Chapter 4: Criminal

...

Heizou finished up some paperwork at his place, keeping it in his pocket before he spoke with Beidou about his plan. He'd had to write two letters, one of which he was hoping to burn by the end of things, but seeing as how he could predict outcomes rather well, the possibility wasn't looking very hopeful.

Beidou wasn't as hard to win over on his idea. The moment he said he'd need to kick some ass she was onboard. All she had to do was grab a few of her more trusted crew members and wait for him to send word to her.

Now to literally twiddle his fingers and wait for this meeting to end.

It was agonizing, being unable to do more than look at the scenery while coworkers and known associates debated the worth of someone's life – in his case, someone he loved. Of the dozen or so that Heizou knew would be in attendance, it did give the slight chance that they would vote in favor of letting this murderer go. Kazuha had friends and there were many in the Commissions that knew him personally. It would be a difficult fight, logically, to do so, it wasn't always the logical decisions that won battles. Ferocity and outside influences could do so as well, and Heizou wasn't sure what those outcomes would be until he had a heard word.

Too many outside influences could also hinder his own plans. Working against one another for the same goal was like trying to color the same portrait all at once, without being able to see the progress of those around.

Heizou trained.

It was the only thing he could think to do to pass the time. His mind was waging war on itself, the part that had long ago blindly believed in the impossible, in the goodness of people, in the rightness of the world – the child in him – not accepting that he was just standing here and not speaking his mind to those officials right this moment. He wanted to, oh how he wanted to.

But that wasn't how you won arguments and Heizou had no better option if they did assist, in the end. If Kazuha were freed as these men wanted, they'd be taken advantage of again and again by either these criminals or others like them. Having the Tri Commission 'bare their metaphorical throats' to them was also one of the last things Heizou wanted.

It wasn't to protect those in power, because Heizou knew they could protect themselves and their standing well enough. No, it was the people who would get kidnaped, the used, the towns. Heizou could see where this would lead and he hated the visions.

"But why the fuck did the first have to be Kazuha?" He asked no one in particular, swearing to the bright sky as he went through his routine, making sure he didn't miss a step. He'd been training for years. It was like a dance to him now more than it was a way to harm a person.

Heizou wanted Kazuha at his side for this, for the first time letting some twinge of longing strike his heart and then quickly fade away into the background. It was fine here, where no one could see him and he could quickly get over the emotions.

Yes he was scared and yes he wanted to save him, but more than that still he missed him. Kazuha had been gone and had been trying to come visit it and they hadn't gotten even a glimpse of one another before he was taken away from him once more.

It had to be hours later when Heizou found himself panting and soaked in his own sweat. Even with the light clothing, it was a warm day and he was pushing himself too hard. The world shifted around a bit.

Oh, wait. When was the last he'd eaten?

Taking off his lighter coat, he wiped himself down, sparring another quick trip to his home which was thankfully in the city so that he could change into some spare clothing. Once that was done he set one of his books on the kitchen table, the letter he disliked the most peeking its way from underneath the cover where it would be spotted by only a keen eye or someone curious enough to take one of his belongings.

Taking another look around he grabbed a piece of fruit out of the fridge before making his way towards headquarters. He didn't have time to pass out but he didn't have time for a meal either. They should be done discussing things by now and it was going to be midday soon. He'd have to start working on his own plans if they were.

Heizou shouldn't have been surprised to pass anyone on the way there, let alone those that normally frequented the city. Thoma and he had a rather… balanced relationship. He couldn't say it was a good one or a bad one, only that he was well aware the man broke the law and Thoma, in turn, knew that Heizou was aware of his misdeeds as well. After their first few run-ins as a criminal and investigator, it didn't take a genius to figure out he was working for the betterment of those around him, so Heizou so no need to call him out on his rather unorthodox activities.

"Oh ahhah hey, it's you, Detective Shikanoin, right? Did you need something?"

Heizou hadn't meant to put the man on edge. It was enough to bring a smirk to his face that he had, considering all he'd done was walk up to him and there was nothing going on at the moment. Still… now wasn't the time and Thoma was never an issue.

"Not in the least unless you believe there is. Is the meeting still taking place?" Heizou was a little surprised that that man wasn't there with the Kamisatos if it was. While technically not one of the heads of the Yashiro Commission, Heizou doubted that there was much going on behind those doors that this man didn't hear about. The way he was glued to either the brother and sister didn't make it hard to piece together that he was likely considered some type of extended family by them.

Thoma let out a breath. "Yeah, believe it or not it is. I thought that the Master would be out by now but this is a pretty serious situation. There's a lot at stake here and Kazuha isn't just anybody so there's a lot of people fighting for him. I had started to hear some rumors about the two of you… ah. Sorry for bringing that up suddenly but I was a bit curious. Kazuha didn't say anything, by the way. It was in the conference hall."

Heizou fought back a wince. They weren't going to use his relationship with Kazuha as any type of leverage one way or another on this. He was going to act no matter their decision.

"I told you I didn't mean anything by it." Thoma raised his hands. "Relax. No one was saying anything bad, I swear. So… the two of you are together?"

"Yes." No official to the public but they would be now it would seem. Heizou would have liked it staying a bit more quiet, but it had gotten around enough that these criminals were using Kazuha against him so it was bound to come up, now that he considered that. Of course it would. He was the one being threatened. "I'm sure he would have spoken to you eventually if you two are friends."

"We are, but he's busy and he always seemed to have something better to do while he was in town. I can figure out what it is now." Thoma gave him a smile that could have warmed over winter. It made him look like a puppy, pleasing its owner with its innocence and charm. Heizou had to admit, it was rather effective and took away some of the tension and stress that came with that line of conversation. "I'm sure they'll figure out something."

"It's quite alright. I've got a few ideas of my own." Heizou placed a hand to his chin, taking this new information into consideration as well. Thoma and Kazuha were friends. Did that mean that the Kamisatos were as well? No, he didn't need to add more pieces than he already had. The solution was there and there wasn't much the family could do. Beidou and Sara were all he needed right now.

"Hey, I know it's none of my business but you look a little pale."

"Everyone's been telling me that." Heizou was starting to wonder just how pale he was for so many people now to have brought it up. "I'm fine. Can I ask a favor? It shouldn't be too much trouble."

"Mmm. I don't mean to sound inconsiderate but it depends on what you're asking."

"I'm going to run down the street and purchase a firework. When the meeting is over, can you set it off for me?"

"Oh, sure, no problem." Thoma gave him a thumbs up. "I get it. The waiting for this kind of thing is stressful. I've been having that issue too, it's why I couldn't stay inside. It must be way worse for you. I'll go with you. Just make sure it's nothing big enough for me to get in trouble for."

No one would be getting angry about someone setting off a firework right now. As long as it didn't set a building on fire, everything would be fine. Now he was starting to worry about Thoma's mindset as well…

Or he was trying to be funny. Whichever it was, Heizou did have his mind taken off the matter at hand for a bit while he purchased a fairly small firework, passed it off, and went to the nearby pond to do some more training – this time keeping it light and make sure to dip his feet in the water now and then so he didn't give himself heat exhaustion.

…

There was a bang. It shouldn't have sounded as ominous as it did.

Right. Heizou already had a plan but some part of him hoped that they proved him wrong – that they turned aside rationality and voted to help save Kazuha. It was a terrible decision to make if they had and one Heizou hadn't dared allow himself to think on, he had no plans for that outcome, but he still couldn't help but feel the want for assistance creep into his heart.

The first few steps to get out of the water and make his way up the long flight of stairs made his feet feel like lead before he was running, ignoring and tired, heavy feelings his body was speaking to mind about.

In only a matter of minutes he was at the Commission office, waiting for news. Sara wasn't there, which was a slight surprise. She wasn't head of the Tenryou Commission but making her way into the meeting when she possessed most of the information on the case wouldn't have been difficult.

Now that he thought about it, Heizou knew very little about the new head of the Commission. He hadn't spoken to the man, only heard that he was a good person and a solid choice compared to their last commander. Considering he had gotten no strict guidelines on how to act or policy to enforce, he had felt a lot better.

Maybe, just maybe, they had voted a different way. If he wanted to protect the people and the Kamisatos were friends with Kazuha as well, that would have only left the less respectable Commission head (which Heizou still had trouble stomaching if he was going to be truthful about it. A few too many trips to Ritou and meetings with the man had him wishing a replacement was found sooner rather than later) to fight against any action. The meeting had gone on for hours so…

Sara saw him at the doorway before she made her way inside, not acknowledging him until she passed. Her expression gave away nothing, stoic as if she were on the battlefield. She stopped for only a moment to speak with him, walking on.

"My office."

Heizou tipped his head and followed her, making sure the door was shut after they both entered, leaning against it while she took a seat behind her desk.

Letting out a long breath, Sara stared up at him, her expression finally shifting to one of slight remorse. "Alright then, Shikanoin, you wanted access to the police station cells?"

So, they had voted to ignore the request and let Kazuha die.

"Yes. Not just for me but for two visitors as well. We'll call them family."

"And is he being released into your custody under my watch?"

Heizou nodded. "He is. I promise it won't be for long. I would never let such a man escape, nor would I endanger the public in such a way, just for Kazuha. I know there's no way for you to trust my words, let alone when there's so much personal attachment involved, but Kazuha would never forgive me if I did it – that's reason enough. So, may I have the cell number and key?" Heizou held out his hand. "He'll be returned within a day or two. It may depend on circumstances I can't predict but it should be no longer than that."

The general was at war with herself. Heizou could see it in her eyes and body language. Eventually, she reached into her desk and produced a key which unlocked a drawer and revealed another set of keys, which she threw to him. Heizou caught them easily.

"I can't believe I'm doing this. You've never given me reason to doubt you before, Shikanoin. Don't do so now. You are well aware murderers are kept in the back of the cell blocks and he's in the third unit, second row from the back, on the left. You'll see his nameplate."

"Thank you." Heizou wasn't sure what else to say. She could lose her job and a lot more because of what she'd just done for him. "I promise everything will turn out for the best. I do need one more thing from you, and it requires some self restraint and a bit more trust on your part."

"What's that? I can't think of anything more that you'd need that's above what you've already asked."

Heizou pulled out the other letter he had written, folded and kept secret from prying eyes. "This is very important. If, and it is not a definite but if, I do not return, open this letter. Until then, you must not look at it and you should keep it closed. If you wouldn't mind, locking it up in that sealed draw and trading it for these keys would be the best course of action."

Sara's eyes narrowed. "What kind of letter is it? And what do you mean if you don't return? You are finding some way to trade the prisoner for Kaedehara, are you not?"

"I am, through trickery and deception. It's a dangerous move and it will be putting me in a precarious situation. I won't say it isn't a risk that I'm willing to take because I am. No other can take my place in this endeavor so it has to be me. I've already devised the best plan that I can. I'd rather return, but with the threats that have been made, I can't say it's a grantee."

"So you'll be risking your own life for his?! That wasn't what I agreed with, Shikanoin." Sara stood, the fury of a storm suddenly surrounding her.

Heizou wasn't sure why it caused an ache in his chest to see her trying to defend his life like this. It wasn't as if he knew for sure that he'd lose it.

But with her shouting and acting against him (or for him) Heizou had no choice now with one of his decisions.

Without a thought, he shifted. Training all day had kept him lean and, though he was tired, the adrenaline spike made up for any loss of energy.

Sara and he had fought but never at close range. Her office wasn't very big and he only needed a few steps to close in on her. Though he could spot her take a step or two back from him, reach for her bow, he was faster.

The outfit the general wore made it easy to spot the points to aim for, the punch aligned perfectly near his stomach, knocking the wind from her and the light from her eyes. Heizou caught her as she collapsed, letting out a breath of his own and watching the door.

No one entered. Good.

Alright, there was no point in hiding the letter now. He'd just attacked his senior officer without provocation and, while Sara could get away with it, she had never actually harmed him early, only caused some minor property damage he was fairly certain she was paying for.

Making sure she was situated as best she could be on the floor, Heizou bound her wrists behind her back to make opening the door difficult and briefly considered gagging her before leaving it be. If her pride didn't stop her from calling for help, perhaps it would at least buy him a few minutes.

After all she'd done for him, he just couldn't find it in him to inconvenience her more than he already was.

Leaving his resignation letter on the desk he walked out with the keys to the jail in his pocket, knowing he would have to be quick about this. Sara would be on his heels the moment she woke and he wasn't risking any more lives than he had to.

Taking off running, Heizou stopped by Shinobu and told her to meet him there, warning her only of Sara's dislike of his plan and that there may be complications. Then he took off and gave Beidou the same message, only telling her on the way there as he jogged beside the pirate captain on the way to the jailhouse.

Inazuma didn't keep criminals in the same location where they were tried. It would be highly dangerous for so many to be in the same location.

Instead there was a doorway and several underground passages underneath Inazuma city itself. You had to go through several security measures in order to gain entrance, but considering it was beside the Tenryou Commission itself and Heizou had the keys (and technically permission before it was as good as revoked) no one questioned when he traveled down with Beidou and Shinobu.

"Why are we keeping him at my place?" Shinobu spoke, with just the slightest growl to her voice. "Do you know how dangerous that is? They call themselves gang members but they're nothing more that some–"

"Calm down." Heizou's heart was already racing and he had to calm himself, let alone having to do so to the others. "He'll only be there a short time and I trust Itto to handle him. We'll have him restrained and there should be no issues. Your place is one of the last they'll look and I'm already assuming they're going to question most of those of the Crux Fleet. You're the only one not directly connected to either Kazuha or myself."

"I feel flatter," Shinobu laughed, letting out a shaky breath. It was the first Heizou had ever seen her worried.

"It will be fine. Trust them. They know what they're doing and so do we."

"Do we? Until just now I didn't even know what your plans were."

"I didn't either. Things can change too quickly. This was the most likely of scenarios but even now, one thing has changed to the less probable of options in my mind." Heizou had hoped it wouldn't. Having Sara as an enemy made everything more difficult and he was hoping he wouldn't have to make himself a criminal to go through with this plan… "It's alright for now. Nothing is outside of what can be accomplished."

"Hmm. Alright."

"Kid, you look like shit."

Heizou laughed. Beidou coming out of nowhere and saying that to him was just funny. "I know, I know. Wouldn't you if someone you loved was in this kind of situation and you were the one they were threatening? Give me some slack here, Captain." She was so much easier to speak with than the others. They, strangely, had a deeper connection since Kazuha had been around. "I feel less than pleasant as well."

Beidou patted him hard on the shoulder as they walked down the hallway. "Put up a tough front all you want, but you're like a little kid around Kazuha. I've seen you prowl around the docks and act all serious, but this ain't like you. We'll save him. He ain't been alone for a really long time now, and neither have you, 'kay Heizou?"

These two calling him by his given name like Kazuha did made him smile. Alright, fine, if they wanted to get close to him, they still had a little time left. He was going to fight, because he wanted to see tomorrow and the next day and the next with the person he loved, even if it was hard to see himself surviving. The percentage was pretty low. He'd try and find a way to higher it. "I greatly appreciate it. Now, Mr. Yakamada here is a guilty man. I warn you he may be dangerous. I have handcuffs and we are going to escort him to Shinobu's place. It shouldn't take you long there, right? You've prepared what I asked?"

Shinobu nodded. "As much as I could prepare. Genta isn't too excited about doing all this. The man near had a panic attack about it early but it's you. The Boss trusts you and so do I so Genta got himself together. He'll be fine."

Heizou nodded. Genta may be in danger too, but if anything he'd make sure that he got away safely. He wasn't sure how these kidnappers would respond to their actions from here on out, but they had to be watching him. Someone was watching him. Someone knew he was in love with Kazuha.

Someone close to them was a traitor. That still burned like a coal in his stomach. Heizou hadn't managed to figure out who it was. It was likely someone off the streets who was no more important in his life than a passing leaf, fallen off a tree. But still, this person had all but torn his life apart.

The man at the second cell from the end on the left wasn't exactly what Heizou was expecting when they reached it.

Kaba Yakamada was a scrawny man, somewhere in his forties. He had dark hair and dark eyes, the former long enough to brush past his shoulder and shadow his face. There was something lean and dangerous in the way he shifted, as if he had a dagger on him and could easily kill any who entered as he stared at them with a mocking smile.

"About time," came the hoarse voice from the man's mouth, too rough sounding for only a dry throat. Maybe something had damaged it. Taking a closer look at his sun-darkened skin, Heizou could catch some scar tissue around his neck and near his hands.

"Expecting us?" Heizou tossed back nonchalantly.

The man shrugged. "I don't know who you are and I don't care. Just get me out of here."

"Of course." Heizou held the handcuffs before him. "Restrained. You know we can't let you run free. If you're half as aware as you seem, you should know that there will be restrictions on what you can and can't do and that there are reasons for it."

"Of course," Yakamada agreed. "Couldn't tell you what they were though. I haven't done anything wrong. I have no idea why you're letting me go."

There was a grin following the man's words and Heizou briefly frowned before he realized the meaning behind them. Ah, he was protecting himself in case something went wrong on the side of his allies. He could claim he had no part in his release and they did so of their own accord.

Heizou didn't like that but he didn't have time to play games. He used the keys and entered the cell, making sure Yakamada's hands were restrained behind his back. It would make it more obvious walking the streets but it would also give him less access to everything. "Let's go."

Shinobu was watching his back, remaining beside him while he helped the man to his feet now that he didn't have his arms to help, and getting him out of this place. They had to act quickly. Beidou was on the lookout for anyone watching them. It would keep whoever their spy was at bay for a little while.

Even my fellow officers are subject to this, Heizou thought to himself. It was very possible, with as many times as Kazuha had come to see him after his voyages, that any of those working at the Commission office had given away Kazuha's identity as the best way to force his hand. Well, they had succeeded, and not only gotten ahold of him, but Beidou and the others by extension.

Getting out of the jail took just as long as getting in as they walked down the long hallway and waited for the extremely slow clearances and elevator to return.

When they were finally free of the darkened underground, Heizou got them away from the building. It would be the first place Sara would be looking for him and anyone he was with.

Shinobu, living in the city, wasn't far and as they all but ran to her place, only a few eyes cared enough to focus on the odd pack of people they were. The criminal forced in between them was barely noticeable compared to the others, who stood out in the setting sun. Most people were on their way to finish last minute shopping or make their way home after a long day. It wasn't like any of the others were strangers to Inazuma so the random glances did worry Heizou much.

Shinobu's place only had a few of the crew that were normally there, Itto the one to open the door and let them in.

"Hey there, my amigos! How are you all doing? This is so exciting! I hear I'm going to get to watch a criminal for you instead of the other way around! Hahah! I never thought I'd get to do something like this! It's always me in the cell, you know, and for reasons that are never really my fault and it's never been very fair."

"Hello to you too, Itto." Heizou smiled. He was a friendly guy and they always got along. Like the oni said, he was often sent to jail for the most minor of crimes and it didn't take long for Heizou to find loopholes or other ways to get him an early release. No one ever liked staying in those cells. "Thank you for your assistance, but please keep it down."

"Oh right! Hush hush! Can't let the world know that I'm doing this in secret. Hehe. This is the criminal here, yeah?"

"Yes. This is Mr. Yakamada. He's wanted for murder so please keep your guard up around him. I don't want you or any of yours getting hurt." Heizou had been holding the back of the man's handcuff and tried to steer him over to Itto before the guy came to a dead stop, glaring at them.

"I'm not staying here. There's no way."

"Yes you are." Heizou wasn't going to fight unless he had to. He'd already hurt one person he hadn't wanted to harm, harming someone who he didn't care for wasn't as difficult to do. "Itto and I are both trained fighters and you're going to be in the care of one of us. You have no weapon. Don't make this difficult."

Yakamada looked between them, a cold stare that made Heizou wonder if this murder had been his only crime. Then the man gave in, letting himself be led until he was safely in Itto's hands.

"Shinobu, it's your turn."

"Already working on it."

Heizou turned to spot her and Genta, the latter of which was being dressed up to resemble My. Yakamada. Heizou had already provided them with a set of prison clothing and Heizou watched her cutting away at a wig, switching glances between the criminal and Genta.

This had to work. They saw him remove him from the cell and, as long as they were quick about this, everything would be fine…

"Give me just a few minutes and we'll be done."

Yakamada laughed. "You really think they won't notice it's not me?"

Heizou tipped his head. "They'll notice, I'm sure, but by then we'll already be gone. It's about being clever, not having the right prize."

Beidou laughed. "I wondered what the hell you were up to. You've had me in the dark this whole time. That's clever, kid. You sure though, that the four of us are enough?"

Heizou looked between Beidou, the two crewmen she brought, and Shinobu as well as Genta. That was all he'd need for this. The rest could stay here and guard this man, which is what he'd needed them for. "Yes, me and four others. That's always been the plan and it will stay the plan. Any more and we'll only gain attention."

Beidou gave him the thumbs up. "Got it. Now to actually get their attention on purpose so we can trade and these dirtbags can tell us where they've got Kazuha and I can maybe or maybe not break a few of their noses in the process."

Heizou smiled. Yes, time to play bait.