Covert Operations
By: Ominae
Rating: T
Chapter 8: Things to Do
April 19, 2011
Yu Narukami's Temp Room
Dojima Residence, Residential District, Yasoinaba, Nakakoma, Yamanashi, Japan.
Yu got up from his futon a few minutes prior to 6:59 AM.
He had a slightly long meeting with the female police officer back in Makurazaka. Sometimes, he really did wonder if talking to people like her was worth the trouble.
Considering that she doesn't about his double life working with the Center and the other group that Yu doesn't want to disclose as much as possible for OPSEC reasons.
April 18, 2011
Some hill somewhere in Makurazaka City, Aichi, Japan
"About the murders in Yasoinaba..."
"What about them, Yumihara-junsa-chō?"
"I heard that it's caused by something similar to the last case in the city..."
"Yumihara-junsa-chō..." Yu was wondering if Saki was really that of a ditz in terms of the supernatural, especially after he was one of the Center agents who lent a hand to a particular person to solve the Steel Lady Nanase Case.
That person was Kotoko Iwanaga.
"You really shouldn't compare the cases from here and Yasoinaba."
"What do you mean?"
"They're caused by different culprits. And I'm not sure if Rikka-san's behind the murders in Yasoinaba. The Center hasn't picked up anything regarding her. If I was her, I'd stay below the radar so that the police can't get to me."
"Then will this help?"
"What will what help?"
"I may be in trouble for this." Saki dug into the inner pocket of her windbreaker to get an item. She then showed the photo of a well-known woman who died in Yasoinaba.
"No way... Mayumi Yamano." Yu immediately asked her. "Did you get this from the station?"
Saki nodded.
"This may be related to the scandal she was involved in. I recall that she had an affair with someone who's a big shot in Yasoinaba."
Yu took the photo from Saki to get a good look. "I see. I'll need to snap a photo since I don't want to risk your career."
"By all means..."
He used the Iphone 4's camera to snap a closeup of the photo with flash on since there were only a few lampposts in the area.
"Be sure to put this back." Yu handed the photo back.
"So does this mean?"
"I think my colleagues will try to get an investigation started in the city if any..."
April 19, 2011
Yu Narukami's Temp Room
Dojima Residence, Residential District, Yasoinaba, Nakakoma, Yamanashi, Japan
What the?
The charging Iphone 4 was vibrating on the desk, connected with the Apple phone cable to the power adaptor, which was connected to a plug.
An unknown number... And it looks like it's being trying to get a call in a minute before I got up. Better answer it.
"Hello?" Yu answered the call.
"Hello." Yu heard Margaret's voice.
What the hell? How did she get my number?
"I realize that this is sudden, but this is Margaret. We've met back at the Velvet Room."
"Yeah, I know that. I wanna know how you got this number."
"My apologies. There's one point that I need to discuss with you..."
And she never explained herself.
"Saving your friends is a selfless and noble deed. My master and I support in this regard..."
And she's also a guidance counselor.
"But proceeding hastily in that quest will mean facing one battle after another. Though you may be pressed for time, devoting yourself to battle will not quench your heart's yearning."
I guess she has a point.
"The bond you create through Social Links are another important means of strengthening the power of your Persona."
Never knew that having friends will increase my fighting powers. It's like I'm in an anime.
"Don't hasten heedlessly through your days and remember the importance of moving at a sustainable pace. Please remember that."
She's got me there too. Good thing MOM has the others ready on short notice for the other case.
"If you'll excuse me..."
And for that OTHER case.
The call was finished. Yu began to fold up the futon in order to store it in the closet before he would get his breakfast and change to his school uniform.
En route to Yasoinaba High, Yasoinaba, Nakakoma, Yamanashi, Japan
Yu was on the way towards Yasoinaba High when he overheard a couple of male students in front of him talking about the opening of school clubs.
He listened in closely with regards to the opening of the basketball and soccer clubs and how the clubs are now going on overdrive to recruit new members ASAP.
While I'm in Yasoinaba for a while, I may as well try my skills as a sports club. Could be helpful to improve my dexterity.
The two students continued to talk about the sports clubs opening up even as they approached the outskirts fo the school.
In the meantime... I'll drop in a request to MOM to see about adding more security measures for my phone.
Maybe I should send a request to check on the photo I got.
["Hello."] Yu went to make a call just before he got through the school's gates since he was a bit early.
April 18, 2011
MOM's Office, The Center, Unknown Location
MOM was in her office working when she received an in-house e-mail from SID regarding a request from Yu.
"Looks like SID received an incoming request from Agent Narukami."
An attachment was noted in the e-mail. When MOM opened it, her desktop screen showed the same photo of Mayumi Yamano in Makurazaka.
He said that the presence of the reporter may be related to her death in Yasoinaba. I'll have to pull out one of our agents temporarily for this assignment. Good thing they're not in Okina City doing the stakeout. I'll have to thank SID for that.
"Billy," MOM used her phone to call for Billy. "I need you to check who's available for today. I have an assignment that's related to Agent Narukami's case."
"Understood."
"Make sure he or she's ready to go."
April 19, 2011
Faculty Office, 1st Floor, Classroom Building, Yasoinaba High, Yasoinaba, Nakakoma, Yamanashi, Japan
School was finished for the day without any incident that required Yu to escape from the others.
Nor was there any meeting required to explore Yukiko's dungeon. From what he heard from Chie and Yosuke, they're putting some money to potentially buy stuff they need for when they go exploring the dungeon at another day.
Alright. Looks like I have to read something regarding the raid in Russia. Wonder what that's about?
"Excuse me." Yu opened the sliding door.
"Do you need to see a teacher?" One of the male faculty members turned his head around, seated near a desk somewhere in the office. Yu saw that he was near the door, so it was easy for him to talk to anyone who came inside. Yu noted that he had a bald head and was in his early 40s in a white suit, brown pants and loafers.
"I'm told that Morooka-sensei's in the office."
"Ah... he should be here. Oy, Morooka!"
"Thanks, Mouri-san."
Yu turned to his left to see the blue suit, yellow tie-wearing teacher stand up from his desk.
"Hello, sensei. I'm hoping to ask you about the clubs that are open..."
"You'll want to hit the basketball or soccer clubs for that since they're the only ones open." Morooka said before he eyed Yu carefully.
"Uh... sensei?" I hate personal space violations.
"You need to admit it. You're just gonna trawl for girls, aren't you? Admit it!"
"No, no..."
"Morooka-sensei. Give the student a break." Mouri intervened. "It's bad to assume that all male students are just trying to hook up with the opposite sex."
Morooka sighed. "You're right."
Finally, the other sensei makes sense.
"So listen up and listen good." Morooka pointed his right index finger up to his face. "You need to go to the Practice Building, that's where the clubs are going to meet for anyone who wants to join."
"I see..."
"And to go there, get to the hall on the same floor and go to the opposite end. You'll find the Emergency Exit door that's open. It'll take you to the Practice Building area."
Yu nodded.
"Remember. Club days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday. They don't meet on rainy days. Got it?"
"I understand, sensei."
"All right. Go, go. I got things to do here."
"Thank you, sensei."
Yu bowed to be polite to the two teachers before he left.
Checking his phone, he saw that there was an automatic notification from the Center's encrypted app, which masquerades as a calculator app.
After he typed the secret password, an e-mail from MOM came in and was promptly shown on the app. According to the message, someone from SHADOW was being pulled into checking Makurazaka to see if Mayumi's presence has some relation to her murder.
"Hope they'll be alright."
He started his walk towards the opposite side of the hall, leading to the emergency. Before he went through, he got an e-mail notification from an unknown e-mail address that had the subject as "RAID ON RUSSIA AND FOLLOW-UP".
Don't tell me something happened.
Somewhere in Kastrychnitski, Minsk, Belarus
It was late in the morning in Kastrychnitski. A year after protests in Belarus started over the 2010 Belarusian presidential elections, things have been relatively quiet, no thanks to the arrests and raids made by Belarusian law enforcement with backing from the Belarusian KGB.
So no one batted an eye when three black 2011 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 LT SUVs with red and blue lightbar sirens were spotted heading towards Lokomotivnoe Depo Minsk after going across Praspyekt Zhukava and making a left turn at the first intersection. To clear the way, the lightbar sirens were turned on.
But after making a left turn at Ulitsa Brest-Litovskaya, the sirens were immediately turned off.
When the Suburbans made the approach, the drivers saw that the cordon was mainatained by marked vehicles from the Main Directorate of Internal Affairs of Minsk City Executive Committee, consisting of white UAZ Patriot SUVs and Ford Mondeo sedans.
"Pryvitannye." One of the uniformed officers greeted the masked and helmeted men decked out in olive green BDUs and black tactical vests in Belarusian before he spoke again in Russian. ["Almaz units have the other side of Depo Minsk covered. I was told that Alpha Group will take the lead."]
["Any activity before we arrived?"] The masked man asked the officer after he stepped out of the first Suburban's front passenger seat. He seemed to be in charge of the group as he told the others to get out after they parked their vehicles on the side.
["None that seemed serious except for a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter that came to the depot in the early morning hours. From what we gathered, the suspicious people in the garage have paid bribes to the manager to let them use it for a few days. Word is that they're foreigners. I don't think they speak Belarusian or Russian."]
["Good. Alpha will take the lead. I want Almaz and other MIA units to stay back and provide support. You will not do anything unless you hear from me. Is that clear?"]
["I understand."]
The other green men were now getting their weapons and equipment from the back of the SUVs.
The masked AG operator who spoke to the uniformed officer got to his Iphone 3GS, which was placed on one of the rear pouches of his plate carrier. He opened the Messages app and typed a message in English.
RAID IN KASTRYCHNITSKI MAY HAVE LINKS TO RAID IN PRIMORSKY KRAI.
Soccer Field, Yasoinaba High, Yasoinaba, Nakakoma, Yamanashi, Japan
Yu was asked on whether he would join up with the basketball or soccer clubs. The other clubs in school were not yet open, according to one of the students he asked when he got to the field.
"I don't know yet. I want to see the soccer club first. I'll go and look at other sports clubs later."
"Sure."
"Thanks."
The silver-haired high school student watched several soccer club members practice dribbling the soccer ball one person at a time. A few minutes later, they would show off their skills in kicking the ball to the goal with one of their veterans acting as the goalie.
Interesting. Yu was tempted to enter the club, but he's heard of the kendo club.
He turned his head to the gymnasium.
I need to check what time the kendo club is... I think it was by 3:30 or something.
While the other new students were busy talking to the soccer club members, Yu decided to take his leave and wait until 3:30 in the afternoon.
That was according to the printed annoucement he saw on the notice board near the school entrance.
Oh well. May as well look.
Lokomotivnoe Depo Minsk, Kastrychnitski, Minsk, Belarus
The AG elements began to infiltrate the outskirts of the train depot located near the direction of Praspyekt Zhukava. They were armed with suppressed Heckler & Koch MP5A3s with EOTech sights. For sidearms, they were equipped with Glock 17s holstered on leg holsters for either their left or right leg.
At least three AG operators were using the Mossberg 500 with a M4-based stock and vertical foregrips for breaching measures.
["Breach on my mark."]
Once one of the AG elements stacked up on one of the doors leading to the depot's office, the countdown from three to zero started. The other two element went for the middle garage since the metal door was retracted.
"Tri. Dva. A'deen."
At the end of the countdown, the two AG elements tossed flashbangs inside the garage to surprise anyone inside. The door to the office was breached by letting the AG operator with the shotgun fire breaching rounds to blow its hinges off before it was kicked down.
"Down! Down!" The AG operators shouted in English, some being accented while others were not.
"Don't move or we shoot!"
As the suspicious East Asian men were being detained, the rest of the building was being cleared of anything and anyone suspicious.
They found a few crates loaded with IZHMASH AK-74Ms with loaded 30-round magazines.
However, there was one item that they found to be very suspicious and unusual. There was a small wooden box that was placed next to one of the crates that had the AK-74Ms.
["Has this been opened?"] One of the AG operators asked.
["No. Not yet."] Another AG operator replied. ["Looks like it has a lid on top."]
["I'll try to get it open."]
The AG operator managed to open up the box and saw something that was wrapped up several times in white cloth.
["Telll them we got something."]
["Right."]
The other AG operator ran off to look for someone whose rank/pay grade was higher than his.
Gymnasium, Practice Building, Yasoinaba High, Yasoinaba, Nakakoma, Yamanashi, Japan
Yu got into the gymnasium when it was 3:30 in the afternoon. A part of the building was allocated for the school's kendo club. A small number of students were seen watching two kendoka, already wearing their bogus, show off their experience in the club. Both kendokas were trading blows with their shinais.
"MEN!"
"DOOOO!"
The students clapped their hands after a demonstration was shown of a typical kendo match.
This may be a fit for me for the meantime.
"Thank you guys!" The kendokas went for a seiza position after doing the formalities to end the shiai presentation. They took off their bogus and tenuguis from their heads.
"And that's a demonstration of what the kendo club does usually when the school's not participating in any tournaments or matches."
Yu asked one of the kendo members manning the table nearby on when the club starts and whether they're still open. The person was a female with long black hair in a ponytail, who happened to be a third year student.
"Oh yeah. We're here on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 to 4:30 in the afternoon. On Saturday, it's from 10 to 11 AM."
"But I was told by Morooka-sensei that clubs don't meet on rainy days."
"That's for clubs that require to be outside like the soccer club. We advise all the members by SMS when they're not need to come to the club session."
"Thanks."
"So are you interested?"
"I'd like to think so. I've done kendo as a kid. So it's been a while."
"Great. So it'll be like gaining muscle memory back. Just put down your name, what year you're in and your phone number."
"Sure. I can do that."
"In your case, just be sure on come on Thursday. We'll explain some things. For now, see if you can wear the gym clothes the school provides."
"Okay."
"I forgot to introduce myself, Narukami-san. I'm Masako Nagase. I'm a third year student in Yasogami High."
"P-pleased to meet you, Nagase-senpai." Yu raised his right arm to shake hands.
"Looks like you lived overseas." Masako smiled when she noticed his action.
"..."
"I can tell. I've lived abroad for a while too." She shook hands with him.
"T-thanks."
"Don't be so nervous, okay? I look forward to seeing you this Thursday."
North Shopping District, Yasoinaba, Nakakoma, Yamanashi, Japan
Yu was walking in the North Shopping District on the way back to the direction of the Dojima Residence. It wasn't dark, but it was almost later afternoon.
He saw the Tatsuhime Shrine on the way. Yu decided to kill some time and explore the shrine.
Why not? Better get used to Yasoinaba anyway.
Tatsuhime Shrine, North Shopping District, Yasoinaba, Nakakoma, Yamanashi, Japan
When Yu walked up the steps leading to the shrine, he saw a kid with a green windbreakers, jeans and white and red sneakers hanging around.
The kid seemed to be tired.
"You all right?" Yu asked the kid.
"Yeah." The kid nodded. "It's just that catching bugs make me all thirsty."
"You didn't bring any water with you?"
The kid shook his head. "No. I forgot."
"I can get you some water..."
"Hey mister. What I want to drink is some Dr. Salt NEO. Do you have a can?"
"Not today. But if you want, I can get you some."
"Alright. I'll hand you something good if you can find me a can. I'll just be here."
"Sure. I'll be right back."
Yu jogged down the steps of the shrine, heading back to the street.
North Shopping District, Yasoinaba, Nakakoma, Yamanashi, Japan
Yu began to check out the various soda vending machines that littered the northern side of the shopping district.
I remember that I saw some Dr. Salt NEO in this area. It's not like I can run to Junes and snag one from the supermarket...
When the teenager made the approach to Konishi Liquors, he saw a vending machine next to the entrance that had Dr. Salt NEO.
"Finally..." Yu mumbled after he saw that the cost of buying said soda can was 120 Yen per can. "Better put those coins in."
Yu's Iphone began to vibrate, which was set if there was an incoming call or SMS message.
Who's trying to contact me now?
But before Yu picked up the can, he decided to look at the phone and saw that the phone was receiving a call from an unknown number. It was an international number. It started with a plus sign, followed by the numbers 3-7-5.
Belarus? Do we have someone in that country?
The phone was still vibrating while Yu looked at the number. May as well answer it.
["Hello?"] Yu answered the phone call in English after he picked up the Dr. Salt NEO can from the vending machine after it accepted the deposited yen coins.
"Nichto ne istinno." A male Russian voice was heard. Russian. The phrase is "Nothing is true". Damn, I've known a little bit of Russian thanks to the Voroninas. Dammit, hope I don't butcher it...
"Vse razresheno." The reply came.
["Ah. Your Russian's good."] The caller said when he switched to speaking English. ["I'm with Gali's cell."]
Galina?
["What's happening?"]
["Alpha Group was on a raid in Minsk. My unit offered backup to the police there."]
["I'm assuming you found something significant that you were there."]
["That's right. I was at the raid. It just happened to be a coincidence."]
["Is it something the Templars have kept?"]
["I do not know. For now, I will take care of it and get the others to look into it. I will send you a photo as soon as possible."]
["Appreciated. Thanks."]
The call ended as Yu walked back towards the shrine.
Time to head back and see the kid.
Tatsuhime Shrine, North Shopping District, Yasoinaba, Nakakoma, Yamanashi, Japan
Yu finished walking up the stairs when he saw the kid was standing on the side.
"Are you okay?" Yu asked him.
"I'm fine." The kid nodded.
"Here." Yu handed the Dr. Salt NEO can. "I know that only one vending machine was serving Dr. Salt NEO. So it was easy to find."
"Thanks." The kid happily took the soda can from the high school student/part-time agent. After taking a sip of the soda, he smiled and gave Yu a thumbs up. "This is good. Good substitute until I drink water later."
"So I understand that you have something for me."
"Yeah. Just give me a minute."
The kid reached for his backpack to search for the thing he was going to give Yu. It took a while as the kid needed to make sure he didn't overlook something.
Hope it's worth it.
"Here you go. I got two Tatsuhime Ladybugs a while ago." The kid handed Yu a small jar with some small holes made on the lid.
Yu slightly nodded when he got the jar. He looked inside and saw two ladybug-like insects. He assumed that the small holes were made so that they can get oxygen and breathe.
"Thanks. I didn't get your name..."
"It's Tatsuo. Tatsuo Kaneda."
"Thanks Tatsuo."
"I'll be here every Tuesday and Thursday in case you want to get into bug catching."
"Alright."
"Wait. I'll give you my number for sending SMS and stuff."
"Uh... sure?"
Yu said his goodbyes and explored the rest of the shrine to get a good bearing of the place.
Hm... The place looks like it could use a good renovation. It's weird though. Doesn't look like it's about to collapse. Some of the wood's starting to wear off. Weeds are growing.
Can be a good place to come back later on.
Yu left the shrine grounds and walked back towards the Dojima Residence.
For now, I'm needed elsewhere.
Living Area/Dining Area
Dojima Residence, Residential District, Yasoinaba, Nakakoma, Yamanashi, Japan
The dinner was quiet and normal for once.
Yu was thankful that he was able to buy enough food and ingredients to get a decent dinner outside of the sushi/sashimi he purchased from Junes' seafood section a few days ago.
And to top it off, Ryotaro was eating at home. The veteran officer said to both Nanako and Yu that there wasn't going to be any serious meetings that required him to potentially work overtime.
For the meantime, all is well with them in getting to sit down together for the evening.
And Yu was glad that the man had some time to sit down with Nanako and not think about work for once.
Yu Narukami's Temp Room
Dojima Residence, Residential District, Yasoinaba, Nakakoma, Yamanashi, Japan
Yu spent the rest of the evening doing his homework and other school-related tasks he had to do.
From time to time, he went to check on the SMS messages to see if anything was up.
Some texts came from the Center and from... the others. The latter were mostly on updates regarding raids and asking whether Yu can spare some time off to hitch along some cells to scour Japan on an Assassin op.
The only thing he told them was that he'll have to see his schedule due to his status as a double agent for the Center.
Of all the times...
Couldn't they wait to see if the mentor will allow to me to join up part-time?
April 20, 2011
En route to Yasoinaba High, Yasoinaba, Nakakoma, Yamanashi, Japan
The day was quiet in the morning when Yu walked to Yasogami High. Nanako was on her way already, which she always did (sadly) ever since her mother passed away when she was very, very young.
It was likely since it was a bit early, no student was seen heading to the school.
During the walk, Yu was joined by Yosuke.
"Didn't expect to see you this early." Yu greeted Yosuke when the two started to walk side by side.
"It's fine. Had to get out of bed anyway." Yosuke shrugged after he swallowed the piece of toasted bread that was in his mouth.
"Cool."
"So there's something that's been in my mind lately..." Yosuke began to ask Yu an incoming question.
"Okay." Do I want to know where this question's going to?
"Did you try to stick your hand to the TV screen during the times when the Mayonaka TV channel's on?"
"Yeah."
"Cool. When I first saw Yukiko-san on the TV, I was tempted to just run and jump into the screen in my pjs without a care in the world if I can find her..."
"But that would mean that you're not going to land in the same place like we always use to."
"Oh yeah. Teddie did mention that."
"I guess we have to schedule our next meeting soon. In the meantime, we'll have to suck it up until we're back at the castle."
April 19, 2011
MOM's Office, The Center, Unknown Location
MOM was in her office, meeting up with Billy after she called him for a quick meeting regarding a request given by Yu to send another SHADOW to investigate Okina City.
"Who's going to check in Okina City with regards to Ms. Yamano prior to her death?" MOM asked her XO for an update.
"I've checked with the agents' daily schedule. It seems agent Kuzunoha is the only person who can be made available at a short notice."
"All right." MOM nodded. "Debrief him right away and make sure he knows what to do."
"On it."
"If anyone else is available, send him or her his way."
"Okay."
MOM went for her drawer and checked the bio data folder from the SID regarding Kuzunoha's bio and Center history.
What she knew is that he was appointed to be the next Kuzunoha to bear the family name after the previous ones before him have retired. Except for one instance of a particular supernatural detective who was killed in Hirasaka City many years ago, but the data indicates that the person is from another Kuzunoha family. Still, this gave MOM more questions than answers...
Just who is he and who told Yatagarasu's Herald to recommend the person to work for the agency.
Was it someone from her past as a rising agent before she was selected to head the Center?
April 20, 2011
Outskirts of Okina City Police Station, Yamanashi, Japan
The outskirts of the Okina City Police Station were lively in an ordinary weekday in the city. People were walking pass by. The only ones who had business with the station were either the fine officers assigned to work in the city or the various civilian employees recruited to work in the said station.
The familiar black 2011 Proton Perdana V6 sedan that turned up at Yasoinaba a few weeks ago now turned up at the station.
A couple of female uniformed officers outside the station were wondering who was driving the sedan, which was being parked at the parking slot designated for visitors.
After the Perdana V6's engines were shut off, two black-haired East Asian teenagers stepped out. Both of them were wearing Rothco Special Ops Tactical Soft Shell jackets, but in different colors.
["I'm assuming the good old Kuzunohas have some form of connections with local law enforcement in Japan, yeah?"] The guy with the Gun Metal Gray jacket asked after he got out from the front passenger seat on the left.
["I think so, Mark."] Raido replied, wearing the Black jacket. ["Not sure on the extent of whether the family has some connections in the city."]
Gotou left himself out after Raido opened the rear right passenger door.
["Let's go then."] Mark nodded. ["You should lead the way, Raido."]
["All right. I'll try to do most of the talking."]
Raido, Gotou and Mark walked towards the entrance of the station. Raido and Mark brought out their Center IDs and asked one of the uniformed officers for the Criminal Investigation Section office.
2-2 Classroom, 2nd Floor, Classroom Building, Yasoinaba High, Yasoinaba, Nakakoma, Yamanashi, Japan
Early afternoon. A bit after lunch break was done.
Classical Literature was starting for Class 2-2. Mr. Hosoi, the literature teacher, was starting the class by talking about how the young people in Yasoinaba are trying to apply for universities in Japan and abroad. He also mentioned what was the point of doing it since the countryside is all you need.
I don't know if I can take him seriously. Yu pondered on whether Hosoi-sensei had a point of using a hand puppet that looked like him though.
"Hanamura-chan." Hosoi-sensei called for Yosuke. "How many parts are there in Murakami's The Wind-up Bird Chronicle? Something tells me that you haven't read a lot lately."
Crap. Yosuke had to stand from his seat since the teacher specifically called for him. I did read a bit of it, but I got too busy doing stockpiling of the things we need to explore Mayonaka TV. "Sensei, I do my fair share of reading."
"Yo..." Yosuke whispered to Yu, the latter in his seat in front of him. "Give me a hand."
Yu nodded. I remembering reading it with some pointers outlined to help me understand.
"It's three parts." The teen whispered.
"T-three parts, sensei."
Hosoi-sensei nodded after he heard Yosuke's answer.
"Very good, Hana-chan." Yosuke sighed in relief after he took his seat. "Either you're more literary than you look or you had a lucky guess."
Hosoi-sensei continued with the lecture. "The Wind-up Bird Chronicle was originally released as three separate stories. It's the eighth of his twelve published books. His latest book, 1Q84, was published in 2009. Its first printing sold out on the first day."
Yu's phone vibrated, which received an incoming SMS message just now.
"Of course, that's not counting all his short stories and essays, which I don't have time to get to right now."
"Thanks, Narukami."
"Ah."
Yu took a peek at his smartphone, which was kept in his school bag, while the lecture continued on.
Hm... So Raido's in Okina City? Wonder if I should step in.
Criminal Investigation Section Office, Okina City Police Station, Yamanashi, Japan
Raido and Mark were escorted by a plainclothes officer from the station's CIS office to see the inspector in charge.
The office had four officers inside. Two males and two females.
["Jeez. Place looks kinda empty."] Mark said when he entered the office.
["Most of them must be out for today. Maybe the person in charge too."] Raido agreed with the Filipino SHADOW agent.
"My apologies and thank you for waiting."
The two SHADOWs turned around to see a man in late 30s, who just wore a brown bomber jacket, jeans and hiking boots. A black baseball cap was worn over his head.
"And sorry for the clothes. I was involved in a sting operation early in the morning."
"No worries." Raido replied.
"I'm Inspector Toshio Yuki of the Criminal Investigation Section." Toshio shook hands with Raido and Mark. "From what I've been told, someone from the Center and the Kuzunoha family was gracing our station."
"Yes. Sorry to make the trip on such short notice." Raido said after he shook hands with him. "I'm Raido the XX. And this is Mark, one of my colleagues. He's from the Philippines, but he can speak enough Japanese to be understood."
"I see." Toshio turned to Mark. "Okina e yokoso. Hope you like the city."
"No worries." Mark replied when he shook hands with Toshio. "Been here once before, but that's a long time ago."
"Well a lot of things have changed. So hopefully you have time to stick around."
"Not this time. Center business for today."
"Right." Toshio led Raido and Mark to his desk. "So I hear that you wanted to ask me something about a woman who came to the city from Yasoinaba?"
"Yes." Raido showed him the photo of Mayumi Yamano. "Mayumi-san was reported to be in Okina at the time when the scandal erupted that she was involved with Yasogami City Councilman Taro Namatame, who happens to be married to local enka singer Misuzu Hiiragi."
"Oh yeah... I remember that. Some of the officers in the stations are fans of her."
"I'm guessing that they didn't take it that well?"
"Well... some."
["Yo... ask him if any officer in the station was able to ask her."] Mark whispered to Raido.
["Right."] Raido gave the thumbs up. "Toshio-keibu-ho, do you know if someone from the station interacted with her in any way?"
"I'm not sure." Toshio mused while he leaned back on his seat. "I'll call someone from the Traffic Section to see."
Toshio picked up the phone and made a call to the station's Traffic Section. "It's me. I got some guys inquiring if any of your officers spotted Mayumi Yamano a few weeks ago? Yeah. Yeah, the TV reporter and announcer. Really? Great. Thanks. Tell them to get ready ASAP."
"You guys are in luck. Looks like traffic found a couple of officers who spoke to her a month ago or so."
"We'll need someplace we can talk without anyone eavesdropping."
"I got an idea."
"Shoot."
Tatsuhime Shrine, North Shopping District, Yasoinaba, Nakakoma, Yamanashi, Japan
Yu went to the shrine after classes were over for the day. Tatsuo informed him via SMS that he's got some bugs freshly caught from the shrine grounds and he wants Yu to meet him.
"Hey..." Yu greeted Tatsuo.
"Hey. I caught these today." Tatsuo happily showed off the two Tatsuhime Ladybugs in similar small jars.
"I guess your swing's improving."
"Yup. But then I forgot to bring my water, so I'm thirsty."
Yu felt that it was coming anyway. "Let me guess, you need a drink?"
"Yeah. Like The Natural. Haven't had those in a while."
"Just... give me a few, yeah? I'll be back."
"Sure. I'll wait."
On the way to check the nearest vending machine, Yu got a SMS from Yosuke, asking him if he has some time to kill and hang on a bit.
Food around here? Likely the Souzai Daigaku stall nearby.
Interrogation Room #1, Okina City Police Station, Yamanashi, Japan
Raido was in one of the station's interrogation rooms speaking to a uniformed female officer in her late 20s. He was talking to her, accompanied by a plainclothes CIS officer.
Outside, Mark and Gotou waited for updates. They have just finished talking to the male officer, also in his late 20s an hour ago.
Wonder if we'll get any information from those two that are credible at least?
Mark went to check his Iphone 4S and saw an incoming SMS message from Yu.
Haven't heard from him in a while. Wonder if he's in trouble?
NEED TO ASK YOU SOMETHING LATER. STANDBY.
Tatsuhime Shrine, North Shopping District, Yasoinaba, Nakakoma, Yamanashi, Japan
Yu walked back to the shrine, putting 120 Yen in coins to the same vending machine he went to get a can of The Natural. He took a quick look at his Iphone 4 to see if he was able to send the SMS message to Mark.
"Here you are. Fresh from the vending machine." And I just paid 240 Yen. So around 900,210 Yen left.
"Thanks." Tatsuo handed him a Tatsuhime Ladybug. "And here ya go."
Dammit. It's so goddamn hard for me to say no when people want to thank me by giving me stuff...
"No worries. I'll look after it."
Next stop. Souzai Daigaku.
Yu walked down the steps as fast as he can.
From what he heard from the other students/town residents, Souzai Daigaku was known for serving all types of beef steak. This also includes the steak-type croquettes.
And they were to die for since there's word that they use wagyu beef as a chief ingredient.
Souzai Daigaku, North Shopping District, Yasoinaba, Nakakoma, Yamanashi, Japan
When Yu arrived at the stall, he saw Yosuke just taking a plate of two steak croquettes with barbecue sauce on top of it. Next to the plate was a can of regular Coke.
"Glad you made it." Yosuke greeted Yu when he took his seat in front of him. "I see that you got yourself a Tatsuhime Ladybug."
"Yeah. A kid name Tatsuo gave me one in return for helping him find a can of The Natural a while ago."
"Tatsuo's quite interesting. Knows a lot about bugs, including those that are local to Yasoinaba."
"I'll figure out what I'll do with it." Yu placed the jar in the empty seat next to him before Yu asked the stall owner for the same order as Yosuke had.
Let's see how the food is.
Yu thanked the owner for giving him the plate. As he sat down (and Yosuke was starting to drink from his Coke can), he saw two middle-aged women walk past by them.
And the teenager could hear them talking.
"Isn't that boy with the headphones from Junes? I know that he goes to Yasoinaba..."
"I remember hearing that Sato-san's family had to leave town because their business went bankrupt recently."
"It's so sad. The shopping area could disappear eventually..."
Yosuke sighed after he took a bite of his steak croquette. He then swallowed it and said, "Sorry about that. My family's quite infamous around here."
"Huh." Yu nodded a bit. "Gotta be tough."
"Nah..." Yosuke shook his head. "Not really. It's only 'cause of my folks. I'm not really involved in Junes' daily affairs. There's nothing I can do about it since my dad was told by the Tokyo HQ to get assigned here after a few years of working abroad in Macau and Singapore."
"I assume you moved?"
"Yeah, but I don't remember much. I was very young when the move abroad happened."
Yu was eating up the first steak croquette while he listened in.
"Besides, I don't think there's anyone who doesn't know me in Yasoinaba. Not that I mind, but I gotta mind my manners if I want the family to at least look good."
"That helps."
While the two high school students were eating their croquettes and drinking their Coke, Yu felt that he understood what was happening to Yosuke.
I can feel that Jiraiya learned Trafuri. But why am I being told this?
Yu shook off whatever the voice was telling him regarding Jiraiya.
"How's the food?" Yosuke asked after Yu finished the second croquette.
"It's good." Yu said. "Heard wagyu beef was being served, so I couldn't resist a chance to see if it's true."
"So I'm getting another one? You still eating?"
"Nah. I'm good after this. Gotta make a stop somewhere."
"Sure."
Outside Interrogation Room #1, Okina City Police Station, Yamanashi, Japan
Raido and Mark were speaking outside the interrogation room as the female officer was being debriefed by Toshio regarding their case.
["I assume that there's progress on your end?"] Raido asked Mark after the former stepped out of the room.
["I don't know. You tell me. My guy says that Ms. Yamano looked paranoid and had to wear shades whenever she had to enter Okina."] Mark sighed and crossed his arms.
["Me too."]
["Did your officer say anything significant, Raido?"]
["Come to think of it, I heard that the lady herself was asking the officer for assistance in finding the university."]
["Didn't think of Ms. Yamano as that kind of reporter."]
["Please tell me that you at least googled her, Mark."]
["Yeah. She hasn't done any major investigative work aside from the usual political scandals here and there. Funny that she's in the center of one now."]
["Yeah, that is pretty funny."]
["So we let MOM know?"]
["We should."]
["So who's going to make the call?"]
Living Area/Dining Area
Dojima Residence, Residential District, Yasoinaba, Nakakoma, Yamanashi, Japan
"I'm home!"
Yu came back to the Dojima Residence a bit late in the afternoon after he stopped by Yomenaido Bookstore to pick up three books that he was interested to read up on.
The books consist of Expert Study Methods, Beginner Fishing and The Lovely Man. They cost a total of 5,600 Yen. So he had 894,610 Yen left.
I think I need to separate costs for what we need for dungeon exploring and what I can use to put aside for stuff when I'm doing Center or anti-Templar ops... Better not procrastinate.
"Welcome back, onii-chan." Nanako was at home, watching a kid's variety show on the local NHK channel.
"Your dad eating at home?"
"I think so. Said he'll call if he's running a little late."
"Okay. I'll look around the kitchen and see if we have food for today. We'll have to shop for more food soon."
All right... Looks good. So we could do some vegetables for a change. But... I'll have to see about getting seafood perhaps.
"Hey Nanako. I think we'll have to make a quick trip to Junes to get a bit more food for the next few days. Wanna go?"
"YAAAYYY! Everyday young life Junes!"
"I'll go change first out of this uniform. See if you can get the list we wrote down a few days ago."
"Okay."
"I'll let your dad know that we're taking the shopping trip."
Nanako went to the refrigerator door to remove the magnet that has the listed food that needs to be purchased at Junes.
From the house, Yu changed to his graphite Condor Softshell jacket, another pair of fresh jeans and his black Oakley 6" SI Assault Boots.
It only took around 10 minutes to walk. Taxis aren't a common sight in Yasoinaba, so walking was the way to go for the town.
Supermarket Section, Junes Yasoinaba Store, Yasoinaba, Nakakoma, Yamanashi, Japan
Yu and Nanako were at Junes' supermarket section, looking at the seafood section.
"Keep an eye on the shopping cart, I'll go and look at what we can get from the list."
"Okay."
While Nanako stood next to the cart, Yu received an SMS message from Mark.
I assume we got an op coming, Yu?
Oh yeah...
Yu began to exchange SMS messages with Mark.
Could be, Mark. Just checked some SMS stuff from the others. Could happen late at night, Japan time.
Aight, Yu. Cool. Let me know ASAP then.
Sure. But they may contact you anyway.
Sounds fair. Then I'll let you know from my end just in case.
With the exchange finished, Yu began to look at the fresh seafood display.
"Let's see... shrimp, squid..." Yu read through the list while he checked the display for the said items if they were available.
"Onii-chan." Nanako pulled the sleeve of Yu's jacket.
"Yeah?" Yu was checking the shrimp to see if they're really fresh.
"Are you busy? I can get some of the other things in the list."
"Good idea." Yu looked at the list before he looked at Nanako. "See if you can find the garlic, paprika and parsley."
"Okay. Do you want me to get them?"
"For the paprika, just bring back a shaker so I can look. If there's fresh garlic and parsley, let me know when you come back okay."
Nanako nodded and walked to another part of the supermarket to look for where the garlic and parsley is.
"Hopefully she won't be bored waiting..." Yu's phone vibrated. "What now?"
Incoming call from Mark. Looks like finished up.
["Mark."] Yu answered the call.
["Hey, Yu. Hope I'm not interrupting."]
["Don't worry. You're not. How are things in Okina?"]
["We finished talking to someone from the local police station. Raido and I are about to make a pit stop at the Center and speak to MOM and maybe someone from SID."]
["All right. Sounds good. About later... I'm waiting for the details. Not sure if it's SID or another part of the Center or our other job..."]
["No hurries, my man."]
Living Area/Dining Area
Dojima Residence, Residential District, Yasoinaba, Nakakoma, Yamanashi, Japan
Early evening has settled into Yasoinaba after Yu and Nanako came back from Junes with the groceries. Ryotaro was nearby when he called and told them to get in the car and put the groceries in the trunk.
It saved them time from the next 10 minute walk.
Dinner for tonight was some of the shrimp tempura they were able to cook with bowls of rice. Ryotaro sometimes wondered if it was fate that his nephew was living with them in Yasoinaba, even if it's for a year.
When dinner was over, Ryotaro thanked Yu for helping out with the cooking duties since it was hard for them ever since Yu's aunt Chisato passed away and he wasn't always ready to help out at home when work was calling for his attention, which he admits with some shame.
"Don't think about it so much, I'll do my best to help around." Yu reassured his uncle. He and Ryotaro began to clean up the table while the latter told Nanako that she can use the bathroom first.
"Okay, dad. Thank you." Nanako cheerfully said when she went for her room to get her pajamas.
"I'll have to go shopping again soon. The fridge is going to run out soon."
"All right. I'll let you handle it. And just let me know what you're going to buy so I can put some money aside."
"Sure. Not a problem."
"I'll let you and Nanako know if I'm going to be late or stay out for the entire night in the next few days."
"All right."
For the evening, Yu and Ryotaro washed the dishes and cleaned them. Afterwards, they checked the table in the living area to make sure it was clean. When it was done, the two males went for their rooms in order to prepare their clothes for sleeping.
Yu Narukami's Temp Room
Dojima Residence, Residential District, Yasoinaba, Nakakoma, Yamanashi, Japan
Since there wasn't that much homework (not that Yu was going to ignore them as they're needed), the teen decided to read Expert Study Methods.
The guy at the bookstore said that this should be useful for me to read in case I get dragged down a problem with homework.
While relaxing at the sofa inside the room and reading the first few pages of the book, his phone got a SMS message.
"Let's see..." Yu opened his phone to read the message. "It's from Mark."
Game on. I'll meet with you in a few. And we're doing assignment for the first times for both sides. Coincidence or what, huh?
"Great. Two tasks at the same time." Yu groaned after he read the message. "Maybe I should have just told the Center that I'm taking part-time work whenever my schedule in Yasoinaba actually allows it and not when they need an extra person, even if I'm limited to Japan for the meantime."
Maybe with the others too. Wonder if the Mentor would be tolerant of it, given that they got his son.
Any place specific?
A few seconds later after the message was sent, a reply was made.
Ayanagi City in Toyama Prefecture. Ready to go? Weather forecast is good. There's not much snow for the night.
That's the place where there were rumors that Apathy Syndrome was involved, according to intelligence Rebecca mentioned. But that was at least a couple of years before the case in Tatsumi Port Island.
Yu looked at the wall clock. It was going to be 9:40 PM soon.
Why not? Could use some time off away from the town and we're not yet going to Mayonaka TV soon.
Give me a few. I'm going to change to my street clothes in my room. Can't risk letting my uncle and cousin know about my extracurricular activities.
Yu placed a plain cardboard-made bookmark in Expert Study Methods after he read after the first eleven pages. He changed to his graphite Condor Softshell jacket, worn over a FC Tokyo 2010-2011 Away shirt, khaki Vertx tactical pants and black 5.11 Tactical Station 6" Boots, switching it from his Oakley in order to let the boots air.
The jacket was packed with black Oakley SI Assault Gloves.
Apparently, Yu got them in his closet when Mark used the Center portal to deposit them in his room as he forgot to grab them when he moved to the town. He had to request him to get them on his behalf.
Okay. Time to go.
He wore the bracer on his right wrist, O-Watch on his left wrist and blue and yellow chequered GARDA baseball cap and OtterBox Defender Belt clip for the Iphone 4 on his belt.
Yeah, he was ready to go.
The portal app was activated to locate a portal in his room. The app directed him to the closet.
The closet. What can go wrong?
Yu entered the closet and closed the door behind him before going through the portal.
Alley, somewhere near Ayanagi Station, Tama-ku, Ayanagi City, Toyama, Japan
A black 2010 Holden Calais VE Series II was seen heading to the driveway of Ayanagi Station. Anyone in the city who has not seen an Australian-made sedan for the first time were in awe over seeing it aside from the usual European or North American-made sedans that are in RHD.
The Calais VE has the following plates attached:
富山 300
ひ 40-33
Yu emerged from an alley that was near the station by a block away. As he walked out, a message was left in the Messager.
"Better check the inbox." Yu quickly opened and read a message from Mark.
If you're reading this, it means I just pulled up at Ayanagi Station. Better hurry 'cause I can't loiter around forever. I'm in a Holden Calais VE. Black. Toyama 300 Hi 40-33. Got through the portal just fine.
All right.
Yu made a run towards the station, thanking his stars that the Center must have calibrated the portal system properly that he was able to get close to his location without giving himself away.
He ran for around two to three minutes until he was at the pedestrian crossing that would take him across to the station.
Driveway, Ayanagi Station, Tama-ku, Ayanagi City, Toyama, Japan
There it is.
Yu saw the idle Holden Calais VE Series II the moment he walked across another pedestrian crossing from the sidewalk to the station building.
And there's the man of the hour.
He saw Mark was in the driver's seat. With that in mind, he ran to the sedan's front passenger seat door.
["Waited long?"] Yu asked as he got the door open and entered.
["Nah."] Mark shook his head. ["Oh yeah, he chose to come along."]
Yu turned around after he got his seatbelt over his chest and lap to see Raido and Gotou at the back.
"Ah. Evening, Raido-san." Yu greeted Raido.
"Please. Raido's fine." Raido said when he leaned back on his seat.
["Where to?"] Yu asked as the Calais VE got off the driveway and turned left.
["You'll see..."] Mark smirked.
["Hopefully it's be an easy job."]
["We have a lead on another rogue Kirijo scientist."]
B3 Parking Area, Ayanagi Grand Building, Tama-ku, Ayanagi City, Toyama, Japan
The Calais VE Series II arrived at the Ayanagi Grand Building, located a few kilometers away from the station, but near the outskirts of the city's downtown core. The sedan drove down pass the B1 and B2 floors, which was meant for visitors.
Mark whipped out a parking garage keycard and gently pressed it on the scanner, mounted on a small post and a bit far enough from the sedan to allow him to open the metal gear and grant access to the B3 floor, just in case since it was made as such during the building's construction.
["Let me guess,"] Raido said when the metal gate opened. ["you got someone in SID to help us with that."]
["Bingo."] Mark replied when he drove to the B3 floor. ["Our target's still here from the last check made."]
["Did Rebecca and Shaun help out with the recon?"]
["Oh yeah, definitely."]
The sedan drove around as Mark was looking for a parking spot that was close to the elevator lobby.
["Looks like there's some free parking spots near there."] Yu pointed to three open parking lot slots near the lobby.
["Nice. Good eye."] Mark nodded in affirmation. ["Hopefully that area's not under surveillance cameras."]
["We got those two anyway to help us."] Raido said when he heard his concerns.
["My question is whether they're even in the country in the first place."]
["If you want,"] Raido sighed. ["we can get in touch with them first thing after we secure our escape route."]
["All right, Raido. Okay, I'm going to turn around so that we can get another pass at the space. I'll also have to back up the car."]
Mark worked to drive the sedan in reverse once he drove past the parking spot and stopped near it. He used the built-in reverse camera to properly park it in reverse.
["Looks like we're clear."] Yu looked around the parking lot and saw one or two sedans parked in the floor. ["Not a lot of cars this time of night."]
["Almost there, guys."] Mark checked the reverse camera to make sure that the sedan is aligned with the parking slot. ["Okay. We're done."]
Yu and Raido got out after Mark turned off the engine, pulled the parking brake and pressed the trunk button on the remote key after it was taken from the ignition.
["Our gear's at the trunk."] Mark reminded the two Japanese SHADOW agents. ["Apologies if they don't conform to our working standards. Had to get what I can get best for the moment."]
Raido, followed by Gotou, waited near the trunk when Yu opened it to get a good look inside.
The trunk's content consist of black Condor Modular Plate Carriers, outfitted with two MP5 Mag Pouches and two Double Pistol Mag Pouches of the same color. A Modular Pistol Holster and Radio Pouch, with the same color, were attached to the back of the plate carriers. They were placed over a couple a black duffel bag.
"Here." Yu handed Raido one of the MPCs. He grabbed another and wore it over his head. After checking the shoulder straps to make sure they fit nice and tight, he opened one of the duffel bags to find three black balaclavas with a couple of Daewoo K7 submachine guns with integral suppressors, black combat slings and a loaded 32-round magazine taken from Beretta PM-12 submachine guns.
Mark went to check the duffel bag and it had another Daewoo K7 with the black combat sling and loaded 32-round mag.
["Save me a space."] Mark called for Yu when the latter handed him the last MPC.
["Found these too."] Yu got the balaclavas and distributed them to Mark and Raido. ["We'll need to conceal our faces."]
The agents got their balaclavas and donned it over their heads. After they wore them, they were adjusted so that they can see through the one hole. They then took the attached earpieces and placed them on their ears underneath the balaclava.
["Time to see if we're in contact. The radios are already on by the way."] Mark said to Raido and Yu after he reached for the radio pouch located over his right shoulder to adjust the radio extender's volume knob.
["Good evening gents, this is Shaun Hastings. I hope that you can hear me."] A man speaking with a RP accent was heard on the line.
["It's good to hear your voice, Shaun."] Yu greeted the British man.
["Ah likewise. For your little op, you'll be hearing from Rebecca too."]
["Is she on?"] The question of curiosity came from Raido.
["Hey guys. Haven't seen ya since your little excursion spare time with some PMC guys months ago."]
["Hey, Rebecca."] Yu greeted her on the line. ["And yeah, we kinda did that thing for a while. Lost count on how many years now."]
["Oh right... I believe this is before you guys came to work for... that agency..."]
["The Center."] Shaun interjected to help Rebecca.
["We're doing our usual SHADOW work. You know, hunting down the rogue Kirijo Group scientists over their attempts to bring about the end of the world."]
["We'll do you better."] Rebecca chimed in next. ["According to our info, the lady you're targeting also had some involvement with Abstergo's Japanese branch after she left KG."]
["I heard the rumors."] Mark replied after he checked his K7, putting the fire selector from Safe to Semi-Auto. ["But now we got confirmation."]
Yu closed the sedan's trunk.
["Just guide us in. We'll take care of the rest."] Raido told Rebecca.
["Already on it."] Shaun said. ["We'll take care of the surveillance cameras so that they won't bother you three tonight. Hang tight."]
The masked trio ran for the elevator lobby with their K7s still lowered.
["Okay guys. We've hacked the cameras. They'll be running, but they'll see the same image of the empty floor areas."]
["Appreciated."]
Chapter 8 END
PS - Haven't been back here a while, so hello again. Just finished an internship remotely from Washington DC and a short-term contract for research concerning social media material for Islamist extremism in Southeast Asia.
Just a note that the Belarusian Alpha Group does have access to Suburbans alongside various MB/VW-made vans. They're likely acquired as imports from American plants/Chevrolet dealerships as the Tahoe was made in Russia by Avtotor (2007 model) and in Belarus by Unison SP ZAO (2014).
I came up with the idea to have Yu join the kendo club. Been doing the sport for many years, but with no dan ran since there wasn't any officially Filipino Kendo federation-type organization that can accredit any national kendo exams to give someone a dan rank officially. Well at least before I had to move back from Vancouver. With that done, at least peeps I know don't need to go to HK, Singapore or Japan just to do their dan exams.