02/24/2013: Revisions: Teikō Military Academy is changed to Teikō Police Academy. Corrected some faulty sentence construction.

This is my 3rd Chapter 8. I finally dumped my first chapter 8 and its consequent re-write coz something "awful" happened. Anyway, I'm expecting some terrorizing blows against me, probably after you've all read this chapter.

Spoiler warning: Probably the reason why the Generation of Mercenaries is included in the story.

(Other) warning: All errors in writing are all my sins!

The Hitman
Chapter 8

Case #110007

Group 2; Evidence #16: Recorded conversation between Kiyoshi Teppei and Hyūga Junpei

Crime Scene #1: Teikō Auditorium, dated May 20

[ringback tone plays] Kiyoshi: Good morning, Junpei-kun~!

[annoyed growl] Hyūga: Stop calling me that! [coughs] I called because I want to check up on you.

Kiyoshi: [hums] I'm really glad that you take the time to know how I'm going, Hyūga.

Hyūga: [growls] Don't make it sound too awkward! Geez, I need to tell you that this call is an official dispatch so this is being recorded! [tapping sound over a wooden object] Be serious, alright?

Kiyoshi: Ow [pauses]. You didn't say so… [chuckles] Iya, I feel so embarrassed already!

Hyūga: Really makes me want to slug you down… [tongue clicks] I'm really becoming really doubtful as to why you're still one of our best detectives.

Kiyoshi: Hey, don't say that! [chuckles] Anyway, what's important about that you need to contact me?

Hyūga: Coach Riko tells us that we begin to push on with the plan to register and record important actions and events in our jobs so that we could have a reference for future use. [keyboard typing sounds] Just consider this as an early trial.

Kiyoshi: I see. [bullet clips into magazine, metallic sounds] Riko is really trying her best for this one [footsteps]. However, I can just say that this day is a lot calmer than any other day before.

Hyūga: You should be grateful then [whines then pauses]. At least your task isn't going to be difficult. [sighs]

Kiyoshi: Is that so? [hums] I'm actually expecting someone, probably like Hanamiya Makoto, to appear in the middle of this event. [chuckles] You know… 'the calm before the storm!' [amused snicker in the background]

Hyūga: [irritated growl] You know, if you're content, acting and saying things like that, I better cut off this call and let you in your own devices… [silence]

Kiyoshi: No, no, no! Let's get over the important part, shall we? [soft chuckles]

. . .

"I thought you'd never ask," Hyūga said, sighing hard and feeling rather tired even for some seconds that he conversed with his fellow detective. Sure, Kiyoshi was a good man to share some ideas with, and interacting with him was more or less but informative and constructive. But there were also times that Kiyoshi can be downright idiotic by his own terminology of leisure – and it wasn't even the proper time for the male to act like that. He adjusted his headphone and put the mouthpiece a little farther from his lips, wishing that Kiyoshi would take the briefing seriously. "Now, on to business then," he added.

"I'm in position right now," Kiyoshi's voice ran through the earpieces. "Everyone else is beginning to assemble inside the auditorium."

"Well, the event is just about to start, after all." Hyūga slid his mouse and opened up a window on his screen. He keyed in some important details and some password and he was able to access a seemingly important destination over the network lines. He coded in more words in the empty boxes and immediately pressed the 'OK' button beside them. Just as the computer flashed that systems were up and running, Hyūga gulped in some air in order to speak out through the mic again. "Kaijō is now cleaning up the chatters around the Teikō vicinity. Soon, we will be able to see the lines of communications set up in the area. There will be no room for some unnecessary intrusion from any outside party."

"You always make it sound so serious," Kiyoshi said, in an attempt to tone down the solemnness Hyūga was unconsciously feeding him. "Ma, it's something that made you deserve the captain position." Footsteps sounded over the line again, discretely telling Hyūga that Kiyoshi was moving on his spot again.

"I just need to make sure everything works out, Kiyoshi." Hyūga only replied. "Today is the day that the Generation of Mercenaries graduates from their internship from Teikō." He informed the other male, still slightly disinterested with the fact that it was about that famous group again. Nonetheless, he could not really miss out the chance for Seirin to take over some important job tasked to them by Kaijō. For him, it was an opportunity for their detective agency to prove that they had worth in the detective line of work. "It is an important event for some people, so we expect a heavy number of VIPs."

"Lucky fellas," Kiyoshi just remarked over the line. "As fellow detectives, we also need to give our regards to them, no?"

"Are you trying to say that you're jealous of their standing?"

"Nope," Kiyoshi responded, his voice not betraying his answers. "I'm glad for them. In fact, as fellow professionals, we should expect to work together at least even once."

"Typical Kiyoshi behavior," Hyūga responded, his eyes nonchalant. He had the firsthand experience of how Kiyoshi acted, and he would not really be surprised if some weird quirks suddenly pop out from his friend. Nonetheless, Hyūga was still in no good condition to let Kiyoshi's irking attitude go as it pleased. "Kiyoshi, do not forget your job there. You are to survey the area and make sure to prevent harm from coming into Akashi Seijuro's being." Hyūga reminded his friend of the important given to them by Kaijō.

"I know." A pause. "Come to think of it, isn't it really weird that someone really wants to take down Akashi Seijuro?" Kiyoshi voiced out.

"He is the Generation of Mercenaries captain and he is a real prodigy." Hyūga answered, curious as to why Kiyoshi brought up the topic when they were already in the middle of their mission. They'd talked about it before, so it should have been clarified back then. "He is also a prospect to become a superintendent in the future, so everyone from the police agency and the Ministry of Defense is looking at him as a precious treasure." He explained to the other male on the end of the line. "It's typical for some people to put down someone who they see as a threat in the future."

"He's pretty bad ass, if I can say." Kiyoshi laughed a little, but Hyūga understood that it was not an effort to belittle their enemy, but merely the other male's personality being injected in the conversation. "I'm just wondering why this certain someone even had the guts to send us a tip that he'll be trying to assassinate Akashi in the middle of the turn-over rights," Kiyoshi finally voiced out, ending his sentence with an odd toned whistle.

"It's either he's underestimating the police, or just want to fool us," Hyūga answered.

"Either way, Hyūga wants the situation to be treated seriously." Kiyoshi responded. "But, if you're going to ask my opinion, don't you think it's fitting to say that the only person right now that can possibly take down a member of the Generation of Mercenaries is another Generation as well?"

Perhaps, it was one turning point for everything – for Kiyoshi, for Hyūga and for all of Seirin.

Hyūga Junpei clearly remembered that conversation he held with Kiyoshi Teppei, in that faithful day when the Generation of Mercenaries would finally graduate from Teikō Police Academy. Also, it was the day when Seirin was given a very important mission to perform, which made them deploy one of their best detectives on the field – Kiyoshi Teppei. There was that undermined threat concerning the safety of Akashi Seijuro back then, which Kaijō took in seriously. It was a long story, in reality, but the only conclusion that Hyūga could pull from that event was that it was the stepping stone for the chain of chaos that befell him and Seirin.

Something happened back then at the Generation of Mercenaries' 'graduation', something that made him wondered for several weeks. Nevertheless, it still came to that point where Kiyoshi was later then declared as a criminal, the one behind the hitman crimes. It was unbelievable, especially for the members of Seirin. But, again, he would remember Kasamatsu's 'informal' visit almost two months ago, where he finally stated that Kiyoshi was finally labeled as suspect. That date marked the beginning of the storm that swallowed them whole, and now it was as if the storm finally wreaked havoc against them directly – leading to Kiyoshi's fall.

Riko's face twisted with devastation, as she held Kiyoshi's hand with her own, with an outward intent of not letting go of her friend. Tears rained down from her eyes, the fluid that showed her sadness flowing down her cheeks. Even though how badly she wanted to act strong and pull herself together, she could not suppress the grief that struck her upon seeing the familiar figure that was Kiyoshi. She squeezed her friend's hand tighter, her body shuddering as another torrent of anguish waved all throughout her body. Like Hyūga, Riko had her earlier assumptions, but seeing the real thing only made her heart falter at the realization. She clumped her mouth shut when a cry threatened to escape from her lips. The tears had now run down her fingers, washing them with her sorrow. "Te-Teppei…" She muttered the man's name.

Kiyoshi remained unconscious after he was wheeled-out from the warehouse by a gurney. It was Riko and Hyūga who hurried towards Kiyoshi's side as soon as he was taken out from the building, with Seirin coach practically wailing when she recognized the former chief investigator's visage. It took some time for Hyūga to calm Riko down, since he himself was in the verge of giving up to his emotions. It took a lot deal of effort, but he was able to hold out his feelings longer. He was practically oozing with worry. He was swarming with questions. He had wanted ages ago to meet up with his friend and ask him nothing but the truth. However, fate was a cruel spectator and did not simply move upon humanity's whim. Fate presented them a gift harsher than any real punishment. "He's fine, Coach. He's fine." He said repeatedly, brushing his hands over Riko's shoulder. He did not know if he was telling it just for his coach to soothe down or if it was coaxing himself to remain rational. There was power to words. Even so, Hyūga was doubtful if he's helping anyone with it.

"But he can't be… right?" Riko answered back, which Hyūga did not know the answer to. Kiyoshi Teppei as a criminal, as a hitman… that could never be right, right? It was a question that bothered him, a question that masked his massive denial until now. He wanted to believe at the same thought Riko just shared to him, but he could not miss the tone from his coach's voice. She was hopeful, but, at the same time, the lingering sound of despair accompanied her words, a silent hint of acceptance trying to escape from her stuttering lips. Both of them were smart individuals, and denial would only make the pain last longer. Nonetheless, the wish to avoid the pain was always almost empowering than the effort to accept it. Hyūga did not know what to say. Everything had been basically offered to them in the platter – Kiyoshi present in the warehouse, Kiyoshi knowing what had happened in Reo Mibuchi's case, Kiyoshi showing that he had awareness of everything – which they could not deny any longer.

Hyūga Junpei only remained silent. He could only share his soundless words. As he tried to help Riko walk through the path of despair, something attracted his eyes immediately. There was, even though it was little, an object that poked through Kiyoshi's pocket. A seemingly rectangular and flat item melded under the cloth of Kiyohi's pants. Hyūga expertly slithered his hand at Kiyoshi's side, making sure he was not seen, and pulled the item by the part that jutted out of the pocket. It was a little manila envelope, at first glance, but Hyūga did not have the time to marvel at the item. The enveloped was quickly slid inside his pocket, taking a curious and cautious look at the people around them. He shifted his attention back at Riko. "Let us go, Coach." He tugged at her clothes. "Let him go."

Riko Aida was reluctant and did not let go. Her hold from Kiyoshi was only removed when Hyūga finally separated her hand from Kiyoshi. A stifled sob came out from her mouth, feeling so agitated that their fellow detective was being pulled away again from them. She was only calmed down by Hyūga's touch, though. Seirin's chief investigator gave Riko a small but reassuring smile, as he warmly squeezed Kiyoshi's hand, which he pulled off from his coach's hold, for one last time before parting again.

"I don't believe that he is the real suspect." Hyūga stated softly, attracting Riko's eyes over him. "He said it himself; he denied that he was the person we are looking after." The chief investigator said in a confident tone. "We are talking about Kiyoshi here. He is a great detective. He loves solving crimes so much that sometimes I can't stand him." He said with a friendly snicker. "But I know he will never have the heart to harm the innocent. He is a kind man and he is a good friend. If there is something true, then it is his absolute will to protect other people." Hyūga finally drew Riko away from Kiyoshi and let the paramedics take over and perform their jobs. "Even if we go through the needle's hole, we are going to find the truth behind this. Kiyoshi may have left us back then, but it is not the reason for us to leave him as well." He said in assurance, as his eyes followed the gurney which held Kiyoshi's unconscious body into the waiting ambulance.

Sooner or later, Hyūga and Seirin would have to discover the mystery behind Kiyoshi's disappearance and consequent presence at the Hicenn Warehouse. Now that he had heard even a short yet meaningful hint, Hyūga Junpei was even keener to erase the furtive shroud that covered the hitman crimes, for the sake of his friend. His lips curled down, Hyūga sent out a blank stare away from the detectives of Seirin and settled it over the police from Kaijō.

"I'm surprised that it was you who came over here, Kasamatsu." Unexpectedly, it was Hyūga Junpei himself who broke the silence. Kaijō's chief gradually turned his head towards the chief detective of Seirin. He did not want to strike a conversation yet, not just that very second. He only gave him a regarding look, seemingly waiting for the bespectacled male to continue on. "I thought you'd remain in your headquarters and––"

"Shut up," Kasamatsu responded. His reply was not aggressive but wasn't entirely neutral at all. Somehow, he felt how the other male's statement would turn into. Even though it appeared to him as a snide remark, Kasamatsu was not in the good mood to be invited in such play of words. "You know more than anyone else in your agency as to why I chose to come here." His words were conveyed in a straight tone, perfectly stated as if scripted. Perhaps, Kasamatsu thought, he expected these events in his mind even before. He just waited for the right opportunity, the proper circumstance to speak out the feelings inside him. Nonetheless, the confused look on Kise's expression told him that the latter was still left on the dark. He had no intentions to reveal to the blond what he and Hyūga had spoken about before.

As long as the proper lines of communication and chain of command were not ignored, he was satisfied with the actions that he did – even though he had done so secretly.

In some way, Hyūga was only shocked with his reply, visibly silenced upon hearing those words. "I-I'm sorry," he only muttered; glances overly filled with curiosity were sent over the chief investigator. "I'm not considering the situation when I spoke."

"That's fine." Kasamatsu only answered. "Anyway though, I still find this event to be important enough to me to come over the field." He told the detectives from Seirin. "Also, we were contacted by one of your own, Satoshi Tsuchida – if I remember correctly – about some information that had been discovered after you people sped here at the warehouse." He shut his eyes close; a visible twitch appeared by his brows. He still remembered that he was upset with Seirin for stepping over the gas and claiming the operation as theirs. If they had gotten over a sweet piece of info, then they should have discussed it with Kaijō before taking a drastic action. "I guess that they found out that we are already on our way to you so they called us while in the car."

"They?" Coach Riko asked, as she tried to wipe away the last traces of the tears that flowed from her eyes.

"Kuroko and some others," Kasamatsu answered, noticing the obvious frown by the woman's face.

"Probably Momoi Satsuki of Tōō," Kise spoke for him. "We contacted her before and found out that she was going to visit Kurokocchi at your agency." He shared to them. "Also, it seems that Midorima Shintarō from Shuutoku went there." Kise mouthed a soft 'I wonder what's Midorimacchi doing there?' before he kept his lips shut.

"Tōō?" Kagami rose.

"Long story," Kasamatsu said. "To put it simply, we needed the help of Tōō back at the district for some other police work." Kagami and the detectives from Seirin were still curious about it although they understood that there was a bigger matter at hand.

"What did they tell you?" Izuki butted in.

"It was a supplement for the drug analysis exam that you requested," at his signal, Kise then released a clumsily folded piece of paper from his pocket. He quickly handed it over him. "According to the verification interview Midorima conducted some minutes ago, there was indeed another person that doubled as Michikawa Tarou as Mibuchi Reo's driver during the day of the conference. Since we could not really piece out the image on the CCTV footage, we just easily concluded that the other man who went out from the car was Michikawa Tarou."

"We even asked Kagami-kun and Kuroko-kun to come to Raizen General Hospital to interview Kawaguchi Akito…" Riko took a cursory look back at the redhead. "Kagami-kun?"

"W-Well, I told you coach lately that we weren't able to see Kawaguchi-san at the hospital," Kagami silently defended. "Kuroko did ask that Midorima to take over the interview if he ever finds that man." He added, trying to veer away from the curious/confused/irritated gaze fixated to him by his coach. "Plus, the exam seemed to inform us with even better info." He said, obviously paling.

"At least that's the reason why we tried to hurry over here," Kise mumbled. "Kurokocchi and Midorimacchi have done it this time." He said. Kise's expression faltered for a while, with his Kasamatsu-senpai noticing the hint of jealousy that coated his face, just as soon as he turned his face upon hearing the blond's words. He would not make a spiteful remark for now, for he had a little understanding of his kouhai's feelings. After all, being a chief inspector and all was about discerning the subtleties that worked around him.

Kise, on the other hand, was unaware of the small stare given to him. For the Generation of Mercenaries, cracking crimes were child play, but, somehow, he felt dissatisfied that Kaijō failed to discover the ploy earlier. The evidences basically pranced under their noses and it was only then that Kurokocchi noticed them and manifested the meanings towards them. He was proud of his fellow teammates back in Teikō, but it only meant that he was still lacking something as a detective.

He slowly turned his face back at the collective of policemen near the communications set up by the Kaijō police van. Now that the matter behind the identity of the person who did the crime against Reo Mibuchi was revealed, he felt that another compelling matter was at hand. "Ano sa..." He murmured. "Have they already tracked the line that answered the call?" He asked, pointing at the spot.

The Seirin detectives and Kasamatsu also whirled their heads to share a look. "Let's look over." Kaijō's chief just proposed, earning himself nods from the people with him.

However, before Kagami winded up being washed with his senpai's movement, he felt someone tugged on his sleeves. He glanced sideways and gazed to the person who did it, and only deadpanned upon seeing a serious-looking Kise. "What d'ya want?" He asked, not really on the mood to engage in a discussion with the bubbly detective

Nonetheless, the chirpy attitude that he expected from the male did not appear. The gloom that shadowed his face was enough indication for Kagami that Kise was going to speak to him seriously. Kagami halted, turning his feet and faced Kise. "What do you want?" He asked again, slightly ticked off with the other detective.

"I want to tell you before," Kise began, his voice sounded rather challenging, "but I'm not really that mature enough to ignore an obvious provocation." He said, an odd smile plastered on the blond's lips. "Perhaps it was Kurokocchi that always stopped me from saying this, but I'm not going to miss and return the favor now." Of course, at this, Kagami looked wildly confused. He did not understand what the blond was saying nor did he have the time to sort out what he was trying to tell. "Well, I just want to say that even though Kurokocchi played by your game, he still succeeded at the very end." He added.

It cleared out once the blond said that. Kagami understood; Kise was picking him off because of his particular uncertainty towards Kuroko. So, it then fell on again to the Generations silent hostility against him, Kagami knew. Nevertheless, after the pretense of Kiyoshi's revelation, he could not speak anything to defend against the blond's indignation of him. Somehow, it was a powerful blow against his already hurt pride. He was just in the process of healing but then everything fell into the right place, leaving Kagami and his atrocious theory about Kuroko in the zone of hate. Of course, once the truth was revealed, the only thing to be expected next was Kagami's downfall…

"I don't want to say this right now, but, with this, we'll be able to take back Kurokocchi from Seirin." Kise only added. "This was the only thing that will happen next. I'm not sure, but I'm expecting." The blond added, his smile stung rather than simply annoy him.

"Why are you saying this?" Kagami had never been so confused.

"Kagami-kun, do you understand that everything else will fall against Seirin after this?" Kise only replied in question, his expression both reproaching and sympathetic at the same time. He was not a really a bad guy, so Kise, at least, expected what could happen next. But, at the same moment, he could not shy his mind away from the possibility that Seirin would accept an even greater damage than it had dealt in with before. "Just try to understand," Kise only left him with that, as soon as he followed his chief towards the location where the other detectives crowded.

"Usually, it would take us time to triangulate the area where both ends of line are located," Koganei spoke out loud, not really noticing that Kise and Kagami were left behind. "However, since the hitman cases had been acted upon by local and district courts, Kaijō had gained an on-going warrant to tap the communication that is suspected to be connected with the hitman…" He frowned at the mention of word, glancing sideways at Hyūga who still tried to stand on with courage. "So far, it would be easier for us to trace the receiver of the call." He explained to them.

"I see," Izuki only said. "How accurate is it going to be?"

"A range of 15 to 30 meters," Koganei answered.

"That's still a large area to cover,"

Mitobe tilted his head towards Izuki, grunting some silent words, since what he meant was just well-written on his face. Koganei only sent a side glance at the taller detective. He nodded after he and the others finally understood what Mitobe said. "He's right," Koganei continued. "The call promptly ended as soon as the call was made. Even though we bypass the forwarding channels of the mobile company that handled the call, we wouldn't be able to triangulate the exact location." He explained to Izuki.

"Right there," Riko pointed her finger to the screen that showed them the progress of the call trace. In a blink, a map popped up in the monitor, displaying to them a certain location that appeared very well familiar to them. A large circle appeared over the map, which slowly reduced in size as several computer lines kept on appearing under the previous one. After some pause, the circle finally stabilized in an exact size, with a small box stating that the range accuracy was within 20 meters in diameter. "Don't tell me… That's…"

"Seirin," it was Kagami who spoke out for her, as he took a step behind her, reaching the spot at the same time the map was shown to them.

"Kiyoshi made a call… to Seirin?" Hyūga stated confusedly.

There was a powerful force that coursed through them.

And then there was fire.

Momoi Satsuki wasn't even sure how it happened. Her mind abruptly stopped at the moment when a roaring sound deafened her ears, the instinct embedded to human nature desisting at the overwhelming loudness. It was not an uncommon knowledge, but it was well-known that besides from the classical "fight or flight" reaction entrenched to human responses, there was another atypical reaction that took control of the body instinctively. Known as the 'freeze response,' it was the body's reaction to such an overwhelming stimulus that human physiology would seem to collapse under the stress that bashed over it. Perhaps, it was the thing that just happened to the female with the rose-colored hair. Or perhaps her reaction failed to come immediately.

However, whether it was because of a freeze response or a delayed reaction, the one thing that was sure was that someone was able to save her at the critical moment when she was overwhelmed with what just happened. As soon as the flurry of fire came out of the windows, a strong pair of arms and physically-built body took her away from the path of the angry fire, protecting her from harm. The extreme heat frenzied up the air in front of her face, feeling the painfully hot sensation even burning the minute hairs that grew on her skin. Momoi Satsuki could not breathe in the blistering air that passed over her nose, a sensation that pushed her to struggle on her spot because of acute anxiety. Nevertheless, it was the wrong thing to do, with the oxygen in her body being thrashed forward to supply her wasted efforts, than to preserve it for the more important physiologic process.

Nonetheless, people could remain blameless when acute stress came over to them. Fortunately, the same hands that helped her evade the danger covered her face from the sight, carefully twisting her head away from the source of the anxiety. In a matter of seconds, the fire finally subsided, pulling in itself after it exploded in that fiery flare-up. The heated air that lingered over Momoi was gradually being replaced with a colder one, making the woman feel safer than she felt before. With the stress also kicking up the adrenaline inside her, she was able to maintain a clear mind – for now. Little stresses were important in human life, but she needed to prevent going over an extreme level. She inhaled a large volume of air, before she slowly removed the arms that covered her from the blast.

Her movement beckoned the taller man that saved her. "Momoi, are you alright?" It was the first question he asked to her. He let go of the woman and let her stand, although not letting his observation slide down. She did not need to act strong if she felt so terrified; there was more than human psychology than even the conscious mind could ever comprehend. Nevertheless, his guess was correct when the cherry-haired woman's eyes suddenly brimmed with tears. There was a silent sob, which were then followed by a smooth stream of tears from her shocked and terrified orbs.

Midorima Shintarō stood up, not bothering if some dirt and debris clung onto his clothes. It had been already been singed and a small effort was not even enough to return it to its former splendor. He slipped his hands inside his coat pocket and pulled out his phone. He quickly went through the fire departments' emergency line, reporting the relevant information that those people needed. An elaborate tale was not needed right now; there would be time for that on the scene as soon as they come. Flipping the phone closed, Midorima hurriedly went over to Momoi's side, observing the female for signs of overreaction.

"Tetsu-kun," her voice was shaky, but it was in a calmer tone. Perhaps, Midorima thought, Momoi had caught up with that knowledge as soon as realization dawned to her. They'd followed Kuroko Tetsuya back to Seirin Detective Agency when he finally received that important piece of information from Midorima, after the latter's interview of Kawaguchi Akito. Kuroko told them a while ago that with Seirin's connection with Kaijō, it would not be difficult for them to establish a line of communication with the police department. Midorima ignored the ash that stuck on the lenses of his eyeglasses, still trying to sort out his emotions.

He had been trying to act calm now, just so that he wouldn't mess up. But, now that the recognition bubbled up in his head, a sure delayed response caught him up. Midorima's eyes only widened in surprise when Momoi acted to sprint inside the burning building, her eyes frantic and wailing the name of her beloved male. He quickly snatched her by her arms, preventing her from braving into the hellish fires that swallowed the building. Momoi ignored him, still trying to rush in the office. "Tetsu-kun! Te…Tetsu-kun!" She kept on crying out that name, her face bathing sweat, tears and dirt. Midorima only winced at the name, trying to imprison the emotion that more or less equaled Momoi's.

"Momoi, don't." Midorima told her – silently begged for her to stop. He understood it well, and he began to become angry with himself. It was the time that he needed to act more in order to help out, but the situation only rendered him powerless. It was same as before… he held his emotions in check. If both of them relented to the call of anguish, none of them would accomplish a productive thing. Even if it hurt him, Midorima could only watch at a distance, holding out the female. Right now, it was the only thing he could do. He didn't want the woman face the same fate Kuroko had just experienced.

Twisting his head away from the scene, Midorima only laced his hands over Momoi's nape and pulled her close to his body. The woman only turned to the source of comforting warmth, finally ending her efforts to rush inside and find the man she loved dearly. She cried and wailed and sobbed herself over Midorima's chest, her feelings just so strong that she could not stop it. She could not hold it back. Tetsu-kun was… Her Tetsu-kun was… She only dove on deeper closer to Midorima.

What had just happened?

Midorima only looked down at the female, cursing his own weakness. It was the second time that fate seemed to have laughed at his helplessness.

Near Seirin Detective Agency

00:27

"Can we get someone inside?"

"I'm afraid we can't, sir."

"We have two people trapped inside the building. Can't you do anything?"

"Sir, I don't want to say this, but with the fire blazing like that, even an amateur fireman will understand that no one can survive inside that."

- End of Chapter -

[little by little]

So... is it Kuroko-kun's...? Noooooooooooooooooooo!

Sorry, but it seems Aomine-kun needs to be pre-empted in this chappy. This chapter feels kinda a little off, but I'm posting it, nonetheless. There is something so important in this chapter... so important... *smirks*

Anyways, please do not murder me. I understand that Kuroko-kun's birthday has just passed... but... uwaaaaaaa (T-T)!

Thanks for reading though. :P