level_act44side_st03

Really? She wrote just one line?

What would I get from lying to you? I have it right here, if you want to read it yourself.

(Clears throat)

<i>Nei zek laan taan mao,</i> I heard you pissed <i>nei ah je</i> off so bad that he just up and <i>zau maai?!</i>

That's it. Not even a sign off.

Pfft.

You found that funny?

One, I didn't know she was capable of pulling off a cursive script when speed writing.

Two, did you not set the record straight after she personally slapped this letter onto your head, <i>Commissioner Swire?</i>

Stinky rat! Do you think I would have come looking for you if she weren't avoiding me like the plague?

You didn't have to. The less we see each other, the better.

Y-you!

I hereby declare: this last finball in your bowl is now mine.

Go ahead. Consider it consolation for my inaccurate assumption.

You really love to understate things, don't you?

How would you want me to phrase it, then? You clashed head-on with your grandfather in New Siesta—can't say I falsely accused you of that, can you?

Hmph.

Though... you think I should go have a chat with Hoshiguma?

You should, but it's not appropriate for you to do so.

I know, she's been avoiding me, and only calls me by my official title when she has to, but I'm sure we haven't become estranged or anything like that.

After all, she needs to keep a low profile and avoid rousing any suspicion after all that's happened. Plus, she misunderstood me and is kind of awkward about it now, and one of her elders has passed too...

She's not that sensitive.

Really? I feel she can be quite sentimental sometimes... well, not really, uh... how do I describe that...

Wait for Ch'en Hui-chieh to come back, and maybe she can help you brainstorm your answer.

Though what I mean is her current behavior might not be from overthinking. She's merely trying to mess with you.

<i>CAU! LO! SYU!</i> STINKING RAT!

We're thick as thieves, Hoshiguma and I. But she's not one bit as cunning and petty as you!

I appreciate the compliment.

Thank you for the omiyage, Inspector Hoshiguma.

No thanks necessary.

While you were in Higashi, I happened to visit the Jiangqi jianbing shop quite a few times, and began to enjoy the taste of scallion.

I heard you encountered many unpleasant events in Mitsukue. I'm touched you still bothered to bring something back for me after all that.

It's what I ought to do anyways.

Besides, I did stir up quite a ruckus in Mitsukue. I'd be sorry if the mess had affected you, Mr. Wei, or even Lungmen.

Not at all. What I have heard people talk about is your wisdom and courage. You not only cleared your own name, but also avenged Tessai-san, who was as a father to you.

That Kinbee was never a good man. It was only natural for him to be arrested and put on trial. Fortunate for him that you have a good heart and didn't take his head.

...I still have a question for you.

No need for formalities, just ask. You weren't this shy last time, when I was riding a little fast and you sideswiped me to force me to slow down.

Actually, ever since I came back from Mitsukue, I've been thinking...

Lungmen and Mitsukue... what is the difference between the two?

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!

The kami swiftly pounces onto the top of the machine.

All that trouble just for this machine?

Sure enough! I mean, I wouldn't have achieved all this without this machine. All thanks to your blessings!

I don't remember ever blessing you with anything.

Even if you didn't help me in recent years, your aid from twenty years ago was enough for the rest of my life!

That again?

Indeed! The incident that turned me from a useless dreg into an impressive member of society!

I told you before, that had nothing to do with me either.

Hah, I don't believe you. Think about it, what sort of loser was I back then? A jobless hikkikomori unwilling to study or work... to borrow a trendy word of today—ah yes, a NEET.

Every day I begged my mother for coin to get a few pachinko rounds in. If I won, I'd consider myself lucky that day, or unlucky otherwise.

But that day, that day my destiny changed—I saw you on the streets.

I got nothing but wins that day. The pachinko balls flowed freely like water, and I even ran out of trays to carry them all!

And then?

Then?

Then I won a fortune 'big' enough to start a business on Nita Street. They were just pachinko balls after all. There was no way I could win more than the house.

But you showed up, and it proved to me... I was no longer a loser.

From that day on I believed strongly, I was blessed with fortune by you... looked after by a kami.

Had I not gotten blessed by you, how could I have won so much at pachinko, and used the earnings to speculate and profit till today?

I blessed you?

Of course!

The past few days, you were gone, yes? I went through so many hurdles!

I asked that Kinbee to bring me back my pachinko machine. A simple job, no?

But I couldn't give the order directly, so I said, take over Kajimachi, come up with a redevelopment plan, and bring back this pachinko machine on the way back, because I have ties to it.

And then everything went to shit. The Kajimachi gangs, the Lungmen cop, and even Kinbee's own artist... what a mess it was. The machine was almost lost to the chaos too.

<i>Fuzakeru na,</i> if something happened to this machine you blessed, then what point is there turning that piece of rotten land by the river into Mitsukue's commercial center?

It's not just me, but the whole of Mitsukue too... all of Southern Court is under your watch, which is why we're developing so fast and how our property prices are soaring, right?

The Northern Court bumpkins are scrunching up their faces in anger, but they can't do anything about the fact you don't want to go over there.

With you watching over us, we will surely improve, for...

A drop of sweat slides down his face. Not from nervousness, but his passion has gotten him heated up.

For... eternity!

And the kami looks down at him from the top of the machine...

Down at this secretly purchased thirty-floor high luxury apartment, with VIP-exclusive elevators...

Down at the almost hundred-meter high building, down at the clamor and chaos of Mitsukue...

And then It speaks a line It was tired of repeating, yet rarely taken seriously.

What does any of that have to do with me?

The kami jumps out of the tiny room, but the diet member who finally succumbed to his want for a pachinko game does not notice Its exit.

He will never see the kami ever again after this day.

*sigh*

*sigh*

How long have they been talking?

Three hours at least, and there's no signs it's ending. Can I go to the bathroom real quick—

Don't even think about running away. You do know that you caused a huge commotion in Mitsukue, attracting two of the eight major family heads, and even nearly caused a dispute between the north and south, do you?

Forget about my old man, at least that old deer from the Kanou can't do anything to you. You're a priest, after all.

Even if you're not one of the Eight Great Clans, your bloodline's pretty—

Enough! You may no longer want to live, but you shouldn't drag your friends down with you!

You even sent them letters, saying you were planning to hide in Kusarikawa? They would've been in danger right now if you weren't here, *ahem*, performing dogeza.

Didn't you promise Momoka and the rest you'd risk your life to keep theirs safe? I'm sure you're a good man, so since you're so eager to help, I'm just going to the bathroom—

Enough praises. The Kanou and Nishigori heads will be out here soon, and it'll all be fine if you stay, but if you run... heh.

*sobs*...

*sigh*

Are you hungry? I have some chikuwa here, you can have them if you want.

Arigatou...

Um, kannushi-sama, I heard the shrine clergy mention you have a daughter?

Yes, I do. She's a little younger than you.

Are you as harsh with her as you were to me?

The priest is momentarily stunned, then looks at Sarasa as if she is a creature he cannot communicate with.

Me? Harsh with Lisa? What are you thinking?

I mean, didn't she run away like I did? I'm still in Higashi, but she ran all the way to Siracusa!

About that...

Ingrid can explain the whole thing to you if you meet her—

The door suddenly opens.

Fortunately, Sarasa noticed earlier the flickering light coming from the door gap, and returns to her dogeza pose right on time.

The priest immediately catches on, and straightens his back with head bowed, standing to the side.

Now then. Allow me to once again apologize to you and the Kanou clan on behalf of the Nishigori clan. We are extremely sorry for the trouble caused by our failure to discipline our younger generation.

Please, there is no need to exaggerate. The important issues are all settled, and I would like to thank your daughter for providing this opportunity for us to hold this discussion in person.

Mitsukue has an incompetent diet member who allows violent gangs to run rampant, and your daughter merely acted in the name of justice. What wrong has she committed?

As for the kami's whereabouts... if I may be so bold, I believe it is best to leave them to appear on their own terms for now...

The two clan leaders slowly stroll through the shrine's garden and towards the exit of the divine grounds, as if they have not noticed the two standing and kneeling behind them.

So... we're out of trouble?

Technically, yes—

It's time to head home, Sarasa.

The old Ægir casually calls out as he stands under the torii gate.

Sarasa freezes on the spot, her flushed cheeks from the joy of having gotten herself out of trouble turning pale.

She raises her head to look up at the little patch of sky encircled by the shrine, closes her eyes, and clenches her fists in a position where she believes her father cannot see...

Then, she puts on an obedient and emotionless expression as she follows her father's steps out of the shrine grounds.