"Hey got that snack for ya Takoyaki." Majima greets her, plastic bag in hand, he lifts it up as he and Ryūko return to the warehouse where he finds a quiet Makoto head down, on the same sofa as before.
"…Thank you" Timidly, she thanks him.
"Feel yourself calmin' down now?" Majima asks.
"Yeah. But…now I'm hungry." Makoto confesses.
That's normal." Ryūko reassures her.
"Heh that's a good sign. People're machines and foods fuel. Gimme half a shake, I'll have a plate ready for ya…" Majima promises and sets the food out…
Quietly, the group eat their food, Majima having finishing his silently smokes his cigarette as Ryūko continues eating said food.
"Hey um…what…what happened to your eye?" Shyly, Makoto asks astonishing Ryūko.
"Mm?" Majima hums turning to her.
"Well…you said you lost your vision in one of your eyes. I was curious how it happened." Makoto elaborates as Ryūko turns to leave until feeling something tug at her arm as she turns to Majima, silently shaking his head as she sits down dumbstruck. She thought they would want this moment alone…
"Oh right. Yeah, in my case it was an injury. Almost more of an accident. Totally destroyed," Calmly, Majima lies.
"That's terrible!" Makoto gasps horrified.
"Nah I still got one. And hey it does the job," Tightly, Majima smiles.
"Poor thing." Makoto whispers sorrowful.
"Huh? You daft? I'm a lot better off'n you ain't I?" Majima compares.
"But mine is caused by emotional trauma so there's a chance I'll recover. That's what Lee San said," Makoto explains.
"That true? So…you still got hope then. That's great," Majima praises.
"But yours is…" Makoto trails off.
"I'm used to it now. Doesn't slow me down any. My only complaints that it ruined such a handsome face." Majima smirks.
"Handsome my ass." Amused, Ryūko remarks as she sharply scoffs from his side earing a playful jab in the side by a smirking Majima
"So you're handsome?" Softly, Makoto smiles.
"I was with a matchin' pair of eyes, anyway. Crying shame, I can't show ya." Majima smirks.
"Haha…that IS a shame," Lightly, Makoto giggles.
"There it is, nice to hear that laugh on its way back. Hm wait you wear a wrist watch?" Curious, Majima arches a brow.
"Huh oh yes," Makoto confirms.
"Ain't that a little odd for a blind girl?" Confused, Majima points out.
"I suppose…but it's cute isn't it?" Optimistically, Makoto brings up.
"That's my whole point how would ya even know that? Yeesh." Majima complains as he glances at the broken watch.
"I know it's strange. But this one plays a little music box chime. It sounds so cute, it always makes me smile," Radiantly, Makoto recollects.
"Huh what's it sound like?" Majima ponders.
"It doesn't play anymore. The watch is broken." Sadly, Makoto adds.
"Are you kiddin' me!?" Majima gawks.
"Some things you can't throw away, you know? Even if it seems pointless to other people, some things are just really important to you. I lost my sight, I lost track of time, the watch broke, the chime stopped playing. I know, I have no need for it now. But it's a memento of back when my life was still normal. If I got rid of it, I feel like…I'd never…" Sombrely, Makoto explains.
"Hey now…" Majima begins guilty.
"Still, I would love to hear it chime again." Dreamily, Makoto sighs.
"I get it." Majima agrees.
"Huh?" Surprised, Makoto raises a brow.
"If ya can't bring yourself to throw it away, keep it. Hang on to it long enough and eventually it'll bring ya good luck," Majima reasons.
"Good luck…eventually," Makoto whispers out.
"Hm what's wrong?" Majima questions her.
"You're right it's silly. It's because I keep clinging on to stuff like this that I still can't face realty," Dejectedly, Makoto places the watch down and begins to stand, moving who knows where worrying Majima who stands.
"Hey…" Majima reaches out concerned.
"It's fine thank you. You're very kind. I appreciate that," Makoto stops him.
"That ain't right if ya feel like ya still need it then its something ya still need. I believe that really," He assures her.
"No its fine. I...need to get stronger. I WILL get stronger like Namie san," Determined, Makoto reason to herself as sneakily, Majima takes her clock and puts it in his suit for later…Majima looks towards the smirking Ryūko no words needing to be shed as she simply takes his dish alongside Makoto's own getting rid of it for now shaking her head amused at it all.
"Lee what's up with these shots?" Scowling, Majima eyes the photos that were in the file Makoto had on her as he had returned.
"Easy tiger don't get yer panties bunched up I'm about to explain. Here drink up." Lee places the shopping bag down, handing her a bottle of juice.
"Thank you Lee-san." Makoto smiles softy sipping said drink.
"Got one for you too." Lee watches Makoto drink it half-hardy passing one to Majima.
"Is Namie not here?" Innocently, Makoto murmurs.
"Nah said she had some stuff to do." Lazily, Lee shrugs.
"Oh…" Disappointed, Makoto bows her head.
"She'll be back soon…" Softly, Lee promises.
"Lee these photos are that big plan you were talki' about? Who the hell is she?" Sternly, Majima demands from him.
"Serial marriage fraudster this chick and it gets better the guys who fall for her got a bad habit of dyin' suspiciously. You ask me she drains 'em dry then serves 'em with a lot worse than divorce papers but even this monster's got her redeemin' features take her age and build…awful close to Makoto's yeah?" Lee recites from the report.
"What of it?" Majima furrows his brow befuddled just as the soft click of a tub hits the floor.
"…!" Makoto suddenly slumps to the side surprising Majima.
"Those drugs really do pack a punch." Lee remarks after catching the fallen figure of Makoto.
"Lee the hell you thinkin'!?" Mystifed, Majima demands from him.
"What comes next ain't for her ears so time for a little nap." Lee tells Majima.
"Haw?" Majima blurts out.
"You're awful defensive for a hitman the girl in those photos? She's Makoto's body double." Lee tells Majima.
"Body double?" Majima perks up at it.
"Look when somebody calls a hit what is it they actually want?" Lee asks Majima.
"Results that their target's dead." Majima answers.
"Exactly results. And the result of a murder's a body. You offer up a body yer boss is happy why is why we take the girl in the photos and have her volunteer for the role instead of Makoto." Lee elaborates.
"Now just a…" Majima tries to argue but…
"Dress the body in this. When the cops go to verify her identity it's me they'll be comin' to. So I'll give 'em their answer. No doubt about it that's my poor little employee. And boom." Lee tells him the plan showing said bag with her uniform.
"You stupid? Soon as they start investigating' they'll see it ain't the same girl!" Majima argues anxiously.
"That's fine. After she's dead we give the girl a face job. Long as she's unrecognisable we're in the clear and a little acid takes the fingerprints right off." Lee adds to the plan.
"The fuck ARE you man?" Mad, Majima roars raising his voice at Lee.
"I want the truth just who the hell are you? 'Cuase you ain't jut a goddamn acupuncturist. You got nothin' to say!?" Scowling, Majima demands done.
"…Used to be the same as you a hitman. Did contract work for a mainland organization my last job was about six months back." Lee begins his tale.
"Six months…wait that's around when you said you took the girl in…" Majima recalls.
"Good memory heh but try think' that one through. The girl was organization property locked away how was I gonna get her? You think she was just lyin' on the side of the road? You heard the name Hada?" Lee asks as Majima flinches from the name feeling the frosty air around them turn as cold as ice.
"Hada…? Who hasn't? The guy was a living legend." Majima furrows his brow by the thought of the legend, even his boss Shimano both feared and respected him while he was fine with fighting Kazama, Hada was a whole other level…a level, not even Shimano dared to make a move on knowing all that he had built would be burnt within the ashes of Hada's wrath.
"Is a living legend." Lee curtly corrects.
"…He died didn't he?" Majima argues.
"That's what he wants people to think." Lee reasons.
"You think he's still kickin'?" Majima raises a brow he had heard the monster had kicked it but never really knew much on the details only that the wake was something else…
"Bet my life on it, Hada's too stubborn to die. Still I got a job from him, we were to do a raid, on some Korean mafia turf war over the slave trade. They'd already killed a bunch of our men. There was two of 'em in that storehouse after killin' them I'm left with a room fulla half-naked girls in cages. Soon as I unlocked the doors they all bolted…all except one. One of 'em couldn't move an inch." Lee grimaces at the murky memory of the battlefield of course Hada had gone under another alias at the time but still the two were the ones who barely made it out…
"And that's…" Majima turns towards the drugged girl below.
"Yeah that was Makoto she starts reachin' out in the dark for my hand, totally blind…once she found it, she latched on and wouldn't let go. Just knelt there cryin' and saying thank you over and over. Her hand was so tiny man…I couldn't bear to let go." Lee explains to Majima brow furrowed from the memory of her hand holding his, her tears as Hada had helped the other girls evacuate, head to a safe place, a sanctuary for them.
"So you've been playin' big daddy to her ever since." Majima deduces.
"Yeah, see way back in the day…I really was a father. She was always real sick even as a baby. The side effects of the drugs she needed were rough not to mention expensive." Lee bows his head pained, he had wanted to start a new life with her
"Expensive?" Majima raises a brow by his words.
"How do you think I got into my line of work? When I first came here I knew not a lick of Japanese I couldn't get a job I couldn't get nothing but Hada took me under his wing, trained me, helped me a start life for myself and my daughter…but by the end she could barely see. That grip on my hand it was just like the one I remembered. I think Hada knew that, he told me not to let that one go…Majima I ain't about to let a daughter die before my eyes again. If it's to protect my girl I'll kill any stranger you put in front of me. I know it ain't right but…I got no other options left! And you're gonna help me with it Majima I need you to report back to yer boss that Makoto's dead." Determined, Lee tells Majima how it is brow furrowed at the memory of her hand on his, Hada's words to him before disappearing off the face of the earth, what was it that made him do that? That tasked Lee to look after Makoto, Lee may never know…
"Tsk damn fool." Frowning, Majima curses.
"Huh?" Lee blurts out.
"You ain't givin' the yakuza near enough credit. He'll see through a trick like that in no time." Majima scowls at the plan.
"Alright so what other plan do you have? DO you have any other bright ideas!?" Lee demands from Majima.
"We're done talkin' here. Count me outta this." Majima refuses turning to the door.
"You just gonna run away again? Don't think I can tell. You lost that eye of yours from runnin' away just like you are now." Lee states the fact firmly standing in Majima's way.
"Excuse me?" Majima scowls at Lee blocking his way.
"Sure you got yer justifications but I'll bet you came all this way without ever getting' yer hands dirty, actin' like a damn choir boy. But you're yakuza no better'n me once a man steps into the shadows like that he's black as night till the day he dies. In that case sack up and meet hell hallway already!" Lee slowly saunters over towards the door blocking his path.
"You don't know a DAMN thing about me!" Majima snaps scowling at Lee.
"I'll ask just one more time…you're sure ya won't join me in handlin' this?" Lee asks him one more time.
"No way in hell." Majima refuses flat out.
"Alright in that case…I'll show ya how we do things in the shadows. Can't have anybody who knows about this little plan leavin' this room alive…" Lee states the fact firmly getting into a fighting stance as Majima does the same.
"It's over Majimmaaa!
"Did you have to drug her like that? She's only going to be demanding questions when she wakes." Ryūko tiredly tuts adjusting her crisp coal leather gloves staring down at the battered beaten Lee.
"What came next ain't for her ears…" Protectively, Lee glances at the unconscious Makoto.
"So you told him the plan." Tiredly, she stares at the drugged girl below.
"I did." He confirms.
"He's against it." Ryūko assumes as she adjusts her gloves.
"Yeah how did you know?" Lee questions curious.
"I told you he wouldn't do it. Majima hates laying a hand on a woman; he would never do it even if the girl was cruel." Ryūko scoffs shaking her head, as useful as this trait was to use it could be quite the pain for them, a double edged sword she supposed.
"Even for Makoto…?" Lee questions making Ryūko go quiet.
The man is weak what can I say?" Simply, she shrugs what was she supposed to say, the man was a weakling. Even if her intel was what got her to find the body double, Kazuki had been warned about the girl time and time again as she visited Stardust. She was also worried about Yuya but Kazuki had promised to keep an eye on him when she was around…
"I'll go after him." Ryūko turns on her heel turning to the door.
"You sure?" Lee frowns as she picks up the first aid kit from the side.
"Yeah. Someone has to," Exasperated, Ryūko exhales and leave the warehouse, wandering outside only for her nose to twitch at the scent of smoke, following the trial to find a familiar one eyed pirate sat on a bench, smoking looking miserable.
"You know smoking kills right?" Ryūko remarks reaching out gently grasping his cigarette in-between his lips to her own…
"That doesn't stop you." He grumbles, leaning over, defeated
Hey I don't smoke as much as you do," Dubiously, she flicks said cigarette aside.
"Funny you sound concerned," Majima smirks seeing her swiftly snuff it out with her heel.
"Of course not. I'm more concerned about the guy paying me," Jokingly, Ryūko remarks, taking a seat by his side.
"As caring as a saint," Drily, he huffs.
"Indeedly do," Ryūko closes her hues, a steady silence hanging heavily between both of them.
"Who is this benefactor you keep talking about?" Majima asks her.
"He is someone I trust with my life to." Truthfully, Ryūko admits as she thinks back to him…
"Even if it meant taking a life?" Majima pries making her sigh.
"I owe that man a debt I will never be able to pay back. So yes, I am willing to cross that line for him…Majima are you sure you want to come back into the Tojo clan?" Resolved, Ryūko responds brow furrowing from the thought of that man behind bars thanks to the traitors he called his friends fury freely flowing through her form the snitches stabbing in his back but she would get them back for it, that she would…
"Of course." Firmly, he answers.
"Majima you can barely kill someone," Worriedly, Ryūko brings up, her hues staring up at the dark night sky, noting the twinkles of stars as she frowns, concern clear on her furrowed features.
"Would you?" He argues.
"Like I said for that person I'd do anything." Ryūko repeats.
Even if it mean risking your life?" Meekly, Majima whispers eyeing her.
I'd give him my life." Ryūko states the fact firmly.
…You don't mean that." Tense, Goro glares at the resolved Ryūko.
I do." Dutifully, Ryūko asserts.
Ryūko…you need to treasure yourself more. You matter." Goro reminds Ryūko a part of him pained to even hear those words.
The same could be said for you. Still if I have the choice I take no killing but I know if I had to I would kill," Self-assuredly, she states.
"Even me?" He inquiries making her hues widen at the question as she frowns turning away.
"…Even you," Ryūko confesses, if Kazama asked for his head then so be it.
"That's reassuring." Sarcastically, he scoffs.
"Now let me see your face." Impatiently, Ryūko grabs his face surprising him.
"Why?" He gawks taken aback as she turn his face to the side, seeing him flinch briefly by it.
"Your face got roughed up by Lee." I remind him as he snatches her hand from his face, seething but Ryūko remains poker faced.
"Please he wished he hit me," Smugly, Majima smirks.
"If only he hit your mouth," Sadly, she shakes her head.
"Oh ha…ouch!" Majima grimaces as she grabs his face once more, this time he doesn't stop as she adjust his face to see the damage.
"Knew it come on gimme your face." Ryūko orders.
"Urgh. I don't have a choice with you do I?" Defeated, he gives in.
"Nope." Smugly, she smirk at his slumped figure as he turns to Ryūko getting out the first aid kit from the storehouse and tending to his wounds.
"The hell am I even doin'?" Annoyed, Majima leans into her tentative touch.
"What you think is right…" Ryūko reminds him.
"What do you think? Do you…?" Majima queries as she shrugs.
"Killing an innocent isn't right. We don't know what Lee said about the girl was true and shouldn't take the hit." Smoothly, she lies, a part of her grimacing that the hands she was holding his face were had faint flickers of iron.
Right…thanks Namie," Tired, Majima lowers his head to touch her shoulder as she gently pat his back, brushing back the guilt gnawing away at her.
"Anytime Majima now come on, I think you owe me some sushi," Brightly, she smiles strained removing himself from her, standing up and dragging him upwards.
"Again? Is there anything else you'll eat!?" Annoyed, he scowls as she snickers, linking her hand around his arm.
"Until I find something better never!" Brightly, she smile dragging him from the bench, seeing the small smile on his lips as they head off to eat, unaware of the mysterious figure gently grasping the spare paper bag he had abandoned into the bin…
"I'm telling you this is the place for the best of the best food…" Smirking, Majima promises the smirking Ryūko following him, hearing the sizzling hiss of the stands stoves and the bustling crowd of a certain crowd.
"Alright, alright I'm here already there's no need to panic we'll get there in time." Softly, she assures him.
"I just hope that old crow doesn't intervene…" Grumpily, Goro scowls.
"Oh you mean the famed leopard lady?" Teasingly, she smirks.
"Don't remind me!" Huffing Goro grumbles making her chuckle.
"Alright, we're here so chill…" Ryūko places her hand on Majima's arm as he turns to frown but it softens as he exhales tiredly.
"Help pervert! There's a pervert here!" Loudly, to their surprise a familiar woman fitting the description screeches out loud making them turn to the scene.
"You old shitbag! Who're you callin' a pervert!?" The ruffian growls.
"The famed Obatarian strikes again…." Amazed, Ryūko raise a brow.
"Yep." Majima confirms.
"Was her hair always that purple?" Perplexed, Ryūko wonders.
"Yep." Majima pops out.
…Oh?" Majima and Ryūko raise a brow at what the ruffian draws out.
"Is that a knife!?" Alarmed, Ryūko glares.
"You dumb hag! Now you're really gonna get it!" The ruffian growls, blade raised.
"Whoa now he's crossed the line!" Majima agrees.
"You think?" Shocked, she scowls.
"Eeek!" Piercing, the woman screeches but it falls to deaf ears.
"Nobody gets cute with the Yakuza, bitch! Suck on this!" He growls and goes to slash with his blade only for Majima to dive in and disarm him.
"Majima you okay?" Concerned, she rushes over.
"I'm fine what about you old?" He reassures Ryūko turning to the Obatarian.
"Wha-? Who the fuck are you?" The ruffian demands.
"Th-the eye patch fella!" The Obatarian recognises.
"Hey, I know this old lady's a real pain in the ass but that doesn't give ya the right to pull a blade on a civilian. Hey buddy I know how ya feel. I really do. I got accused of bein' a perv too…" Kindly, Majima explains to the ruffian.
"Which you are," Cheekily, Ryūko reaffirms.
"Not helping. But it ain't worth it. Trust me. Let sleepin' dogs lie. You're no match for the Obatarian. Hell, I ain't either." Honestly, Majima tries to warn the kid.
"You tryin' to tell me what to do? Ya mosey up to me and tell me I'm no match for some old hag? You don't know shit friend, the two of ya can share a grave while blondie over him can come with me!" He sneers as Ryūko glares.
"Yeah no," Swiftly, she silences the fool, Ryūko snatches him by the throat and slams him into the hard concrete road, making him cry out in both shock and pain as she then tosses him to the side, unconscious.
"Show off." Majima smirks.
"I do have an audience I aim to please," Coyly, she smirks back bemused.
"Y-you ain't bad," Weakly, he hisses.
"Praise is cheap comin' from a chump. Now get lost." Majima orders him and he flees crying.
"You're the bees knees eye patch fella!" The Obatarian praises him.
"Bah. I ended up coming to your rescue without even meanin' too. I kinda hate myself now," Grumbling, Goro huffs.
"Well, on closer inspection you're a fine piece of work. Just like my husband when he was still grabby! My heart's really poudnin'!" Lustily, she gushes.
"Wh-whoa dial it down! You're creepin me out lady, no need for any feminine wilds!" Fearful, Majima rejects. Ryūko reels back by the change of mood, swiftly stepping back not waiting any of that.
"Oh but I've got to repay ya to set things right…" She insists stepping forward.
"Feh. Keep your candy lady. I don't need the sugar high-ARGH! Namie help me out here!" Yelling, Majima reaches out to Ryūko once again watching the chaos unfold…
"Well Majima I think we both learned something today…" Smirking, she leans down next to the wreck after the woman leaves holding in a snicker as he attempts to give her a death glare.
"Not to rely on ya sorry ass to help me." Grumpily, he heaves out.
"Now why would I help you? You looked like you were having tons of fun. But no…never to mess with that sort of lady." Teasingly, Ryūko leans down hands on knees.
"Agreed…" Cursing, Majima hisses as gently she pats his shoulder helping him up. The pair nod in silent agreement as she swing his arm over hers, deciding to go get a drink, lick their wounds from another loss to the legendary Obitarian…
This makes three days…didn't wind up changin' much if anything thing're worse now than before. Jig's up as soon as Sagawa finds out I'm keeping the girl alive. Can't risk headin' to the storehouse now better play it cool and head to the grand like normal.
"Ah sir good morning!" The floor manager warmly welcomes Majima entering the back of the room in the Grand.
"Mornin' Namie not in?" Majima raises a brow at the lack of the blonde.
"No she called in for a sick day." The floor manager reports to Majima.
"That so…" Majima mutters glancing to the side.
"We got a call from a Lee-sama from 'Hogushi Kaikan' a moment ago asking for you sir." The manager reports to Majima.
"Lee called?" Confused, Majima perks up at it.
"Someone you know then?" The floor manager assumes.
"Yeah what'd he say?" Majima asks the manager.
"Well it's not much of a message but he asked that you meet him at that Hogushi Kaikan as soon as possible." The manager reports.
"Sir?" Softly, the man calls out to his boss.
"I got the message thanks for the heads up." The manager thanks him.
"Of course I'll leave you to it sir." Smiling, he bows as Majima watches him leave.
"Oh Majima! Glad you're here I bee waitin'!" Pumped, Lee giddily greets Majima making his way back into the god hand's office seeing said male smoke smiling at him.
"Whoa slow down. What's got you all pumped?" Perplexed, Majima furrows his brow by the smiling Lee.
"How am I NOT gonna be pumped?" Puzzled, Lee smiles ear from ear.
"Huh?" Mystifed, Majima blurts out.
"Lookit you plain' the hero all by yereself! Still ow this whole thing's behind us. You done good Majima!" Merrily, Lee lightly hits his shoulder.
"What're you on about?" Annoyed, Majima demands from him.
"What am I…you did it didn't you? The girl from the photos." Perplexed, Lee points to the TV.
"Early this morning the body of a young woman was found in the Sotenbori River from her clothing the deceased is believed to be Makoto Makimura age 20. Her disfigured body has led Osaka police to believe Makimura-san met with foul play."
"The hell is this?" Tense, Majima stares wide eyed at the screen showing the riverbank the body was found washed up on.
"Wait it wasn't you that did it? That's her, from the photos." Lee assumes anxiously.
"I…I ain't killed anybody." Alarmed, Majima confesses to Lee.
"Yeah but…the bod'ys wearin' Makoto's uniform that you took with you yesterday!" Lee points out.
"I told you I wouldn't! Wait…what'd you say?" Stunned, Majima exclaims.
"Cops came by this morning with a snapshot of the body asked me to identify her. Her face was all caved in but she was wearin' the outfit I gave you plain as day." Lee adds as well as both boys share a look lost until…
"Where's Namie!?" Majima demands.
"EH?" Lee blurts out.
"WHERE IS SHE LEE!?" Majima grabs Lee by his shoulders shaking him as just then…
*Ring*
"Yes Hogushi Kaikan here huh?" Lee goes to answer it only to falter furrowing his brow by the response as he turns to look over at Majima, a still silence hanging heavily over the teo tense.
"…It's for you." Lee reveals as Majima rushes over swiftly snatching said phone.
"You asked for me? It's Majima." Majima takes the phone frowning.
"You see my little present yet? How you like it?" The voice asks.
"The hell you talking about?" Agitated, Goro glares.
"Whaddya think I'm talkin' about buddy? One dead Makoto Makimura." The voice hollers.
"What!?" Majima says shocked.
"She's officially dead now that should please your employer no? No worries he'll be comin' for your ass, now. You should be thankin' me." The man argues as he leans back against the booth behind him.
"Who are you!? What's yer game here!?" Majima demands.
"I'm lookin' to trade. You and me." The man in red exclaims.
"That ain't a proper answer!" Agitated, Majima roars.
"So…right now I'm over at your club enjoin' a drink." Smirking, the man eyes the woman all around him.
"You're at the Grand?" Majima furrows his brow.
"Heeey that's enough!" A girl glued to his side whines while he fondles her chest.
"Some place ya got here Majima-Kun I'm a fan! Why don't'cha come enjoy it with me don't keep me waitin' stud." Smirking, the man in red hangs up leaving the miffed Majima heading straight back to the Grand.
"The hell is even happenin'? How's some random guy know about my plan!? Did Namie betray us!? Hey I'm waitin' here Majima!" Impatiently, Lee demands from Majima sat slumped on one of the patient chairs.
"No." Majima snaps sharply.
"Majima…" Lee furrows his brow by his faint flinch from the idea alone.
"She wouldn't do that. That guy on the phone…he musta picked it up after I threw it out. Pulled it from the park trash can. The uniform and photos of the girl I got from you I threw 'em out and he must have been watching." Majima disputes.
"Guess that makes sense so then he takes that, whacks the girl and plays Makoto dress up with the body. Say…you don't think Namie got caught do ya?" Lee furrows his brow by the thought.
"Namie…!" Majima mutters under his breath brow furrowed.
"Oi Majima Namie's strong she can take care of herself still though why? Who is he? You don't think it's your boss do ya?" Lee assures Majima before furrowing his brow befuddled by the whole situation.
"Nah if it were him he'd call me himself this guy was someone else though from the way he talked he knew I'd been ordered to kill Makoto…" Majima reasons.
"Which narrows it down to…what the yakuza who came here." Lee recalls.
"Or somebody related to 'em the guy on the phone said he wanted to make a deal only one thing I figured that they want Makoto Makimura." Makoto offers.
"So what's yer move?" Lee asks Majima.
"He's waitin' for me at the Grand you stay with the girl." Majima stands from his seat.
"Fine with me but you're really just going to waltz in there alone? You said yerself he's waitin' for you." Lee furrows his brow by the thought.
"Better than having him sneakin' around me besides he's gotta know the reason why everybody's after her I'm way past ready to get that nailed down…" Majima argues as he heads back to the Grand.
Loudly, the girlish giggles echoes throughout the grand as Majima strolls through the absent booths of the bought out Grand spotting the man in red's arms draped around the women littered about him, his hand slide below the girl's golden dress.
"Yeah you like it there huh? Ahhh fuck lemme in on the action too." Whining, the man in red grabs the girl's had directing downwards.
"You're so bad just this once-wha-Ew you're hard!" Horrified, the girl reels back by it.
"You bet your ass I am!" Animatedly, the man in red roars.
"Not okay! Let me go!" The girl glares at him.
"My bad…how much until it's oaky sugar?" Smirking, he swiftly slams a check book down on the table below.
"Hmm let's see…fine ten grand a second." Smirking, she suggests.
"Oh yeah? Then a mil buys me a minute forty!" Happily, he cackles crazed, the others girls giggling joining in.
"Sexual contact is prohibited in this establishment…sir." Scowling, Majima intervenes glaring down at the group below.
"Boss…" The girl in gold squirms away apologetic ashamed almost as she bows her head at getting caught.
"Oh? So you're Majima-kun loosen up pal ya gone and killed the mood." Childishly, the man in red spreads out further for the ladies.
"Nevertheless those are our rules." Resolved, Majima tells him.
"Yeah yeah so terribly sorry. Yer boss is a scary guy! Huh?" The man in red turns to the squirming girls bowing their head going eerily silent.
"Damn straight. What kinda manager's gonna let you ruin everyone else's night with this bullshit?" Brow furrowed, Majima scowls.
"Ya got me all wrong! I ain't the type to do you like that. I played this fair and square y'knnow? See I got your staff in on it…rented the place out for myself. Way I figure it…you don't want people heari' what we say here either. So I cleared the place out. Pretty goddam considerate wasn't it? C'mon c'mon sit. A man deserves a drink in his own bar now and again no? Me? I run a little outfit by the name of the Kijin Clan. Name's Nishitani." Nishitani introduces himself to Majima.
Homare Nishitani
"Retainer To The 5TH Omi Alliance Chairman Patriarch Of The Kijin Clan
"Kijin Clan?" Majima furrows his brow by the name.
"And I think you know what I want Majima-Kun. Makimura Makoto-chan. Where you got that little sweetheart stashed? I had some guys pay the acupuncture place a little visit to grab Makoto-chan right? Next thing I know my guys were shot bleeding out not enough to kill them though precise shots. Whoever shot them I gotta give it to them they knew what they were doing so here I am handlin' things myself." Nishitani explains himself to Majima after dismissing the girls leaving.
"You're the one leadin' that idiot parade?" Majima takes a seat scowling.
"Way I hear it you're pretty strong eh? I do loooove me the strong types…but then I hear my new faovurite guy's in a real fix 'cause he can't whack a lady. My heart just bled for ya it's almost cute y'know?" Nishitani smirks slyly.
"…You got all your marbles?" Mystifed, Majima scowls at him.
"No call for getting' snotty now. Hear me out. We ain't after Makoto-chan's life all's we want with her's to have a nice friendly conversation. So any chance I can get you to hand her over?" Hopeful, he asks but is met by the still silence of Majima.
"What's the harm in that? You got the stiff they pulled from the river. Tell yer client that's Makoto-cha you're set. It's Sagawa right? Big miser owner of the Cabaret Grand that braindead chimpanzee ain't gona figure out the body's a fake. And my lips are sealed. Long as I get Makoto-chan in my hands…that secret stays with me. I'll carry it to the grave." Nishitani assures Majima.
"Talk. Why is it you're after the girl?" Majima demands from him.
"Ahh can't help you with that one! I got a client I'm workin' for here too though it ain't like I don't get why you'd be curious so I've got an idea…why not try to beat it outta me? That's the whole reason ya came here, ain't it?" Nishitani suggests smirking at the thought standing form his seat before bashing his fierce fist into Majima's face.
"Uuh hello? What gives Majima kun? There a problem?" Perplexed, Nishitani eyes the still standing stoic figure of Majima.
"I can't hit a customer in my club." Majima recites resolute.
"What the hell?" Nishitani whines.
"Call it my policy as manager." Majima tells him.
"Heheheheh oh man oh man you are just the precious little gift that keeps on giving. But isn't this a predicament? Gotta respect your policy Majima-kun. But I also gotta fight you I've got a real blood chub comin' on!" Nishitani rubs his legs eagerly excitedly.
"Sweet! I got just the thing! Gimme a sec! Oh hello great, this is the club manager of the Grand!" Nishitani ushes over to the table taking the phone, dialling it.
What?" Majima watches him.
"I got this whack job of a yakuza here right ow wavin' a big ol' knife around! No siree he's defiantly not a customer he's a robber! Get down here quick okay!?" Nishitani quickly hangs up smirking.
"You're outta yer der mind." Majima glares at the man in red.
"Hehehe…Guess who's not a customer anymore? I'm a bonafide robber! Just ask the cops…don't tell me that manager policy of yours extends to robbers too. Gotta protect yer own club don't ya? So quit playing the tease and lemme have it, Majima-kun. This ain't even about work anymore let's have some fun!" Nishitani smirks smugly drawing out his tanto.
"Hmph if you're that bent on it I'll play along. Be nice to take a little break from work myself… You ready Majima-kun? Don't go lettin' me down now!" Majima gets into his fighting position readying himself for the chaos ahead.
"Police! Don't move!"
"Aww man…time's up already? Alright copper I'm the big bad robber who busted in on this place! Sorry to say it but I caused the goddamn scene!" Smirking, Nishitani raises his hands up taking the fall.
"What? Is this some kinda joke!?" The policemen glares at the man in red.
"Hold it Nishitani let's hear that reason why you're after the girl who's givin' the order!?" Mad, Majima demands but…
"Heheh….gotta save a little fun for next time big boy. I've decided you're my favourite new toy Majima-kun." Coyly, Nishitani smirks smugly at him.
"Geez if this is some kinda prank… alright walk pal!" The policeman grabs Nishitani's arms handcuffing him.
"Ah er sir…? What happened? That customer rented the club out didn't he?" Confused, the floor manager rushes over to Majima's side staring at the fleeting figure of the man being arrested.
"…His rental's up." Majima huffs.
"Huh? He paid that much and he's already done?" Flabbergasted, the floor manager exclaims.
"…You just deal with the police would ya? And tell the others to get ready to open. We're back to regular business." Briskly, Majima dictates.
"U-Understood sir we'll have the doors open as soon as we're ready what about you sir?" The floor manager asks Majima.
"Well…I'll be in the office till we're rolling hit me if anything comes up." Majima brushes past him.
"Yes sir." The floor manager watches him head to the back where he meets…
"…Sagawa-han…" Majima's hues broaden at the man.
"You made myself at home." Sagawa smiles at Majima.
"How long have you been here?" Majima queries.
"Since just after the cops busted in pretty wild scene down there on the floor eh? But what's got me even MORE curious Majima-chan…I thought I told you to call me when the job was done." Sagawa reminds him.
"The job?" Majima raises a brow befuddled.
"Makoto Makimura you offed her? I saw the news leaving her floating down Sotenbori now that was a bold move. So why didn't you call me as soon as you were done? What happened to ABC buddy?" Brow furrowed, Sagawa snuffs out his cigarette.
"Look I forgot I came here to call you." Majima lies.
"Right…you forgot. Still lots of sticky details on this one like the girl's body. I just can't figure it out." Sagawa sighs softly.
"Huh?" Majima blurts out.
"Like…why go through the trouble of smashing her face in? ad then you turn around and leave her in her uniform? Can't tell if you're trying to hide who she is or broadcast it. Kinda funny isn't it?" Sagawa quirks his head to the side.
"…That was my first time killin' somebody. I can barely even remember what I did." Majima bows his head.
"Still in shock? Well guess that's not impossible." Sagawa considers.
"What's it matter anyway? I did yer job your side of the bargain's getting' me back into the Tojo Clan. You had that chat with Shimano yet?" Hopeful, Majima probes.
"One more question before I do the guy making a scene downstairs…where were you two fighting about? His name's Nishitani you wouldn't know it to look at him but he's Omi alliance brass same as me. Heads a group called the Kijin Clan." Sagawa asks Majima.
"He's Omi Alliance?" Astonished, Majima exclaims.
"Yup Omi's got all kinds but even by that standard the Kijin clan are loose canons not exactly team players. They'll roll in on anybody's turf and do whatever they like. Sotenbori's little band of troublemakers…I'm not saying I'm not a fan though. Anyway out of curiosity…why's the Kijin Clan throwing down in your club? You get into something with them?" Sagawa explains.
"…Just yer average drunken brawl maybe the guy wasn't used to drinkin' the good stuff." Majima shrugs.
"Gotcha…well can't say the Nishitani getting smashed and picking a fight's anything new. All right fair enough. It's just…you've been acting funny for a while now couldn't help but wonder if you were keeping secrets." Sagawa's hues narrow.
"The hell am I gonna lie about?" Majima furrows his brow.
"Haha don't take it personally. But you're right there's no way you could keep something from me…because you've still got the scars to remind you what would happen to you if you did. Okay then I'll put in that call to my oath brother. You keep the fires burning and the profits coming here in the meantime got it?" Sagawa stands from the couch before leaving...
"Yo! Glad you see you're still in one piece." Lee smiles as Majima makes his way back to the hideout.
"Yeah all quiet here…?" Majima asks Lee.
"Hm yeah nothi' to report." Lee responds.
"Good here got something to pass along to ya." Majima hands over a bottle.
"What is it?" Lee eyes the bottle before him.
"Painkillers he said doc from Mah-jong Jambalaya asked me to get it to you." Majima answers.
"Huh not that I really need 'em." Lee remarks.
"Huh?" Majima exclaims.
"Anyway how'd it go? You met the phone guy at the grand right?" Lee assumes.
"Um…did something happen? Who is this phone guy? And where's Namie?" Meekly, Makoto voices out brow furrowed concern clear in her tone towards her friend making Majima grimace at the thought.
"He's...look some stuff happened nothing you need to worry about now-" Lee tries to brush it off but…
"Lee san! Namie is my friend she is something I worry about!" Angry, Makoto snaps at him.
"Makoto…" Lee whispers weakly.
"What if she's been captured or…what if she's been hurt because of me?" Miserably, Makoto sniffles slightly at the thought making Majima wince.
"Makoto…" Lee sighs sadly at her.
"Why won't you tell me what's going on?" Makoto demands from them.
"Whaddya mean? Where's this coming from?" Frowning, Lee questions her.
"This is all happening because people are after me right? And you three are working to fix it? Then let me help too. With anything. Staying shut in while you three put yourselves in danger for me is…I can't." Upset, Makoto whimpers weakly blowing her head horrified at the thought.
"Remember the guys who came to get ya at Hogushi Kaikan? The guy on the phone was their boss. Went by Nishitani he runs an outfit called the Kijin clan, he asked me to hand you over." Majima tells her.
"And then?" Makoto pries.
"Went and met with him. Figured maybe I could get the reason why everybody's after you outta him…cops picked him up before I got an answer though." Majima adds to the story.
"The police?" Perplexed, Makoto perks up at the mention.
"Nishitani's a part of the same group as the guy who hired me Sagawa. The Omi alliance. Seems within the Omi they can't figure out if they wanna nab ya or just send ya down river." Majima sighs softly.
"So Nishitani's the nabber and Sagawa's the killer?" Lee assumes.
"Yeah right now Sagawa's our biggest problem. I'm pretty sure he's wise to the fact I didn't kill his girl." Majima admits.
"What? You serious!?" Stunned, Lee says shocked.
"You two should get outta Sotenbori soon as possible. Only a matter of time till Sagawa finds you in here. Lee you know someplace you can hide out with her?" Majima turns to Lee.
"Yeah got a few ideas anyway. But the yakuza ain't gonna stop lookin' just because we skipped town she gonna have to live the rest of her life waitin' for a bullet?" Lee furrows his brow by the thought.
"I'll figure somethin' out. You just get her out for now." Majima assures them.
"What about you though? You can't come with us?" Makoto argues.
"This town's my prison. Havin' me with you'd make it damn impossible for you to get out clean." Calmly, Majima tells her.
"Alright...Makoto we're leavin' don't think we got time to wait." Lee rushes over to her side.
"Huh? Is Namie back?" Makoto asks as the door creaks open to the doc.
"What're you doin here? Wait did you follow me?" Mystifed, Majima furrows his brow at the doc.
"Lee-san…you taught me when I met you. You told me…very hard for Chinese to live in Japan. So we have to help each other. But only thing that can keep you safe…is money every time. Lee-san you told me…so you have to forgive me…Lee san!" Sobbing, said male whimpers as a familiar set of figures reveal themselves behind the distraught doctor.
"Goddamn snake…you sold us out!?" Lee snarls at the traitor.
"Lee these are Sagawa's thugs!" Majima recognizes as just then the hobo one slams his crowbar into the doc's chest.
"…Eh?! ARGHHHH!" The doc screams scarlet spewing out from his chest as its forcibly ripped out leaving him to fall flat to the ground in a pool of ruby red.
"What no use for him now he's played his part? Thee guys ain't right in the head!" Lee scowls at the group.
"Lee you watch the girl these guys have been keepin' me company a long time now…!" Majima advises them.
"Makoto come now." Lee guides the girl behind the sofa safe from harm.
"Let's do this shit!
"Nh…ngh…" The doc whimpers weakly among the battered beaten men below as he slowly bleeds out.
"Take money over your countrymen…shit I guess I did say that. But if you go and die you can't even use the dam money you got…idiot." Lee joins his side sadly.
"Ha…ha…Lee…san?" Weakly, the doctor calls out.
"Lee we ain't done yet. You know Sagawa didn't call up these four and call it a day. Leave him already. He betrayed you." Majima reminds him however…
"…" Lee simply stares at the dying doctor beofre him.
"C'mon what's the holdup Lee!?" Mad, Majima demands from him.
"If I leave him like this…he's gonna die." Lee states.
"So what? You stayin' to save him!?" Majima gawks at him.
"You take Makoto and get outta here. I gotta get him to Kambalaya I'll catch up with you after. You and Makoto make it to Hogushi Kaikan." Lee tells them.
"Hogushi Kaikan? Why there?" Majima ponders perplexed.
"You're not getting' out of the city with her on foot. Need a car I got a clinic van parked out front of the place." Lee explains to him.
"What's going on? Lee-san!" Scared, Makoto whimpers.
"Makoto…I'm sorry but I gotta…" Lee tries to explain but….
"Your man Lee's meeting up with us in a minute. I'll be keepin' ya safe at all times." Goro grabs her hand.
"What?" Makoto exclaims.
"We gotta hurry more men'll be here any minute now." Majima tells her.
"All this because of me? I'm so sorry this is my fault. I'm sorry!" Sobbing, said girl cries.
"Nothin' to cry about. You ain' done a damn thing wrong." Majima assures her.
"Take care of Makoto." Lee calls out.
"I will…let's go." Majima takes her out of the warehouse where they are greeted by a group of thugs, gently Majima pushes Makoto back not wishing for her to be involved in the chaos to come…
"You fools bring Sagawa a message. Tell him we're leavin' town. Whatsa matter? You come here to fight or not? If ya think you ca stop me give it yer best goddamn shot!" Snarling, Majima growls glaring at the group waiting for him as he handles said group.
"Still in one piece?" Heaving, Majima asks Makoto, bruises littered all over his fatigued facial features.
"I'm fine… what about you?" Meekly, Makoto asks worriedly.
"No problem." Majima lies.
"Oi!" The two perk up at the familiar voice.
"Lee san!" Smiling, Makoto turns to the familiar voice.
"You guys oaky?" Lee asks.
"That was fast how's the doc?" Majima questions.
"He'll be fine his friend's will patch him up but we gotta get the car. More guys on the way right?" Lee assumes.
"Yeah." Majima confirms.
"That's it there gimme two seconds." Lee rushes over to the van opening it and as soon as his key slots into the ignition and he turns it…
"BOOM!"
The explosion happens with no warning. One minute he's holding Makoto's hand about to have her be free the next he knew he was blasted back, fierce flames engulfing the van Lee had just entered as shards shattered all over, next there's a deafening noise and an intense heat.
His ears are ringing and it's hard to breathe with all the smoke and dust in the air. He lies flat on his back for several moments, too stunned to move. However despite the sharpen shattered about the place and his aching body crying begging to stop.
"What…the hell?" Hoarsely, he whispers while he becomes aware of a sharp, stabbing pain in his stomach. It hurts and burns as though it's on fire, but it brings his senses into a bit of a clearer focus and just like that Majima moves.
"Hey…Are you…? Stay with me. Makoto!" Majima curses before turning towards Makoto making his way over to her crawling over to her hearing her sharp breath. Majima relieved rolls over when hearing her breath but that doesn't last long when out emerging from the smoke surrounding the street is…
"Sagawa!" Scowling, Majima glares at the man before him.
"You are the worst buddy how could you lie to me like that? Breaks my heart. I don't wanna do this kinda shit and here I was, ready to actually honour my part of the deal this time!" Sagawa aims his gun at the two.
"Wha…?" Majima glares at the man, his ears ringing.
"I made you a promise I'd get you back with Shimano if you killed the girl for me. So why pull a stunt like this? If you're gonna lie to me…there's nothing I can do for you man. Now I've got no choice but to kill you. But ya know what I'll make sure you both go together." Sagawa promises about to pull the trigger when he grunts gawking as in the back scarlet smears his coat then his hand.
"What the-Wh-what the hell?" Stunned, Sagawa falls flat to his knees, dropping the gun in the process shocked at the bullet in the back just as he hears the crisp click of heels.
"Y-You?" Sagawa stares stunned at the blonde above alongside the man in white behind her.
"…What?" Majima repeats still lost as the man in white kicks the gun aside. The woman makes her way over to the two, her hues glued upon the girl below curled up as the man in white turns to see her nod confirming it. He looms over the girl as the woman crouches down, checking her pulse until…
"N-Namie?"
Weakly, the hoarse voice calls out, clasping hold of the woman's arm as she turns to raise a brow at the man below her, looking up at her horrified, hurt even, his baffled brown searching for something in her icy blues. Stoically, she stares down at the man below before swiftly slamming the butt of her gun into his head knocking him out effectively as next Majima knew all he saw was…black.
*So what did you think of Namie's betrayal? How do you think Majima feels?*