There is a message at the end of the chapter. I hope you take time to read it.
Chapter 11: Land of the One-Eyed Dragon.
Despite everyone wanting to get something to eat first, Yusuke had somehow managed to convince them to check out the statue of Date Masamune. So, here they were, looking at the statue of the great lord on horseback with his iconic helm and eyepatch. And with the light illuminating it from below, it was certainly a sight to see.
"Man, that is impressive." Futaba remarks. "It looks so well maintained as well. There's not a speck of rust or bird poop on it."
"I bet he could easily cut Shadows down by himself. And on horseback as well." Mishima remarks, folding his arms.
"Indeed. Such remarkable craftsmanship. There can be no doubt that this is the 'One-Eyed Dragon'." Yusuke comments, framing the statue.
"Huh. Didn't expect to see you all here." A voice echoes behind them, grabbing their attention as they turn around to face a very familiar friend.
"Ohya! Fancy meeting you here!" Ann remarks as Ohya walks up to them, a camera hanging around her neck. "What brings you to Sendai?"
"Eh, just looking for the next scoop. And keeping an eye out for an undercover friend." She replies as another person walks up to join her before pushing his hat up to reveal a very friendly face.
"Yoshida-sensei? You're here as well?" Hifumi asks as the Thieves blink in surprise. "And…without any security?"
"Indeed I am." Yoshida replies with a grin. And he was certainly dressed very differently from how he is usually seen. Gone was the formal suit, and in its place were loose jeans and hiking books, along with a long, smart-looking jumper. "I am taking some time off from running the country at the behest of my party. Toshiro said I was starting to run myself into the ground, and the others were worried for my health. So, I came here to Sendai to rest and recuperate while they handled things in my absence. As for my lack of security, it was by my own demand. Besides, I'm not your average old man after all." He lets out a smirk that the Thieves could faintly hear his persona Abraham chuckling in the wind.
"And I was just in the area looking up a few rumours when I bumped into him." Ohya remarks, looking at the Thieves. "And boy, do I have questions for all of you. But I think something else should be done about that statue first." She points towards the base of the statue, its surface covered in red and black fliers. Hiding the detailed craftsmanship beneath.
"The hell? What is that all about?" Ryuji asks as Ohya lets out an irritated groan.
"It's posters about a book that's all the rage around the area. 'Prince of Nightmares.' I've read it myself, but I don't get the appeal behind it at all." She remarks, shaking her head as Yoshida frowns.
"While I can understand people love for what they enjoy, this falls almost on vandalism." Yoshida shakes his head at the sight. "I do hope they haven't damaged the base."
"What a reprehensible miscreant, putting up tasteless flyers for their own gain…" Yusuke comments, frowning at the sight. "Help me take them down. Such desecration will not stand."
"You heard him." Haru chimes in, walking up and gently peeling off one of the posters. The rest of the Thieves, including Ohya and Yoshida, help in removing the posters before tossing them into a nearby bin.
"That's much better!" Shiho remarks, wiping her head.
"Feeling better Yusuke?" Ren asks, seeing the beaming smile on his face.
"Indeed. Much better." He replies, glancing down at the poster he held onto. "Prince of Nightmares, volume one, 20th Reissue celebration? All this for a reissue?"
"Perhaps we can talk about this over dinner." Akechi remarks as they all let out a growl. "Perhaps over some beef tongue?"
"Sure. I know the perfect spot. Although…" Ohya turns to Morgana with an awkward look. "It might be hard to get Morgana inside."
"For real?" Morgana groans while Ryuji kicks a pebble.
"There aren't that many pet-friendly stores in Sendai..." Sophia comments, grabbing Yoshida and Ohya's attention.
"Hello? Who is this?" Yoshida asks as Ren takes his phone out. Showing the red-headed A.I. to them.
"Hello. I am Sophia Nijima-Amamiya. Humanities Companion."
"You two didn't tell me you had a daughter!" Ohya remarks as the two look away in embarrassment while Yoshida smiles warmly. "And is this the same Sophia we met in the group chat? You have SO got to tell me all the deets!"
"One thing at a time, Ohya." Yoshida remarks, shaking his head. "First, let us eat. Follow me." Following Yoshida, the team entered Sendai city, walking past several stores and restaurants before arriving at one that specialised in beef tongue. And while Morgana waited inside the bag, annoyed that he couldn't eat anything, the Thieves enjoyed the dinner they were provided.
"Is this for real?!" Ann asks, digging into the beet tongue on her plate. "This is so good!"
"This meat! It's so thick! So soft! Damn, that's good!" Ryuji comments, seemingly unphased at Ann stealing his phrase as he devours his meal.
"Ryuji! Cut it out! You're getting it all over me!" Futaba remarks, nudging him in annoyance. Yusuke, meanwhile, was letting out tears of joy as he ate his meal.
"Yusuke…didn't we help make you a proper diet?" Shiho asks, shaking her head at him.
"That's how Yusuke is…" Haru comments with a small smile as she returns to her own meal.
"Either way, this is delicious." Kawakami remarks, looking at Yoshida and Ohya. "You two certainly picked a good restaurant."
"Come with the territory of being a reporter." Ohya comments with a grin, catching Ren sneakily placing some in a container for Morgana later. Their conversation soon draws the attention of a woman sitting at the bar near them as she looks over.
"Well, you are a group I haven't seen around here." She suddenly comments, standing up to join them and grabbing their attention. "Is this your first time having Sendai Beef Tounge? I should tell you, the oxtail soup's to die for. Did you know that oxtail soup is packed with collagen? A lot of people seem to think it's good for the skin. Although they say it's not as effective when indigested, but there's a fair number of reports that suggest otherwise. Human cognition can be quite misleading. You may think you feel a change when none has occurred. This is the placebo effect and…"
"Wow… she won't stop…" Sumire comments with wide eyes as the Thieves stare at her in either amazement, awe, or slight concern on her motor mouth. It's like she didn't even have to pause for air!
"Why am I suddenly reminded of Maruki?" Ren asks quietly under his breath.
"This overwhelming onslaught of pointless info… We've got ourselves a nerd, ladies and gentlemen." Futaba remarks while Yoshida gently coughs.
"Excuse me, madam. But, are you all right?" He asks gently, snapping her out of her monologue.
"Oh! Sorry about that. I get so caught up in facts that I just spiral into one after the other." She replies, rubbing the back of her head with a lopsided smile. "By the way, are you all students? Apart from the adults in your group." The Thieves almost face fault for a second that she doesn't recognise Yoshida as the Prime Minister. Until they remember he is currently wearing a holiday disguise. That, and maybe some Cognition Magic, is at play. Again.
"As a matter of fact, we are." Akechi replies evenly. "We are just going on a country-wide trip for summer break."
"I'm guessing that some of you are also in high school while some are in college?" She asks again, never losing her smile. "I hope you've picked out what career path you all want to take. Reality is a harsh mistress when you're out in the open." She suddenly smacks her head before rubbing the spot as she squints her eyes. "Oh! I completely forgot! My name is Kuon Ichinose. I work as a researcher at Toho University. You should check out the campus. It's way up in the mountains, so you are surrounded by nature. And we've had quite a lot of bears this season, too."
"B-Bears?" Mishima asks, shaking slightly.
"We appreciate the offer, but we already have plans made for Sendai." Makoto replies gently, pushing some hair back. "And we also have to be in Sapporo by the 1st for an event, so we can't get too distracted here."
"I see, I see." Ichinose replies, seemingly not affected at all. "Yes, well, it's important to do what you want while you're still young. Allow me to impart a little treat till next we meet." She takes out some candy in a bag and hands it to Ren. "Well, I've had my fill of beef tongue, so it's probably time I got going. Farewell, young ones, and enjoy your time in Sendai." With that, Ichinose leaves the restaurant. Leaving behind a group of bewildered Thieves as they stare at the bag of candy in Ren's hands. Before he looked up and, after meeting each and everyone's eyes, he asked a simple question.
"Excuse my French, but what the fuck just happened?"
"I would reprimand you for that, but I share the sentiment." Kawakami replies, shaking her head. "I hope Sophia didn't hear you, Ren. Don't go teaching your daughter bad words now." She remarks with a grin as Ren lets out a silent groan.
"But for real, she was really energetic, wasn't she?" Ohya asks, moving one leg above the other.
"I'm glad I stayed quiet during that…" Morgana quietly whispers from the bag as he shuffles about.
"I think it's best if we return to the Motorhome. We still need to tell you two about what's happened so far." Hifumi informs Ohya and Yoshida as they stand up.
"That would be for the best." Yoshida replies, patting his hat down.
"Oh, his latest work was just perfect! I was up all night reading it. Two nights in a row, if you can believe it!" A woman suddenly remarks loudly, grabbing the team's attention as they turn to the table behind them. Just as another woman spoke up.
"Speaking off which, I read in a magazine interview that he's going to be at the station today… There's no way I'm missing that!"
"Who are they talking about?" Sumire asks quietly.
"Don't know…" Shiho replies as the team leaves the loudly chatting customers behind. And back out into the cool night air of Sapporo.
"Feeling the cool wind after a nice meal makes you feel good at night." Ryuji comments, giving his back a stretch alongside Ann.
"Totally agree with you." Futaba replies, doing a stretch of her own. "I wonder if Isara is asleep back in the Motorhome by now?"
"Oh, you brought her with you?" Ohya remarks before letting out a chuckle. "Why am I even surprised anyway?"
"Well, lets head back to the Motorhome and—" Before Ren could finish, a loud cheering echoed behind them as the group turned around to see a small crowd gathering behind them.
"What's going on there?" Mishima asks, rubbing the back of his head.
"Natsume-san, your latest issue was just amazing as always!" One of the fans shouts at a man standing at the edge of the crowd. Dressed in a dark black suit and a pair of rimed glasses framing his face and blond hair, he looked at the giant group of mainly female fans with a smile.
"Natsume-san, over here! Can you please sign my copy!?" One of the few men in the group waves his book in the air at him, earning a small chuckle from Natsume.
"Heheh! I appreciate your support!" Natsume remarks, walking forward and signing the book before he has more books shoved into his hands. But instead of getting angry, he laughed it off. "Whoa, hold on now! Only one autograph at a time per person, please! Oh, and my apologies for this, but can the men go to the back of the line. Ladies first, please." The men surprisingly didn't get upset as they went to the back of the rather long line as Natsume started signing autographs.
"Who the hell is that?" Ryuji asks with narrow eyes.
"That's Ango Natsume. The author of that book we saw earlier, 'Prince of Nightmares'." Ohya replies with an uninterested look. "From what I've gathered, he's the grandson of the famous writer Sougo Natsume. And from the outside, you'd think he's following in his footsteps. At least until you read the book for yourselves…" While the team tilt their heads at her explanation. Natsume happens to glimpse at them before smiling at them. But the glint in his eyes was anything but as he approached them in a carefree manner.
Or, rather, the girls of the group.
"Hello there. Are you perhaps looking for an autograph as well? Or maybe a handshake?" He asks Ohya, who looks away from him.
"Sorry, but I'm not interested." She replies, rebuking him instantly. Natsume was initially caught off guard by the rebuttal before turning his gaze to the other girls in the group.
"Then, how about the rest of you?" He asks the glint once again in his eyes. A glint that made the girls barring Hifumi, Futaba and Kawakami, stand closer to their respective partners while they stood slightly in front. As a silent message to him. One that he seemed to instantly get. "Oh, it would seem I have misread the situation." He turns to Hifumi, suddenly getting on one knee and holding forward a copy of his book. Shocking them while Ren felt his brotherly instincts kick in, moving to stand beside Hifumi and Futaba. Even if he knew they could take care of themselves.
"Please, don't misunderstand. This is just a token of my apology. I've already signed it." He remarks a look of guilt on his face that did not make the team drop their guard. Hifumi and Ren share a glance before Ren gives a very reluctant nod to her. With this, she picks the book up from his hands. "Ah, it would seem I forgot myself. Ango Natsume, at your service." He intones, bowing to Hifumi and Futaba as he completely ignores Ren.
"If you are the author, then wouldn't you know why those flyers were on the Date Masamune statue?" Kawakami asks, grabbing his attention as he quickly eyes her up.
"My flyers on his statue? Ah, I understand what has happened…" He quickly surmises, shaking his head with a frown. "That's most likely the work of some of my more zealous fans. I appreciate their work promoting me, but… It would appear they went overboard somewhat. Honestly, they can be quite a handful at times." He steps forward, walking closer to Kawakami. "Allow me to apologise at their behest. In exchange, allow me to offer you a kiss…"
"No thanks." Kawakami instantly denies it, stepping backwards. Natsume's eyes briefly twitch at being rejected so fast before his security guard informs him of the meeting he is to attend.
"It would seem our time together must come to an end. But I am sure we will meet again. Perhaps as something more." And with that lone last remark, he walks off. Leaving the team feeling insulted in two different ways.
"Did he really just look at us as like objects to grab?" Ann asks with a vein popping on her head.
"I believe he did." Makoto agrees, clenching her hands together.
"That asshole completely ignored us!" Ryuji comments angrily, kicking his foot against the ground. While Yoshida looks to Ohya.
"I suppose you already found this out?"
"Yeah. Sure as hell did. The guy is a complete womanizer." Ohya grunts, shaking her head in irritation. Yusuke's gaze never left Natsume's leaving form, fixed with a frown even as Haru nudged him gently in concern. A blip from Ren's phone indicated Sophia wanted to join the chat as Ren pulled it out.
"He was a strange one, for sure. But the people around him seemed really happy. Why was that?"
"Maybe because they were a bunch of weirdos?" Mishima remarks in a grumpy mood.
"Or perhaps we have found our Jail victims…" Akechi comments, folding his arms with a frown. "Their behaviour… it was similar to the ones who had fallen victim to Alice."
"Yeah… they were acting way too happy, even as fans." Ann comments while Hifumi looks at the book in her hands with disgust.
"Trying to appeal to me with a book? How low can one go?" She asks, shaking her head as Yusuke gently takes it. "So, we've found our Monarch."
"I suppose a 'Monarch' is the ruler of these 'Jails' you are hunting?" Yoshida asks quietly.
"Yes. We can explain more once we're out of the open." Makoto replies, glancing around at the people walking not too far away from them. "Too many ears out here."
"I've got my laptop back at the Motorhome as well. I'll go over it with Ohya and look up anything she hasn't scooped up while you guys bring them up to speed." Futaba adds with a grin. With the plan settled, the Thieves return to the Motorhome with Futaba jumping onto her laptop while Isara greets Ohya and Yoshida. While the two took in the impressive Motorhome and were brought up to speed on what had been happening.
"Sheesh…. You kids sure now how to find all the fun…" Ohya remarks, shaking her head. Yoshida sat silently, taking all the information in with a grim expression on his face.
"I can't believe I failed to see this spreading across our country. It would seem I had been tunnel visioning on our corruption problem a bit too much."
"If anything, we are kicking ourselves for missing it as well." Sumire admits, shaking her head. "I guess after everything that happened and joining the Shadow Operatives, we let our guards down too much."
"We can reprimand ourselves later. For now, we should go over what we have learned." Makoto comments, brushing some hair back. "We have confirmed, thanks to Sophia, that there is a Jail here in Sendai and that Natsume is the possible Monarch."
"I've done a quick look on him, and I can confirm what Ohya has told us as well as a few extra things." Futaba replies as she walks in from the bedroom, glancing at the team. "He's a light novel author, and he kicked off his career with his book, 'Prince of Nightmares'. Apparently, it won the grand prize at the Soukaisha Awards."
"How it even one that is what annoys me." Ohya suddenly interjects with a huff. "Do you have any idea how much plagiarism is in that book? And I don't mean following tropes or slight references to other stories or media. I mean full-out copying of plot points, characters, words spoken and even action scenes! And that's not getting into how the characters all feel one-dimensional. If anything, it's like a fanfiction novel that someone is trying to write for the first time to find their groove. Not that I have anything against them, freedom of writing after all. But at least they give respect and love to what they are writing. You don't feel anything like that from Natsume's book!"
"Well, despite that, that book has sold stupidly well. It's sold over a million copies!" Futaba adds, shaking her head in dismay.
"A million!? That's just nuts! And is it all located in Sendai?" Kawakami asks, with Futaba shaking her head.
"Yeah. All the IP addresses I found were from Sendai. But the buzz that's happening online… they are acting just like Alice's fans did. There are rumours that some of them got beaten up to an inch of their lives just because they dressed up as Natsume's characters. But the worst part is that no one stopped them. In fact, they even praised them!"
"I saw something like that happen with my own eyes while I was here." Ohya reports, shaking her head. "It was not a pretty sight."
"They were possibly the same people who put up those flyers." Yusuke comments as he looks through the book Hifumi was given.
"That means he's our guy, right? Are we doing more sleuthing tomorrow?" Ryuji asks, rolling his arm.
"It would be the best course of action. We need to know as much as we can and what his Keyword is." Akechi agrees, nodding his head at Ryuji. "We should in from Zenkichi about this as well."
"Oh yeah, he's expecting us in Sapporo. Gramps might blow a fuse if we forget to tell him about this…" Futaba replies, shaking her head.
"He might be able to give us some more clues that we missed." Hifumi adds, hand on her chin.
"In that case, we should all hit the hay." Ren remarks, glancing at Ohya and Yoshida. "Your hotel isn't too far away, is it?"
"Don't worry. It's not far." Ohya remarks, standing up. "And if you guys are diving into this keep. Let me tag along. I want to help expose this man for what he is."
"As shall I." Yoshida adds, standing up. "This crisis is happening under my watch. I would be a poor Prime Minster if I did nothing to help."
"We would be grateful for your help." Makoto tells them with a smile. "And having said that, it's time for sleep. Good night, everyone."
"G'night/Good night." Everyone responds as they leave the Motorhome. While Futaba and Hifumi set up the two couch beds, Ren and Makoto retire to the main bedroom. Leaving Sophia and Isara on the table as the two enter sleep mode while the rest retreat to the tents outside.
Settling in for a peaceful sleep before the investigation tomorrow. It had been a long day, after all.
July 26th, 2017.
The sun was shining bright in the sky as the team made their way to Sendai station, regrouping with Yoshida and Ohya after having a light breakfast. Akechi had already sent a message to Zenkichi, but when he'd get back in touch with them was anyone's guess. But they had other things to worry about.
"All right. Time to find us some scoops on that smug snake." Ohya remarks, slamming her fists together.
"Sheesh, take it down a notch, Ohya… You're bouncier than a grade-schooler on summer vacation." Futaba replies, letting out a yawn while carrying a backpack. Holding Isara inside in case they needed to enter the Metaverse. It was easier than holding her in her arms.
"You okay Futaba? You're usually a lot more awake than this." Hifumi remarks with some concern in her voice.
"I didn't get much sleep last night without my favourite pillow…" Futaba reveals, letting out a small yawn before rubbing her eyes. "Why does the sun feel brighter than usual?"
"Well, you were sleeping on a couch even if you did turn it onto a bed." Ann comments, giving a shrug. "As for the tent, it was pretty nice."
"I'm sure we'll all get used to it eventually." Makoto replies, she and Ren full of vigour. "If you want, you and Hifumi can take the bed next, and we swap with someone in the tent."
"Deal." Futaba replies instantly, giving her face a brief smack to wake her up as Yoshida lets out a chuckle.
"Ah, to be young again." He remarks, shaking his head.
"The station is really busy today. Maybe because Summer Break is moving into full swing?" Haru comments, looking at the vast river of people leaving the station.
"The shopping arcade is only a short walk away. The Tanabata Festival decorations are apparently a popular attraction for sightseers." Sophia chimes in from her phone.
"Tanabata, huh? Would it be nice if we could stay and enjoy it, but don't we need to be in Sapporo before it starts?" Isara asks from the backpack, with the team letting out a sad sigh at the news.
"Apparently, it is starting earlier this year than usual. We can enjoy the festival before we have to move to Sapporo." Sophia informs the group. "The reason why it's been moved ahead was not given, but it is moving forward regardless."
"Well, that's something to look forward too." Ren comments. "Thanks, Sophia."
"Praise accepted~"
"Looks like the shopping district has a large crowd." Mishima points out. "We should be able to find something there."
"It worked with Alice, so it should also work here. Let's split up and get searching." Ren agrees, with the team splitting up into smaller groups and spreading out through Sendai Station.
With Akechi's group, he, Sumire, Haru and Yusuke see an irate woman standing near a food stand. "Excuse me, ma'am, but I'm wondering if you would mind talking about Ango Natsume?" Akechi asks kindly, but that did little to soothe the storm on her face.
"Oh, you want to know about Ango Natsume? Hmph, you and everybody else in society. Everyone's talking about him, and it makes me sick." The woman tells them in an irritated tone. "Pretentious pricks like that are always hiding something. Even if I heard business has been good recently with all of Natsume's merchandise. But people need to wake up. There are other good authors out there, just waiting to be found."
"I see. Thank you for your time." Akechi replies, giving her a small bow and smile as they walk away. Finding some info, but nothing they already knew about. Ryuji's group had no luck either. He, Ann, Shiho and Mishima found a man wallowing to himself about his girlfriend leaving him, thinking it had to do with Natsume, but it turned out to be completely irrelevant to the case.
Yoshida, Kawakami and Ohya decided to try out one of the local general stores to see if they could find anything. Other than the large crowd outside.
"Welcome. Can I get you anything?" The General Store Manager asks as the two enter.
"Good afternoon, my good man. I was wondering if you had anything related to Ango Natsume in stock?" Yoshida asked while Ohya and Kawakami scanned the area.
"Ango Natsume? We don't sell anything related to him, but he seems to like our products. A lot of his fans give them to him as gifts. They sell like hotcakes, I tell ya, and it's all thanks to Natsume."
"Sounds like you are making a killing them?" Ohya remarks, glancing at the shelves as they are restocked. But the smile on the manager's face falls as he glances around with worry in his eyes.
"If I am being honest, and this is between you, me, and my staff, I'm honestly kinda worried about how much money the fans are spending on all this stuff. Sure, it is good for business, but in the long run, it's just not sustainable. Or good for my moral compass…"
"I see… I share your uneasiness." Kawakami tells him before picking up a Masamune Patch. "Well, it would be rude of us to leave and not buy anything after you told us all that. How much for this? And don't worry, it is for a friend of mine and not Natsume."
"That would be 2000 Yen, my good ma'am." The Manager replies with a smile while Ohya shakes her head in amusement. At least they got some good info out of here.
Meanwhile, with Ren's group, he, Makoto, Hifumi and Futaba were standing outside a fashion store, thinking about updating their wardrobes before a conversation caught their ears.
"Look at this! Bookwyrm deleted her social media account…" A woman tells her friend with a distraught face. One that her friend could easily pick up on.
"Isn't Bookwyrm that author you really like? She's been putting out quite a lot of work recently. Maybe she got depressed? Her last post did mention how she's tired of 'trying to make her voice heard in a vacuum'."
"Do you think…Ango Natsume is the cause?" She asks hesitantly. "Have you read his book? The story and the dialogue, it's so similar to what Bookwyrm would do…"
"Hey! Be careful!" Her friend instantly shushes her, glancing around wearily before letting out a sigh. "We're talking about Sogo Natsume's grandson here. You'll get flamed if you talk about him carelessly." The two girls glance around nervously before moving to a different spot, leaving Ren's group behind as they ponder over the information in their minds.
"Hey? Did you hear that?" Morgana whispers, peaking his head out to the bag.
"Sounded like she was very sus of Ango for her favourite author going silent." Isara quips from Futaba's backpack.
"And that Natsume is stealing from other people's work. But we learned that from Ohya." Sophia chimes in from Ren's phone. The four humans of the group narrow their eyes in suspicion as they turn around and walk away. Filing away that nugget of info as they continued to listen for more. Back with Ryuji's group, they were waiting around outside the station for the others before hearing a rambling woman at their side talking about Natsume.
"I need to buy every last one…Then maybe Ango will finally notice me!" She mumbles to herself. "If I don't hurry, I'll miss his book signing."
"A book singing? Is that why there is a large crow outside that store?" Shiho asks, pointing to the very large crowd outside the Porto store.
"Looks like it… Best end everyone a text about what's happening. We might find out something more." Ann tells Ryuji, who immediately gets to it. Before long, the rest of the team groups up just as the event starts. Allowing them inside at the rear of the large crowd, which was perfect for them. Giving them a chance to see Natsume at work.
"Urgh…there's so many people?" Futaba remarks, standing as far away as possible.
"You holding up there, Taber's?" Ryuji asks with concern.
"I'll live, but thanks."
"I wonder if he will give out the Keyword to EMMA, like what Alice did." Mishima asks, folding his arms.
"That would make things easy if he did…" Akechi remarks, glancing at the shrinking line. "If he did, that would mean all these people would have a change of heart. All innocent people…"
"Um, Natsume-san. I just wanted to say thank you for putting out such wonderful work all the time." One of the fans comments, standing at the desk where Natsume was sitting. "I was so touched by your work that I ended up buying fifty copies!"
"Yeah, well, I ended up buying a hundred!" Another fan calls out. "Some to read, some to collect, some to give away to friends…"
"My goodness… Thank you, I'm flattered." Natsume replies, his grin never leaving his face.
"Reading your book somehow gives me hope and courage to keep on going! I won't rest until each and every one of my friends knows about your book!" At that, Natsume's face loses his smile as he looks away, the tiniest smidge of guilt on his face for just a fraction of a second.
"Well, I have said that I want my book to reach as many people as possible… I can't help but feel guilty, though. Be sure you don't overdo it."
"No, it's okay! I'm helping you because I want to!" The fan replies, sending murmurous through the crowd.
"I heard the reason he started writing novels was for this poor girl who's bedridden in the hospital. Supposedly, he wanted her to keep fighting so she could one day see him finish his novel." A gossiping fan whispers to their friends nearby, catching the ears of the Thieves.
"Oh my gosh, that's beautiful. He's just so compassionate. It's like he's a saint."
"I know, that story's enough to make me even cry… It's like real life is a novel all on its own."
We know… The Thieves chant as one in their minds. It really did feel like life was a novel at times for them. Eventually, the book signing came to an end, but without Natsume revealing what his Keyword is, other than letting the people know he was indeed on EMMA. And leaving the Thieves with much food to bite down on.
"It's hard to make out who is brainwashed and who enjoys him because he's popular…" Haru comments, shaking her head.
"Do you think about that bit about the girl in the hospital is real?" Ann asks before glancing at Ohya.
"I haven't heard anything like that in my scooping. And it's hard to know what is fact or not with all his fans around." She replies, shaking her head.
"Not only that, he didn't say what his Keyword is. Only that he is on EMMA." Akechi points out with a huff. "He's certainly being careful. No doubt because of the broadcast when Alice was brought down."
"And there could be the possibility everyone has had their hearts changed here in Sendai. Or a number that he is happy with." Makoto adds with a frown.
"Does that mean we're stuck? And why are you reading his book, Yusuke-senpai?" Sumire asks, tilting her head.
"I believe we are past the time for honorifics, Sumire. As for why I am reading his novel, it is to get an artist's perspective." Yusuke replies, his eyes not leaving the pages. "For any creative work, one would be able to feel some sense of the creator's passion. No matter how crude or refined it may be, there is always something that holds the spark of the one who engages with it. And I admit I am not one terribly versed in the arts of literacy, but when I read his book… I feel nothing from it. The sentences are formed well enough, but they are shockingly hollow. It is as if someone's words had been taken and given to another, with the barest minimum of coat paint to cover it up."
Futaba, curious, walks over to the book and glances at it, her eyes widening in shock. "Hey! This line is from an anime two years ago! It's been changed around slightly, but its still the same if you know where it came from! That's sneaky… And there are others I recognise as well."
"Told you." Ohya remarks, shaking her head. "Taking inspiration from others isn't bad in itself, so long as you mould it into your own style so that it is different from what you got it from. Copying it word for word and not giving due recognition is just wrong."
"And for such a fraudulent piece of work to be so successful, there is only one explanation." Yusuke remarks, closing the book and placing it in his pocket.
"They had their Desires stolen. As we thought." Kawakami finishes with a frown. Ryuji gives a small kick to the ground before glancing up at Akechi.
"Did Gramps get back to you?"
"He did. And he is on his way here. He should be arriving near the Motorhome by tonight." Akechi replies, placing his phone back into his pocket.
"Then let's head back. He should be able to help us out. Even if working with PubSec is not ideal." Ren replies, turning to leave.
"Hold a moment, Ren." Yusuke suddenly says, grabbing his attention. "Why do you think Natsume wrote this novel in the first place?"
"That's…. a good question." Shiho comments, nodding her head once. "Did he have a reason like Alice that got distorted?"
"At this point I'm not even sure myself." Yusuke admits, shaking his head. "No matter how much praise your work receives, if it's built on the backs of others… Then, you cannot truly call that praise your own. Those compliments will surely ring empty. Anyone in the arts would know this. That is why I don't understand. What was he thinking when he wrote that novel?"
"Something tells me we'll find out just like Alice. And it won't be nice." Hifumi replies with a wince as they return to the Motorhome, with many questions still ringing in their minds.
"Man… you kids have one slick ride…" Zenkichi remarks, stepping inside the Motorhome as he glances around. "The Kirijo group doesn't mess arou—YOSHIDA-SENSEI!?" Zenkichi blurts out, seeing the Prime Minster of Japan sitting on one of the couches inside the home. "Y-YOURE A PHANTOM THIEF!?"
"I have been one since February of this year." He replies calmly. "And I have known these children for far longer than that. I even have my eyes on Ren as one of our future politicians." Zenkichi's mouth hung wide open for a few more seconds before closing his mouth and shaking his head.
"I… I see… I was not expecting to hear that today… I think I'll leave that out…" He says quietly before shaking his head. "Still, I gotta say, I didn't expect Sendai to be on the list. How did you end up finding a Jail here anyway?"
"It was thanks to me." Sophia chimes in from her spot on the table. "I can sense nearby Jails. Such as the one in Yokohama."
"There's a Jail in Yokohama as well? I suppose you kids planned to go after it after Sapporo?" Zenkichi adds, seeing the nods around the Motorhome. Including Ren's hesitant nod. "Smart move, considering the timetable. So, who's our suspect?"
"Ango Natsume." Ohya tells him bluntly.
"Ah, him. Yeah, he's suspicious, all right. His books have been selling like crazy, but only here in Sendai. PubSec, though, thinks of it as a local crazy and not worth our time, but if it involves a Jail, then it should be." Zenkichi admits, bobbing his head up and down. "And after I did some asking around, I found this little tidbit. Apparently, anyone in Natsume's little fan club became friends with him through EMMA. Now, ain't that sound familiar?"
"Just like in Shibuya. And they are running themselves into debt to buy all of his stuff or get him gifts." Kawakami asks, earning a nod from him.
"Yep. Natsume might be different, but he is using the same powers as Alice. No doubt about it."
"In that case, we REALLY need to get his Keyword. The only problem is that he's being very cautious about it. He must be on alert for us." Morgana growls, flicking his tail around angrily. "And it's not that we get him to just cough it up."
"Well, we are the Phantom Thieves. Going about it directly is not the elegant way for us." Haru comments with a small smile.
"Here comes Beauty Thief. You'd think it is more Noir these days." Futaba remarks with a grin while Zenkichi raises an eyebrow.
"Beauty…what?"
"Nothing you need to know." Kawakami interrupts, saving Haru the embarrassment. "How about we get back on track?"
"Right, right. Anyway, here is where I come in. And you'd better thank me for this later. Natsume is holding a party tonight in celebration of 'Prince of Nightmares' passing over a million sales. And I just happened to have enough invites for all of you." He glances at Ohya and Yoshida with an apologetic look. "Well…apart from you two anyway. Sorry."
"It's fine. Ohya can take my invite." Kawakami remarks, shaking her head. "I'm not good around parties anyway."
"And I would attract far too much attention if I am recognised." Yoshida remarks, nodding his head. "It is best if I avoid any large gatherings."
"So, we're crashing a party?" Ryuji asks with a grin.
"More like infiltrating." Hifumi corrects, shaking her head. "Although, we may need to leave Isara and Morgana behind. Going around carrying bags would draw too much attention."
"I'm cool with that. Parties are not really my thing." Isara replies, turning her turret around.
"Yeah. I'm cool passing as well." Morgana admits, curling into a ball. "But, won't you guys have to wear something smart?"
"Don't worry. No one will care what you are wearing." Zenkichi reassures. "We're in a heatwave, so that gives you some clout."
"Thank kami for that." Ren comments, shaking his head. "Still, you did pretty good. Thanks, Gramps."
"Yeah, nice work, Gramps!" Mishima adds with a smile.
"I must admit, I'm seeing you in a whole new light, Gramps." Yusuke adds with a smile.
"Yeah, you really came through, Gramps!" Ann adds, with Shiho nodding beside her. Sumire, Akechi and Hifumi chuckle at the unfortunate snowball effect as Zenkichi gets an even bigger sweat drop on his forehead.
"We knew we could count on you, Gramps-san." Haru adds with a tiny smile. Finally, earning a long sigh from Zenkichi.
"C'mon guys… at least call me by my name…"
"Don't feel bad, Gramps." Sophia chimes in with an innocent look, making Zenkichi turn to Makoto with resignation on his face.
"Even her? Aren't you going to reprimand her or something?"
"Why should I do that? My daughter's only following the majority….Gramps." Makoto replies with a small grin, earning laughter from the others as Zenkichi sighs to his fate.
"The things I sacrifice for this case…"
Well, we are now in the Natsume arc, but now I want to say something.
When I first played Strikers and reached this arc and seeing what would happen, as a writer who had dreamed of writing their own book, I felt the struggles. It is hard, to write something that can be considered unique and not copy from other works. Such a feat may be possible, but with how much stories can follow similar beats, words lines, action scenes, character story and dramas, it is hard to find something that you can consider to be yours. And when you see other books and how many words they can write down, it leaves you feeling, inadequate.
Even writing a fan fic, it can be hard to not find yourself writing something that someone already did. Even if you had no knowledge at the time. Even posting that first chapter, you can't always help but think 'Is this good enough?' 'Will it work out?' 'Will other's enjoy it?'. But that's why we like to write fan fiction. We are taking something that we love and either improve on something we didn't like, or take it for a new spin to enrich it. Even if they are small one-shots or long epics, we all share that. Even if its just as a hobby.
That's why I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has read this story until now. And those who have left comments and ideas. I know that there may be some things that may turn people away, some story ideas that may not land well with people. But still, thank you.
