Hunt For The Mystical Medals
Disclaimer:
Detective Conan is owned by Gosho Aoyama
Kamen Rider OOO is owned by Ishimori Productions
The various guest characters appearing in every arc are owned by their respective owners.
We are just two chapters away before this arc ends, and while this story seems to focus more on the back story of Higurashi no Naku Koro ni's spin-off manga, it is essentially a flashback on how and why Akira Toudou came to decide to work for the Kougami Foundation, becoming its official Cell Medal collector and what motivated him to accept the job and why he is doing this and who would benefit it from..
At the Kougami Foundation, Kousei Kougami watches the monitor on his laptop as news reporters are quoting about an armored figure who saved the bank and defeated the robbers yet fled the scene and is subjected to a manhunt for questioning, while Erika Satonaka wondered why Akira had to resort to that kind of tactic in keeping his identity a secret.
"Jeez…why would Toudou resort to that kind of thing just to keep the birth System a secret…? He might indirectly implicate us if Birth were to be seen here…"
However, Kougami made no response and continued to bake a cake while awaiting a phone call from a client knowing that business is doing well
.
Anything Goes by Maki Oghuro
(Opening Song from Kamen Rider OOO)
(You count the medals 1,2 and 3
Life goes on Anything goes Coming up OOO)
ira nai mota nai yume mo mi nai
furii na joutai sore mo ii kedo
(kokkara hajimaru The show we're waiting for
Count the medals 1, 2 and 3 )
unmei wa kimi hanattoka nai
kekkyoku wa susumu shika nai
(michi naru tenkai Give me energy Count the medals 1, 2 and 3)
daijoubu. ashita wa itsu datte hakushi (Blank)
jibun no kachi wa jibun de kimeru mono sa
OOO! OOO! OOO! OOO! Come on!
Anything Goes! sono kokoro ga atsuku naru mono
mitasa reru mono o sagashi te
Life goes on! honki dashi te tatakau no nara
makeru ki shi nai hazu!
104: Puraido, Tanjō, Gōru part 4
At the clinic where she is staying, Natsumi then saw the news on TV about the thwarted bank robbery attempt, the apprehended robbers, and Akira leaving the bank along with the saved hostages, which she is relieved that he wasn't harmed, and the nurse assured to her that he will be fine and is on his way here. By then, Natsumi glances at her hand, where a wedding ring is placed on her left ring-finger , and another flashback scene is played, where her life took a tragic turn for the worse.
-x-
-FLASHBACK-
A few days later, a man on a street is talking about how another family from Hinamizawa has been found because of the strange decorations on their house. Another man says that thinking about psychos like that living in his town gives him the chills.
"Hey, did you heard?"
"About what?"
"Another family from Hinamizawa Village is residing here in Okinomiya…"
"Really…? How did you know?"
"Saw those strange decorations…talismans and stuff…"
"Man, I can't believe superstitious stooges are moving here…"
"Psychos would be the beter term…having them living here in this peaceful town…"
"You got that right…imagining that sent chills down my spine…"
Akasaka, who was listening, walks to a nearby newspaper stand. The lady there asks him if he is a detective, but he says that he submitted some haiku poems into different publications and was checking to see if one got accepted. On television, a reporter is saying that the number of incidents involving former residents of Hinamizawa is increasing. The scene changes to a restaurant where Akasaka is meeting Oishi.
Akasaka sets a bag of newspapers on the table and says that they all have stories about Hinamizawa in them. Oishi begins to read some of the articles, and Akasaka furiously says that printing those things isn't helping at all. He continues, saying that everyone from Hinamizawa will be labeled as criminals. Oishi continues reading and says that the talismans that people from Hinamizawa hang outside of their houses may be signs of soon-to-come "atrocities".
"Eh? What are these?"
"Newspapers…and I brought the ones where the articles showing Hinamizawa Village…before and after the villagers' deaths… and I'll start reading…"
"Geez! With a load-ful of these newspapers, it's not going to help things at all!"
"Fine…I'll keep reading…hey, listen to this…!"
"What?"
"This article is from yesterday's news…heard about the talismans displayed on certain houses in Okinomiya?"
"Yeah…?"
"That's just a tip of the iceberg…"
Akasaka says that one magazine mentions the families with the highest concentration of demon blood in their veins: the Furude, Sonozaki, and Kimiyoshi familes. He says that this level of attention on an accident isn't normal, but Oishi says that tragedy fascinates people.
-x-
At Natsumi's house, Haruko is grouching about Hinamizawa being in all the newspapers when Natsumi comes in and quietly says that she brought the paper. Her mother snatches it away from her and exclaims that that paper also includes information about Hinamizawa.
"I'm back…"
"Good…damn…that old bitch jabbering about "Himamizawa's curse"… asking for "Oyashiro-sama's mercy"…it's getting on my nerves! Huh? What's that you're carrying?"
"I brought a newspaper…"
"Give me that!"
"Huh? Why?"
"Don't you know? The news about Hinamizawa's all over the place! Radio…TV…it'll be a matter of time before we'll be targeted by the Japanese Paparazzi!"
Her husband assures her that everything's okay, because no one has written anything about the Kimiyoshi family. He also says that no one saw Granny's talismans, so nobody knows they're from Hinamizawa. He promises his wife that he won't mention anything at work, and Natsumi says that she won't mention anything at school. Haruko tells her daughter that she'll be late for school, so Natsumi starts her walk to school. She tells herself that she's not afraid to lie to everyone and exclaims that today will be a nice day.
-x-
At school, Chisato and Tamako are worried about Natsumi, because she didn't bring as much food for lunch as she usually does. Natsumi lies and says that her family woke up late. Tamako offers to share her lunch with Natsumi, and Chisato starts to talk about Toudou Akira.
"Hey…what gives?"
"Huh?"
"Yeah…you didn't brought in much lunch like before…"
"Oh, my parents woke up late…and had little time to prepare…"
"Want to share my lunch?"
"Thanks…"
"So…let's talk something not related to news…"
"Like?"
"Akira…"
"Yeah!"
"…"
Then, she calls to Akira and says that Natsumi wants to tell him something. Tamako asks him if he has had lunch, and he says he just ate. After that, Chisato and Tamako make Akira sit down and leave him with Natsumi. She is reassuring herself that she has nothing to do with the curses of Hinamizawa when Akira asks her what she wanted to ask him. She is about to tell him that it was nothing important, when a classmate yells that there is supposedly a follower of Oyashiro-sama from Hinamizawa in the area of the school.
"So…what do you want to ask me about?"
"Well…?"
"I have nothing to do with the curses of Hinamizawa… I have nothing to do with the curses of Hinamizawa… I have nothing to do with the curses of Hinamizawa… I have nothing to do with the curses of Hinamizawa… I have nothing to do with the curses of Hinamizawa… I have nothing to do with the curses of Hinamizawa… I have nothing to do with the curses of Hinamizawa… I have nothing to do with the curses of Hinamizawa… I have nothing to do with the curses of Hinamizawa…"
"Natsumi…?"
"Nothing…nothing important…"
"Are you sure…?"
"Yeah…"
"Hey, Akira!"
"Yeah?"
"Have you heard? There's a follower of Oyashiro-sama from Hinamizawa in the area of the school!"
"Are you sure? That's just plain, worthless rumor!"
"I'm sure…that girl…I bet she's the one…!"
"Don't accuse her of that!"
"Hey…did you see this…?"
They ask Natsumi if she's seen anything. They show a picture of talismans to Akira, and he says that he and Natsumi have never seen a house like that. Then, he says that the gossip about people from Hinamizawa is stupid, and he doesn't care about it. Natsumi, stressed, says that she's going to buy a can of juice. At the juice machine, Akira comes and stands beside of her. Natsumi accuses him of thinking that people from Hinamizawa, like herself, are disgusting psychos, and says that he doesn't like being around people like herself.
"If you're going to say I'm a psycho from Hinamizawa…then leave me be."
"I understand what you're going through…but rest assured…I'm not like the others…"
"Don't lie to me!"
"Sorry…I'll leave you alone for now…"
Akira says that he understands, but Natsumi furiously exclaims that he is lying. He walks away, and Natsumi wonders why things had to turn out this way. She tells herself that if Grandma was gone, none of this would have happened. She tells herself that she shouldn't be thinking things like that, because she's part of her family.
-x-
When she arrives at her house, she sees her mother attacking her grandmother. By the time Natsumi gets her mother to stop, her grandmother is dead. Natsumi's mother says that it was the only way to stop her and that Natsumi was thinking the same thing.
"Mom… you…you killed grandma…"
"I had to…to make her stop this foolishness…I'm sure you would do the same…"
"Yeah…I guess…"
"Now help me hide this trash…"
After Natsumi's father gets home and her grandmother's corpse is hidden in the bathroom, the family is gathered in the living room. Haruko is saying that everyone is blaming her, and her husband tries to console her, but it is to no avail. She says that she did it for the happiness of her family and that she did what the rest of the family wanted to do.
"…"
"So that's what happened…and I did this for our sake!"
"What? You don't appreciate what I did, dear husband of mine?"
"Er…"
She accuses her husband of making her do what he won't do and throws an ashtray at him. She asks Natsumi if she understand her, and asks her if she doesn't want to leave their current home. Natsumi says that she's on her mother's side, because they're a family. Haruko tells her husband to get the toolbox, and they all go to the bathroom. She says that they'll cut Grandma's body into pieces, so it will be easier to hide. She says that they will do it together as a family, because it will be faster. Natsumi's father starts cutting, and Natsumi begins to scream. Haruko grabs her daughter, covers her mouth, and tells her to stop before the neighbors hear her. Natsumi passes out and dreams about her grandmother.
-x-
When she wakes up, her mother hands her a tool. She tells Natsumi to help, because she's the only family member who hasn't done anything yet. Natsumi says she doesn't want to, but her mother forces her arm down. At Akira's house, he is shown looking out the window at the moment that Natsumi chops off her grandmother's arm, and his father tells him to go to bed.
At the end, Haruko, holding onto Natsumi's shoulders, calls her daughter a good girl.
-END FLASHBACK-
As Akira continue on his journey, he passed by a park and saw some children arguing with each other, and they turn out to be the Detective Boys, where Genta and Mitsuhiko are arguing over who should be the "permanent leader" while Ayumi tries to pacify the two boys, and Akira could only smile, as they saw the Detective Boys' parents came and fetch them and left.
"I sure miss my school days…if only Natsumi hadn't endure such hardship…"
Akira's smile slowly faded as he is again reminded more of his past, as he recalled the time that the Kimiyoshi family's tragic past and how Natsumi suffered during and after those traumatic times which were among the main factors in why he accepted the job Kougami offered to him.
-FLASHBACK-
Haruko says to get big bags out of the closet and to choose ones that aren't flashy. She says that they will use some vinyl and packing tape, too. She continues, saying that they'll drop her off at the mountains. Natsumi is told by her mother to change clothes quickly and help put the "luggage" into the car. Haruko says that they probably won't be back until the next morning. Natsumi is shown looking at her bloody hands, and her father asks her if she's okay.
"…"
"Natsumi…are you okay…?"
"Just bear with it…"
She asks why they are doing such a horrible thing. Her father tells her not to be hard on herself, but she says she did this to Granny and begins crying. Her father admits that he's afraid, Natsumi says they should call the police. At that moment Natsumi's mother appears behind her and tells her husband and daughter that it is no time to talk.
"Alright, you two…enough talk! We got work to do!"
"But honey…"
"I said let's get to work! And Natsumi…stop standing still and…"
"Wait…our daughter should not…"
Her husband tells her that they should leave Natsumi out of this, since she has school tomorrow. Haruko replies by saying they need Natsumi to help carry the body, and she doesn't know what Natsumi will do if she's left alone. Natsumi says she won't do anything. Her mother ignores her and tells her to change into something comfortable. Natsumi wonders if this is a curse. She can't believe that a scene she had only seen in movies was this close to her.
"Please…let's consider this…she has nothing to do with this…"
"Oh yes she is…and if we leave her alone…what will she do?"
"But she has school…"
"Enough with the alibi!"
"I wonder if this is the curse grandma is talking about…?"
-x-
At school the next day, Natsumi, Chisato, and Tamako are in gym class. Chisato is complaining about running a mile in such hot weather, while Natsumi and Tamako wash their hands. While water runs into the drain, Natsumi imagines it to be blood.
"Eh? Is it me or is blood running from the faucet…?"
Chisato and Tamako are worried about her. Chisato asks if she touched any crap, but Natsumu quickly tells her she had not. Then, Natsumi sees Akira standing nearby and goes back to the classroom. Chisato asks Akira if he's the cause of Natsumi's strange behavior, but he says that he's not.
"Hey, Akira!"
"Yes…?"
"Did you do something to Natsumi? She's acting strange lately…"
"No…I didn't…really."
Next, she suggest that Oyashiro-sama may be the cause. She asks Natsumi if she's heard about the rumor of Natsumi being from Hinamizawa. Akira scolds her, and she says that she doesn't believe it. Tamako says that people are saying that about every exchange student. Chisato says, since Natsumi has been depressed for a few days, the rumor could be true. Akira says he doesn't think so, but Natsumi is Natsumi regardless of where she was born.
"Maybe it's this Oyashiro-sama who is responsible…you know…that god who is worshiped from Hinamizawa Village…"
"Eh?"
"Hey, Natsumi…are you really from Hinamizawa Village…?"
"Stop that, Chisato!"
"Eeep! Akira, you didn't have to…"
"But, Akira…that's what we heard… people are saying that about every exchange student who came here…who knows…it may be…"
"You're her friends, and when she down, this is all you can say to her?"
"But…"
"Whatever place she came from…Natsumi is still Natsumi…that's all you need to know!"
Chisato tells him that he's very passionate about defending Natsumi, and Tamako suggests going somewhere to cheer Natsumi up.
After school, Natsumi is surprised that they are going somewhere. She says that they can't go into a restaurant with their school uniforms on, but Chisato says no one respects that rule, anymore. On their way to the restaurant, Natsumi thinks that the feeling of what she has done will never go away. A moment later, Akira holds Natsumi's hand.
"Natsumi…"
"Um…Akira…about what you said to me…my answer is…"
She is about to tell Akira her answer, when someone on television says that a human head was found near a mountain highway. The person says that the head was found in a big rucksack covered with a plastic bag, and it was dropped near a guardrail in a visible place.
"Oh no…!"
"Whoa…looks like we got ourselves a ripper…"
Chisato says that knowing there's a ripper nearby is scary. The person on television says that this contradicts the apparent intention of the criminal to cover up the dismemberment of the victim, and the authorities are indicating the possibility of a bizarre murder. Natsumi says that she forgot her wallet at school and will be back in a minute. The person on television says that the head belonged to a 60 years old or older woman, and the police were able to determine the victim's identity by the impression of the teeth.
-x-
When Natsumi arrives at her house, Haruko says that her husband supposedly hid the head well. She screams and says that he's good for nothing, dumb clumsy, and uncooperative. Then, Natsumi runs outside. Akira walks by, sees her outside, and says that she wasn't at school. She says that she can't go to that pastry shop, and she's sorry that he came to pick her up.
"Natsumi!"
"Akira! You weren't at school…"
"I'm sorry…I can't go…I…"
"What happened…?"
Akira asks if something happened at home. Natsumi says that nothing happened, but Akira says that he doesn't want to hear lies. She says that the list of things to tell him is getting shorter, and, if she tells the truth, everyone will hate her.
"What?"
"I don't want to hear more lies…"
"But…but…"
"Tell me the truth…what's bothering you?"
"I can't…you will hate me if I tell you…like everyone else…"
"That won't happen…"
"It's about Hinamizawa, is it?"
"I'm sorry… I'm sorry… I'm sorry… I'm sorry… I'm sorry…"
"Calm down…"
Akira says that it's because it's about Hinamizawa. Natsumi keeps apologizing, and Akira tries to calm her down. Oishi comes and says that he's sorry for barging in on their argument. He asks Natsumi if anything has changed since last time. He says that the fence looks repainted because of graffiti. He is about to mention the talismans when Natsumi runs away.
"Hey…sorry for intruding…"
"You…the guy who took Natsumi to the restaurant…"
"…"
"Huh? Why'd she ran off for?"
While she's running, Oishi wonders how her grandmother is doing. He continues by saying she hasn't been seen in days. Akasaka comes and whispers to Oishi. Akira says he wants to know about Natsumi. Akasaka ask if him if he's worries about his friend. Akira says that he wants to know what "Oyashiro-sama" from Hinamizawa is.
-x-
The scene changes to the living room of Natsumi's house where Haruko is beating her husband with a vase. Natsumi tries to stop her, and Haruko wants to know why everyone thinks she did it. She thought that the happy days were finally coming back, but her husband ruined it all. Natsumi says that she understands her mother, but they should think through what they are going to do.
"You good for nothing asshole!"
"Ow! Stop!"
"You brainless buffoon! You stupid sloth!"
"I did what you asked me to…"
"BUT THANKS TO YOUR CARELESSNESS…IT'LL BE A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE COPS WOULD COME HERE!"
"Mom…please calm down!"
"SHUT UP!"
"Mom!"
"You fools! Both of you!"
Haruko says that their sin has been found, and it's only a matter of time until the police come. She leaves the room, saying that she wants to be alone. Natsumi rushes to her father and asks if he's okay. He says that he is, and he says his wife is too harsh. Natsumi wants to know why things had to turn out like this and says she just wanted to be happy.
"Dad…are you okay?"
"Yes…"
"Why…"
"Natsumi…?"
"Why did this turn out like this…?"
"The storm will pass soon…and we can start anew…"
"How?"
"By going to the police…"
She wonders what they can do to go back to the way they were before. Her father says that they can start by going to the police station. He says he has thought about it for awhile, and he was afraid to lose the life they have had. Hiding the body in such an easy place, he says, was to give him more courage. Natsumi smiles at her father, but, a moment later, the front of her father's neck is open and bleeding.
"Urk!"
"Dad…?"
"Dad! Huh? Mom…?"
Haruko appears behind him, calls her husband good for nothing, and says, in the end, she is the only one working hard for the family. She says that everything was imposed on her, but this time was when she needed her husband's help the most.
Natsumi is horrified at her father's death, but her mother says it was Natsumi's and her father's fault that he died. She says that she had finally found a place where she belonged, but Grandma destroyed their peaceful world. Because of that, Haruko killed her.
"Natsumi…"
"Mom…?"
"Because of you two…everything came down to this…"
"No…"
"Yes…all thanks to you and that good for nothing husband of mine that things went to this…!"
She continues, saying that her husband was an enemy, because he had left the body in an obvious spot and wanted to call the police. Then, she asks Natsumi if she is her enemy as well. Before Natsumi answers, Haruko decides that she is an enemy. She says that, since she hates herself, she must kill everybody. After being backed into a corner, Natsumi wonders if she has done anything wrong. She apologizes to her mother and asks her to stop. Haruko tells Natsumi not to be afraid, because it will all be over in a second. Then, she swings a knife at her daughter.
"Mom…"
"You are now my enemy…"
"Mom…"
"Since you sided with your father I to turning me in to the police…that makes sense now…I will kill my enemies…"
"Mom…I'm sorry…"
"Hush…everything will be over in a second…"
"N-No…"
"Yes…"
-x-
Akira Toudou is at a restaurant with Akasaka and Oishi, who is wondering what he should order. After their order arrives, Oishi asks Akira if he wanted to talk about something. Akira says that he wants to know about the relationship between Natsumi and Oyashiro-sama, Hinamizawa's god. Oishi thinks that answering Akira's questions would be unfair, since he wouldn't let them talk to Natsumi.
"Hmm..what should we order…? Akasaka…?"
"Ramen with beef!"
"Okay…I'll take ramen with pork!"
"Here are your orders…"
"Thanks!"
"Okay, what is it you want to talk about?"
"Oyashiro-sama's connection with Natsumi…"
"Hmm…I may consider that, but you wouldn't let us talk to Natsumi…so…it's unfair…"
He compromises, saying that they can take turns asking questions. Akira asks if Natsumi is actually from Hinamizawa, and Akasaka says that Hinmizawa's blood runs through her veins. Oishi, being his turn to ask a question, asks if Natsumi has been acting strange lately. Akira tells him she has not.
Next, Akira wants to know about Hinamizawa's religious beliefs. He says that he doesn't believe in it, but he won't deny it, either. Oishi gives a few of the hypotheses he has heard. Then, Akasaka tells Akira of a girl with the answers to all of their questions. However, she was murdered the day before the Hinamizawa gas tragedy.
Oishi expresses his surprise at finding out that many former Hinamizawa residents are living in nearby prefectures. He says that, in the homes of these former residents, strange things have been happening. He asks if the Kimiyoshi family has been acting weird. Akira tells Oishi that he has already asked that question, but Oishi says that he is referring to the family as a whole. After Akira doesn't answer, Oishi says that it's strange that there's nothing to say about them.
"…"
"I repeat…how are the Kimiyoshi's living as a family…?"
"See…"
"All I can say is that nothing weird has happened to Natsumi and her family…"
"Are you sure…?"
"Fine then…"
He tells Akira that he wants to know what the truth is. Akira ignores him, says that he is just like the others, and says that he doesn't understand anything. He says that, as long as they don't understand, they will label the people from Hinamizawa as weirdos. Continuing, he says that they are the same as those who are yelling, "They're demons!" and, "It's the curse!".
Oishi tells him that he's right, but he is also like those people. He tells Akira that he didn't want to believe that Natsumi was from Hinamizawa , and Akira moves toward the door to leave. He tells Oishi and Akasaka that their discussion was more like an interrogation. Akasaka tells him to be careful, because people who aren't in the family have been reported to receive the curse. Akira thanks Akasaka for his worries and decides that he will protect Natsumi at any cost.
While walking down the street, Akira decides to call Natsumi's house from a payphone. Haruko hears the phone and becomes agitated. Natsumi runs for the phone, while her mother calls for her. Akira hears a voice scream for help, but, before he can respond, the person hangs up. He remembers some of the words that Oishi had told him, and he starts running to Natsumi's house.
-END FLASHBACK-
While Akira is still recalling his and Natsumi's past, the scene shifts elsewhere as Kyuji is with Ankh, getting off their Ride Vendors after Ankh sensed a Yummy nearby, and Kyuji noticed that Ankh is rather in a hurry to find the unidentified Yummy, which he asks why he is rather insistent in finding the Yummy.
"What's the rush? I don't see much people here right now...but I guess it's better than some innocent people getting dragged..."
"Don't get me wrong! Remember that armored guy? He uses Cell Medals to power up his armor..and I'm betting that Kougami's involved...I'm even betting that he intends to use him to compete with us over getting Cell Medals! Now shut up and hurry up! I sensed a Yummy that is near by!"
"Geez..."
"You wanted to save humans, right? So stop complaining and get going!"
To Be Continued
Why Or Why Not by Rekka Katakiri
(Ending Song from Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)
To get my happiness I had done everything,
but had done nothing to be blamed and accused of.
The sound of footsteps became louder every day,
Then I noticed the fact there was no time.
I was a believer in life to be myself always,
and was asking whether I would be alive.
Give me a reason why not to adopt in this way,
or judge me to be guilty of so many incurable sins.
Tell me why, or why not. Complaining way too much,
maybe I overlooked something fatal for me.
Okay…this is the longest chapter I prepared…and it surely placed a lot of emphasis on Akira wanting to know more about Natsumi being from Hinamizawa…but he would soon find out the tragedy that befallen her and her family…physically, and psychologically…and Akira would soon find out the answer…
Now Kyuji and Ankh are somewhere else...searching for an unidentified Yummy. Though it ended in a cliffhanger, it doesn't mean that the action won't happen. More on that in the next chapter. At least they get the screen time they deserved...so as they won't feel neglected...
Preview:
This arc will conclude in the next chapter and this will give you the final hint on why he decided to accept Kougami's job offer…and the burden he'll have to shoulder in the years to come…
And lastly...Birth and O's get to compete on who gets the Cell Medals once the Yummy is found...
Characters appearing in this arc:
Now then…a modified list of characters that appear in every arc of this fic so that you'll know which series (or in this case, film) they came from…
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni: Onisarashi-hen (manga)
- Akira Toudou
- Natsumi Kimiyoshi
- Haruko Kimiyoshi
- Toji Kimiyoshi
- Aki Kimiyoshi
- Chisato Saeki
- Tamako Makimura
- Akasaka Mamoru
- Kuraudo Oishi