Game of Cards

by TPez1422

Ren Amamiya, sentenced to an entire year of probation, finds himself under watch of Sae Niijima, the near-infamous prosecutor with a perfect conviction record. With the touch of a hand, Ren signs a contract with Arsene containing murky stipulations. But surely enough, the power to change the world comes at a hefty price. Also on AO3.

1. A Distant Gleam Amidst a Losing Hand

3 Years Ago.

"Dad. Why do you work so hard?" Sae asks, clenching her fists in her lap as she fixes him with a stern gaze from across the table.

Makoto is upstairs and probably studying by now. Leaving only Sae and her father at the table. But for Sae, at least, the food has already been forgotten. At this rate it'll go cold. But she's not hungry anymore.

"Having doubts?" He asks in that gravely, tired sounding voice of his. He is tired, that she can almost guarantee. But he never shows it around them. Megumi Niijima has only buried himself more in work ever since their mother died. And Megumi would deny it if Sae ever asked, or so she thinks.

He looks older than he should, she knows. Even at the age of eight she was almost unnaturally observant. Her memory is practically pristine to the rate of being picturesque, yet not quite so. A prodigy in many aspects of human condition, Sae noticed even over a decade ago how he looked. She feels she can remember even now how absurdly perfect things were in the past.

There was just the slightest bit of stubble on his face as he kept it short. By obligation, he would say. Not only to appear professional as an officer, but to 'keep the lady happy'. That sentence would usually be accompanied with an almost irritating smirk.

He would tell Sae how Yukiko, her mother, didn't like when he grew his beard out too much. And he'd always make a big deal of griping at how he'd have to shave so frequently to make her happy. But on the plus side Megumi would get more kisses that way. He was never shy about accepting those, of course.

Yukiko Niijima was a ray of happiness. She seemed like she was born with a smile on her face. She'd laugh at jokes no one else would, and always made efforts to raise others spirits. It confused the young Sae a little. Both at her unnatural ability to bring a smile to her daughter's face; it was like cheating, really. That, and how she'd always bring their father out of his shell.

He wasn't the most talkative and was rather gruff. Sae couldn't quite understand how the people person Yukiko was ended up with the borderline mirror of what she was.

She was the cool breeze's embrace and he was the flames that dangerously lap at vegetation. It was a combination that didn't make much sense to Sae at the time, but now? It only makes sense that wind stokes the fire.

She was never scared of the fire in his eyes. Rather it lit one in herself. Sae and Megumi were kindred spirits as her father would say. Even with Yukiko smiling down at her firstborn, Sae didn't laugh or smile. But rather, she wept silent tears as If some part of her soul was reacting to the road ahead. As if that part of her somehow knew what was bound to happen, and her happiness was dying with those small tears that fell without even a hitch of her breath.

So when Yukiko died mere years after Makoto joined their family, things changed. It's a given of course. Loss and gain being their own unique changes that depend on the individuals. Some rise through the claws of grief and emerge with tougher fortifications for the next hardship, the next step. While others sink their souls in the exhilarating thrill of the age old story of success. By chasing a never ending path of higher and higher numbers, bigger and bigger wins, their identity becomes their victory. And without their victory that identity becomes replaceable and null.

Makoto was born too late, Sae now thinks. Too late to have felt the kisses the wind would adorn your face with. The insane, impossible gentleness of which it would caress your entire body. The way wind would sweep your hair to its whim, and it'd almost feel like a hand brushing right through it to slick it back. But not permanently, just for this moment.

The elusiveness of the wind was likely a mystery to Makoto, Sae thinks. And in that was a salve and a cut. While she's never felt the softness of that wind, she'll never notice it's absence like Sae does. She doesn't know quite what to miss. Makoto won't notice the dust building up on the shelves, the floor, the tables that are now emptier than they should be. The rooms with too much space. The blinds that no longer sway with open windows.

And most of all, the fires that no longer burn.

So, ever unapologetically herself, Sae doesn't waste time getting to the core of the matter. "The money. That I understand. We cost a lot. But other than that, what's the point? Do you have to work so hard? Am I not doing enough?"

"Sae."

"I've seen the salary. It isn't great but it'll be enough, right? You'll have no reason to be working so much anymore." She says with conviction. As if presenting evidence with emphasis beyond an impartial role.

"It isn't just that, Sae. I thought you knew." Megumi says, his voice surprisingly soft. Sae shares a lot of his same features. While his hair is definitely Makoto's, Sae and him share many of the same expressions. Most commonly, a practically patented stern glare, or scowl, but that sounds worse. His sharper features, his eyes, his demeanor, even some of his emotions are all hers as well.

"What am I missing then? Tell me!" She pleads, slamming her hands down on the dinner table as she stands. Her fork rattles against her plate as it jumps and falls.

"Calm down." Megumi says, but not sternly.

A moment of silence passes before Sae composes herself. "Okay, okay." She sits back down in her seat and assumes rigid posture. "Explain."

"You talk just like this is an interrogation. That's good." He thinks aloud with a smile. "You'll definitely intimidate people like that."

"Well, It's not. But I want answers regardless. Explain to me, father. Why are we living like this?"

"Because this is the way I've always done things. This is the man Yukiko married, so I don't want to change anything. What I believe right now, is that If I stay on this simple path, this simple goal of 'saving people' I won't be led astray." Megumi says. "That's the justice I'll fight for."

You're just making excuses. Sae seethes in her thoughts. What about us? Me and Makoto? How would mom feel if she saw what you were doing right now?! But she doesn't find it in her to say it.

"What good does saving people do for us?" Sae asks.

"Life isn't always about us." Megum replies.

"But some of it is. Is what you're doing really righteous? Is that really justice? What good does it do for me and Makoto if you're not here?"

To her surprise, Megumi doesn't snap or get angry, but rather he concedes. "That's a good point." He says. "I haven't been as good at moderation as I should be. But it's been hard to get away from work." Megumi sighs, the gears clicking in his head on how to word this properly before he speaks again. "Sae, can you do something for me?"

"What is it?" She asks in confusion.

"I don't think you should continue getting into law." Megumi says bluntly. "And it's not that you're not capable, but the opposite, really. This stuff is dangerous; almost too dangerous. There's a lot of politics in this kind of work. The danger you'd face wouldn't just be the stuff I see. It wouldn't be in your face, a gun ready to fire. But it'd be a knife under someone's clothes. A smile hiding their loathing as they thank you for your hard work. The competition in the business, it's not good. The second anyone smells a hint of weakness they'll all be fighting for your position as if you're already gone. Again, this isn't because you aren't good at what you're doing. You're smarter than I ever was, and that worries me. I'm sure you could succeed, but no one is going to want to let that happen."

"As if they can stop me." Sae scoffs. "You've seen the work I've put in. I've already passed the bar exam. Dad, I want to pursue justice like you do. Why don't you want to support that anymore?"

He gives her a pained look, his eyes almost watering at her words. But he shakes it off quickly. "Things have changed. I'll do some more thinking myself, and again, I'm not doubting you. I'm just scared. I'm worried. That's a better way to put it. I don't want you to get involved in anything… But let's talk about this tomorrow. I should have a better idea of things by then."

Sae doesn't think much of it, and so she agrees with a nod as dinner reaches its conclusion. But tomorrow is no guarantee. And in hindsight, she would've cursed herself for not asking him more about his hesitancy and his sudden confession. Because the next day, he never came home.

Megumi Niijima, Sae's father, died just like that. At the worst possible time, she and Makoto were left alone. Wrapped up in the shock of the news that she received before her younger sister, Sae went to check on him, alone.

She arrived to find his body long since cold. Seven punctures in his bare chest. A knife must've been the weapon, a surgeon says clinically, delivering the necessary rites of sympathy through her eyes. Sae looks at her father. He's lying on a medical table in the sterile room. His is skin is pale, and it's clear to her that the life has left him.

Sae clenches her fists. And she wonders. What purpose did this all serve? What did his years and his dedication get him? What did his justice amount to? To her, none of it matters. It's all soured by the end result, his death. His bloody corpse that was stabbed ruthlessly until he no longer took breath. What did his hours of work give him? How did the people, the system thank him? How will anyone ever repay them for this loss? Sae feels an ugly feeling in her heart. A simmering of anger that she can't deny. The truth that no matter what ruling is decided. No matter what punishment is dealt upon the heads of his killers, she will not find satisfaction. No punishment will equate. She feels it's impossible to ever truly reconcile with this fact of her father being taken from her.

For that day and night, Sae's tears seemed to never stop. It was one of the most emotionally tiring times of her life to this point. Every minute stretched on, and that day seemed to never end until sleep mercifully took her away from her feelings. Her sorrow and compassion hidden away, giving birth to a slow burn of resentment.

She shut everything out. Sobbing alone in her room. And from that day forth, she emerged on the path she felt she was born for. To find and deal out justice through the legal system. Even through adversity and hardships, she thought she could do it.

2 years ago

"My name's Sae Niijima. It'll be a pleasure joining you all." She introduces herself with a hint of a smile. The law firm she joins to really kick start her career isn't a prestigious one, but it isn't anything to scoff at either. Upper middle class if you were to translate it to financial terms. She's pretty well off here, with a reputation of success she's been building ever since she made headlines for passing the bar exam on a 'whim' in high school. It was nothing of the sort, of course. She worked, and it paid off. That's how her life has worked.

"Aw, lighten up!" A guy with the name Kaoru standing proudly on his breast says. He's wearing a suit that's a little rumpled, but he doesn't mind in the slightest. "Can't wait to work with ya!"

"You're certainly enthusiastic." Sae replies dryly. Still, his enthusiasm is rather infectious. This is the kind of atmosphere she was hoping for. As much as she understands how serious their job is, to bring about justice and weigh the scales is no laughing matter. Even still, they're people. So Sae is glad to see at least some of them aren't old and weary. She smiles, as she's looking forward to working with people her age. After all, she's only just past 20. She's still young.

"How can I not be?" He asks. "Always good to see a new face."

The room is rather full to greet her. Kaoru, his black hair slightly tousled on his head - maybe from the wind.

"Sorry if he's a bit overbearing." A woman says.

"It's no problem." Sae replies.

In the back of the room, one man in particular catches her eye. Because he's looking at her. It's not particularly unusual, but there's something dark in his eyes. He has dark brown hair that's almost impossibly impeccable, just a few steps short of black in shade. Circular glasses are perched high on the bridge of his nose.

But that's the extent of what she can notice before Kaoru draws her eyes away.

"It's not every day we get someone new, much less someone with a resume like yours. Want to get some drinks?" He asks earnestly.

"Well, i really shouldn't-

Sae half reluctantly clinks their glasses together in the atmosphere of the rowdy bar. I wonder if this is anything like university was supposed to be. Sae thinks to herself. All parties and noise. I never did anything like this, but I guess it isn't so bad.

"How is it?" Kaoru asks with an even wider smile than the one he greeted her with. He can't hold his alcohol well, that much she can see. Not that she should be commenting. She can tell even after just a couple drinks, far less than he's had, she's feeling the effects as well. It's not like this is her first time drinking anytime… It's probably her third. Or fourth. She wasn't counting, but she knows it isn't exactly impressive. Not that there's anything impressive about alcoholics.

"It's not bad." Sae admits with a dry chuckle. "I almost feel like I missed out."

"Aw, c'mon Sae." Kaoru replies. "You might've missed out back then, but why're we here now if not to have fun? Our jobs are pretty stuffy after all."

"Huh, that's pretty well worded, Kaoru." Sae replies, blinking in surprise.

"What, are you warming up to me or something?" Kaoru asks with a grin.

The taller woman pulls him in by his head. Just enough force behind her hand to bring him crashing gently into her neck, he doesn't resist and lands softly against her. Sae runs a hand through his hair nice and firmly, tousling his already messy hair even more. "Don't start getting cocky." She tells him.

Kaoru laughs softly into her with a smile. "Look at me, getting closer to Tokyo's hottest prosecutor." A brief silence fills the void, interrupted with the constant rowdy noise of the bar before he realizes how his words can be interpreted. "W-wait. Wait. That's not what I meant! By hottest, I mean you're all the talk. You know, like you're all everyone's talking about!" He raises from his chair as he defends his words.

Sae runs a hand through her silver hair in an exaggerated gesture. "It's fine to admit I'm gorgeous, you know." Sae's little laughs spill through as she speaks with a wavering smirk, unable to take herself seriously. Her joy is a beautiful sound from the lawyer who's usually so stern with everyone.

Finally, Sae breaks. She gives in to her laughter as she shakes with it. Her shoulders shaking as she leans back and forth, eyes shut in mirth as she smiles with a set of teeth that are too perfect to be true.

You know, everyone says you're beautiful from the pictures they see online. From those stern faces you make in the courtroom. But they're all wrong. Kaoru thinks.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry." She says, her eyes still crackling with the laughter that trembles in aftershocks through her body as her giggle fit comes to a close.

You're not beautiful because of something that simple. But I'm pretty sure what I'm looking at right now is pure, unaltered beauty. The kind that I don't feel any urge to take my camera out to record. Instead, I want to commit this face of yours to memory. Because the camera, for all of its digital wonders, could never hope or pray to capture but a fraction of your happiness.

As Sae wipes her eyes of the small bits of tears she looks at him in a little confusion. "Huh? Something up Kaoru?"

"No, no. I'm just glad to see you happy. That's all."

Sae blinks in surprise. It's a pretty nice comment, she thinks. One she hasn't heard before. "Thank you."

The night continues with small talk as the drinks and conversation flow in tandem. Until finally they call it a night. Walking out of the bar together late at night when the sun's long since fallen.

"I am never drinking with you again." Sae groans as she practically drapes herself over his shoulder. They walk in tandem. She's more trashed than he is, and he's the one supporting her even though he drank more. Always righting her if she stumbles slightly.

"Sorry about that." Kaoru apologizes genuinely. "I didn't mean for it to go this far."

"Don't worry about it." She insists as she ruffles his hair. "I think it was good. Tonight was fun, at least. I shouldn't let this become a habit, but maybe it's not so bad to cut loose every now and then."

"I'd agree with that." Kaoru says with a nod.

"I think I missed this." Sae admits. The alcohol is probably making her more open than usual, but she's not thinking about that right now. "In high school and beyond that, I didn't really conform to what anyone told me to do. Nobody really endorsed the idea of law. Especially for a woman. They thought it was ridiculous but here I am, right?"

"You did good." Kaoru says.

"Yeah, thanks."

"So, what do you think you missed exactly?" He asks between their synchronized footfalls.

"Yeah, right. Well, It was the life you all had. I don't think it's right to give into your vices. But I also think I might've leaned too far into my work. I think you have to be careful not to let yourself go too lax, but if today was any indication, you guys might've been doing something right all along. Maybe I was wrong." Sae says wistfully as she catches what stars dare to burn through the light pollution with her eyes. "Work only takes you so far before you get burnt out."

"Are you feeling burnt out?" He asks as they walk home together. Good thing I didn't take us too far from her apartment. There aren't any trains running this late. His watch reads just approaching 2 am. They'd be up for hours more waiting for a train if they weren't within walking distance.

"I don't know, sometimes? It's too early for that. I'm still just starting my career. But maybe that's why. I don't think what I'm doing is wrong, but it might not be right either. Getting into law so early might've shut other doors in my life." She says wistfully. "It's definitely what I want to do for my career. Justice is important to me. But I mean, look at me now. Venting to a guy I barely know. Getting drunk with him, too. Exactly what I would berate my little sister for."

"I'd never do anything untoward. But, I understand why you feel that way, so I'm sorry." He says, moving away from her. But she pulls him right back in.

"No, no. It's not you Kaoru. You're a good kid, I think." Sae says. "And if you tried anything I'd beat your ass."

Kaoru gives a little chuckle. "I'm sure you could."

"Maybe I'm just too strict on her. I don't know what the hell I'm doing. She's so young. I can't have her getting into trouble and ruining her prospects at a good future. It's tough enough as it is for a woman to get a good job with these asshats in charge. They can't handle the idea of us being better than they are." Sae smirks. "Makes it all the more satisfying to beat a guy in court. Some of those idiots never expect such a capable lawyer when they're up against me. But anyways, the last thing she needs is a roadblock. I feel like it's my responsibility to keep her out of trouble, so it's tough when she doesn't go along with what I'm saying. I'm just trying to do the best I can but I don't have all the answers."

"Say, want to have a smoke? Might help all that stress." Kaoru suggests.

"Absolutely not. I'm not going to allow myself to fall into another vice. Drinking is fine, but I'd like to have a long and healthy life."

"Fair enough. That's pretty sound reasoning. I won't push you." Kaoru backpedals.

"I just honestly can't see myself ever smoking. I'd be pretty disappointed with myself. There's got to be a limit to the fun you have, otherwise you'll snuff out all the ambition you have. Instant, lazy and useless gratification is the greatest enemy of success. That's why I never use this goddamn thing for anything other than calls." Sae says, pulling out her work phone. "You already see it happening with the youth. They're glued to these things. It's an epidemic."

"That's pretty funny, Sae."

"I'm serious!" She retorts in exasperation. "It's probably only going to get worse, too. No way am I ever buying Makoto one, but she's been weirdly insistent about getting one, saying she'll even use her own money. I don't get her at all. Why shoot yourself in the foot like that?"

"Young people like that stuff." Kaoru points out. "That's how teenagers are. They want to fit in and text their friends and all that. Fear of missing out is a real thing."

"Doesn't mean I have to like it." Sae grumbles.

"Still, what happened? What about your parents?" Kaoru asks.

Sae frowns. "Don't have any. Not anymore."

Kaoru winces. "Sorry."

"Don't be. Don't really care anymore." Sae says. But even she thinks that can't be very convincing. "The real problem I'm having is I'm feeling like more of a mom than a sister to her. That might be why we're so disconnected. She doesn't get what I'm going through, and I might not get her either. She doesn't exactly help with paying the rent, not that it's her fault. It's just hard for both of us."

"If there's anything I can do…" Kaoru trails off.

"Don't worry about it." Sae insists. "We're not that hard done by. At least I have work and a roof to sleep under. Even if I need to work often to keep us afloat, that's just how it is."

So that's why she's insistent on working so hard. It's not just her dedication, she really needs the money. An apartment here isn't cheap, but it's convenient. Save on travel expenses and time, all while working for a better salary in the big city.

"Well, we can work our asses off together, and when the time's right, we'll show 'em what it means to party. What do you say?" He asks, extending a hand as if this is some sort of deal or contract between them.

"Well, that's one way to word it." Sae says with a little sigh. "But yeah, I'm in. Let's have some fun together, Kaoru."

"Alright!" He smiles as they shake hands.

---

A few months isn't a long time in the context of cases. As such, Sae finds the time to go by rather quickly.

Working together on cases and drinking together after hours on the rare excursion he's able to drag her out to has them getting inevitably closer.

Today, Sae eyes the calendar with a cursory glance as she types away. Kaoru has worked his way to sitting beside her as a permanent fixture. She doesn't mind, though. It's nicer than having so many empty seats around. Even she starts going a little crazy when dealing with silence day after day. So his chatter, even if it's idle small talk, is pretty welcome.

"Hm, your birthday's coming up," She says almost absentmindedly. "If this calendar is right. Want anything?"

Kaoru blinks in surprise. "Oh, yeah. I guess you're right. Uh, no, nothing really."

Sae fixes him with a serious look. "I'm going to buy you something. You can give me a list, but I'm going to get something, at least."

"No, Sae, you really don't have to."

"I want to. So I will. As long as you don't have a problem with that, I'd like to know what makes you happy."

"Maybe just a cake then? It doesn't have to be anything fancy, honestly. It's just been a while since I got one." Kaoru explains. "Figure it'd be nice to act like I'm young again."

"I get what you mean." Sae replies as she stands, fixing him with a fond smile. "I'll make sure to get a nice cake for you, Kaoru. Now let's get out of here; It's been a long day."

Before she can fully turn away, Kaoru catches her hand gently. She spins back to the shorter man. "Kaoru?" She asks.

"Sorry. I just want to thank you. Really, Sae. Thank you."

Sae's eyes dart around like she's trying to remember something. "What did I do?"

Kaoru chuckles. "It's nothing in particular. I'm just happy to work with you. To spend time with you. I appreciate you, you know? That's it. It isn't just one thing. It's just you."

"I've never had a compliment like that before." Sae admits. "I don't really know what to say. I'm glad, though. Glad you think so highly of me. And I value your company too, you know. You're fun, Kaoru."

Kaoru blushes. "Thanks." He hesitates before they part. And that prompts Sae to speak.

"Kaoru. You look like you have something to say." She points out.

And he does.

"Well, it's about my parents. But, yeah. I think I'll tell you on my birthday. Is that okay?" He asks with a weird expression on his face. His eyebrows scrunched up in an expression of subtle sadness.

"Why not now?" Sae asks, sounding almost hurt.

"I don't think I can, sorry." Kaoru admits. "But, if it's my birthday… I'll force myself to say it. Because I want to tell you. It's just hard. I'm not great at talking to people. It hasn't ever felt good, but… I want you to know."

"Kaoru. Why won't you try a little harder? Please. What if there isn't a tomorrow?! Won't you regret leaving things unsaid!?" She asks him in desperation.

She takes a few heaving breaths to recuperate from her outburst. "Sae, are you okay?" He asks in concern. It's clearly unlike her to get so worked up about something. But even she must have her breaking points. She's a hell of a lot more human than people see her for. He finds it disgusting how people label her. She's got aspirations, passion, and drive like no one he's ever met. It's idiotic to reduce her to some pretty face that supposedly doesn't find interest in anything but work. They only think that because they don't care to see her for who she really is. People didn't even try understanding her before they saw the woman they wanted to see.

His frustration is cut short when she steps forwards, right into his personal space, and hugs him. "That's what I should be asking you." Her arms tighten around his upper back. She's taller, so it feels most natural to hold him there. Her cheek brushes against his temple as she holds him.

"Sae, I- You shouldn't do this." His arms lie limp at his sides, not returning the hug, but he's not making even the slightest effort to leave her embrace. He doesn't seem to mind it.

She holds him just a little tighter. Jockeying for just a little bit of a longer hug, but still that hesitation lingers in him. It's clear in how he sighs yet doesn't bring his arms up to really lean into the embrace and give back.

So they break. And Sae is left just a little more confused at the tears that well up in her eyes. She wipes them away quickly, and he doesn't seem to notice.

"See you tomorrow." Kaoru says. "For sure."

"I'll hold you to that." Sae replies.

As her head hits the pillow, her thoughts keep her awake. One in particular, wondering over and over why he wouldn't just tell her.

---

Sae likes to be prepared. As the kind of woman who classifies early as on time, she made the purchase for a cake with custom lettering days before his birthday.

Thing is, it never arrived. It was almost like a premonition, looking back.

She did see him the next day, and so normalcy returned rather easily. She decided her worry was unfounded, as seeing him set her doubt at ease.

"Kaoru," Sae starts. "Why are you always taking such tough cases?"

"Oh, you flatter me, Ms. Niijima. I mean, you're no slacker." Kaoru replies with a little smile as he turns to face her with his rotating chair.

"Hey, I'm serious." She replies. "You always seem to take on the cases others are hesitant to accept. Be it for the difficulty of the case, or how undesirable people think it is. 'Successes' reflect well on their careers after all. It's like they forget both the prosecution and the defense ultimately are working together for justice. There aren't any sides to this."

Kaoru shakes his head. "You always speak your mind, Sae."

"Is that a bad thing?"

"It's not."

"So? Are you going to answer my question?"

"It's because someone has to do them."

"So you do it out of obligation?" She asks. "Don't let other people dump the bad jobs on you, Kaoru."

"It's not just because they're there, I have to do them. If not, those cases will slip through the cracks. I want everyone to get a trial as fast as possible and reach a fair verdict. So, if I have to get my hands a little dirty, that's fine with me. It's not for the money really, but the people instead. They're waiting for a verdict. Lying in fear of whatever their potential sentence could be. Least I could do is help the process go a bit faster. The anticipation or fear of something often surpasses reality. So I try not to keep them waiting too long."

"That's a mature way of thinking about it, Kaoru. I just keep learning from you."

Kaoru blushes with a sheepish smile. "Please, I'm not that special."

Sae frowns. "Don't downplay who you are. I don't just say things without a reason."

"Well, thanks for that. It's just a little hard to believe." He says, kicking back and looking at the ceiling. "There's so many incredible people, it's hard to imagine myself in that picture."

"And what use is a legacy if we're all to die? Death is the end, right? Don't get all caught up in what people say greatness is, Kaoru. Just keep touching people's hearts, keep lifting people up like you do. Without such lofty goals, you might be happier. Especially when you take a step back and really see the success of your efforts. Is there anything more meaningful than bringing happiness to others? Just, don't forget yourself along the way." Sae replies with defiance.

"Sae… That's one of the most touching things I've ever heard. Thanks, really. It's been a while since I've been moved by someone's words like that. You genuinely are incredible. I'm glad there's people like you around in the world." Kaoru says.

"Just speaking my truth."

"And you know, I'm really looking forward to my birthday this year. It's all thanks to you, honestly. I hope we can have a good talk."

"I can handle myself, Kaoru. And of course we're going to talk. I've been waiting." Sae replies.

"Yeah, right. Well don't work yourself too hard!" Kaoru calls to her as he stands halfway through the door of their office. He waves as he speaks, unable to hold in his laughter. "Stress can't be good to the 'hottest' lawyer in Tokyo, right?"

Sae scoffs and shakes her head as he leaves. "Typical."

---

It's late as per usual when Sae leaves the office. The sun set an hour or two ago, probably. The moon and the stars just now emerging, dim when compared to the ever bright lights of every corner of Tokyo.

She strides down the mostly empty streets. A few salarymen in rumpled business suits lie passed out haphazardly, not far from the bar's they came from. Sae's still a little surprised at how accepted drinking is, especially when contrasted with how many other vices are frowned upon. If she were in charge she wouldn't allow everyone to be so lax.

Still, if I didn't drink, we might never have gotten so close. Sae thinks, reminiscing about when she and Kaoru first got wasted together. It wasn't really all that long ago. I've still got to make a call to that bakery. I'm getting that cake one way or another.

Lost in her thoughts, she kicks an aluminum garbage can that lies right on the sidewalk which she walks along. She winces for just a second or two. It didn't hurt so much as it was surprising. More surprising, however, is the handprint of streaky red that adorns the metal.

Sae turns to her right, and her face falls.

"What." Sae asks, as if someone can answer her. "What the fuck is this?"

For in the dark, grimey alley, Kaoru's body lies face down. Blood pools around his head, and holes pierce his face through his skull.

Taken from this world mercilessly. Robbed from her hands. Mocking her. His corpse is mocking her. The people that took him are mocking her. Her uselessness. Her inability. They're laughing at how Sae can't have anything. At how easy it was to wrench him from her hands.

Kaoru would never reach his 24th birthday. The cake she bought for him with its custom lettering would never be delivered to its recipient. No more drinks together after hours. No more conversations over the phone ignoring how late it is as they giggle at their mutual sleep deprivation. Death means the end.

Sae's hands tremble in the fists she makes at her sides. She clenches so tight her nails bite into the skin of her palms, but the pain is nothing. After a brief, clipped call with the police, she kneels beside him. She shifts him over, not the easiest task with dead weight, but she's strong. Sae's tough. Seeing his face is a whole new challenge compared to when he was face down. This way, the bullet hole seems even more real as it's right through his forehead. Right where his eyebrows would crease in a smile. Something she'll never have the pleasure of seeing again. But that's what it was, she now realizes. Spending time with him was a pleasure she can't indulge in anymore. Another one pierces his heart, as if they took it with them on his journey.

Sae's far too bitter to believe in some sort of other realm. Heaven or be it hell, she sees death as the ultimate end. But in this moment, there's a hope rather than comfort. The idea that maybe someone as good as Kaoru was to her might have a better place now, she can hope for that.

"I'm sorry." Sae says as she cradles his head above the concrete. A few pedestrians walk by the alley, but none stop for even a second's glance into it. She doesn't care. All the more privacy for them. But if only someone had stepped in. If only someone had cared enough to save him.

Maybe that 'someone' should've been me.

His eyes are glassy and gone staring into nothingness. His hair grimey from the alley's dirt and maybe some struggle judging by the fresh bruises on him. She wipes the dirt from his face and closes his eyelids. Propping him up against the wall in what little respect she can show him.

"I'm sorry about this. You of all people didn't deserve this." Sae takes a pause with a shuddering breath. She tilts his head up to face hers even as his eyes are closed. Even as he no longer breathes, she hopes she can reach him. "Kaoru. Wherever you are now, I hope you're okay. I hope you've found somewhere better. Somewhere where a person like you, so bright, won't get snuffed out. Somewhere… Somewhere you can honestly smile, like I hope you did with me." She's too choked up to continue speaking, so she brings his head into her shoulder as she cries. It's not long before the sound of sirens drown out her tears.

Once again. She's robbed. She's asked questions by the authorities which she answers out of obligation in monotone replies. Still feeling numb from the loss. She doesn't want to do any more talking tonight.

Sae Niijima truly feels she's left with nothing at all. The depths of her heart ache with loss. All that remains for her is to find peace, stability, and a life in her own justice. But even with that simple, empty goal lies lurking questions in the back of her mind. Where did her father's justice lead him? What reward did the world award Kaoru for his righteousness? Disgusting doubts begin to fester within her. Subtle, sure, but there. She wonders if goodness is certain to lead to ruin. And if the idealized justice that she seeks, whatever that answer may be, even exists. If her dream doesn't exist then what will she work for? What even is justice for her own heart? What is right? Questions she can't answer.

But either way, Megumi Niijima shouldn't have died. Kaoru should not have died. Those are absolutely certainties ringing out in her soul. She will not forget them.

This world didn't deserve you, Kaoru. Sae thinks. And it rings out in her head without end.

12 months ago.

"I want to believe in you. Can I do that?" The man asks with a waver to his voice. Here he sits, across from Sae Niijima in her office. Her name stands on a placard on her desk. All shiny and pristine. He, comparatively, isn't looking so great. It's been a rough couple days staying up late with minimal quality sleep, if any at all. And as such his hair isn't as meticulously prepared as hers. Not that she's been getting a full 8 hours either. To say the least, climbing the ladder of the law has been arduous. She's been working even harder, and talk between her and her sister has been cut short.

"Yes." Sae replies, stacking her papers at her desk. "I take this all very seriously. The fact is, we're on the same side."

"Great. That's a relief. Then, in that case, I'll be putting my bet on you." He says. Not only that, he's put his money into the private lawyer. In under a decade she's becoming a rising star in the scene based on what little research he had time to do, and she was heavily recommended. As such, he feels the money he invested in her will undoubtedly pay dividends. Because he has a life to get back to.

"A gamble, huh? Not a bad word for all this. But rest assured, I don't plan on putting anything in this trial to chance. I believe in your innocence, and I'll prove it." Sae says with determination. "I'll do my absolute best in order to ensure you get fair representation."

"When you say it like that, all of this doesn't sound so bad." Shinji says with a widening smile at her confidence. Most of the nervousness has been swept away by her determination. Though she seems young, he feels confident in her prowess in this field now. And who am I to talk about age. I'm not much older than she is. Better her than some old guy who can't read these laws straight. He thinks to himself.

"Now, tell me about yourself. I'm not sure how familiar you are with legal proceedings, but it's in your best interest to share as much as you can with me. Justice is my sole goal."

"Great. Great. I work at an orphanage. It's not much but I don't really do it for the money. I do it to try and help the kids that live there, you know? They can't help the hand they've been dealt. And no, I don't think I'm some saint for doing this. I wish I could do more. I wish I could get them out to families of their own. But I can't."

"I understand." Sae says with a nod. Her eyes narrow as she reads over something. "You're suspected in a case of murder. That's quite the severe case."

"And that's why I came to you. I don't understand it at all. It doesn't make sense to me. I don't have the guts to hurt someone. Much less… take someone's life." He says, hanging his head.

"I see. As of now, with the evidence that I can see, we aren't in dire straits. I won't go as far as to say this will be easy, but this case shouldn't be an impossible one either."

"So, you think we'll win?"

"Justice will win, as it should." Sae says. "I'm not very concerned as of this moment by any angles the prosecutor will take in his statement. Either way, I'm not going to be lax about this. So let me ask this, Shinji. How were you treated? Did anyone try to speak to you?"

"They brought me right to the station after my arrest. I wanted to ask for a lawyer, I had you in mind. But they said I had to talk. And if not, they'd hit me. They didn't do anything more than push me around, but I was surprised. Besides, there's no way I could confess like that. I know I didn't kill her."

"They questioned you and tried to get a confession under threat? Without me there?! Are you serious?"

"I'm not lying!" He replies in a placating gesture with his hands between them. Waving her off.

Sae winces. "I'm sorry, but it's technically legal. The police don't need a lawyer present for them to begin questioning. But I completely disagree with that sentiment - I've been trying to change it, but there's just not enough support. People just don't have enough desire for change. At the very least, information or confessions obtained forcefully in that way can't be used as evidence in court. So we should be fine, but I'll get back to that."

"But moving on, we should be preparing our defense, right? What kind of case are you planning on making?"

"Someone's been watching tv." Sae says dryly. "Still, you're right. I'll be making my case based on the facts of the matter. So, let me ask you this. Were you in fact at the orphanage in Arakawa at the time of the killing? It was early morning. 6 am, February first, 2015. Do you recall where you were that day?"

"That's the thing." He says, bringing a hand to his head. "I can't remember for the life of me. It's all a blur. It's not even at the tip of my tongue. It's like I just… forgot. I think I remember some stuff, but nothing was really different about that day in particular from what I think I can remember."

Sae nods her head. "Okay. Then how about this. Do you recall if you ever owned a metal rolling pin specifically? And if not, have you ever seen one?"

"A rolling pin? And a metal one?" He scratches a finger against the side of his face - maybe a nervous habit. "I remember having a wooden one for sure. But I'd never bought a metal one for myself. Maybe there was one in the orphanage, but I wouldn't be able to tell you. I never really had business in the kitchen."

"Okay. Interesting. That's good to know." Sae says, furiously jotting down notes in a small lined paper notepad. She has remarkable penmanship for the pace at which she writes. "Did you say anything, anything, to the police?"

"Yeah. I did." He admits. "No sugarcoating it. Even if I knew I didn't do it, I was a bit concerned by what they said."

"Okay." Sae replies. "You're going to have to tell me exactly what you said. The prosecution will no doubt have access to that information, and I need to know what you said in order to dismantle any arguments they'll potentially make."

"Right, okay. I told them I was there. Because of how vague my memory is, that's pretty much all I could say."

"I see." Sae says. "Well, it could be worse. I've got a lot of work to do, but we'll keep in contact. One last question. What hand is your dominant one?"

"Huh? Oh, It's my left, why?"

"You'd be surprised at what evidence can prove useful, Mr Kagawa. You very well may be surprised when our court date arrives as well. Oh, and one last thing. I'll be making an order for a transcript of all those who lived, and currently live at the orphanage. Assuming that is possible, who should I contact?"

"It is possible. We have a very efficient receptionist. She's honestly overqualified. Here, i'll put you through to her."

---

Sae's preparation, as always, is meticulous and extensive on the route to the court date. She wishes to leave nothing to chance. Not only to build her reputation of success so that she can earn more and become seen as more reliable, but also so that she can reach some stability with her position.

She makes long strides towards the court, but isn't in any rush, either. Tokyo's high court. A drab, simple yet fitting building. It's not as if courtrooms are supposed to be colorful. They aren't places of joy, she knows. Rarely would she say she feels anything near that in court. Work is work, after all. It's just under two kilometers from the diet building. Not far at all. A light walk, really.

Sae opens the doors without a second thought, no looking back.

Judges sit in an orderly row. Nine of them in total. Six lay judges make up the jurors, all non professional.

Six lay judges to convince, and 3 professionals. To win the case, all that's needed is a majority decision rather than a unanimous one. The judges decide sentencing, of course. And you need at least one professional judge to agree with your side in order to win the case. In other words, you can sway all of the lay judges, but still lose a case. It's a system Sae doesn't particularly like due to the chasm in experience between professional judges and lay judges, but it's one she has to live with.

"Remember, you have to tell the truth." Sae says so only Shinji can hear. "Perjury is a very real and Indictable crime. I've had a surprising amount of clients not understanding that before the trial. So I wanted to clear that up. Lying isn't an option."

"Yeah, got it." Shinji replies, taking a breath. She understands. This stuff isn't exactly good for the heart. Nor can it be good psychologically with such heavy charges being levied against you.

"One more thing." Sae says. "It's probably not going to be very important, but I don't want you mentioning the gap in your memory, okay? That doesn't fall under perjury as not saying something is completely different from fabricating a story under oath. It's small, but your gap of memory should actually work heavily in our favor. So under no circumstances should you disclose that, leave that to me."

"Okay, I understand." Shinji nods. He doesn't really get it, but he trusts her. He has to.

A quiet seems to fall over the courtroom as things really begin in earnest.

"Can you confirm that you are indeed Shinji Kagawa? A 35 year old male currently residing within the Ibaraki prefecture, north of Tokyo. More specifically, your place of residence is written as 369-2 Teraueno. Is that all correct?" A judge opens.

"That's all true, your honor."

The judge nods. "In that case, we may proceed. The charges levied against you consist of 2nd degree murder. Unplanned, yet unprovoked and unjustifiable. As stated in article 38 paragraph 1 of the constitution, 'No person shall be compelled to testify against themselves.' In other words, you have the right to remain silent."

"If there's ever a question you don't wish to answer, you don't have to." Sae says to follow up.

"If you wish to make a statement, now is the time." Another of the professional judges says. "However, be aware that it can and very well might be used against you in this court of law. Any word you say is susceptible to be used as evidence."

After a bit of hesitation, Shinji makes his decision. "I understand. I have nothing to say."

"Very well then. We'll proceed with the opening statements." The third professional judge speaks for the first time.

The prosecutor clears his throat to speak. His opening statement no doubt prepared in advance. "On February first, 2015, the defendant in this matter killed Yukata Seko by way of blunt force trauma. Specifically, he repeatedly hit Yukata until she could resist no longer. Breaking bones to the point she then died. By this case's conclusion and based on the evidence we'll bring to light, I'm absolutely confident that there will no longer be any doubt. The defendant will be proven responsible, and will return a guilty verdict as he hangs his head in the shame of his actions being exposed to the people. He will receive a sentence befitting this grave crime. To make matters worse, Mr. Kagawa beat this woman to death in cold blood. Our experts found no signs of a struggle. And the reasoning behind that was the drugs found coursing through her system. Quite possibly administered by Mr. Kawaga to make killing her that much easier."

"Objection." Sae says calmly as the prosecutor finishes his opening statement.

Already? The prosecutor frowns. Well, let's see it.

"Suggesting my client used drugs on that woman is a completely unfounded claim as it stands now. First off, I'd like to see records or some sort of toxicology screen of some sort. And secondly, if an expert is present or was sought after who could confirm that there were indeed drugs in the victim's body, there is still a lack of a correlation between my client and the drugs in her body. Unless you have the answer to that as well." Sae says, crossing her arms.

"Not a problem." The prosecutor replies. "We have the records in progress, they're being processed as we speak."

"Well then, if they don't currently exist, or aren't present, they can't be used as evidence." Sae concludes. "Do we even know where these rumors of the intoxication of the victim originate from? Was it included in the autopsy?"

A judge speaks up then to her surprise, rather than the prosecutor. "The relevant documents you're seeking are in procession as the prosecution stated. Please refrain from engaging in useless tirades. I'm sure you'll be able to see the relevant documents at a later date."

Sae shakes her head. Beyond incredulous. "Useless? I'm attempting to continue my conduct as according to due process. In order to prove beyond a reasonable doubt whether my client was guilty of this crime or not. This isn't a light accusation, and as such we must exhaust every resource possible in order to ensure we are certain of our verdict at the end of this trial. Everything must be put into question."

"We are all well aware of legal processes, Ms. Niijima. We know our jobs. You just have to focus on yours."

"That's… What I'm doing." Sae replies in confusion. "I can't understand the reason for the rejection of my appeal for an objection, your honor."

"You were rejected because we deem it unnecessary to find the truth of this case. Now, the prosecution may proceed."

"Wait, I have something else to say." Sae buts in. "Why weren't those documents retrieved and prepared beforehand? There was no use to delaying this court date if the prosecution wasn't going to be adequately prepared for the start date regardless. We truly can't proceed normally if such key evidence isn't even present. What reason is there to believe it exists in the first place?"

"Are you suggesting it's a fabrication? Merely because you haven't seen it with your own eyes?"

"I didn't make any suggestions, your honor. I'd just like to suggest that the prosecution being so unprepared is worthy of question. And frankly, as such, those documents can't be considered as evidence when they're not present."

"That is not for you to deem." A judge replies. "Now, continue."

"You have my thanks." The prosecutor says. "We have a witness who would like to speak. His testimony will surely bring new light to this case. Please, Goro Akechi, the floor is yours."

Akechi walks up to the stand, before the few spectators of the trial, the prosecution and defense.

"You have my thanks." The man, no, boy would be more accurate. He can't be older than 18. Yet he dresses and speaks beyond his years. "The facts are quite simple. I was one of the few children able to observe Shinji Kagawa on a daily basis, a given, as I lived under him during my stay at the orphanage. So I'd like to attest to the fact that he is undoubtedly the man who killed that woman." Akechi pauses and averts his eyes. "The person who killed her. They should never be forgiven. That's why I'm testifying today. Because justice has to be served. If not, I won't be able to find my peace. So please. I understand this is selfish of me. I should be impartial, I know. But it's impossible. The killer of that woman should never be allowed to run free. For his hands are sullen forever more with blood. And that blood won't ever wash off. I'm convinced that he'll kill again unless we bring him to justice."

The court seems to be overtaken by an almost eerie silence. The power behind his words is strengthened by clear emotion. Grief and sorrow. The waver in his voice isn't something you can conceivably fake. Like witnessing an unknown stage actor, he sweeps up the attention of the people with their awe.

At the end of his statement, peculiarly he begins to breathe with difficulty. Leaning forwards against the stand. There aren't many taking notice, but Sae does. He doesn't look to be in bad shape. But he's wincing as he takes in the air.

"I'd like to present a piece of evidence that will hopefully close this case." Akechi says, determined not to waste any time. He composes himself before he continues. "Shinji Kagawa. It was a rolling pin. One made of metal. You don't need to tell me. I already knew. And that's because… before he killed that woman," Akechi pauses briefly to lift up his shirt. Exposing a wall of bruises all over his skin. Yellowish green, even purple, some of them. Bandages red with dried blood seeping through at his sides. "He beat me with that same tool."

He's a masterful artist. He plays the part perfectly. And even Sae is blown away.

Akechi lowers his shirt. "He… broke my ribs. So, I apologize as I'm not able to speak quite as I usually do." Sure enough, his speech is accompanied by pained winces and moments where he has to catch his breath. Sae knows those bruises are real. She knows when someone's faking. But despite all of his showmanship, this is no imitation. He's genuinely hurt. And his feelings come from his core. "This isn't about me, but I wish to become a detective to stop such distasteful murders from ever occurring in the first place. The best way I can repay her, and the only thing I can do for her, is to bring her killer to justice. Please. Give me that much. Let her rest at ease."

"Thank you, Akechi." A professional judge says as he steps down, his hands trembling with the weight of the raw testimony. There's a small smile on his face, but it doesn't seem to be a satisfied one in the slightest. Sae takes that as shock.

"Akechi, I understand this is difficult for you, but can you tell us exactly what you saw on February first? Can you give us a full account? How about you start with what you know about the accused and if he's ever given you reason to suspect an act as reprehensible as murder is?" The prosecutor asks.

"Yes, I can. It was February first. I woke early in the morning at the sound of a cry. I wasn't sure what was going on, so I wandered over to the kitchen in the dark. Myself and the woman who was murdered lived rather close. As such, it was easy to hear her cries. But when I saw her, she wasn't being beat. This was just before six in the morning. He hit me, again and again until I couldn't stand any longer. And after that, the weapon was turned to her. I watched as he slammed that metal rolling pin into her. Over. Over, and over again! She died, and there was nothing I could do about it. He caved her body in, and painted the flooring in her blood. Someone dragged me out of the kitchen, and probably called the police too. After that, I lost consciousness for hours. After that, I was taken into police custody and gave them all the information I could. Much of which I just told you all. All of this is for justice."

"Would you mind telling us why exactly you were awake so early?" The prosecutor asks Akechi.

Akechi takes a breath and a fair pause before continuing. "Not a problem. Quite frankly, the orphanage we lived in wasn't the most pleasant. It was just a rung or two above a flat out slum in terms of its residence. Even calling it an orphanage is a stretch, I'm not sure if we were ever government funded. It never felt like it." Akechi glares, clutching the stand. "But yes, the reason why I was awake at the early hour was mostly because of the cry I heard. But also, our sleeping conditions weren't the greatest. It'd be rare for me to get a proper sleep with how we lived. It was all I ever knew."

No discrepancies between what he just said and the statement the police recorded in their own questioning where they overlap. It all checks out. Sae thinks. It isn't the best situation to be in, but it's far from the worst.

"One more question, if you will, Mr. Akechi." The prosecutor says. "As you were undoubtedly close to him during your stay at the orphanage, can you tell us if you ever noticed any behavior from him that would suggest such a crime being committed?"

"Well, I would say describing him as antagonistic is accurate." Akechi says. "He wasn't always that way, but he seemed to snap at the smallest things.

"I'd like to ask a few questions of my own about the nature of that testimony." Sae says when it's clear the prosecution has had their fill. "May I have permission, your honor?"

Sae frowns harder than usual at the looks she gets. Not only from the prosecution, but the judges as well. I'm not being disingenuous, am I? No. This is the most basic of basics, and the court is omitting that. They're so focused on the prosecution, it's like they want him prosecuted even despite this questionable process they're all but endorsing.

"Make it quick." One of the professional judges says.

Sae turns back to Akechi who smoothes his long brown hair. It almost hides his face with the length of his locks.

"First, let's start with something simple. Were the lights on in the room? Specifically, the kitchen where the murder is said to have taken place? You were there, correct? So you should've seen if the lights were on or not."

"I was there." Akechi replies, meeting Sae's intense gaze. "The lights were indeed on at 6 in the morning when the murder transpired."

"So, can you tell me this, then. How bright were the lights? Not only that, how good is your eyesight?"

"The lights in the kitchen are dim, but not to the point I'd have any difficulty seeing. And of my eyesight, I've never had any impairments nor needed glasses. And I was close enough that I could've seen even if I didn't have good eyes."

"Interesting. So you can confirm you wouldn't have mistaken another for my client? It wasn't a man or a woman of a similar build, but Shinji Kagawa without a doubt?" Sae asks, continuing the fast pace of their back and forth as she makes mental notes.

"Without a doubt. That man beat me, and murdered her in quick succession." Akechi replies.

"I'll be coming back to this, but your testimony seems accurate. The CCTV footage matches your words. Moving on to a more general statement, I'd like to bring question to the origin of your injuries. While Akechi's no doubt been abused, is there anything beyond his word to lead to the fact that he was assaulted by my client specifically? Without supplementary evidence such as a professional analysis of his wounds, distinctive forensic evidence, or another witness who can confirm the validity of his testimony, it isn't enough." Sae says. "I would hope we won't have to wait for those documents as well. Otherwise that'd paint the legal system as incompetent."

She's good. Akechi thinks as he purses his lips.

"I object to that." The prosecutor says with a little too much emotion. "There is indeed a witness who can confirm his presence at the scene. And even one who can add her own layer of truth to this matter. A second pair of eyes confirming what Akechi saw will solidify the truth."

A blue haired girl steps up to deliver her piece, standing where Akechi stood earlier, up at the stand. Her eyes dart around. She seems quite nervous by the way she doesn't seem to know what to do with her hands.

"Your name and relevance to the case?" The judge asks.

"I'm Akane Kuronawa." She replies with a bit of a squeak to her voice. "I saw Akechi at the orphanage. I came by later than he did, and only saw the aftermath. The body. The weapon. And Akechi, still there, in shock. I didn't know what to do. All I could do was get him to call the police with me. I was so scared."

"Surely you don't plan to disregard not one but two witnesses with the same story, Ms. Niijima."

"Normally I wouldn't be able to, but one issue with that statement. Once again, I'd like to perform a cross-examination." Sae says. Unable to hide her smile. You can hear it in her voice.

"What? No, Ms. Niijima you couldn't possibly have a problem with her testimony, that's absurd! It was perfect!"

"Not quite." Sae replies. She can't help but give herself the satisfaction of a smirk as she sorts through her papers. She picks one from her stacks, protected in plastic casing. Sae holds the papers beside her head as she opens her mouth to speak. "Right next to me, in my hand right now, are copies of the reception records for the orphanage. Not only was this system integrated at the orphanage's opening, its records take the names of each and every person to walk into the premises. And in all of those years, there was not a single person named Akane Kuronawa. I obtained multiple copies if any of the judges, or even the prosecution, wish to confirm for themselves."

Shit. she got us. Not that it matters for the outcome, but this doesn't look good on me. I might lose my job at this rate. The prosecutor thinks.

"That's not all, however. In addition to bringing the receptionist in with me today to present her own testimony, I made the decision to seek out a Pulitzer prize winner for her academic writings, and an established doctor within the medical world. As prescribed by Tae Takemi, Ms Fumiko Watanabe has a memory that can be considered eidetic. Not only would she recall the name if it was said, she'd remember the face. In other words, Ms Watanabe has perfect recall."

"Is the statement about your memory true?" A judge asks as Fumiko makes her way up to the stand.

"I have the signed documentation with me." The receptionist replies. "Not only that, I can confirm that Sae Niijima is correct in saying there was never an Akane Kuronawa within the premises. Not to visit and certainly not to stay."

"There's no need to look over the evidence. It's clear that Akane's account can't be trusted." A judge says, glaring over at the prosecutor.

Akane leaves in a hurry. She never seemed like she wanted to be here regardless. It has Sae wondering if they coerced her somehow, but that would be beyond ridiculous.

"Returning back to the evidence your specialist was supposed to provide," Sae begins. "I presume it's not prepared?"

"Well, no. There simply wasn't enough time. The experts need a proper environment and timeline to do their work."

I have no doubt they had time. Unless you were intentionally delaying it, you should have some documents. Sae thinks to herself. But why? Do the documents not exist? Could they even be forged? That line of thought makes her shudder. She feels she's jumping to conclusions, sure. But with the judges and prosecution's willingness to ignore standard procedure, she can't deny the possibility.

In that case, I'll just ignore his excuses for now. The lay judges should be swayed by the flaws in their evidence. After all, the burden of proof lies on the prosecution. At this point a case beyond a reasonable doubt that Shinji is guilty is all but impossible. All I need to do is continue to poke holes in their arguments. It's up to them to make an airtight case.

"Returning to Mr. Akechi's testimony, I'd like to read off a witness statement I collected in my preparation. Written and signed by Hana Kagawa . It reads 'From all of my 8 years of which I have been Shinji Kagawa's spouse, I have not noticed any violent tendencies at all. In fact, my husband would be revolted even by the thought of hurting someone, much less killing them. I just can't believe he'd do something like this. If he did, which can't be true, it'd be completely out of character. He would have to be some sort of sociopath, but he isn't.' If we take her account into consideration, it casts doubt on Akechi's own testimony. Firstly, how well and how often was Akechi in contact with Shinji? I can hardly believe Akechi would've been able to know more about Shinji's nature than his wife would. The contrast between these two testimonies is confusing unless one of them is innacurate. Not only that, but I had doctor Takemi proceed with a psychological evaluation of my client. I made sure not to inform him of the reason behind this so that he would answer truthfully, as if it were a normal checkup. And after consulting with the doctor, she found no significant deviations from the norm in terms of his psyche."

"Why isn't his spouse here today?" The prosecutor asks, his face paler than it was minutes ago. "Why not deliver her statement personally?"

"She is not in the country at the moment. She was traveling, and it wasn't financially feasible. However, upon my own personal questioning, she wished to testify even if she couldn't be here in person. And she suggested she would do all she could to make herself available to future court dates for this case in order to provide a fuller testimony. I'd like her to be a witness in this court of law."

"That won't be necessary. Now, let us proceed." A judge says.

Whatever. I won't let them derail me.

"Mr. Goro Akechi. There's something else I'd like to ask you."

"I'm listening." He replies with a little smile.

"You say you saw my client murder that woman undoubtedly, yes?"

"That's correct. I saw it all happen." Akechi replies. Looking a bit unsettled as he does, as if he's still reliving that very moment.

"You said the lighting was good. And judging by the distant footage we have, you'd be right. Being so close, was there anything you couldn't see? For example, how he was standing. Moving. Finer details like that. Do you remember details like that? I understand you were close, but would your memory fail you?"

Where is she going with this? Is this not getting redundant? Akechi wonders.

"It wouldn't." Akechi replies with determination. "I couldn't ever forget it."

Sae's red eyes smolder with intensity as she seems to lean in almost unconsciously. Getting worked up in this constant game of chess.

"Then answer this, Mr Akechi. If your testimony is so solid. If you're so certain, what hand did you see Akechi holding the weapon with? That rolling pin you claim it was, what hand did he hold it with? If you were so close, your memory so clear, you should remember."

Akechi doesn't hesitate to give his answer. "He held it in his right hand."

Time seems to slow as the courtroom lies in wait.

"And that's a problem, Akechi. My client… Is left-handed."

Akechi's eyes widen with a little excitement as he grins. She really got us!

"Ridiculous." The prosecutor sneers. "How could he possibly be expected to remember such subtle details!?"

"Let's keep our professionalism about us. All I'd like to say is that if Akechi can't properly discern what hand my client was supposedly holding the weapon in, that raises questions. Firstly, in the truth of his testimony. If he is unaware despite his certainty he could very well be lying. Secondly, if he was so certain, and he was incorrect, that must bring into question the validity of Akechi's testimony."

"That's enough." A judge says, imposing their will. "Let us move onto the question surrounding the murder weapon."

"Yes, yes that's right." The prosecutor replies, straightening out his suit jacket and taking a moment to regain his composure. "We've just received notice that our expert in the field of forensics has analyzed the fingerprints we found all over the weapon, a dented metal rolling pin as stated. Which was retrieved from the orphanage."

"I have to object, your honor." Sae interjects. "The defense was not cognizant of this fact. As such we weren't able to properly prepare-"

"This is key evidence, Niijima." The judge replies. "You're both on even ground here, given that the evidence was not expected to be consolidated before the case reached its end.

"And I understand that. So I request that we adjourn, so that both the prosecution and the defense can properly analyze this evidence and prepare their arguments around it."

"No. Denied." A judge replies. "This trial should be conducted with proper pacing, should it not?"

Replacing the aspiring detective, the specialist walks up to the stand.

"Good day, your honors. I won't waste any time. After thorough examination there can be no doubt that the accused, Shinji Kagawa, used the murder weapon. A bloodied metal rolling pin. His fingerprints were all over the surface. Also, there were hair follicles found at the scene of the murder that matched his DNA."

"With that, I believe this case to truly be proven beyond a reasonable doubt." The prosecutor says. "I'm fine with taking this to a decision now.

"Objection." Sae says when he finishes speaking. "That's nothing but circumstantial evidence. That isn't enough to be convinced that my client is guilty. There aren't enough accounts for which prove that he was the murderer beyond a reasonable doubt as the prosecution suggests. Not only that, my client stated that he's never owned a metal rolling pin. Only a wooden one. Isn't that right."

"It's the truth." Shinji says with a nod.

"Additionally, just because my client's fingerprints were found on the rolling pin does not mean it was the murder weapon. It could've been warped any number of ways. Especially when considering the lack of witnesses outside of Akechi. Could be really have known it was a rolling pin if it was as dark as he said? It could've been a metal bar. A cylindrical object. Or even a different method of blunt force all together."

Smartass. The prosecutor clenches his teeth as he scowls at her. Stop trying to win, bitch.

"The objection is overruled." The judge says.

"What? Why?" Sae asks before she can stop herself.

"Ms. Niijima, circumstantial evidence in such heaping amounts is valid enough to prove a case beyond a reasonable doubt."

"But your honor, from all my education, that's simply not the case. Especially not with the evidence they've provided. It's not only just circumstantial evidence, but also when considering the general conduct in this trial, it can hardly be considered a due process. Violations of multiple articles within our constitution, such as articles 35, 37 and 38 reflect especially badly on us legally. When considering the delays of this trial, and the continued lack of proper documentation from these supposed specialists, the prosecution was woefully unprepared. All of these factors did not allow for my client to experience a speedy trial as he has rights to. Not only that, I'd like to cast doubt onto the impartial nature of this trial. Even merely from an outsider's perspective the amount of my statements and or objections that have been overturned is abnormal at best. Quite simply, we have failed." Sae argues passionately.

"Are you quite finished?" A judge asks, sounding bored.

"Well, yes. That's the extent of the evidence I've gathered." Sae says. "I hope you can consider everything presented in this case, your honors."

As the judges leave the courtroom to discuss and debate over the verdict, Sae takes a deep exhale. This back and forth never gets any easier. It's thrilling and draining both. Like the adrenaline a professional fighter feels when they step in the cage, there's the undeniable weight of lives on the line - especially when dealing with murder.

"I think we're in a good spot." Sae says to Shinji. "There shouldn't be any problems. I'd say we won this verdict with confidence."

"That's great. I can't thank you enough." Shinji replies. Shaking her hand in some sort of offer of his appreciation.

After a debate that only lasted fifteen minutes by her count, the verdicts came in as the judges returned to the courtroom. If the timing was any indication, they made a decision rather decisively. But Sae's seen decisive cases. This doesn't strike her as one anywhere near beyond reasonable doubt of guilt. Though, as such, without any clear indication of guilt, not guilty is the only possible verdict.

The first judge says…

Guilty.

Sae doesn't react. Even if she thinks her evidence she presented was close to perfect, unanimous rulings can't always be achieved. A majority decision is still a decisive win. With how this went, I never expected a unanimous ruling.

Guilty.

Okay…

Guilty.

Surely not.

Guilty.

This can't be possible.

Guilty.

It can't.

Guilty. Guilty. Guilty. Guilty.

A unanimous decision in favor of the punishment they deem correct - life imprisonment without parole. The judges words confirm the ruling with damning truth. Sae hardly heard their droning words as her head swims. She clutches the armrests of her seat tight, like she can choke the inanimate object. As if that will help somehow. She feels lightheaded, A verdict like that shouldn't ever be possible. Not a single person. Not a single of the nine judges thought her case was in the right. Not a single judge found any flaws in the case the prosecution put forth?

"That's impossible! Where was it?" Sae yells a bit too loud. "What kind of trial was this?"

"This is a court of law, Miss Niijima. Shouldn't we have some decorum. You should take this loss with grace." The Judge chimes in with a hint of smugness.

"I know where we are! This, this is all wrong! My client, no, this man. He's innocent. Shinji is not guilty!" Sae marks her declaration with a slam of her hand on the desk she now stands at. It's not as loud as she would've liked, and pain bursts through her palm at the force of which she slammed her hand. She ignores it.

The few people still in the audience look confused at her outburst. The public doesn't understand enough about legal matters to see the blatant corruption within both the proceedings of the trial, and the biased nature of the verdict. They don't know they should be outraged as well.

"But he is guilty. He is a murderer. The evidence all points toward that truth." The prosecutor replies. She couldn't give a damn about his name right now.

"That can't be true. The evidence is completely contradictory. Your stories don't make any sense! There's no consistency, no nothing!"

"So you disagree with all of our esteemed professional judges?"

"I-"

"The Jurors?"

"It's-"

"Are you trying to claim that you're right and we're all wrong? That the nine judges' judgment and my own findings are all incorrect, and instead you who stand alone are the one in the right? You do realize how that sounds, right?" The prosecutor asks. "It's weird you'd try to go down with a murderer. What a weird hill to die on."

"I can't be wrong." Sae says, but it's quieter than it should be. And it sounds weak even to her ears. It's not that she doesn't believe it. No, her evidence was all but impeccable. But in the face of so much dissent, it's difficult to invalidate their collective judgment. Because honestly, she does sound like the crazy one saying they're all wrong. Even if she never has believed something more than that. The facts are simple. The case was conducted poorly, with bias, and the prosecution broke multiple articles in the constitution on the way to this verdict. A guilty verdict which simply isn't right.

Sae feels the eyes boring into her, their judgment. It's unfair. It's unjust. But there's nothing she can do to escape their gazes. She's strong. She could handle it. After all, she has no personal connection to any of these people. Even if it's slightly hurtful, ultimately, their gazes are irrelevant. Their assumptions are unimportant. Her reputation will be fine.

But Shinji. He isn't guilty. And his eyes hold the most weight behind them. There's so much depth to his gaze meeting hers. Her eyes tighten up as she meets his. In his eyes she sees him. His confusion. His desperation. The trust he had in her, falling slowly. That slight spark of hope being stamped out as the verdict settles in. He looks at her, with betrayal, with expectation. Looking to be saved, and expecting her to be the one to prove his innocence, he stares with an expectation that she can't meet.

Sae shakes at her own powerlessness. She wants to do something, anything. Yell, accuse the court of its clear and constant breach of conduct. But with everything against her, she lowers her head. Sae Niijima fails to meet his eyes, and in doing so, admits her loss. She turns her eyes away.

Sae Niijima bows under the pressure of the many. The sheer weight of taking on so many people at once an impossible one for her to lift, and so she ignores the one she believes to be innocent.

Shinji can't find any words. He's escorted out of the courtroom without even a clamor of protest.

"I'm sorry." A man says from behind her, so only she can hear. "I'll explain what I can when we're alone. It's an ugly business." Sae looks over her shoulder blankly and finds she recognises the face. Dark brown hair that's almost black, but not quite. Round circular glasses and a set of eyes behind them that look rather tired. She can't remember exactly where though, and he walks along ahead, leaving through a door off to the side. Sae feels stuck in place. She can't move. It's unbelievable what just happened. It makes no logical sense in her mind to the point she can hardly process it. She just lost a trial, the law just condemned a possibly innocent man to what she truly believes is an unjust sentence. She wouldn't have argued so hard if she didn't believe her case. But her evidence was looked over and still they made such a horrendous decision.

The courtroom's noise slowly tapers off. Shuffling of feet and chairs as the Judges and the small audience in attendance leave. The judge leaves as well, having delivered their verdict.

Conversations still persist, but there isn't the slightest hint of anyone opposing the verdict in the slightest, not that she expected any. For how could anyone protest such a clean cut case? The idea behind a unanimous decision is that it's undeniably true - especially for the prosecution who carry the burden of proof. But it can't be true. The less experienced Juror's wouldn't know. Spectators of the case wouldn't either.

But the quiet of the courtroom isn't allowed to rest for long before her thoughts are interrupted. She has no time to dwell on the reality of this outcome before the prosecutor speaks.

"You did this all wrong my lady."

Sae knocks herself out of her shock. "I have a name." She says forcefully as she bats his hand off her shoulder without issue.

"Yeah, you do." He replies, rubbing his forearm in apparent annoyance. "But I don't care to learn it. Don't take this personally, but do you see any women here?" The man says. "No. And there's a reason for that. This isn't a job for somebody soft. People like you don't survive in an environment like this."

"Generalizing a gender as a whole isn't very professional, nor accurate." Sae says coldly.

"I don't have to be professional with you. That's the reality. You are nothing. That's why you're on the losing side. I mean, it's laughable. A woman. Not only that, a woman as a defense attorney. Trust me, you'd get farther as a model. At least then your good looks wouldn't go to waste being a loser."

"What are you even saying?"

"Don't you know the statistics?" He asks, sounding incredulous. "Ninety-nine percent. Ninety-nine percent of cases end with conviction. A guilty verdict. You couldn't possibly win."

"That can't be possible. There's no possible way the percentages could be that skewed. No, those numbers aren't accurate. I've looked over those statistics myself."

"The public records, maybe. There's a reason we don't release it to the general public." He says. "It's a given people would do more than just raise eyebrows if they saw that our conviction rates are so high. It's as you said, it's impossible for so many people to be guilty. A statistical anomaly. Sure as hell does make us look good though. With so many people in prison, crime's not so high."

"Then why have I had so many cases result in a fair and honest verdict?" Sae asks in defiance. "Does that not go against your supposed statistics?"

"Not exactly." He replies. "Your cases just weren't important enough to be tampered with often. You made up the one percent. Yeah, you got the little scraps. The tiny slivers of victory in the dregs where no one cares. That's why you won. This client was just a little more important, so we had you lose."

"This isn't about winning or losing. Justice is about finding the truth of the matter."

He snickers nastily behind his hand, just short of full blown laughter before it dies down. "That was pretty funny. Well, whatever. I don't really care what you do. But have fun with your little justice. Defense lawyer. Ridiculous." He scoffs as he walks away.

It took what felt like an hour, but was probably a matter of minutes of sifting through this information that she couldn't possibly believe before she was ready in some way to move on.

One of the last people renaming, Akechi, hobbles over to her side. "You made a great case. I hope I'll see you again someday." He says. But Sae doesn't care for empty platitudes right now. She needs answers.

Leaving the courtroom, her head decidedly much lower than when she had entered, she only found one man waiting in the drab hallway. Impatiently, if his bouncing foot was any indication.

He perks up slightly as he sees her though, and moves to speak. "I'm sure that was rather eye opening."

"That wasn't anything close to a proper due process. You have some explaining to do. Just what is going on here?" She asks, her frustration clear in her voice. "There's no possible way I'll abide by this blatant corruption. What the hell was that!?"

"And yet you did in the courtroom, right? So you'll do it again. I'm sorry, but we'd like your mind, and you need the money. So this is how it's going to go. You're going to work as a prosecutor going forwards. You're going to learn to play by the rules-our rules. And then you'll be just fine."

"And if I refuse? You can't possibly be thinking law is the only field I can succeed in." Sae says.

"Well, no. Of course not. I know your repository of talents is rather expansive. And while you say you're not subject to corruption, you wouldn't be the type to abuse your younger sister either, would you?"

"Of course not! What are you suggesting?" She responds, her eyes narrowing and her voice trailing off.

"I'm saying, you wouldn't beat her. Normal people wouldn't hurt their own family under any circumstances. But I must say, if Makoto Niijima was found beaten within an inch of her life, it'd be quite the concerning case." He raises a paper thin film with an embedded fingerprint before continuing. "And with your DNA all over her, how could we suspect anyone else?"

"You're blackmailing me?" Sae says in both surprise and confusion.

"Of course not." He replies. "I'm just painting a picture for you. And a realistic one at that. With how verdicts are decided nowadays there's no telling how it could go for the innocent. Just something to keep in mind as you work your way through the ranks. Maybe in the next life you'll be a little more cautious with your phone. Technology is ever evolving after all."

"So that's how you received my fingerprint." she scowls at the thought. "A bug? Hacking?"

"We could've collected it any manner of ways, you just made it really nice and easy for us. So thanks for that. Though honestly, who would've expected their own fingerprint scanner to be sending data to others? I can't really blame you. But hey, don't shoot the messenger. I'm just doing my job. That's how we all are."

"What you're suggesting is illegal, you know. I won't just allow this violation. And besides, that isn't enough evidence to convict me. Do you seriously think you'd beat me in terms of legal knowledge?" Sae says, not backing down as she steps into his personal space. He seems a bit miffed about how she practically towers over him. She's not even wearing heels, but she's definitely a bit of a statistical anomaly in terms of height, hovering just above 6 feet tall. "Just because you can rig a few cases. It's just me and you right now."

The man blinks a few times, taken aback as she enters his personal space. "Oh. You're serious. Well, you're more naive than I thought. I don't get paid to waste time, so I'll make sure I don't have to say this twice. Of course your education, your prowess in this field surpasses mine, but that doesn't matter. There aren't any superheroes here. Nobody will believe you. No one is going to save you. Law is just another branch of politics. Everyone's scrambling over each other like it's opening time on black Friday. We're all a bunch of scumbags. I mean, you're new here, but you've seen it yourself, haven't you? Point being, we're all looking for our own footholds. Whether by trampling over others on our same footing or licking at the boots of our superiors it doesn't matter. There's nothing righteous here. It doesn't exist here or anywhere else. There is no justice. But don't take my word for it. Nobody really likes how this is, but we can't fix this. It'd be like overthrowing the government - never going to happen. You'll have years to find that out for yourself. You stay in line, and there won't be any problems with us. You'll climb the ladder right up to our nice little ship. But if you step out of line…" he says, one foot already out of the door. "It all goes public and we won't hesitate to watch you sink. You're just a pawn. We all are." He sighs, then makes to leave without another word.

Sae is stunned. Floored by this new reality. It all seems like a joke but somehow she finds words to speak before he slinks off. "At least tell me your name if I'm going to be doing this." Her tone the definition of defeat.

He does a half turn and hesitates. It's only a name. He reasons. If that makes this easier, so be it.

"It's Haruto. Haruto Mori. Welcome to the prosecution, Sae Niijima."

And with that he actually leaves, shutting the door behind him softly. Sae all but collapses against the wall.

If it were just one thing, she'd be able to deny it. But She's a logical person. There's too much to prove his words as truth. There's too much that the higher ups and the country itself would gain by parading their prosecution rate. The constant justice in that practically every accused ends up being guilty.

Sae cries alone, again, curled up to her knees in the drab walls that seem to encroach upon her. The gray of her suit melts into that of the walls as she mourns the death of her dreams.

---

2 months ago.

Sae's hands fumble with the lighter as she brings the fabric of the cigarette to her lips. Standing against a tree in the middle of a park, the snow falls around her. Whether she's been here before or not doesn't strike her mind. Once, twice, she fails to light her cigarette. On the third try, she presses firmer. Jamming her thumb against the switch, she finally sparks forth some flame. And finally, her cigarette catches.

Surprisingly enough, the street outside her apartment is empty. Maybe because people can't handle the snowfall. The tiny flame from the cigarette doesn't do much for her own warmth. But still, she takes a long inhale before exhaling the smoke. She doesn't cough as she's heard some people do. And to her surprise, she isn't repulsed by the smell either.

What am I, some seasoned chainsmoker? She wonders, questioning her lack of a reaction to the ashen smell that wafers out. That which used to irritate her before. Maybe, even though this is just her first, she's already been desensitized. Maybe a cigarette simply isn't much at all compared to what he's already seen. Like how a stunt diver won't feel a hint of a thrill at a rollercoaster. Maybe life's just desensitized her.

She's spiraling. The fact that she's aware of it might be worse than If she weren't. At least if she weren't it'd be a sort of blissful ignorance. But it's plain as anything to see. Especially for her. Here she is, giving into another vice. And maybe she has the right to it. She knows better than anyone she's had to work twice as hard for the same positions as people half her skill.

It's been just around 10 months. 10 months since I left the defense and joined the prosecution. Sae shakes her head. Not like I had any choice.

Things just keep getting worse. Sae thinks. Not only is Makoto pulling away for reasons she doesn't understand, work is only getting more intense. Sae doesn't have the time to mend her bond with her little sister. Much less have any semblance of a life outside of work. Her personal life is work. She wouldn't have anything to talk about with people anyway even if she could socialize. All she's got is a one track mind. The only path for her in life. The only thing she can pour her everything into is success. More money. More acclaim. More popularity and the slanderous rumors they spread in the news. Doing anything for a click. Writing anything to get another dollar in their pocket. But she's no different.

It couldn't really be called ambition or desire. It was abundantly clear what her life was.

Sae looks over one particular crisp case file and shakes her head. She holds it almost casually in her hand. A cigarette in the other. I don't need any more trouble. Especially not with those mental shutdown cases coming up. But still, Something's missing from this file. This is an amateur's work.

Sae frowns at the lack of proper documentation. The file is very barebones and if the date is correct, it's a newly filed case. It was one that shouldn't have caught her eye. One that wouldn't normally have. She'd usually just skim past it without more than a cursory analysis. But what she reads or lack thereof is what gives her pause.

Ren Amamiya. 16 years of age. Male. Suspect has longish black hair, almost disheveled looking in his mugshot. Not quite like he doesn't take care of it, but rather the kind of hair that would be unruly with anything less than an ungodly amount of gel.

His record is new - no previous offenses. So this is, in theory, out of character. Or at the very least he's new to punishment under the law for his delinquency. Or so she assumes.

After an extensive and just representation of both the accused and the victim, the subject Ren Amamiya was found guilty on all accounts via overwhelming evidence. It was deemed beyond a reasonable doubt that Ren Amamiya committed the offense he was accused of. The Judge, Prosecutor, and Defence Attorney all concur that the accused is indeed guilty of assaulting the victim. That's how the file reads.

Must've been pretty clear if they reached a unanimous decision. Either that, or the more likely option being that it was rigged against him. It's still almost an unbelievable fact for her to think about. But a fact regardless.

Because of the lack of prior incidents, Ren Amamiya is sentenced to one year of probation.

Again. Nothing too absurd or outstanding. Cases like these happen. That is, until her eyes found the dates.

"One week?!" Sae says aloud. There's no one outside to reply besides the low howl of the wind. She leans forwards, her eyes focusing in on the file. Is this some kind of error? Only one week's worth of a process! That's absurd! Even when the court's rig the verdicts they still try and keep up appearances. But this is different. Ren's process was far, far shorter than usual. As if it was unnaturally accelerated. Bumped up the priority list like a serial murderer might be. The absurdity of the case clears a bit of the haze the cigarette gave her.

Sae continues to look into the case and finds no names for the one who accused Ren. Usually their names are protected from the public, even an alias can be presented-that she'd understand. But there's just no name. No anonymity, but rather it looks like someone just forgot to write it in. Or as If the person that accused him doesn't exist.

Sae pinches the bridge of her nose. Look at me, jumping to conclusions with no real basis for them. But still. I can't deny how I feel. And my instincts have been right before… Sae purses her lips in contemplation. Weighing her options.

One other thing weighs in. He's been sent away for the year of probation by his parents. Supposedly appalled at his record, less than kind words were exchanged, and the family is in turmoil.

For his rehabilitation, he'll need the supervision of a guardian of sorts for the next twelve months. Not only that, he's moving to Tokyo. It's just too convenient. He needs a home and Sae is intrigued by his case. Not only are things not lining up as she thinks they should, but he might just be the key to her finally making progress in unearthing the leaders behind this corruption in the judicial system. She might just be able to find who crushed her hopes.

And her in is Haruto. That man who she hopes knows more than he lets on. As he was the one who introduced her to the corruption in the system, she hopes he isn't insignificant. It's a weird thing to get hung up on, sure, but a part of her wants to be considered significant enough to demand their attention.

She finds the man she was looking for. The one from months ago. Haruto Mori. The one that told her just how corrupt this system was, and made her accept it.

"Do you know anything about this case?" Sae asks, casually showing him the file as if she were a colleague.

"You shouldn't stay in contact with me." He replies, clearly surprised to see her appearing at such a random time. Still, she sees a flicker of something cross over his eyes. "Why this case in particular." He asks, his tone changing to an almost disappointed sounding one.

"Does it matter? I'd call it simple curiosity." Sae replies.

"And curiosity in what regard?" He asks.

"Of the legal kind." She says.

Nothing but non answers. Maybe she just cares that much about the law that these cases actually interest her. It isn't possible she knows. He thinks in annoyance before replying. "Whatever. Case is already closed. If you looked over it you'd know. There's nothing important or special about that one. We get cases like it all the time. He'll be shuffled off to some nobody and that's that. Just how it is, right? Any other questions you feel the need to ask?"

Sae opens her mouth to speak, but seems to decide against it.

"Perfect." The man says. "This truly is for your own sake, so please. If something catches your eye you can run It through me, I guess, but don't make it a habit. Something like this isn't worth looking into."

He hands the file back and gives her a nod before turning away. Disappearing to wherever it is he's needed now.

Sae pumps a fist internally at his response as she walks back to her office. Ignoring the chatter from hallways as crowded as ever. His response plays right into what I'm thinking. Everything's still speculation, obviously, but I think I'm on the right path. I think that this way, I'll be able to learn a little more about what exactly is going on with the law. After all, just asking him probably won't be the best idea. He probably only knows a little more than I do

"This is intriguing." Sae thinks aloud. I'll file the papers right away. Part of her still feels conflicted. She isn't technically in a bad spot, she knows. The money is more than enough now, and winning cases is no problem. If she goes poking around, Haruto's warning might very well be more serious than she knows. Even so, she can't stop her curiosity.

Not only that, bringing in a criminal to her home wouldn't sit right with her. Possibly endangering Makoto and herself isn't a risk she takes lightly.

But despite all of her reservations, she's not one to live comfortably. Sae allows her instincts to carry her, and begins the process to further investigate his case discreetly.

However childish it may be, she's still holding onto the broken shards of her dream. Scattered and lost they may be, she remembers something important. Kaoru wouldn't have forsaken this case. He wouldn't have been able to turn a blind eye. It's exactly this kind of case that he would've fought tooth and nail to solve. And had he lived long enough to unearth the corruption within the system, she's sure they both would've broken free.

But for now, even if her resistance is nothing but petty, she takes that first step.