Chapter 6
It was already dusk. The sunset blazes the sky into flame red and orange. Just looking at it will make your body warm while the upper region had already turned into navy blue, the brightest star had already revealed its light proudly, declaring about his existence to the world.
Atsushi and Kyouka were riding on the speedboat, trying to catch up with the small cruise ship that is several meters away from their current position. After their mission, which was to save the hostages before the time limit, gave a bit of exhaustion to the detectives but it wasn't their time for them to rest and eat ochazuke. Instead, their minds were busy thinking on how they can prevent the Despair gang from stepping in to Yokohama.
"Can you see someone from there?" Atsushi asked, breaking the long silence between the two "I think we can use my ability to jump in to their cruise, if we are a bit closer though…"
"I can see two men from here. Base from their actions, I think they didn't notice our presence yet" Kyouka replied while looking towards their enemy's cruise through the binoculars they found in their speed boat. "But I think there are more guards looking around the area at each floor." She surmised.
Atsushi pursed his lips and frowned. As much as possible, he didn't want to make big fuss when they will infiltrate the cruise and it will become risky for them. They do not know any information about them, their boss' ability, the number of members in the cruise, the structure of the cruise, and many more. The best thing that they could do is to approach the cruise carefully and wait for the next directions from the head.
"Atsushi-kun, Kyouka-chan, can you hear me?"
The sudden voice they heard from their earpieces jolted the youngers. They looked each other for a moment and smiled. Finally, 'he' came.
"Yes, Dazai-san. We can clearly hear your voice" Atsushi replied with enthusiasm. "Please give us orders"
"Tell me your current situation there. Are you still outside of their cruise or already infiltrated it?" his voice was calm as always.
"We are currently chasing the cruise. We can infiltrate as long as we will get closer to them"
"Got it. Then, your first job is to infiltrate the cruise. Don't make any fuss. In case of facing an opponent, make your fight as silent and discreet as possible. Maybe Kyouka-chan knows how to do it, so you can rely on her" that time Atsushi and Kyouka's eyes met again and received an utter nod from her.
"Understood, and then?"
"Sneak into the engine control room and turn off or if you want, destroy all the power of the cruise. This will at least slow down their speed for a while and create a temporary panic to them. Contact me as soon as you finish your task"
"Understood" the two answered in unison.
"""""
Dazai was ceaselessly typing some codes, connecting to different data in order to get the information that he is seeking. He is currently sitting in front of a working station, in the office where only the ADA knows. To be more specific, Dazai uses the working station the most among the detectives whenever this kind of crisis happens. It is his role to give instructions to each member and no one disagrees with that nor tried to take over this role.
After few minutes of typing, the detective massaged his neck while seriously gazing the monitors in front of him.
'Probably, at this time, Mori-san has already taken his move- that means, 'he' will soon appear before Atsushi-kun and Kyouka-chan. I hope they will not cause too much trouble though…" he thought then held his chin with his fingers.
"When I interrogated one of the Despair Gang members, he wasn't lying that he didn't know their boss' ability… That means, there are only selected group of men or worse, only his trusted men know his ability. I guess I should hope that those 'three' will attain valuable information in their infiltration-"
"""""
Atsushi and Kyouka lightly vaulted over the metal railings while the member of the gang who is assigned to guard that area turned his back against them. Warily and swiftly the detectives dashed behind the nearest wall and stuck their back against it while observing the man until his appearance disappeared from their sight.
Atsushi released a sigh of relief. "I wonder when I will get use to this kind of situation" he mumbled and gave an awkward chuckle to the younger, feeling embarrassed, but Kyouka was already searching for the door leading towards the entrance. After few quick scanning of the area, she spotted one man coming out from behind the wall that is located few meters away from their current position.
"I think we can enter from there" she said as she pointed her finger towards that direction. Atsushi cocked his head as he slightly bended his body forward, following the direction of her finger. The duo gazed to each other and gave nods of agreement then dashed transferring to the other side after confirming that no one is around their area.
The next process was simple. Kyouka had infiltrated a cruise before so she knew the basic structure of this huge ship. They were able to pass through the security cameras by walking through its blind spot and even managed to acquire the site of the control room after threatening the first guard they spotted.
After knocking out the guard, the duo immediately headed down the lower deck of the cruise, the deck where only the cruise crews and workers are allowed to enter. As they were running across the metal bridge, suddenly a strong bloodlust was felt followed by powerful dark sharp blades trying to cut their bodies into half.
Instinctively, Kyouka and Atsushi jumped off from the bridge and lightly landed on the other bridge beside them as they watched the previous bridge being sliced into several pieces. The detectives immediately knew who the culprit was. That despiteful and aggressive black beasts were too familiar for them. From the opposite side of the bridge, two dark blades wrapped themselves in both railings and lifted up a man whom they didn't want to meet the most.
"Akutagawa!" Atsushi scowled and exclaimed, his face was dark and immediately stood before Kyouka. "Why are you here!?"
Akutagawa also had the same expression as Atsushi. After releasing few coughs, he raised his Rashomon before them and as the shadow beast hovers high above their heads in order to prepare for another attack. "That is my line, Weretiger!" he retorted. "I have a mission to accomplish here that's why I infiltrated this cruise"
"Well, we have also business here" Atsushi retorted back, but after moments later his face expression changed from stern to askance. "Perhaps, your business is related with the Despair Gang?"
Akutagawa's eyes twitched and squinted. "Could it be you folks have the same objective as mine?"
Atsushi glanced back to Kyouka, exchanging nonverbal message to each other, before returning his dark gaze to his rival. "I don't know if we have the same objective, but we were ordered by Dazai-san to infiltrate the control engine room to slow down the pace of this cruise" Atsushi explained, still not keeping his guard off.
When the detective mentioned the name 'Dazai', Akutagawa's eyes widened in surprise and stood straight from his fighting stance. "Dazai-san, you say?" he prompted and receive nods from the other duo.
"If it was from Dazai-san, then probably he had already anticipated that we will be meeting here." Akutagawa said, his aggressive voice gradually turned into calm one.
"Hey, Akutagawa—" Atsushi called. "Why don't we team up again?"
"""""
It was already 7 p.m. Usually at this hour, there are lots of people sightseeing the beautiful night scenery of the bay, couples may be sitting on the big stairs chatting sweet stories to each other, high school students often dance or plays around the area to make good memories before they will separate to walk on their own paths, or families going to restaurants and taking their pet for a walk. But today was different.
The usual warm and happy atmosphere wasn't present, only heavy air and cold autumn wind blew. Men in black suits carrying rifles and their personal weapons were seen everywhere; black sedans were parked blocking the road while numbers of speed boat and yacht were prepared beforehand by the bay side.
Chuuya trotted towards his speed boat while giving orders to each group. Hirotsu followed few steps behind him and also gave orders to his fellow Black Lizard members. It only took few minutes before all these commands were organized and prepared to execute them anytime.
With Chuuya's one command, the frontline groups left heading towards the enemy's cruise. Thanks to Akutagawa's quick investigation they were able to take action earlier than expected. While watching them off, Chuuya squinted his eyes as he noticed that his eyes vision was getting blurry. Yes, it was a sign that the pain is coming back. This gave another load of frustration for knowing the reality that he needed to face the troublesome fever and the pain from his going-to-berserk ability.
"I'm going to protect my subordinates no matter what" he mumbled yet filled with great resolution.
"Did you say something?" Hirotsu asked from behind.
"Nothing at all" he immediately replied and appeared to nonchalant, fixing his black hat on his head while turning his body toward his subordinate.
"Chuuya-dono" His words halted the executive from walking just beside him. "You don't need to push yourself too much. It is not your fault why this war is happening again. We will definitely succeed this time"
Chuuya flinched as his eyes dilated and released a melancholic smirk. "I can't Hirotsu, I can't. If I have finished him that time, we wouldn't waste our time here dealing with them again. Several of our men also got killed because of my stupid mistake. I can't just feel but to be annoyed to myself."
"I know how you feel, but don't also forget that you are an executive. Don't let your personal feelings dull your decisions. Our life is in your hands" Hirotsu reminded then harrumphed. "Now then, let me lead you to your speed boat"
Chuuya nodded and grinned. "I am aware about it, but thanks"
"""""
There were three men in the luxurious room. Its dim lightings were suited with the jazz music being played in the background, while the bartender shakes the cocktail as it gives additional aesthetics. One man lowered his body close to the billiard table, stretching his one arm forward while holding the stick, aiming for number 8 ball before him. Beside the current player, there were two men observing his play while drinking or smoking a big cigarette, permeating thick smoke up above his head.
These men were wearing expensive-looking white suit and trousers, one man wearing it in a gentleman manner while the rest wore by unbuttoning their suit for more mobility and comfortability. While they were enjoying the luxury, they heard knocks from the door. The man who was sitting on a red Victorian arm chair uttered his permission to enter.
A man enters while panting and immediately lowered his head in order not to have direct eye contact with the man sitting in front of him.
"Boss, we received an information that two unidentified speed boats were found nearby our ship cruise. I doubt it must be somebody from Port Mafia or the Detective Agency. And-"
The man cut off his sentence, rubbing his hands rather in a nervous manner.
"And?" his boss prompted and took another inhale of cigarette and exhaled it as the smoke permeated right before his subordinate's face.
The man jerked and placed his hands to his sides. "T-the speedboats were e-empt-ty, so there is a possibility that they have already infiltrated our cruise-" he stammered and his words trailed off for the fear of the consequence after delivering bad news to his boss and his trusted subordinates.
The man who just finished his turn whistled in amusement. "So, they finally came, eigh?" he remarked with enthusiasm as he placed his dark hazel hair behind his ear. His hair had a length above his shoulders and with its wavy habit made him to appear from a noble family.
"So, it's time!" another man with big stature said followed by a loud laugh. His dark complexion and a scar on his right temple make his appearance intimidating, the muscles of his arms were big which was enough to reap its sleeves anytime if he acts carelessly.
Their boss also chuckled in excitement. Finally, this day has come when he can take his revenge. The informant went daze with their reaction for he thought that they might shout at him for his carelessness of letting the enemy to step in their cruise, but all these thoughts were cut off when the boss gave a sudden command.
"Give me the jammer, we will now proceed with the next plan." His words brought malicious grins to his two other comrades.
"As you please!" The informer bowed his head and left the room and returned quickly with a jammer.
"Now, let's begin your death show, Chuuya Nakahara"
"""""
The trio were leaning their backs against the wall, trying to hide their presence from the guards roaming around the floor they are currently in. Swiftly, they searched for a door that connects to the lower floors which will also lead them to the control room. No special happenings occurred so far. Since they were trained individuals, they were able to avoid the guards and security cameras, walking through its blind spots.
"Next, turn to left and go straight" Atsushi said while scrutinizing the blueprint of the cruise he received from Dazai through mail. Soon after, the trio reached the door that leads to the engine room. Comparing to a bigger cruise, it was smaller than they've imagined but the machineries and different kind of engines that where installed from top, right and left, back and front awed them, especially Atsushi. Albeit with its space, they couldn't see the end of the room for it was too dim.
One thing that surprised and at the same time annoyed them was the noise inside the engine room. Since there are lots of machineries and different types of engines installed in this room, they barely hear one another unless they will raise their voices. It is an advantage for them in order to slip away from their enemies but it is also a vice versa. Hence, the trio didn't let their guard down even a single minute in case they will accidentally meet up with a crew of Despair gang.
Plus, the temperature here in engine room is hot comparing to the heat outside. Atsushi could feel himself sweating and drenched with his own sweat. Even he was the last person in line, he could see drops of sweat poured from his fellow comrade who are walking before him.
When they come to the main floor of the engine control room, the trio split themselves to search for the main room where all the computers that controls the whole engines and machines of the cruise are installed.
"Hey~" Atsushi hissed while waving his hand, calling their attention. "I found the engine control room" and gestured his hand to come. The two immediately understood what he meant. The trio swiftly trotted down the stairs and careful not to show their appearance before the glass pane in the door, where there were three men operating the engine.
The trio hunched their backs as they leaned themselves against the wall, exchanging glances to one another to check if they are ready. They can't cause too much fuss this time. As much as possible, they want to end their task as quickly and silently as possible or else they might ruin the plan. The moment when Akutagawa was about to open the door, he halted when the trio overheard the conversation of the three men inside.
"Hey, did you hear that there might be already someone from the Detective Agency or Port Mafia sneaked into this cruise?" one of the men said with his loud husky voice, which was enough for the trio standing by outside to hear. There was big skull tattoo imprinted in his bulky arm.
"Oh, really? But why?" the other man asked in askance.
"I heard that information too. It seemed like they spotted two speed boat nearby our cruise. But it's only a presumption. There's no way they can reach us" the last guy, who is the biggest and the tallest among them said. "Besides, if we will encounter them, they are no match with us!" and did a deep chuckle.
The two other men did a dark smirk and agreed. "Yeah, as long as boss will use his ability on us then we're invisible!" and burst out laughing.
The trio exchanged query glances to one another. They all heard it right. They talked about their boss' ability, but what do they mean about that? As for now, the ability of the boss from the Despair Gang is still unknown for both organizations. The only method to gain the answer to that question is to ask them right away, so while the three men were busy with their chatting, Kyouka, who is most skilled regarding assassination, opened the door with ease. Though it created a small creak, the three men barely noticed it so the moment she appeared before them, the men caught off guard and bewildered.
Using that moment as a chance, Atsushi and Akutagawa entered the room, turned off the light and without taking no more than 30 seconds, the trio knocked out the gang members except the person who is being cornered in the wall by Akutagawa. Kyouka closed the door and switched the light on again as if it gives a signal for them to begin an interrogation.
"Who the hell are you guy-" before the man could finish his sentence, Akutagawa used his Rashomon and surrounded his prey with his shadow-beast hovering just above his head. The man was overwhelmed with power and fear which left him speechless and his knees gave up on the ground like someone drained his energy at once.
At the corner of his eyes, he could see his unconscious colleagues sleeping deeply on the icy floor. Just by looking at their knock out appearance, he could tell that they won't open their eyes for several hours. He was all alone now in this dreadful situation.
"Dare to shout and I will reap your neck from your body" Akutagawa threatened with his deep voice. "So, tell me what you guys were talking about. What is the ability of your boss?"
The man flinched and his eyes dilated, lowering his head in complete confusion, gritting his teeth for he did not want to blab his boss' ability to them.
"Tell me so that I'll let you live. Or do you want to end up becoming the feast for my beast tonight?" the mafioso stated as the shadow beast gradually approached his prey, who was already cornered by the wall. Its big shadow had completely engulfed him, mentally and physically. Finally, not able to resist the despair he is facing, he placed his both hands on the floor as if he begs for his life.
"O-our b-boss' abi-lit-ty is-"
"""""
Akutagawa knocked the man out of consciousness after attaining the information they wanted to obtain. They then press buttons that causes the engine to stop working while destroying some engines to the point where they can't conduct immediate repair and recovery of the systems. Kyouka also pulled the lever down which turned off all the lights of the cruise. This cruise was now in complete darkness. The trio immediately left the room and rushed upstairs then hid behind the shadows of big machines when several men entered the floor, pointing their flashlights in random directions.
"Tch, they're fast" Akutagawa hissed while glaring the group of men swarming around the area.
"We can't act carelessly here. We also do not know how many men are there. We should stay quiet for now" Kyouka immediately warned, who was hiding at the opposite of the mafia with Atsushi, as she sensed his bloodlust to attack them. The mafia clicked his tongue and reclined his back, unusually complying with her advice. Though he didn't want to admit, her words are right.
The trio stayed calm and silent until the gang finished inspecting the area and went further inside heading towards the opposite direction where they are hiding. Sighing in relief, they released their weight off from their shoulders and relaxed.
"I should inform Dazai-san that we succeeded in our task and about their boss' ability" Atsushi said and tried to contact with his superior. Akutagawa, who was also thinking the same thing, decided to contact Chuuya about this matter, but something was strange. All they could here was buzzing noise from their earpiece. They tried different methods to get rid or avoid the buzz, but it didn't work. Atsushi's face paled and gave an uneasy look to the two.
"They jammed our signal" Akutagawa laconically said, ending the sentence what Atsushi was about to say.
"What shall we do? I'm sure Dazai-san is waiting for our contact."
"And what is more important is to inform their boss ability to him." Kyouka added. The duo nodded in agreement. As long as Dazai will know the ability, they knew that he could make a concrete plan in order to defeat the Despair gang and capture their boss.
"The ability to boost or decrease someone's ability. This ability is only possible if the caster will embed a skull tattoo to the person he wants to cast upon" Akutagawa said.
"That's why, all the members had skull tattoo in their bodies." The male detective snapped his fingers in realization.
"We can't just stay here and wait for our comrades to arrive. We must find the jammer and destroy it before they will step in to this cruise." Akutagawa proposed.
"I guess you're right. We are lucky that their boss didn't activated his ability yet or else we would have created a big fuss with the men we knocked out in the control engine room a while ago." Atsushi said as his face grimed after imagining the possible scenario that time.
"They became the strongest gang in Tokyo because of their boss' ability. We must not let our guard down" Kyouka reminded. Heeding her words, they sneaked out the engine control room after they confirmed that no one was there by the entrance.