act44side

How can I declare myself a Lungmenite with no hesitation, but I can't seem to consider Mitsukue my home any longer?

Because Mr. Lin manages the triads well? Because Lungmen has no so-called kami? No, that can't be it.

Hoshiguma, the most important thing in a city is the people. Real, living residents.

People have dreams, and the dreams determine what sort of stories will happen within the boundaries of the city.

You mean...?

Lungmen has long since awoken from the dream Mitsukue is still in.

Fortunately, you managed to make some good friends over there.

They're probably the best part of my experience in Mitsukue.

Isn't that good enough?

I have a bizarre story to share with you too, Inspector.

What is it?

I have heard that near to Mitsukue, in Himedo city, a young kyoukaku has appeared.

He keeps his face hidden, and though his swordplay isn't stellar, he still manages to overpower his enemies with just a bokutou in hand.

This young man who seemed ordinary eliminated a gang that had been committing fraud in the city for years.

According to him, he walked all the way from Mitsukue to Himedo, and would rest no more than a few days there before embarking for the next city.

I hope his journey goes well.

One more thing, which isn't as strange. But it has something to do with you.

A police officer dismissed from his post in Mitsukue is now planning to run for diet office.

You think the old cop will make it?

Odds are ninety-nine percent, no. But should one just quit simply because it's difficult to achieve?

True.

Alright, that's enough chatting for today, and we're pretty much done with the jianbing too. Time for the next round to begin.

I did notice you've switched to a new ride today, but my old pal won't give in without a fight.

I didn't expect the pressure to settle in even before I started my engine, Inspector.

Could it be your attire today?

Thirty-percent, maybe.

Here. Chikuwa, daikon, and burdenbeast tendon.

Phew.

How's the talent agency stuff going? Good?

Good and bad. But it's coming along nonetheless.

I'm glad to hear that.

You cried so much when Hoshiguma left, I thought you'd leave Mitsukue for Lungmen too.

I wasn't that down bad. Hoshiguma had her reasons to go, and I have my reasons to stay.

Hah, Momoka-san, I see you have already gained the air of a professional negotiator. And in such a short time.

Save it.

Tss—It's hot!

Easy. There's no need to rush.

Phew... It's hot, but it tastes so good.

You know, I might have to leave the city for a bit.

Going to that Rhodes Island Hoshiguma mentioned?

That's right.

I know the Momoka name is already bound tight to me, down to my bones...

But I still think maybe in a place where no one knows Momoka Hanyuu, Haruka Shino could live a little life of her own.

Hoshiguma will recognize you at least.

Don't cut in! I'm being serious!

Haha. Alright, alright. Who knows, I might visit too, and make a few more friends myself.

Moriuchi-san, how long do you think we can live like this?

What's with the sudden topic change? I don't really get what you mean.

I can't explain it, but I feel like days like these are numbered.

Now I'm even more confused.

I mean... how do I put it? Nita Street is full of people every night, the skyscrapers in Kajimachi are almost finished, I walk down the street and nine out of ten people are talking about how housing prices are gonna go through the roof...

All my shows have sold out in a single night, and I shake hands with fans until I grow calluses on my palms...

But I get a feeling this will all come to an end pretty soon.

What do you mean? War? An attack from the Northern Court?

They might not have to make the first move. They might... be drawn into this by us.

Oh, someone's calling.

Business?

No, it's Kichisei.

Momoka, big news!

What is it? Did the real estate market crash?

Ha? You still asleep? Didn't that new project hit a fresh high today? How could it crash?

It's about Sarasa!

Sarasa? Didn't she leave Mitsukue soon after Tetsuya?

She sent me a letter with her family crest on it. It's the Nishigori's!

The Nishigori clan... from the Northern Court's Four Great Clans?!

She said she had fun in Mitsukue, but the noise we made might have been a bit too loud, so she went back to Kusarikawa to hide from her family for a bit. Said she'd come back to look for us once it's safer!

How's that for big news?

That's... that's pretty big.

She mentioned you too, and said she knows you're starting a talent agency—and she'd join, if it takes off.

My agency? To be an idol? The princess of the Nishigori clan?!

Momoka, ssh!

If there's nothing else...

There's no rush.

Your work is consistent. More so than Mifune.

The Kinsekikai are under you now, but the Kinseki Group remains a hot potato with few willing to take over. Have you any interest in picking up his scraps and giving the Kinsekikai another chance?

No, sir.

Indeed, picking up his legacy is rather easy in theory, but who knows how many hardships stand in the way.

Do you intend to remain like this for the rest of your days? A gang leader for a group that has lost their home turf?

I'm just creating a home for people who fell off society's ladder and doing a bit of clean up work.

Besides, there is no way I can possibly drag this on forever, if Mitsukue no longer needs the Kinsekikai.

I've had enough of both the Kinsekikai and the Kinseki Group.

I came here today to not only fulfill Mifune-san's promise to you, but to also inform you...

I have tried my best to deal with the Kinsekikai's aftermath, and now I bid my farewell.

You've made up your mind, so I won't insist on changing it.

Good.

Excuse me.

Alas. A beautiful face, but a heart icier than the fields of Ursus.

I was trying to be kind, but she just wouldn't appreciate it. How rare.

Forget it. Let's take a look at the goods.

The paunchy diet member stands up in the luxurious reception room and walks toward a small door at the back.

Shockingly, the room past the door holds no confidential documents or precious metals.

Bereft of even entertainment facilities, it merely looks like a simple, sloppy room of a local.

Other than the old pachinko machine in the center of the room.

Having escaped destruction in Kajimachi, it is now connected to a dedicated circuit, emitting light and distorted music.

The diet member, who appeared quite dignified earlier, is jumping at the chance to have a try at the machine.

He lifts a huge basket of pachinko balls from the ground. Right before he inserts them into the machine, a voice sounds from behind it.

Got your wish?

Yes, yes. Kami-sama, thank you for your blessings! I am finally content!

Thank you for showing up at my humble home after so long!

You stayed with me for so many years, but suddenly vanished the other day, and I was so worried! I thought you had abandoned me! Ah, happy returns!