A massive crowd of reporters, news crews, and curious citizens floods outside the DIPD, creating a chaotic swarm of flashing cameras and urgent chatter. Inside the department, the rookie detectives stand by the window, observing the restless crowd through the glass.
“They’re like insects around a trash can,” Hibiki says.
“Ahaha, that was a good one, Hibiki,” Kenta says with a grin.
“Uh, can you two be serious for one moment?”
“C’mon, Kiara, what’s wrong with laughing once in a while?”
“If it was only once in a while, I wouldn’t be mad, but you’re always so laid back, Kenta.”
“She’s right, brother. You need to take things seriously for once and shut the hell up.”
Kenta sighs and drops his head in a depressed manner. Yamato looks around and sees Captain Sanders walking toward the crowd.
“Look, Captain Sanders is out there.”
Outside the DIPD, Captain Sanders approaches the crowd. In front of the crowd, Sierra Reeds is live reporting on the scene.
“Good afternoon, Daimon Island. This is Sierra Reeds reporting live at the DIPD after something big went down early this morning. If you don’t know, this morning, the DIPD placed famous billionaire Shoma Jiro under arrest. The charges are as follows: money laundering, racketeering, conspiracy with the underworld, providing support to criminal organizations, solicitation for murder, and accessory to murder. Captain James Sanders is here to shed some light on the situation. Good afternoon, Captain Sanders. Can you shed light on the situation following billionaire Shoma Jiro’s arrest?”
“Yes, early this morning, we received an anonymous tip that leaked information tying Shoma Jiro to multiple crimes. After carefully examining the tip and confirming it, we decided it was enough evidence to arrest Shoma Jiro on multiple counts.”
“And did this ‘anonymous tip’ happen to come from the vigilante that still has yet to be caught?”
“Well… it was anonymous, so I wouldn’t know. That’s all I have to share at the moment.”
Captain Sanders turns and walks back into the DIPD. Sierra tries to follow him, but the officers stop her.
“Hey, rookies,” Captain Sanders says as he walks into the department.
“Captain Sanders, what’d you tell them?”
“Don’t worry, Yamato. I didn’t say anything about the Black Knight. For better or worse, I think it’s our best bet to keep that a secret. You rookies are done, by the way. Today, the senior detectives will take over all the duties, even yours.”
“Why? We can handle it.”
“I know you all can, Kiara, but right now the situation is too tense.”
“Okay…”
***
In the living room of Shunji’s house, Shunji and Yuto are watching the news broadcast at the DIPD.
“Phase 1 complete.”
“Yeah? Now how do we get into contact with Madam?”
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“I’m hoping she’s the one who will try to reach out.”
“So you mean to tell me this entire time you were banking on her finding a way to contact us?”
“Yep.”
“Shunji, what the hell?”
“Relax, we’ll figure it out.”
“We better. Or all this was for nothing.”
“We will. And we’ll make sure of it by continuing to apply pressure. You up for taking down some more of her people?”
“What do you got?”
“My network picked up some chatter about a big move Madam’s planning tonight. A lot of her people are gathering in this sector near an abandoned warehouse by the Blackstreet railroad.”
“The same night Shoma gets arrested? What’s her play?”
“I don’t know, but with the event that happened today, it’s something big.”
“Then let's put a stop to those plans.”
***
A dark night looms over Daimon Island. The black clouds and white stars decorate the sky. Near the edge of a railroad, a torn-down and crumbling building stands silent. Inside, Yuto stands alone in the middle of the building in his vigilante suit.
“Shunji, there's no one here.”
“That can’t be right. This is the exact location.”
“Apparently not.”
Suddenly, a phone resting on a dusty desk starts ringing. Yuto picks up the phone and answers it.
“So you’re the Black Knight? The description fits the bill,” the person on the other side of the phone says in a woman’s voice.
“Are you Madam?”
“Yes, some call me that. You’ve been testing my limits for a while now, so I figured I’d give you what you want.”
“You know what I want.”
“Yes, I do. I heard all from Colt Boone. Well, not directly, of course. That’s why I set this trap for you. And before you ask, I figured out you were getting information about me through the whispers of the people who work for the three rulers. It’s impressive, but it also leads to situations like these where I was easily able to lay a trap. You could be dead right now if I wanted.”
“Then why aren’t I?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know? Now then, you wanted information about someone who you believe works for me?”
“The person I’m after is most likely a hitman. Other people in the past were killed in similar manners—people who could threaten the underworld if they were still alive.”
“Okay, I guess that’s enough of a reason.”
“The person I’m after is most likely a hitman. Other people in the past were killed in similar manners. People who could threaten the underworld if they were still alive.”
“Okay, I guess that’s enough of a reason.”
“The person I’m after is most likely a hitman. Other people in the past were killed in similar manners—people who could threaten the underworld if they were still alive.”
“Okay, I guess that’s enough of a reason.”
“The person I’m looking for most likely has weapon control powers. He lifts knives into the air and launches them at people.”
“Knives, you say? I know who you’re talking about. But I won’t give up his information unless you promise you won’t mess with me again. I have enough to deal with as it is.”
“Give me the information first, and I’ll decide.”
“You’re not the one in control here. Remember, I could easily have you killed, whether or not it makes things harder for me because I’ll lose resources.”
“Fine, I won’t do anything to you in the foreseeable future.”
“Hmph, foreseeable future. That’s good. Fine, then I’ll tell you what I know. There’s only one person I know who used knives. Back then, he was a young prodigy who could kill no matter the target. But he retired years ago because he was done with all the fighting and killing. His name is Kairo Arasaki. That’s who you’re looking for.”
“How can I trust you?”
“Trust me? Don’t make me laugh. I don’t want you to trust me, but just know the consequences of what happens if you decide to try me again. Destroy the phone.”
The call ends with a quiet click. Yuto looks at the phone for a moment before firmly pressing it in his hand. The phone cracks and squishes under the pressure. Yuto throws the phone to the side.
“Do you believe her?” Shunji asks Yuto through the mic.
“No, but it’s not like we have much of a choice. We got our guy; it’s time to hunt him down.”