Nordon Tatematsumi was born January 19th 2468. His father Sven Hackenbergh was from the Vulracious country Krigahem also known as the winter capital of the world. Sven was a notorious lawyer respected amongst large companies for his ability to help them slip out of court cases.

In the year 2464 Masuten Alhmend attempted to sue the Edoland [Todoroki Company] for knowingly distributing faulty cars.

The head of the company Todoroki Kosei hired Sven as their defendant. Using his quick wit and impressive communication skills Sven was able to win the Jury's opinion and save the Todoroki company.

Kosei was so elated that he offered Sven his youngest daughter's hand in marriage. Sven, who at the time was seeking to settle down and start a family, accepted the offer and changed his last name to Tatematsumi meaning “Devoted” in Edogo.

When his son Nordon was born it was clear to everyone that he was different. He was old, yes even on the day of his birth he was an old man. He never cried, screamed or threw a tantrum. He was silent and observant. When brought to an oracle she suggested he was on his last cycle of reincarnation and was ready to reach Nirvana.

Kosai saw the great potential for a businessman in Nordon and groomed him to be such. Nordon was sent to only the most pristine of schools and taken to important meetings across the country with his grandfather.

It was said that by the time he was twelve he already had a wrinkled brow and crows feet. His hair was always slicked back and he wore a proper outfit with rimmed glasses. You wouldn't be a fool to think that he was just an extra short middle aged man.

However Nordon was not as special as he seemed, no he was even more special. He had a gift, something only one in a million people are born with. He could see the supernatural. Noticing that his parents never reacted to the strange beasts and figures which floated through the hallways of their home he came to the conclusion he was different. However it was clear that being different was not a positive thing in the company politics of Edoland.

It was expected that you blend into the crowd and become another cog in the machine. This is the life Nordon accepted as it was the only thing he thought possible for himself. Nordon tried to ignore the supernatural things he saw and sensed. He tried to be another cog in the machine.

However these very things he tried to ignore were the only things he found interest in. Learning about stocks, tax evasion and the like was like watching paint dry.

When Nordon was 19 years old everything changed, Kosai took him to attend a conference with the likes of the Hojo Clan, Soutou Clan, Sosaki Corp. and Venator Society. It was at this meeting that Nordon was noticed by the President of the Venator Society Francisco Gutierrez Ignius.

For the first time in his life Nordon found somebody who shared his deepest secret. The thing he thought was a curse laid upon only him was in fact a blessing given to many. He himself not different, he was just a cog in a different machine.

Nordon immediately swore his loyalty to the Venator Society to the horror of Kosai and Sven. His only supporter was his mother Hanari. Someone who had been a slave to other people's dreams and desires her whole life.

With her assurance Nordon was able to walk away from the Todoroki Company and join the Venator Society.

Kosai and Sven attempted to force him back but under the threat of El-Saber interfering they retreated. The foolish thought of hiring the Kageki clan to assassinate El-Saber had crossed their minds. But they were quickly reminded of who exactly El-Saber was. The Demon of Iboria who had single handedly annihilated all 54 members of the Toumeikans (Susanori Clans) [Black Spider Lily Squad]. Even the Kageki would refuse such a ridiculous job.

And so Nordon was free, he could pursue his own goals and desires. Within a year he reached the level of an apprentice, in three he became a master. A rate of growth nearly unheard of from somebody who had never been officially trained in magic.

When El-Saber petitioned for Nordon to be appointed as the vice manager of the Venator Societies Edoland branch it was approved by the Council of 13. Nordon within a handful of years had reached the second highest position possible in his field of work. However instead of being exhilarated at this promotion Nordon was disappointed. He had even less freedom than before and was responsible for the failures of those beneath him.

His peers, the captains of the Venator Societies main branch, were not what he had expected either. Rules were created to be followed yet these people intentionally broke them. This demeanor and string of logic lead to him being labeled as a “Buzz Kill.”

Jumping to the modern day, Nordon was sitting inside of a cafe just on the shore of Sarukou port. He was currently waiting for the arrival of one Kanashi Sarumalder, Nordon was to escort Kanashi around Edoland so he could place way points for the liberation effort. But something had gone wrong. Kanashi was late, now normally Nordon would be enraged at this but he knew it wasn’t Kanashis fault. He wasn't the only one late, no the entire Cymba was late.

Nordon had already been agitated from wearing an unusual set of clothes which consisted of a plain white T and black jeans. His normally slicked back hair was a ruffled mess and his glasses were replaced with tinted shades.

He wasn’t good at Illusionary magic so this would do for a disguise. However this uncouth appearance made him feel a state of unease. It was similar to the feeling of someone walking around naked in public. A sense of strong anxiety.

Nordon nervously shook his leg and sipped coffee. A million possibilities raced through his mind as to why the Cymba was late. Failure was unacceptable in any circumstance but in something as important as this he might as well kill himself if he didn't succeed.

Just as Nordon was preparing to leave the Cafe and slit his belly the sound of an emergency broadcast caught his ear. The tv in the corner of the cafe lit up with a picture of many people on lifeboats in the ocean.

“Urgent News! The Cymba tourist vessel set to arrive in Edoland has been reportedly attacked by rogue pirates. There were a total of twelve casualties along with the boat’s destruction. The coast guards are going to be embarking in a rescue attempt on the surviving passengers so we ask that all commercial and private ships delay any sailing for the next 24 hours. If you have any information that could prove helpful please call-”

Nordons eyes widened at this news. He lowered his glasses and peered out the cafe's front window where a number of coast guards were shuffling about.

That’s the boat Sarumalder-San was supposed to arrive on. It was attacked by pirates? No, there shouldn’t be any pirates on the eastern shore of Chushima especially this time of year. This must be related to the Toumeikan, did they predict Sarumalder-San would arrive on the boat and blindley attack it? No, that would be too reckless even for them. Something must have happened on board the ship itself.

Perhaps an unlucky coincidence? That’s the best case scenario. The third option is the worst, we have a traitor amongst us, specifically from the Aufurenthos main branch. One of the captains? No, that would be improbable. They have nothing to gain from joining the Toumeikan. It must be someone important enough to know about Sarumalder-San but not important enough to play a critical role. A contradiction of the worst kind.

It must be the second option, that would be the most plausible, it requires the least amount of strings to be pulled. But am I just saying that because that’s the scenario I want to be true? Well, it’s not like it really matters which option it is since either way Sarumalder-Sans presence was most likely compromised.

Well, the only way to know for sure is to speak to him myself.

Nordon then quickly left the cafe and approached the coast guards. At first they tried to apprehend him but upon showing his Venator Society I.D. They brought him to their main office. From there things cleanly fell into place and he was placed on one of the first boats to arrive at the scene of the crime.

While this occurred Nordon missed a phone call, an important one which had he caught would have prevented the following events from occurring.

# # #

Kanashi was currently inside a maid cafe, not just any maid cafe either a Tsundere maid cafe. His shirt was soaking wet from having tea splashed on him by one of the hostesses and his cheerful smile had quickly become a perfect parabolic frown.

Sitting across from him was the man responsible for this situation. He was thin with unkempt dark blue hair and square glasses. His hands were covered in ink blotches and paper cuts.

This man was Shouten Yuya, an aspiring mangaka.

Their meeting was by chance, they stumbled across each other in a book store and you could say it was love at first sight.

“I would like you to read this for me.” Yuya said, reaching into his bag and pulling out a packet of papers which he handed to Kanashi.

“This is?”

“The work I just submitted to Shounen Friday Magazine.”

“Is there a reason you want me to read this?”

“I’d like to know the opinion of a foreign otaku.”

“Oh well I guess I can try.” Kanashi muttered, flipping open the pamphlet and reading the first page.

Not only was it written in Edo but the hand writing itself was awful. It looked as though someone dunked a colony of ants into ink and then threw them on the paper to scurry around.

The title itself read something to the effect of [Last Lovers Revenge]. Kanashi quietly flipped through the pages reading them to the best of his ability all the while inspecting the various aspects of the art.

After an hour or so he handed the paper back to Yuya who had been sweating enough water to fill an entire bathtub.

“What do you think?” Yuya asked with narrowed blood shot eyes.

“It’s…”

“Yes?”

“Pretty…”

“Pretty what!?”

“Pretty awful…” Kanashi sighed looking down at his half empty cold cup of tea.

“I see.” Yuya muttered with tears and snot dripping down his face.

“Well it’s not unsalvageable! I just think there’s a couple things you need improvement on!” Kanashi said, trying to calm Yuya.

“It’s okay, even my own mother said the same thing.”

“Ouch…” Kanashi grunted recoiling in second hand embarrassment. “Well I can try and give you some pointers if you want.”

“It’s fine, what would you have to offer me?” Yuya sighed, slamming his head down onto the table.

“No it’s alright really! Just think of it as advice from a foreign Otaku!”

“If you insist.” Yuya grunted looking up at Kanashi with newfound bags under his eyes.

“All right, so ignoring the most obvious things like anatomy mistakes and your handwriting the biggest issue is the start of the story.”

“What do you mean?”

“Your protagonist Seiichi gets a girlfriend three pages in.”

“I see, so I should wait until chapter four?”

“No no no! You’re missing the point! Not only is getting a girlfriend an un-relatable thing to your desired audience but the way it happens is just pure wish fulfillment!”

“What'd Ya mean!? Everyone’s gonna get a girlfriend someday! Besides, who cares if it’s wish fulfillment!? That’s what sells is it not? Why waste my time putting together a well crafted narrative when I’ll get out competed by some slop vomited out by the asshole next to me?! The best someone like me can do is write the kind of trash people like while finding small ways to entertain myself with it!”

“WRONG, that’s the thoughts of a loser!” Roared Kanashi.

“What the hell are you talking about!?”

“Who cares what sells or what does not! Do you think the big greats like HP Lovecraft cared about that!? No, the pleasure in writing is not fame or money but the true audience's reception. The people who eat up shit like what you’re trying to push out will forget your work and move onto the next one without a second thought. However, those who truly enjoy your writing and artwork will remember it forever! That is the ultimate goal of all creators! To create something that affects people's lives in a positive way. Even if you only have a dozen fans who truly treasure your work it’s better than a million idiots who read it to jerk off or self insert! Of course money is important but if you truly love to write and draw you would get a job to support your desires!”

“....” Yuya silently watched Kanashi as he spoke. His eyes wide and ears focused on every detail Kanashi was saying. Kanashi picked apart his work page by page, line by line. He gave such a detailed review that the sun had set by the time he finished talking. All the while tears rolled down Yuya's face.

These were not tears of anger or sadness but happiness. Someone out there cared about his creation enough to pick it apart. Someone for once in his life was truly consuming his manga.

“So that’s how it should have ended.” Kanashi huffed trying to catch his breath. Shit, I didn’t expect for it to go on this long… I hope he didn’t take it too hard.

“I see, you truly are a manga master.” Yuya said in a trembling voice.

“Oh shit dude don't cry! I’m sorry I didn't mean to hurt your feelings I just got carried away and-”

“Please, make me your disciple!”

“Huh?” Kanashi asked with his jaw dropped.

“I’ve never met someone with as much passion and understanding as you! I was wrong and I’m sorry! I now see who you truly are, you don't want me to make just the next big money making hit but to create something that could change the world!” Said Yuya. He jumped across the table trying to grab Kanashi by the shoulders but Kanashi using his knee kicked the table up and against Yuya.

“Just read more! That’s the only reason I know this stuff!” Kanashi yelped trying to climb out of his booth.

“No! I’ve read over five thousand series and never have I considered a majority of the things you said to me! Me reading another five thousand will make no difference. I need you to guide me. Together we will conquer the world of manga!”

“I’m sorry but I can't!” Kanashi yelped, jumping backwards out of the booth and into the one behind him.

“お前ら!” The words came from a hoarse voice, like that of someone who had smoked a pack a day for the last eighty years. Kanashi and Yuya both looked to where the sound had come from and standing there was an old woman.

She was truly ancient, probably entering the hundred year mark soon. She wore a long Victorian maid costume covered in various cute patches and over her right eye an eye patch.

“拙者はぶっ殺せやろニャア!”

“!?” Kanashi had heard those words before, yes they were those not fit for a woman especially an elderly one to be saying. It was something you’d heard from a young edgy school boy. “I’m going to fucking kill you Meow!” Would be the best translation into Shinkai, but that would be losing the absolute visceral rage this woman's words contained.

“Nani!?” Yuya shouted looking behind him in horror.

Kanashi, taking the chance, leapt out of the booth and sprinted across the maid cafe. Some maids tried to block his escape but using a mixture of Enhancement and Observation he slipped through their grasp like a snake and out the front door.

He heard the screaming and yelling of male and female voices behind him but he didn't look back. He continued forwards.

That’s the closest to death I’ve been! He thought feeling sweat fly off his body and into the wind.

# # #

Once feeling as though he was a safe distance from Yuya and the Tsudenere maids, Kanashi decided to call it a night.

The sun had set and he needed a new place to sleep for the night. He couldn’t go back to the same net cafe he’d been booed out of that morning.

A love hotel was always always an option but that'd be embarrassing to stay at alone.

Or they'd think he was a voyeurist pervert. Either way there really wasn't much of a good choice for him. A normal hotel would cost way too much.

Decisions, decisions… Well I'll just go to a new net cafe then. Kanashi decided with a sigh. He walked past the one he'd stayed the night before and the owner gave him a dirty look and shook his head.

“I didn't even do anything!” Kanashi screamed out, throwing his hands in the air.

After another 30 minutes of looking around Kanashi found a new net cafe which he bought a night's worth of time at.

This one was a lot smaller and cozy compared to the one he'd been to before.

There was also a wide selection of manga, light novels, magazines and films which he looked through.

Settling on the series Immortal Rounin, Kanashi reached out to grab the first volume but someone else's hand also grabbed it.

My love!? This is exactly how I imagined it would happen! Kanashi thought with a wide smile turning to the hands owner.

“Haha, only my master could have such a fine taste!” The hands owner said.

At first Kanashi was confused as to who this guy Calling him master was. His face was swollen and eyes full of tears.

“Who the hell are you?” Kanashi recoiled, pulling his hand back.

“Master, it's me! Shouten Yuya!”

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

“W- What happened to you?!”

“Those wicked women beat every penny out of me and then threw me to the dogs. You're truly amazing master, Sensing their killing intent and escaping! I was a fool to hesitate and not follow your lead.”

“Stop talking like a total weeb! And why are you even here!?”

“What do you mean? This is my home after my mother kicked me out.”

“Your mom kicked you out?”

“She said I could come back once I have a real job, foolish women. She doesn't understand my true potential.”

“How old are you?”

“29.”

“You should definitely get a job while you're working on your manga!”

“Pfft, Asturek Asuorian said that anything can be a job if you look at it that way. I'm simply not getting paid for it.”

“Asturek Asuorian is an anime character!”

“But those lines were written by a real person!”

“Alright you got me there…” Kanashi muttered with a frown.

“Now let us plan our new series together! I've come up with the perfect idea. It’s a rom com that slowly turns into a battle shounen after-”

“Look dude, I appreciate you thinking so highly of me I really do but I think you should just read more. The more exposure to something you get the better at it you will become.”

“Please! Just a week, no, two days! If you can give me that I’ll leave you alone, I just want to learn!”

“I can help you out tonight and tomorrow morning, but after that I’m leaving to continue my work.”

“Alright!” Yuya shouted, pumping his arm in the air.

I doubt this will satisfy him but honestly I’m kinda losing my own mind here and would like to have something to preoccupy myself with so… this isn't too bad right?

For the rest of that night Kanashi spoke with Yuya about a variety of things, in both Edo and Shinkai.

By the time the next morning rolled around Kanashi had to pay for an extra four hours worth of time just to get some form of sleep. Though being a pseudo insomniac it was good enough.

“Well it was nice talking to you.” Kanashi smiled, bowing to Yuya who bowed in return.

“I hope your work goes extraordinarily well Master!” Laughed Yuya.

“You can stop calling me master, my name is Kanashi.”

“Is that your clan name or given name?”

“My clan name is Sarumalder.” At this point who cares about aliases.

“Well then Sarumalder-Sama, be in good health until we meet again!”

“You too.” Kanahshi sighed with a smile. With that he set off to the police station where Otsuga and Naori were waiting. Sakashima said he was too busy to attend this more private meeting so it’d only be the three of them. Thankfully it wasn’t too far from where Kanashi had stayed the night. He tried to pick a cafe within a half hour walk of the police station and managed to find one only 15 minutes away.

The police station in question was the most basic one you could imagine. An all brick building with a massive dark blue roof. The parking lot was surprisingly empty with only a few police cars present. The interior was also not very populated with only a few desk workers and a single officer talking on the phone.Upon entering Kanashi was escorted by a receptionist to a back interrogation room where Naori and Otsuga were waiting. Along the way Kanashi picked up a coffee which he’d filled to the brim with sugar and creamer.

“Good morning.” Kansahi said with a yawn.

“Long night?” Otsuga laughed, slamming down his fifth cup of coffe.

“Yeah… you could say that.” Kanashi said with an awkward smile.

Across from Otusuga was Naori who was silently flipping through a magazine while sipping on a can of soda.

“He prefers sweet things.” Otsuga sighed.

“Tch, keep drinking your black tar.” Naori said with a frown. He crushed his can with one hand and then threw it across the room in the recycle bin.

“You can add cream and sugar you know…” Kanashu muttered, taking his seat at the table.

As if one cue the door swung open and entering the room was Officer Kenken. In his hand was a massive pile of papers which he threw onto the table with a bang. “Good morning!” He laughed.

“Good morning…” The three said in unison.

“I wanted to have a personal meeting with you three to better plan our attack. Of course I was hoping Sakashima would attend but he’s busy so it seems like he’ll just have to be caught up tomorrow.”

Tomorrow… Kanashi gulped, he was going to fight again tomorrow. What a strange thing to expect. Otsuga and Naori seemed un bothered by this news so why was he worrying?

“What’re the papers for?” Noari asked, taking a peak at the pamphlets cover.

“These are the blueprints for the Blue Hawk Hotel. The Toumeikan are currently residing in the top penthouse so we can use these along with some other documents to plan our attack precisely!”

“And the hotel will be cleared?” Otsuga asked.

“Correct, it;s currently in the process of being “”fumigated." "When we asked the Toumeikan to please leave they of course slammed the door in our face.”

“So they wont suspect a thing…” Kanashi muttered with a smile. There’s no way I could have come up with that and have it work so cleanly.

Kenken handed out the Blue Hawk Hotels blueprints which appeared to be very standard for a hotel. Except for one thing that is. The 4th level was empty. In Edogo the word four can be said as “Shi” which can also mean “Death.” Much like the way that western cultures avoid the number 13 Edoland does the same with the number four. In the modern day they simply rename the fourth floor the fifth to get around this.

“But the Blue Hawk Hotel was built by a very superstitious old man. He didn’t believe that simply renaming the fourth story to the fifth would solve anything so he instead had the fourth story sealed off by priests.”

“So that’s our base of operations…” Kanashi muttered, nodding his head.

“Do we have to worry about a Poltergeist?” Asked Naori. “If the fourth floor is truly abandoned it’s the perfect place for Negative energy to gather and form a poltergeist.”

“The priest's seal is still active so all that negative energy shouldn’t have been able to manifest as a poltergeist. But even if there is one I’m sure even Kanashi would be able to exercise it.” Kenken answered.

Kanashi frowned at that last part but this poltergeist talk interested him for sure. Poltergeists are an elemental like being formed from negative energy. Jin told me about them but he left out the elemental part and just called them ghosts. But going off what Rebeca said wouldn’t elemental be the correct term? Well, they’re the most dangerous of all ghost-like beings. Ghasts appear scarier but they’re just curses which replay a series of events. Trauma manifested into a physical form, If I remember correctly you can even tame them to a certain extent. Well not tame exactly since they’re not alive like Elementals but you can utilize them to your benefit. Some crime scenes and such have been solved by Ghasts. But I can see why poltergeists are a worry in this scenario. The mixture of a dark enclosed space, the negative energy associated with the floor and the building being a hotel sounds like the perfect place for a powerful poltergeist to be created. Not only are they sentient but they’re also malicious as a result of being formed from negative energy and emotions. It’d basically be like fighting a fourth person…

“Well in anycase, we will use this fourth floor to our advantage. There’s a pipe which leads directly from the fourth floor to the 7th floor where the penthouse suit is.” Said Kenken.

“Energy Manipulation…” Muttered Kanashi.

“Correct unfortunately no one here at this moment or probably in all of Edoland is capable of converting their whole being into pure energy and travel through the pipes. But we can still plant the seeds of destruction with them.”

“So far this plan is sounding solid but there is a possible major issue we should be wary of.” Otsuga said, raising his hand.

“?”

“The Blue Hawk hotel is on the same block as the Sosaki Corp. Office. We should try to contain the battle as much as possible.”

“Why’s that?” Kanashi asked.

“Because Sosaki Ryoku and Hojo Norosuke are currently in town. As his name implies Norosuke is a cursed (blessed) child with incredible strength. He’s deathly loyal to Ryoku and if there was even the slightest chance of harm coming Ryokus way he’ll crush the threat.”

“Meaning us…”

“Yes, with the four of us (Counting Sakashima) we might be able to fend him off but if we’re exhausted from or currently in battle with the Toumeikan we would stand no chance.”

“Can’t we just talk to them ahead of time?”

“No, the Sosaki Corp. and the Susanori clan are related.”

“And the Susanori are related to the Toumeikan I’m assuming.”

“Correct, the Susanori founded the Toumeikan over a thousand years ago during the Hokunan war. The Sosaki Corp. though not officially connected to the Toumeikan have some mutual benefits from coexisting. I doubt Ryoku would actually attempt to intervene with our raid but if they knew beforehand they might just give Ugoki a warning.” Sighed Otsuga.

“So this whole thing is just a real mess huh…” Kanashi grunted, slamming his head on the table.

If Hojo Norosuke is connected to the Sosaki Corp. who in turn are connected to the Toumeikan does that mean I just lost one of my potential allies? Not just a normal ally either but apparently one of the richest clans in all of Edoland. I wonder if the Soutou clan from before have any stake in this deal as well? Man this is stressful, I can feel my hair turning white…

“Well as long as we constrain ourselves which we’re already aiming to do we shouldn't have any issues correct?” Kenken smiled.

“It’s not so much about us but what Ugoki and his goons do.” Naori frowned. “Me, Otsuga, Sakashima and probably Kanashi will be able to constrain ourselves but if the Toumeikan decide to bust loose there’s not much we can do.”

“But that could also be a double edge sword for the Toumeikan right? Hojo Norosuke will gnash his fangs at anyone who threatens Ryoku no matter their side or position. We can use that to our advantage by directing them to the Sosaki Corp. and having Norosuke finish them off. Of course that’s assuming Norosuke doesn’t deem us a threat as well.” Argued Kenken.

At this Kanashi raised his hand. “Who’s the strongest in Edoland?”

“Define strongest.” Grunted Otsuga.

“Like how Jin is the strongest in the world, who's the strongest in Edoland?”

“That would be a hard question to answer. Edoland is an old country with many ancient magical clans. I’d have to say that in the current era that title would either fall to Soga Kusurisuke or Hanajo Rika.”

“Who are they exactly and are they on our side?”

“Soga is a member of the Venator Society and while he’s extremely powerful it’s unfair to compare him to someone like Jinen.” Explained Otsuga.

“I know that.” Huffed Kanashi.

“No, I think you’re misunderstanding what I mean. While he’s undoubtedly a contender for the title of strongest in Edoland he’s not like Jinen who’s truly unrivaled in strength. If the entire world ganged up on Jinen he would win. However if for example two Toumeikan bosses jumped on Soga he’d lose. In a one on one fight it’s safe to bet on him, maybe even a four on one against some apprentice level opponents, but he still has his limits.”

“I see, so I’m assuming that’s why Edoland needs help from the mainland?”

“Correct, the Toumeikan are the second most powerful criminal organization in the world after all. He needs all the help we can possibly get.

“Alright then what about Hanajo Rika?”

“She’s the Tenth God Pillar.”

“Oh nice title!” Kanashi smiled.

“Yes, however she’s not physically powerful and her magic is rather limited. Once she gets her conditions fulfilled though she’s truly the 10th strongest person on the planet.”

“I see, so Soga is the strongest on average while under the right conditions Rika clears the house?”

“That’s the gist of things.” Otsuga sighed.

“Okay that makes this whole thing feel alot better.” If we have the two of them on our side then we should be fine right? I mean who in the Toumeikan is there to fight? Maybe they’re only powerful because of their numbers?

“Well with that out of the way let us plan our direct method of attack.” Kenken said with a cough.

# # #

As the meeting wrapped up and everyone went their separate ways Kenken grabbed Kanashi by the shoulder and asked him to come outside.

Is he gonna execute me!? Kanashi worried with a grimace. Nah, I’m just being stupid this is probably something trivial…

Kenken took Kanashi out the back door and to his vehicle which he instructed Kanashi to get inside of. Kanashi, not wanting to argue, complied and buckled himself in.

“What’s with that face?” Kenken asked, giving Kanashi a nervous glance.

“This is just out of the ordinary…” Kanashi sighed playing with his thumbs.

“?” Kenken frowned and chewed those words for a few seconds before his face lit up and he let out a boisterous laugh. “Oh, I get it. Don’t worry Sarumalder-San I’m not gonna do anything to you. I’m just taking you to the mall so you can buy some clothes.”

“What!? No, It’s okay Kenken I’m fine with these! They might be dirty and cheap but I don't want you to spend your money on me when you could be using it for yourself or your family!” Kanahshi argued, waving his hands through the air.

“It’s fine Sarumalder-San, Otsuga-Sensei pitched in some and so did Naori-San. You’re putting your life in danger to help us so the least we can do is make sure you’re not walking around in filthy clothes.”

“...” Kanashi put his head in his hands and hunched forwards. Man, this is embarrassing, I know I look rough but do I really look THAT rough? “I’m sorry I just don't like owing people.” He sighed, peeking up at Kenken.

“No, don’t worry about owing us! This is us paying you for your help!”

“But I haven’t done anything to help you yet!”

“Just accept it!” Kenken barked angrily.

“... Sorry…” Kanashi sighed leaning back in the car seat.

“No, I’m sorry for lashing out. That was just a fatherly instinct slipping out… Sarumalder-San sometimes you have to let other people help you even if it’s embarrassing. With that line of thinking you’re only going to get yourself hurt when it is preventable. Not only that but you could end up being a liability and hurt someone else in the process.”

“...”

“You’re a good kid, I can tell that but sometimes you need to be bad. I see it alot with green cops. You see someone in trouble and wanna jump in to help them or you’re willing to sacrifice yourself to save someone else at the drop of the hat. In these situations you're only gonna end up with two deaths instead of one. “

“...”

“We’re taught that it’s good to put others before ourselves and while that can be the case in some situations, more often than not that’s a horrible way of living your life.”

“Okay…” Kanashi muttered, pushing his hair out of his eyes.

The rest of the car ride was pretty silent, the mall was only a handful of miles away so they quickly arrived and parked in one of the small garages just outside the main entrance.

“You said you’re a dad?” Asked Kanashi trying to mend the mood.

“Yeah, I’ve got a daughter. But she’s in her early 20s so I don't see her too often anymore.” Kenken sighed.

“Oh, I’m sorry…”

“Don't worry about it. That’s part of being a parent, your kids are eventually gonna leave home and start their own life. I just wish she’d come back to visit more often.”

“Where’d she move to?”

“Chidori prefecture, she’s going to school up there at the university.”

“Oh that’s just past Sarukou right?”

“Yeah, to the north west of Sarukou.” Said Kenken.

They both entered the mall and walked around for a bit till they found a medium priced clothing store, Kenken waved Kanashi inside and instructed him to pick out five pairs of clothes.

“Five? That’s a lot and expensive…” Kanashi muttered trying to hide his embarrassment.

“It’s fine, Otsuga gave me more than enough. Whatever we don't spend is yours to keep.” Kenken smiled.

“Oh… I’ll have to thank him properly when I see him next time then.” Kanashi blushed. He looked through the store for a few minutes which had a wide variety of designs and styles. Typically he was more of a plain clothing guy with solid colors and small logos or designs. In the end he chose two pairs of black shorts, three pairs of jogging pants and five solid black t-shirts with small or no logos. Along with that was a pack of black underwear and socks.

“That’s it?” Kenken asked, raising his eyebrow.

“Something wrong?”

“No, It’s just… my daughter was flashy so I’m used to seeing crazy designs I guess.”

“Oh, really? I guess I’ve never really liked to stand out. It’s easier to become a target that way.” Kanashi shrugged.

“Hm.” Otsuga hummed, nodding his head.

Kenken gave Kanashi a wad of cash which he bought his new clothes with along with a simple travelers backpack.

They bought an early dinner at the food court and then returned to the police car. On ther drive home they were suddenly pushed to the side of the road by a sudden rush of police cars flashing their sirens and honking horns.

“What’s up with that?” Kanashi asked Kenken.

“Not sure, let's find out.’ Kenken answered, flicking on the radio.

Between the scrambling sounds of the radio buffering and the quickly spoken Edogo Kanashi had no idea what was being said. He could only turn to Kenken who had turned ghost white with sweat dripping down his cheek.

“Kenken?” Kanashi asked with a trembling voice.

“Oh, yeah right. Sorry.” Kenken said, snapping back to attention.

“What’s up?”

“There’s another murder.”

“Another?”

“Yes, there was one this morning and now a second one right now…”

“Are they connected?” Kanashi asked, feeling his own body begin to sweat.

“I can’t say for sure… but they seem to be by the same person.”

“...”

“There’s a boogeyman-like figure in Edoland. One not popular and only remembered in the local legends. A cannibal serial killer famous for eating the intestines of his victims. No one knows his name so he’s simply called Guro. (Grotesque)... the body found this morning and the one they found right now have both had their intestines eaten.”

Kanashi felt as though he was going to vomit, his head spun and his mind blurred.

“Sarumalder-San!?” Kenken asked, swerving to the side of the road.

“I’m okay!” Kanashi grunted, waving his hand.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t think about whether or no that would upset you.”

“It’s alright… I’m not quite sure why that affected me, I’m normally pretty numb to this kind of thing from the internet but…”

“It’s okay, there’s a difference between something happening behind a screen and then in person. It’s a thing all of us officers experience. You can read a book or watch a video but being put in the line of fire is entirely different. Just breathe and relax. As long as you’re with me in this car you’re safe.” Kenken said, patting Kanashi on the shoulder.

“Thank you Kenken.” Kanashi smiled.

“No problem Kanashi… you know what. It’s kinda dangerous around here so would you be willing to spend the night at my place?”

“I-” Kanashi was going to refuse but he remembered what Kenken had said before, about putting yourself first. “Yeah, if you could.” He grunted out as if it was painful.

“S-sure, no problem…” Kenken laughed.

# # #

Kenkens house was pretty large, a traditional courtyard style house with shoji sliding doors and an engawa.

“Sorry if it’s different from what you’re used to.” Kenken said, showing Kanashi to the guest room.

“No it’s fine.” Kanashi said taking in the beauty of the property. “I actually like Edo style houses more than western.”

“Oh really?”

“Yeah, but maybe it’s just that the grass is always greener on the other side kinda thing.”

“Haha, I could see that.” Laughed Kenken. He opened one of the doors and invited Kanashi inside. “This is our guest room, it’s not that big but I think it should do for the night huh?”

“It’s more than big enough! I’ve been living in a closet-sized space these past two nights.”

“Then this is gonna be a big upgrade then huh?”

“Yeah.” Kanashi nodded.

“Are you hungry? I’m pretty sure my wife already made dinner so you can come eat with us if you want.”

“No-... Yeah, if that’s okay with you.” Kanashi said with a nervous smile.

“Of course it is.”

# # #

The clock was close to midnight as Kanashi got ready to sleep. He’d unfolded his futon and changed into a new set of clothes he’d deem his sleeping clothes for the time being.

He’d had dinner with Kenken and his wife which was a pleasant experience. She’d made a delicious Butadon (Pork and rice) dish which he’d eaten plenty of. Normally he’d have been more reserved but it was the first real meal he’d eaten in weeks. Once he got the first taste of it his built up hunger erupted and he couldn’t stop eating.

Thankfully Kenkens wife was a kind woman who had made much more than needed. Even after Kanashi had eaten four servings worth, there was plenty left over.

It’s been a while since I worked out hasn't it? Kanashi thought, stretching his arms.

Jin told him it was best to work out everyday but since he’d been homeless the last little bit he didn’t really have the space or money to do so. But this room was perfect for the routine he’d created.

First he’d stretch for about five or so minutes. Nothing crazy or exotic just the things he’d learned in school.

As for the actual exercises he did a variety of calisthenics. At first he was out of shape and couldn’t do many reps but after months he was capable of doing 50 reps of each exercise.

First he’d do fifty pushups, normal shoulder width apart and then fifty close grip. After that it was a five minute low body plank.

Next were squats, he’d do fifty wide stances and then fifty close stances with a final wall sit of five minutes.

Last but not least were sit ups, he’d do fifty normal situps and then fifty bicycle crunches. It took around thirty minutes in total. By the end of this he was exhausted but that meant it was working. With that he slipped into his Futon and fell asleep.