Chapter 18
Yaten sat motionless in his dimly lit office, enveloped in a haze of cigarette smoke that made the air impenetrable. The only beam of light struggling through the sparsely closed blinds revealed an array of notes covering his workspace like a mosaic. His fingers slid over the cool sheets in the file in front of him, as if trying to finally grasp the missing puzzle pieces. Yet, the truth remained elusive.
In the past few days, he had tirelessly gathered information, but so far, they were just loose ends stubbornly refusing to form a coherent picture, pushing him to the brink of madness.
After Minako's funeral, Chiba hastily departed for America, and Yaten couldn't shake the feeling that this was more than just a coincidence. A week later, Chiba returned to Tokyo, engaging in social obligations as if nothing had happened—everything seemed inconspicuous so far.
But what drove Chiba to fly across the ocean again shortly before Taiki's engagement celebration? Yaten felt that the facade was showing cracks. Rei, his sister, confirmed that Mamoru wouldn't return until after New Year's, and yet he appeared at the party. Something must have happened, something that abruptly cut short Chiba's stay.
Yaten's goal was clear; he had to know what had transpired in America. A deep sigh escaped him as he fixed his gaze on the world map on the wall, with New York marked by two red pins.
Sparks of hope ignited within him when he learned through a bug a few days ago that one of Chiba's men would return from America today. His men had a clear order to arrest this man. Zoisite, a close confidant of Chiba, should know something. Yaten was highly motivated to persuade him to reveal his knowledge, whatever the cost.
The drawer creaked softly as he opened it again and pulled out another file—this time, Minako's accident file. The sight of the pictures still sent a chilling shiver down his spine. Her completely burned-out car wrapped around a tree was one thing. Another depicted the crime scene, and the third showed the charred body beyond recognition. Carefully, he flipped the pages. His eyes now lingered on the autopsy report.
Case Number: X3546Z - 50/09/30 Date and Time of Autopsy: 09/30; 2:06 PM by Dr. S. Tomoe Victim Identification: Female, Caucasian, approximately 20 years old Height: 162 cm
Cause of Death: Severe injuries from a frontal collision (car accident) General Description of the Corpse: The body suffered severe injuries due to a car accident. The remains were nearly completely burned, making precise identification difficult.
DNA Analysis: DNA remnants were identified, indicating Minako Tsukino.
Dental Status: The assessment of dental status for precise identification was not possible due to facial and oral region damages caused by the accident.
Description of Injuries:
Face and Head: Severe skull injuries, including multiple fractures in the facial skull area. Fractures in eye sockets and nasal bone were identified.
Neck and Chest Area: Massive trauma in the neck and chest area from the seatbelt. Rib fractures on the right side with accompanying injuries to the lungs and heart. Bruises and abrasions in the chest area due to the belt impact.
Lower Extremities: Multiple fractures in both legs, especially in thigh and shin bones.
Internal Organs: Significant damage to internal organs from impact and heat exposure from the fire.
Skin and Soft Tissue Injuries: Almost complete burning of the skin on the entire body. Extensive soft tissue damage from heat and fire exposure. No fingerprints could be taken for identification.
Special Findings: Due to the burning, further specific findings were difficult to ascertain. Given the severity of the injuries, comprehensive identification of the body was only possible through DNA analysis.
Older Injuries: Fracture of the left forearm, approximately 10 years old.
Conclusion: The death of Minako Tsukino was undoubtedly caused by severe injuries resulting from a frontal collision in a car accident. The nearly complete burning of the body significantly complicated identification; however, it was successfully completed through DNA analysis. The extensive injuries to the entire body are consistent with the consequences of a severe traffic accident, followed by a fire.
Yaten could almost recite the autopsy report in his sleep, so often had he delved into its grim details. However, this time, his gaze fixated on what seemed like an inconspicuous line: "Older Injuries." His eyes lingered on this line as if it had suddenly transformed into a bright signal. Minako had broken her arm in the past; that was beyond question. In his memory, though, it had been the right arm—on that, he could have sworn. Why had he overlooked this detail so far? This tiny detail wouldn't let him go. A thought began to sprout in his mind, eventually unfolding into a sophisticated plan.
He dialed 7 on his phone's speed dial and nervously drummed his fingers on the table as the phone rang.
"Meio," came a distant, female voice shortly afterward. "Setsuna, my love. How are you?" Yaten tried to maintain a casual tone. "What do you want, Yaten?" Setsuna's voice sounded terse, almost suspicious. "Why do you assume I want something? Can't I just call and ask about your well-being?"
Setsuna sighed. "You never call without a reason, and I fear you don't intend to start now. So?" Yaten chuckled.
"You know me too well. I'd have a job for you... could become something big. Do you have time and interest?"
"That depends on how the pay is... you were quite stingy last time."
"I'll double your last salary."
"Oh, serious business. If that's the case, your chances are good that we can make a deal. So, what can I do for you?"
"First, I need Minako Tsukino's medical records—everything you can find about her. Then, I want you to tail Mamoru Chiba. I want to know everything—whom he talks to, where he goes, what he eats, everything."
"Do you realize whom you're talking to? I'm not a babysitter, Yaten."
"I know; you're the best I know. That's why I called you."
"I get paid to eliminate people, not to shadow them."
"Setsuna, I just doubled your salary. Chiba is dangerous. I can't send anyone who can't defend themselves. If he becomes suspicious, I need someone who can react early. Also, none of my men will get as close to him as a hot woman. He'll feel safer in the presence of a woman and hopefully won't be as cautious."
Setsuna snorted. "I'll come over later, then you can explain the situation more precisely... Yaten, this is not a definite yes!"
The silver-haired man couldn't suppress his grin. He knew Setsuna well enough to understand that she wouldn't miss such an assignment. The prospect of eliminating a high-ranking member of Tokyo's leadership would be like a coveted trophy in her collection. Given the generous sum he offered her, it was only a matter of time before he got her approval.
"I'll be waiting at the house. You should still know the way. See you later." Yaten hung up, the grin remaining on his face. Setsuna would elevate his investigation to a new level. This was his chance.
After the call, Yaten leaned back in his chair and stared again at the notes before him. Minutes passed, and he lost himself in thought. Suddenly, a knock on the door snapped him out of his contemplation.
Seiya entered the office with a wide smile. "Hey, Yaten! What's up?"
Yaten regarded his brother skeptically. "Why are you suddenly in such a good mood?"
Seiya scratched his head thoughtfully. He couldn't exactly tell Yaten about the intimate experience with Usagi. "I just had a good training session with Ruka. She lost massively," he said and settled across from his brother. Yaten just shook his head. He couldn't comprehend his brother's obsession with sports. Yaten lit another cigarette and ran his fingers through his hair. "I thought going through all the information together might help. I've been feeling like I'm overlooking something..." He began and pulled up the autopsy report. "Which arm did Minako break again? Do you remember?" "Umm... Yaten, no idea. Do you know how long ago that was?" "10 years... And that's where the first anomaly is. I'm pretty sure it was the right arm because I took notes for her in class... but here it says left." Seiya furrowed his brow. "What are you trying to say, Yaten?"
However, Yaten didn't dare to articulate his suspicion. Since stumbling upon this detail, he wasn't entirely sure anymore if it was really Minako they had buried. After all, a DNA test could be easily forged, something he knew from personal experience. Plus, there was no additional confirmation through dental records or fingerprints.
"I don't know. It's all just speculation..." "Yaten, don't get carried away with this. She's dead; it says so in the report. Probably, the doctor who performed the autopsy just mixed up left and right," Seiya tried to reassure his brother. "... Yeah, maybe," grumbled the silver-haired man, looking out of the window. "But doesn't it strike you as odd that Chiba suddenly went to America, came back, and shortly after disappeared again?"
Seiya could tell that Yaten was planning something, and as he had no particular interest in guessing games, he decided to address him directly. "Yaten? What are you up to? Don't bother denying it; I can see when you're planning something. So?"
However, Yaten couldn't disguise his grin. He hated it when his brother questioned him. Interrogating people was his job, after all. "I bugged Chiba, but the good information that could help me move forward is still pending. You know how patient I can be."
At that moment, Seiya burst into laughter; he struggled to hold it back. "Patient? You? ... That's rich." Then he pondered for a moment. "What have you done to expedite the process?" "Meio is coming over later. She'll take care of it."
Seiya thought for a moment; this name sounded familiar, but he couldn't place it for the life of him. "Meio?" "Setsuna." In an instant, he knew whom his brother meant. "The assassin?" Yaten nodded, calmly letting the smoke escape from his nose. "Are you out of your mind?! You can't just put Setsuna on Chiba! Do Taiki and Dad know about your plan? Have you even thought for a second about the consequences this could have?" "Let me handle it; I have a plan. But I'll need your help tomorrow at the reception," Yaten said calmly.
Seiya scrutinized Yaten and saw that he was evidently serious about his plan. Annoyed, he rubbed his temples. He knew that if he refused, Yaten would modify his plan and still carry it out. At least this way, he could keep an eye on his brother. "What do I need to do?"
Yaten glanced at his blinking phone, and his grin widened. Today truly seemed to be his lucky day. "First, wait here until Setsuna arrives. I have to go down to the basement now; my special guest has finally arrived. Wait with her in the living room. It won't take long; I'll be back up soon. I just need to make some preparations."
With that, Yaten barely finished speaking before the door slammed shut behind him.