Ginoza awoke from his surgery, the cold numbed his left shoulder. The bright lights stung his eyes as he blinked. His past stared flickering behind his eyes as he remembered what led him to this moment. Then he was crushed by his regrets and sorrow. Tomomi Masaoka, an enforcer, his father had died in his arms, trying to save Gino. His last act was that of a father, not as the worthless fool Gino had considered him after he became a latent criminal. Ginoza ran his human hand through his hair as he sat up.

The Inspector looked around to see he was in a hospital room. His eyes widened when the holographic chart on the window by the door showed just how high his crime coefficient had gone, and his hue had darkened. He started laughing. "Damnit, Old Man."

He walked over to the mirror to look at his arm. What hit him first was how much he looked like his dad. Their eyes, along with their replaced arms, and the carefree yet work look on their face. That's when a nurse walked in. "Glad to see you're awake Mr. Ginoza. How is the arm? Are you feeling any pain or discomfort?"

Gino studied himself for a moment longer before replying, "Not really, no."

He turned around and faced her as she spoke again, "Good. Now we recommend both physical and mental therapy. Even though you're Crime Coefficient is above the regulation curve, labeling you as a latent criminal. Division One's Inspecter Tsunemori has told us to tell you that there is a postion among Division One's enforcers if you so wish to become one. Sadly the only other option is you spend your time..."

She was cut of my Ginoza, who turned around again and faced the mirror. "Yeah, I know. I either become a dog or a prisoner. I'll pass on the therapy but let Akane know I'll be taking that position."

"Good to know." A new voice cut through the conversation.

"Speak of the devil and she shall appear right?" Ginoza greeted the Inspector, seeing her in the reflection of the mirror.

She chuckled, "That's what they say. How you feeling?"

"As good as a latent criminal can, I guess." Nobuchika answered turning around to face her. He noticed the nurse walk our leaving the two alone. He also saw the bandage on Akane's forehead. His voice softened, "How about you? How you feeling?"

"I am fine, just a bit beat up and trying to put together a new team. Kagari and Mr. Masaoka are reported deceased and Mr. Kogami has vanished." She walked over to Ginoza pulling something out of her pocket. "Speaking of which this was found in Masaoka's stuff as when they cleaned out his quarters and his desk."

She handed him an envelope which had his full name written, in the Old Man's messy yet to a certain degree neat hand writing, on the front. "I know it's not much but I truly am sorry Gino." Akane stated.

"That old man was a fool, he didn't even listen to orders." Ginoza tried to act like his usually self but his words no longer matched what he felt. Akane turned to leave and stopped at the door glancing back at the former inspector, whose eyes were glued to the envelope, then she left. Ginoza walked over to his medical bed and sat on the edge of it. He turned the envelope over in his hands a couple times before deciding to open it. He slid his finger under the envelope's flap and with a sigh tore it open. He pulled out a piece of paper that was folded into thirds and opened it, revealing the note. He inhaled peacefully as he began to read.

Son,

By the time you get this then I'll be long gone. Lately we've been getting on better and for that I am grateful. Ginoza held back a grin as he could just imagine his dad tossing back a shot of his cheap scotch. He never did agree with his dad's drinking habits but maybe he would give them a second chance once he got out of here. I've done things I regret those of which include leaving you and your mother on your own. I was a foolish angry old man. I was also selfish and if I could I would go back and kick myself in the rear, but kiddo I can't and for that I am sorry. Really I am but I am an ol' fool and want you to have a good life. Don't let me cloud your hue. I don't deserve it, not one bit.

You are a good man and an even better inspector. Please be careful son. Just know I am proud of you, so very proud. Again, I am sorry for not being there for you and your mother.

~Tomomi Masaoka

Gino folded it back up and went to put it back in the envelope when a picture fell out and landed on his lap. He stuck the letter in the envelope and set it beside him as he picked up the picture. He was shocked to see a picture of all three of them. A 6 year old Nobuchika sat on Tomomi's shoulders, grinning. While his mother stood next to Masaoka, hugging the man from the side smiling. One of Tomomi's arms was on Nobuchuka's leg making sure he stayed on while the other one was wrapped around his wife's waist, holding her close. Gino smiled remembering the days before the SYBIL system when his family was still a family. When they all still loved each other. He missed it. He missed being that little kid who could run into his parent's room and they would tell him stories or play games with him. He missed having a family. Ginoza tucked it away and laid back unto his bed, his arms resting under his head as he closed his eyes, remembering the childhood he loved. "I'm sorry too Dad."