start over in Paris the city of LOVE~"

Karamatsu raised a hand in the air theatrically as the other gave a grossed-out sound in response.

"Ugh...never do that again," he said threateningly before making a curious face. "So was mom REALLY okay with being gone for that long?"

Karamatsu took a moment to think about it. He couldn't blame Ichimatsu for questioning their mother's willingness to go on a trip. He couldn't even blame Todomatsu's, albeit rude, disbelief over it either.

Ever since they were children, their mother was very protective of him and his brothers. She hated not knowing where they were or what they were doing. They couldn't blame her for why she acted that way. No one did. Everyone in the family did certain things to keep themselves grounded since that day.

So it was understandable his younger brothers were a bit skeptical when they heard that he and his father managed to convince her to take a break. Especially when she was already worried sick over Ichimatsu being away from home and Todomatsu being… well Todomatsu.

"Well, it wasn't easy," Karamatsu answered. "Of course she rejected the idea at first. You know our mom. Remember how hard it was for her to leave your apartment during move-in day."

Ichimatsu just nodded.

"Anyways," he continued. "I managed to save enough money to buy tickets for an overseas trip. Dear mother and father needed a well-deserved vacation and since we're all out of highschool, I thought it would be good for them, especially for mother, if they were out of Tokyo for awhile. I think they need to get away from the house after everything. Well, we managed to convince her. Choromatsu and I promised her that we would take care of everything while they were gone and that we'd watch over you guys."

Ichimatsu was about to say something when Karamatsu quickly put his hands up in defense. "AND I know you can take care of yourself perfectly fine! Haha but...thanks again Ichimatsu."

The younger looked over at him questioningly. "What's that suppose to mean Shithead?"

The eldest brother just smiled back. "I know you have work and are busy at school, so it must be frustrating for you to always come home every weekend in order to ease Mom's heart. Isn't it? Don't worry okay. I'll make sure to pay for your train fees as usual."

"..." Ichimatsu looked away. He pulled the scarf he was wearing closer to his face, a hint of pink growing on his cheeks. "She always calls me all worried and stuff...it would be shitty to say no to her."

"Regardless, thank you Ichima-"

"However…"

They walking slowed a bit and stopped at the side of an intersection. The crosswalk glared red in front of them. Ichimatsu turned and stared right at Karamatsu.

"It's not like I have anything against you or Choromatsu-Niisan," Ichimatsu said in a serious tone. "But obviously, I hate being here. Especially being at home. It's suffocating. Frankly, why should I be there in the first place? What's the point especially now when, I know for a fact, no one will be at home most of the time save for a shut-in Choromatsu-niisan?"

The crosswalk finally turned green, prompting the two to make their way across. Ichimatsu seemed to walk a bit faster and was now getting farther away from Karamatsu. The streets were still crowded with people as Karamatsu got bumped into by someone as he tried to quickly catch up with the third son.

When he finally made it across, he saw Ichimatsu waiting for him. He walked towards Ichimatsu, and noticed the later had his cellphone out facing towards him. He walked closer and managed to make out a message on screen.

Karamatsu exhaled and slowly nodded, beginning to understand where his younger brother was going with this.

Ichimatsu gave an irritated glare. He placed his phone back in his jacket pocket.

"Jyushimatsu texted me last night. The idiots were fighting again. No, they're always fighting. Every time the two even step foot in the same room, they have to start something. Those guys are the most pitiful bunch of bastards I've ever had to deal with."

"Ichimatsu-"

"You're as pitiful as they are."

Karamatsu was now wide awake. He looked up at the brother questioningly.

"Listen up," Ichimatsu continued. "I'm only here to do what mom says. I hate getting involved in all of you guys' drama. You and Choromatsu-Niisan 'promising' that you guys will take care of everything is as believable as mom going on this trip willingly. You can't blame Jyushimatsu for warning me."

Ichimatsu then turned away. "At least I'm not you though...Must suck being the older brother huh?"

With that, the younger continued on his way without looking back.

Karamatsu stood still as he let his younger brother's words sink in. He understood how Ichimatsu felt and he desperately wanted nothing more than to fix everything. But like how it was yesterday, he didn't know what to do.

How could he? He was just one person. All he ever did was work and did whatever he thought was helpful. However, he knew even that wasn't enough.

It was never enough.


In a crowded street full of people, a black-hooded teen was having a mental panic attack.

"I'm gonna be in so much fuckin' trouble!" He shouted, not caring for any eyes that turned his way. "Stupid truck driver! Tougou-sama is gonna be royally pissed off at me!"

Osomatsu walked down the sidewalk as he frustratingly rubbed the painful bump in the back of his head. 'Dangit, where am I? This looks like a big ? Definitely seems like it. And it's already after noon. Tougou-sama's probably back at the apartments by now. It'll take hours for me to get back. What a hassle! Ugh, where's the nearest station anyways?'

He looked around and noticed a sign pointing towards the train station a few blocks away, and decided to follow it. He felt a sudden sting coming from his head.

'God, my head hurts! How annoying...'

As he made his way towards the station, he felt the growing hunger coming from his stomach.

'Man, I'm hungry,' he thought as he jealously passed a streetside ramen shop. 'It's smells so good! Lucky fucks-'

"... home of famous French collector, Mattieu Le Corre-san, was robbed early morning today. Police were unable to catch the culprits and two individuals, a civilian and an officer, were reported to have been injured during the incident."

Osomatsu quickly turned his attention to the television screen hanging on the wall of the ramen shop. On screen, a woman was reporting the news; the image of the estate Tougou and him were at shown behind her.

'Ah,' Osomatsu thought, 'Seems like our handy work is on the news again~'

Osomatsu smirked. Unlike Tougou, Osomatsu found himself giddy with glee whenever he and Tougou's robberies got attention from the media. He found a sense of pride knowing that they were like mysterious thieves lurking in the shadows- scaring the public while the police couldn't do anything to catch them. They were people others couldn't mess with.

Although, it didn't feel good to be reminded that he assaulted an officer. Osomatsu facepalmed in embarrassment. 'When Tougou-sama hears about this, he's gonna flip.'

"It's suspected that there were two individuals responsible for the crime. One of them being male in his late teens or early twenties, last seen wearing a black hoodie. Police have suspected this person is also responsible for the recent Knifepoint Robberies in the Kinki and Chubu Regions."

That wasn't good. Osomatsu figured, sooner or later, witnesses would start picking out his description. Maybe Tougou was right about doing steals too often.

Osomatsu pondered nervously. 'I'm sure they still haven't gotten my face. But seriously, is the hoodie too obvious? I mean it's a common black jacket for god's sake! Every guy would have one, right? Maybe I should change up my clothes? Would red look good? No way! Scratch that! I like this hoodie! Besides, anything other than black would totally be bad at night. Hmmm maybe I should dye my hair? Wait a minute, that's not the point!''

Osomatsu stopped his train of thought and focused his attention back at the television screen.

"Authorities are currently reviewing security footage found at the crime scene for further clues to ascertain the culprits, but have refused to show it publicly for the time being. They have also found a backpack at the crime that could belong to one of the suspects.'

Osomatsu's eyes widened.

'Eh?' Osomatsu could feel his heart beginning to beat a bit faster.

The security footage was one thing, but he completely forgot that he dropped his backpack when he was helping Tougou get up the wall during their escape. He knew for a fact that all that was in there was the crowbar and duct tape, but even when he handled the objects inside and the backpack itself with gloves, there would still be the possibility that the police could somehow get their DNA from it. How could he be so stupid?!

He wanted to scream in frustration when the news lady spoke again.

"We have also received information that the police was given a tip of the supposed location where the suspected robbers live."

The screen then changed and showed a shot of their dingy apartment building; policemen walking in and out of their one-room apartment.

Osomatsu's heart froze.

"While they are not allowed to reveal any possible clues to the robbery nor say the suspected identities of the culprits as of now; according to the police, they were given this location in Osaka from an anonymous caller. The caller told the police that one of his neighbors had carried a similar description to the ones given about the young culprit in these robberies. The caller has also stated that the other accomplice is possibly a man in his 40s, and that he and the other robber live together here in these apartments."

The 18 year old wanted to shake his head in denial; wanted to scream out. Was this really happening? Now, he suddenly hated hearing about himself in the news. He wished he could just break the TV in front of him and get that news lady to shut up.

"Shit...Shit. Shit. Shit!" Osomatsu whispered under his breath. 'I fucked up. I really fucked up this time. They found our apartment. Tougou-sama! I told him to go back home. The police...no...No! Does that mean-'

" Unfortunately, when Police went to search the location, they found the property to be empty. The landlord has confirmed there were two individuals living here for the past four years. It is speculated that whoever lived there packed up quickly and left. Authorities will continue to investigate for-"

That was all Osomatsu could watch when he noticed the ramen shop owner beginning to eye at him curiously. Pulling his hood further down, Osomatsu quietly left.

When he got a few blocks away, the young man turned into the nearest alley. Once away from public eye, his knees began to buckle under him. He leaned his back against the wall to help support himself; his breath began to increase.

"Ha...Ha...oh my god...," He gulped. He couldn't believe it. He just couldn't believe it at all. His body wouldn't stop shaking. He couldn't take it anymore.

He laughed.

"Hahaha oh my god hell yeah!" he roared, his fist pumping up into the air. He chuckled a bit more before allowing his legs to give out; sliding down until he was sitting on the ground.

'Amazing! Tougou-sama was able to get away. He's amazing! Did he know that the police would come? Either way, the police don't have him. He's gonna be so angry that we have to move again but still…'

He took a few minutes to calm down before smiling. A huge wave of relief came at him.

"Thank goodness..." he whispered happily. "Tougou-sama's safe. I'm so glad."

With his moral back up, Osomatsu got himself off the ground and brushed the dirt off his clothes.

"Alright!" He rubbed his nose with the back of his index finger and grinned. "Now that I know Tougou-sama is safe, I need to think of a plan."

He exited the alleyway and walked back to the main street. With no real direction in mind, he walked casually among the crowds of people and observed his surroundings.

"Tokyo sure is crazy busy," he mused. "It been awhile since I've been here. It looks totally different now. "

Osomatsu tried to recall the last time he'd been to Tokyo. He believed he was 10 years old at the time.

With this, a thought suddenly crossed his mind. Osomatsu's eyes widened in surprise before making a face that seemed to be a mix between confusion and disgust. He quickly shook the thought down and sighed in slight annoyance.

'Focus Osomatsu. Even though Tougou-sama is safe, there's still the issue of us being separated. Now that going back home is a no go, I have no idea where Tougou-sama is and I've got no means of contacting him.'

"Should have given me a phone when I asked for one Tougou-sama…" he groaned. 'If I try to go back to Osaka, there's a higher chance the police would find me. I'm guessing Tougou-sama also knew this if he packed up our stuff from home. This sucks. Why did we never come up with a second rendezvous point in case of something like this?

Osomatsu felt his headache coming on again. He pressed his fingers hard against his forehead and rubbed between his eyes in a circular motion.

'In any case, maybe it would be best if I lay low around here in Tokyo. This place is always full of people, and the police wouldn't think of coming here yet since the robbery was located a couple hours away. So I guess I'll have to find a place to chill at in the meantime. Hmmm...I should also get myself some late breakfast too. Now, all that's left is to figure out how to get back to Tougou-sama.'

Osomatsu stopped at a busy intersection; watching the cars go by as the walking sign blared red. He thought for a moment before a light bulb seemed to light up in Osomatsu's mind.

'Huh? Now that I think about it...If I remember correctly, wasn't one of Tougou-sama's friends living here in Tokyo. Jo-san I think? I wonder if he still works at that shady ass bar? Maybe with the right motivation, he might be able to help me get in contact with Tougou-sama. Perfect! Now I've got something to work with."

He looked up to see the crosswalk now green and noticed a large crowd of people from the other side of the street walking towards him.

A devilish grin crept onto his face.

He crossed the street, slightly bumping into people without them thinking anything suspicious of it. He kept his head down, making sure he made no eye contact with anyone. With every bump of a random person, he swiftly moved his hand into the stranger's' pocket and felt for a wallet; quickly yanking them out and stuffing them into his pocket without the poor sucker ever noticing.

If there was one thing Osomatsu was easily able to do with confidence, it was pickpocketing.

By the time he made it to the end of the crosswalk, he had managed to successfully steal from five people. He smirked and darted off into a less populated walkway.

'Those poor saps!' Osomatsu giggled. 'I wish I could see their faces when they find out their wallets are missing. How hilarious would it be to see them scrambling about on the streets freaking out and shit. Now then, time to see what we've got~'

He digged his hands into his hoodie pocket, and pulled out the stolen goods.

'Heh, not bad. Three wallets, a couple of loose bills, and...WHAT TH-'

Osomatsu face contorted to a baffled look.

"Who the fuck keeps an onigiri in their pocket?" He looked down in disgust at the slightly warm and mushy food in his hand. "Gross!"

Despite this, it didn't stop Osomatsu from eating it soon after.