The next morning, you're awoken earlier than you'd like by a blinding sunrise. With no shades or curtains to draw over the wall of windows, the entire living room is awash in the pale light of the breaking dawn.

Something tugs on your arm as you sit up – Rin's somehow scooted herself up next to you and has her arms wrapped tightly around yours. She doesn't seem like she's about to wake up anytime soon, so you gently extract yourself from her grasp before anyone else gets up and gets the wrong idea. You tiptoe outside, where Shibutani is already awake and brewing a pot of strong, foul-tasting coffee over the firepit (despite there being a perfectly serviceable coffee maker inside) and pass the time with him until everyone gets up.

Once the others are properly rousted and fed, Yoko leads the gang on a hike up the forest path that wraps around the lakeside to Shinsui on the north side. The "Upside-Down Fuji" reflecting off the lake's surface catches everyone's attention, and you snap a few photos to show Dad once you get home.

Afterwards, you rent some bikes, and Yoko leads you down the road to a place that looks like an ordinary bus terminal. The buses themselves are a bit odd, painted white with the picture of a hippo on the side, and wheels that are drawn closer to the center of the undercarriage than usual. Seeing your skeptical faces, Yoko says, "C'mon, get on! Trust me."

Once you've boarded, the bus veers sharply off of the road towards a pier that juts out into the lake. But instead of stopping, it begins to pick up speed!

"I can't swiiiim!" screeches Koharu, grabbing Hayate and shaking him as the bus careens off the edge of the pier and a terrific spray of water breaks over the windshield. But instead of sinking, the hum of a motor fills the cabin, and the bus starts driving across the water!

Hayate chuckles as Koharu composes herself and pushes him out of his seat. Next to you, Shibutani leans over and whispers, "What a relief! Frankly, I'm not much of a swimmer myself. Speaking of which, did you know that in the event that you find yourself around drowning people, you should distance yourself from them to avoid being pulled under? Fortunate for you, I'd say - I don't know that I would have been able to help myself!"

"Senpai, what the hell," you reply.

Shibutani's morbid advice is quickly forgotten, however, as you gaze out the window and become utterly fascinated with the way the bus cuts through the water like a large, white torpedo. It handles just about the same way a boat does, and you're half tempted to ask the driver how it manages that.

Soon enough, the bus rolls up a ramp on the other side of the lake, dropping you off near a cluster of shops and restaurants and a throng of tourists waiting their turn to be ferried across. By now, it's around noon, and after all the hiking and cycling, everyone's worked up an appetite. However, getting the group to agree on a place to eat proves to be too much of a chore, so you elect to split up for lunch.

You, Nisekao, and Hayate end up ducking into a cramped little udon shop that appears to be set up on the first floor of someone's home. The style is very traditional, complete with low tables and tatami flooring. Past the tables are sliding doors that open right into the forest beyond.

The noodles are delivered soon after you order, and, to your delight, come with generous servings of pork. As you eat, the conversation of a pair of elderly gentlemen at the next table over drift towards you.

"Incredible udon here, as always. Seems no matter how often I come back, it always tastes the same," says one.

"True," says the other, "but I'll admit that I've spoiled it for myself a bit."

"How's that? You know someplace better?"

"Afraid so. There's this place in Golden Gai that does it a sight better than this."

"Golden Gai? In Kabukicho? I guess it'd have to be some damn good udon to risk wandering around there."

Nisekao must have been listening as well. "Kabukicho? Why's he talking about it like that? What kind of place is it?"

Hayate slurps down a mouthful of noodles before answering. "You don't know, Nisekao? Sketchiest place in all Tokyo. It's where all the organized crime hangs out. You know, the-" Hayate mouths the word 'ya-ku-za.'

The other gentleman at the table chuckles. "Not that any of you youngsters would have any reason to visit, but your info's outta date!"

"A-Ah. Sorry for eavesdropping," says Nisekao. The old man waves him off.

"Not to worry, sonny. Old fellas like us are too loud to have private conversations anyways." He turns back to his friend. "But as I was about to say, Kabukicho's safe as anywhere nowadays. Have you been livin' under a rock?"

"Well, how about you roll it off of me and fill me in? Have the clans finally gotten bored with the place?"

"Pssh. Doubt it. From what I've heard, it's the Tokyo police's doing, of all things. Seems Chief Hoga's got 'em eating out of the palm of her hand, somehow."

Hayate leans in close, and with a gleam in his eye, whispers, "Now that sounds kinda weird, doesn't it?"

"Hoga, eh? I think I remember hearing about her earlier this year. So you're telling me the Tokyo yakuza are afraid of a pretty young thing like her?"

"Once we get back into the city, I'll take you down to Golden Gai and you can see for yourself! It's a new dawn for Tokyo, I'm telling you…"

The gentlemen continue their conversation, but the three of you are now consumed by a single, insistent possibility.

"It fits, when you think about it. Doesn't it?" you say. Nisekao and Hayate nod.

"No kidding. The police have been trying to clear the mob out of Shinjuku for ages. And now they're just…not there anymore? Either this Hoga's one hell of a police woman, or we've got something fucky on our hands," says Hayate.

"D-Don't forget about what Shibutani's Shadow told Tetsuo. He said the Boss had powerful connections…doesn't that sound like it could be the police?" Nisekao suggests.

"It'd explain why they won't do anything about the Yatabuya," you say. "Jeez, it seems pretty obvious in hindsight. Why didn't we think of it sooner?"

"W-Well, we sh-shouldn't put too much stock in it until we can confirm it ourselves," Nisekao says.

"Right. Once we get back to the cabin, we can ask everyone else what they think. Until then, let's just enjoy the rest of the afternoon. It's not like we can do anything until we get back to the city, anyways," you agree.

• • • • •

However, enjoying yourself proves to be more easily said than done. For the rest of the afternoon, while you're busy biking around the lake, buying souvenirs for yourself and your parents, and snapping photos, your mind is fixated on the possibility of finally closing in on one of the Boss' elusive confidants. By the time you return to the cabin, your discovery is about ready to force itself out of your throat.

You wait until everyone's gathered in the kitchen for dinner - Gin's made some delicious gyoza - to share what you'd heard.

"The police?" says Gin skeptically. "Impossible. We checked them out a long time ago. The station was clean – no evidence of a Cloud."

Hayate drops his chopsticks. "What? So you're more ready to believe that this lady just got the yakuza to pack up and leave?"

"It's a possibility."

"Well, if you're gonna put it that way, anything's possible. I'm going to agree with the boys – it doesn't sound right," Koharu retorts.

"It's also possible that we might have missed something," adds Yoko. "Like you said, it was a while ago. You and Rin had also just joined up with the Yatabuya, so we didn't go into the station and ask any questions. It could be that we didn't have enough information to change our perceptions and make the Cloud appear."

"Hmm…" Gin muses. "I guess that could be true."

"We don't have any other leads right now anyways. We should at least make an effort to go down to the station and gather information. Kasumigaseki isn't that far away," Mariko suggests.

Shibutani leans forward with a grim look in his eyes. "While I agree that this Hoga may be worthy of investigation, I also understand Jidou-san's hesitance. If the Tokyo Police Department is indeed compromised, that has some dangerous implications."

"You mean we're going to raise some eyebrows if we just barge in and start asking pointed questions, right?" says Rin around a mouthful of food.

"Basically, yes. I would like to think that our law enforcement officials are above manufacturing charges, but if this Hoga truly is a Shadow in the service of the Boss, I could imagine it happening."

The idea hangs in the air threateningly.

"For starters, if we're going to go in there, it can't be all of us at once. It'd attract too much attention. Maybe just two or three. We can…pretend we're doing a report for school or something," you say.

"Well, since you seem to be the man in charge, I assume you'll be one of them," says Gin. "I'd prefer to handle it myself, but I'd have to focus on keeping this damn tattoo covered the whole time. That means Rin's out too, by the way." Rin pouts slightly before returning her attention to her dinner.

"If you would, allow me to accompany you, Katsuji-kun. I may not be very inconspicuous, but I will be certain to remember my manners," offers Shibutani.

"Somehow, I feel like I'm being slighted," says Hayate.

"I'd say the fact that you knew he was talking about you is progress," says Koharu.

"What, you think you'd be a better choice than me?"

Koharu winces. "Yeah, no. I'm getting nervous just thinking about being around all those cops. No way I'd hold it together."

"I'll come with you. I've actually been around police stations a lot, so I think I can blend in pretty well," says Mariko, and everyone looks at her amusedly.

"A life of crime, huh?" Rin remarks.

"N-No! It's not like that! J-Just…don't worry about it."

"All right then. When we get back, Shibutani, Mariko, and I'll take a trip to the Metropolitan Police HQ to check things out. Until then, let's try to do some research on Hoga. We'll need it if we're going to pretend that we're actually doing homework," you say.

"Speaking of homework," says Hayate, "we've only got a couple more weeks of summer vacation left. Mine's been done for a while - how's it coming along for everyone else?" He punctuates the question with a very punchable smirk.

"I made certain to finish mine before going on this trip. I knew it would be more difficult to force myself to concentrate once we returned," replies Shibutani. He scans everyone else's expressions worriedly. "I see that doesn't appear to be the case for the rest of us."

"Eh, it'll work itself out," yawns Rin. "Always does."

"R-Right…no need to worry about us. We'll get it taken care of," says Gin in a way that suggests the opposite. It's actually refreshing to see him caught off guard for once.

"Well, since you're already finished, surely you wouldn't mind spending a few of your precious hours of summer helping your dear friends, right Hayate? You shouldn't have anything better to do," Koharu says.

"Now hang on, you're not about to make me suffer just 'cause you can't manage your time!"

The friendly bickering goes on like this for a while longer, making everyone forget just for a moment about the task looming ahead of you back in the city. It had been a vacation like you'd never had before, and you silently make a promise never to forget the time you spent here with your new friends.

• • • • •

Kasumigaseki is intimidating. The moment you climb the stairs out into the sunlight, the difference practically bludgeons you across the face. It's less of a place to live, and more of a place to conduct business.

The buildings are still tall and cramped, but with an aura of solemn authority. You recognize places you've only seen before in textbooks – the ministries, the Diet Building, the Tokyo High Court, and, of course, the Police HQ. Everyone rushing in and out looks the same – suited up, head down, chattering into phones, and moving with a burning purpose. Even though you're wearing your school uniform today – as Shibutani wisely suggested – you still feel wildly out of place.

Shibutani's waiting for you just outside the train station, his pompadour especially well-coifed for the occasion and jutting above the sea of heads like a mountain's peak. He waves you over as soon as he spots you.

"Is Mariko here?" you ask.

Shibutani shakes his head. "Not yet, but I suspect she won't keep us waiting long. In the meantime, I've been taking in the sights."

He gestures to the skyline around you. "Just think, we're standing in the very heart of this country right now. All around us, the very future of Japan is being decided. An overwhelming thought, isn't it?"

You can't help but scoff. "Psh. Hate to burst your bubble, but I doubt most of these politicians are deciding anything worthwhile."

Shibutani regards you with a weary, disappointed expression. "That's a bit of a juvenile outlook, don't you think, Katsuji-kun? I agree that there are many disingenuous lawmakers in our country, but remember that's only because the voters put them there. I believe that instead of complaining about the current status quo, the best of course of action is for oneself to be a catalyst of change. Or at the very least, to inform oneself. There is nothing quite so poisonous to a democracy than apathy and ignorance."

"That's pretty optimistic of you, senpai. Thinking of becoming a politician yourself?"

"Hmm, I wouldn't say that. I've entertained the idea, of course, usually during election years. Whenever I watch the debates, I try to imagine how I would answer the questions, or how I would have answered differently if I were one of the candidates. But the life of a politician must be thankless and exhausting. The temptation to compromise your personal values must be immense – I don't think I could hold up under that kind of pressure."

Personally, you think Shibutani's a lot more resolute than most, and would also make a better representative than most. But that thought is interrupted by a chime coming from your phone.

"It's Mariko. She says she's already over at Police HQ."

Then another one.

"…Oh. Gin's here, too. Let's see what's up."

The headquarters are a short walk from the station, a triangular building situated at the corner of two streets. Across the canal in front of you, you can see the looming walls of the Imperial Palace. Sure enough, Gin and Mariko are waiting for you outside, trying their best to look inconspicuous among the officers hurrying in and out.

"There you are," you call out to them.

"Sorry, I thought we'd just meet here," said Mariko.

You turn to Gin. "I thought you weren't going to come along."

He fiddles with his tablet a bit before responding. "Don't be so disappointed - I won't be going in. The idea that we might have missed something the first time around isn't sitting well with me, so I came along to give the area another sweep. It might also help to know where things are in case we do end up looking for a Cloud."

For the first time, you notice a small machine resting on his forearm – a miniature drone. Gin catches you looking.

"Oh, this? This is Chiime. She's my partner for reconnaissance and combat."

"She?"

Gin gives you a heavy-lidded stare.

"Okay, never mind. But you use that for fighting, too? How?"

"You'll see eventually. I'm not about to get into that in front of a police station. Anyways, are you guys ready to go?"

Mariko nods enthusiastically. "Sure thing! Does everyone remember your questions?"

You and Shibutani nod. It seemed unlikely that you'd get much time with Hoga, so you prepared a few things you could ask quickly.

"Good. All right then, follow me!"

"Good luck," Gin calls after you.

Inside, the foyer bustles with the comings and goings of officers and civilians alike (and several stern-faced people that you suspect might be plainclothes detectives), which is encouraging. In a place this busy, perhaps you won't attract much scrutiny. You begin walking towards the front desk when Mariko gently pulls you back by the collar of your jacket.

"No! Don't do that!" she hisses.

"Huh? How come?"

"People are always coming in and out of the station for lots of different reasons – maybe they're here for questioning, to post bail, to see family…not everyone has to stop at the front desk and explain why they're here. If we just act like we're supposed to be here, everything should be okay. Besides, most of the time, the person they put at the front doesn't really want to be there. I doubt they'd let us through if we asked."

"Hmm…I suppose that makes enough sense. Do you know where the Chief's office will be once we get further in?" asks Shibutani.

Mariko frowns. "Not exactly…this station is a lot bigger than the one back home. But the Chief's office is usually easy enough to spot. Just keep your eyes forward and try not to look lost."

Following Mariko's advice, the three of you weave around the front desk and do your best to stride into the station proper with a sense of purpose.

Behind the front desk, the station opens up into a large space full of low desks. Several are occupied by officers bent over paperwork or on the phone. Towards the back, there's a large room walled with thick panes of glass behind which blinds have been drawn all the way to the floor. Mariko appears to be following your train of thought and begins weaving through the desks towards it. A couple officers glance up as you pass, but none of them bother stopping you.

A small, brass placard on the door tells you that this is indeed the office of Seina Hoga, the Tokyo Chief of Police. The three of you quietly bump fists, but hastily scatter as the door opens and a harried-looking man in a worn, beige coat strides out. Fortunately, he doesn't pay you any mind and walks right past.

"It looks as if she's just finished with an appointment. Let's seize the opportunity," suggests Shibutani.

Taking a deep breath, you quickly step inside.

Hoga is a woman that's probably in her mid-thirties, although at a glance one could be convinced that she's younger than that. Her small stature, straight, black hair tied into a ponytail, and round glasses contribute to her youthful appearance. Inwardly, you assume that she must be a fierce officer to maintain the respect of the entire police force. Or she's a Shadow.

As you enter, she stares at you bemusedly and sets aside a memo she'd been writing.

"Err, hello? Can I help you kids? Did you have an appointment?"

"Ah, well-" you start, but Shibutani jumps in.

"My deepest apologies, Chief Hoga. We were…unaware that we required an appointment. However, in retrospect, it should have been obvious that someone of your esteem would have a busy schedule."

Hoga's shoulders relax a little, and she allows herself to smile. Shibutani's attempt at flattery is pretty obvious, but it seems to be effective.

"Well, I do appreciate the compliment, but you are correct: I do have a lot on my plate today. Maybe if you set up an appointment with the front desk, they can help work something out for you."

"W-Wait!" Mariko blurts out, which raises Hoga's eyebrows. Regaining her composure, Mariko pushes on. "If you just give us a moment of your time, that's really all we need. We're working on a project for our summer homework."

She nods at you, and you fish a small notebook out of your pocket and hold it up.

"We need to interview a…'community hero,' and write a short profile about them. It's impossible to go anywhere without hearing about the things you've done, so we wanted to ask you a couple of quick questions."

Hoga's eyes take on a sort of sparkle, and she smiles at you.

"Oh. Is that all? I'm flattered that you would choose me out of all the heroes out there in our city. If they're short questions, I suppose I can set aside some time to do that for you."

You and Shibutani exchange subtle smirks. Bingo.

"Oh! Thank you so much! Umm, Shibutani-kun, why don't you start?" says Mariko carefully.

"Of course. Hoga-san, would you please tell us a little about how you became chief of police?"

Hoga ruminates on this for a little while before tenting her fingers on her desk and answering.

"Hmm, well, becoming an officer has always been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. Completing my training and working in Organized Crime was…quite difficult, but through hard work and believing in myself, my efforts were finally rewarded. I would consider that useful advice for you, too."

Of course, none of that is even remotely useful, but you need to pretend that you're taking notes, so you hastily doodle a picture of Launcelot shredding some hot licks on your guitar while nodding thoughtfully.

"Thank you, Hoga-san," says Mariko, trying her best not to look too disappointed. "To follow up on that, many people would say that your greatest achievement – so far – has been eliminating the presence of criminal organizations in Kabukicho. We're really interested in hearing how you were able to accomplish that."

At this, Hoga's smile falters, and her eye twitches almost imperceptibly. You knew going into the interview that this question would be toeing a very fine line. However, if it revealed any of your true intent, Hoga doesn't let it show. She shifts about in her a seat a little before responding with a soft chuckle.

"I wouldn't have expected high school students to take any interest in a topic like that. But then again, I guess word gets around more easily nowadays, doesn't it?

"As for details, I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to discuss the particulars of any of our operations with the public – especially not one that's still ongoing. What I will say is that I'm pleased the criminal organizations at large in Tokyo are finally giving our police force the respect it deserves – as well as giving our citizens the peace that they deserve."

Another non-answer. It's going to be up to you to get anything incriminating out of Hoga now.

"Hoga-san," you say, flipping past your scribbles to a clean page, "thank you again for your help with our paper. Before we go, I have one last question."

Hoga glances at the clock on her wall and back to you. "No problem at all. Let's hear it."

Locking eyes with her and running through your question in your head one more time, you ask:

"First off, I want to repeat that your work in dropping the crime rate in Shinjuku is nothing short of incredible. However, in Toshima, things are very different. There's been a large increase in gang-related violence, and it seems to be running unchecked. Our school has filed plenty of reports with the local police, but there hasn't been any action on their behalf. Would you be able to comment on this?"

The ensuing pause thickens the air almost tangibly. You search Hoga's expression for any signs of cracking, but she holds her composure remarkably well. Finally, she swallows and delivers her response.

"That's certainly an incredibly concerning story. Have you witnessed any of this activity?"

"We've been victims ourselves," answers Mariko.

"Well." Hoga takes a deep breath. "I am so sorry that you've had to experience that. I'll admit that we've been extremely busy with…other matters in recent months, and perhaps that explains why this is the first I'm hearing about your situation. Rest assured, I will get into contact with the Toshima department and see about investigating the matter. Now, is that all?"

The three of you exchange glances. That wasn't a particularly satisfying answer either, but the chief is beginning to send signals that your welcome is wearing out.

"Yes. Again, thank you so much for your time, Hoga-san. It means a lot," says Mariko.

The three of you give her a deep bow before leaving the office and ducking into an empty hallway.

"Well, that was a waste of time," you fume, jamming the notepad back into your pocket.

"True, but you could argue that her evasiveness is somewhat telling in and of itself," says Shibutani.

"Maybe, but it's not like we can say for certain that she's not just a really good police officer. What do you think Mariko?"

"Save it! Someone's coming this way!" she whispers, pressing a finger to her lips. The tired-looking man in the coat that you'd seen leaving Hoga's office is coming down the hall towards you. Your muscles tighten, ready to flee at a moment's notice. Not that there'd be many places to run in a police department.

Your anxiety must be more noticeable than you'd thought, as the man puts up his hands in a disarming gesture as he approaches.

"Hey, take it easy. No need to act so nervous unless you've done something wrong, yeah?" he says, his tone jocular and loose.

"Um, sorry, can we help you, sir?" asks Mariko.

The man runs his fingers through his salt and pepper hair and grins.

"Actually, I think so. I'm Detective Matsumura." He extends his hand, but none of you reach out to take it. Matsumura plays it cool, though, and continues.

"You were just talking to the chief, right?"

You nod. No point in lying.

"Sorry, bit of a pointless question. I, uh, couldn't help but overhear your interview. Always sticking my nose where it doesn't belong, I guess. Comes with the job. Nevertheless, you were asking some pretty pointed questions there, weren't you?"

"We're working on a project for our summer homework. Chief Hoga's exploits caught our attention," says Shibutani.

Matsumura doesn't look convinced.

"Mmhmm. I get it, I get it. But you had to figure you wouldn't get a straight answer." He leans in close, and whispers, "But I think I can help you there."

Everything about this guy is sending your fight-or-flight response into overdrive, but you can't leave Kasumigaseki empty-handed.

"What do you mean?" you ask cautiously.

"I think we have some of the same suspicions. Hoga's promotion was a little too fast, maybe a little too convenient. It's the kind of thing that doesn't sit well with people on the force that've served their time more patiently, if you take my meaning."

The three of you nod silently, still unsure of what may or may not be safe to say.

"I've been doing my own investigation into Hoga's dealings with the local clans on my own time. I wouldn't call what I've discovered conclusive, per se, but I definitely think you'd find it worth your while."

"How so?" you ask, but Matsumura raises a hand to shush you.

"Okay, so I do have your interest. Obviously, we can't have a proper discussion here. So, if you're able, why don't we meet later tonight, say…ten or so. The Imperial Gardens across the canal. I'll leave the gates open for you. Then, we can talk as much as we please."

You exchange hesitant glances with Mariko and Shibutani. They appear as apprehensive as you are, but with an opportunity like this just falling into your lap, you know there's no way you can out and out refuse.

"If I may, this offer seems awfully one-sided. You'd be risking a great deal more than us. What do you get out of this?" asks Shibutani.

"Heh. I appreciate a good skeptic. Like I said, there're a lot of old timers like us that would like to see the pecking order go back to normal. On top of that, your story about the Yatabuya throws an interesting wrinkle into things. Could be that I want to hear more about that. We both have plenty to gain if you think about it."

He takes a step back and straightens his coat.

"I know I've given you a lot to consider. If you're not comfortable, you don't have to show. I'll understand completely. But for both our sakes, I hope this isn't the last we see of each other."

With that, Matsumura turns away and disappears around the corner.

• • • • •

"I think you ought to take him up on the offer."

Gin's response elicits some baffled looks from you and your friends. You're sitting on a bench outside the police HQ, having just brought him up to speed on the results of your interview.

"Seriously? It doesn't sound sketchy to you?" you reply.

Gin looks up from his tablet.

"Of course it does. Very convenient, too, considering Hoga gave you the runaround. But we need leads, end of story. Sure, the others may still be looking into her online, but what can you really expect to find there? Besides, I'd consider this a pretty low-risk engagement."

"You do?"

"I've just spent the last hour or so having Chiime scout the surrounding area. If things look like they're about to go south, she'll spot it and I can give you the safest escape route out of there. No harm done."

You think on this for a moment.

"Well, if you think it's safe, then I guess that's saying something. Still, I wanna make sure everyone else is in the loop before we decide on anything."

"Fair enough. Hopefully, they'll agree with me, too." He pauses. "In the meantime, we should head back to Toshima and make sure you're ready. I know what I said, but… there's no such thing as 'too prepared'."