“With Marvin Choi dead, this witness, if they're to be believed, is the only thing we have that can finally lead us in the right direction. We can't sit back and hope for a breach of Atmos's network security to reveal something, because that would simply mark the fact that it's too late, and that's assuming your hunch about their goals is correct to begin with.”

“I'll get as much information out of them as I can.”

“Good.” Okada leans back in his chair, satisfied with his subordinate's resolve. “Now, is there anything else you want to tell me? Other than your meetings with Song, Stephanie, and the phone, have any other discoveries been made?”

“Yes, actually,” Atreus continues, taking a deep breath before continuing. “It's a rather large one, at that. I... I might've found the murder weapon.”

Okada becomes wide-eyed yet again. “Seriously?” he asks, after taking a moment for him to find his tongue, though it's still hard for him to process. “What... You're going to have to give me some context for this. How on earth did you come across the murder weapon?”

“Remember the unknown man who went back to Takiyama's apartment? I had short video clips from the two security cameras inside the lobby, but I initially dismissed them because they didn't reveal his face. But it turned out that his face was the least important detail. It was hard to notice at first, but when he walked into the building, he had a gun under the waistband of his pants, but when he left, it was gone; he didn't have it anymore.”

“Wait, so you're saying he left it in the building?”

“Yes,” Atreus confirms with a nod. “He planted the gun in Takiyama's apartment. I went there this morning and found it under the bed, suppressor and all. The magazine was half-full with VF+ rounds, too.”

“Jesus. Where is it now? Do you still have it?”

“It's being kept safe in the Asano family office. We're not sure what to do with it just yet. It's unlikely the killer conveniently left his own fingerprints on it for us to just give it to the police and have them easily identify him.”

“That, and if you explain you just found it in Takiyama's apartment while he's been missing, it'll do nothing but rouse suspicion.” Okada rubs his chin yet again in a reflective manner. “It's best to hold on to it until after you speak to this witness you'll be meeting soon. But all of this raises the question as to how this Takiyama boy is connected to this mess. Why'd he have a phone that could contact a supposed witness, and why was the killer trying to frame him, specifically?”

“That's another question I've been trying to answer,” Atreus admits with a shrug. “I have no idea how he's connected to Camlin and this murder. If anything, all the stuff I've been told about him suggests he shouldn't be. Bessho said he's never shown interest in anything related to whatever Atmos does, and Stephanie said Camlin's never mentioned knowing anyone named 'Edward' before.”

“With that Blue Star member Marvin Choi dead, it seems Takiyama's the only link we have left. When you meet with the witness later, grill them as much as you can about him. We need to find Takiyama before the killer does.”

“Yes, oyaji.”

“I swear, it feels like every time we some progress is made, something happens to undo it,” the advisor gripes about the increasing complexity of the investigation. “One question is answered, but two more pop up. One lead is found, but another is closed. I didn't anticipate this being so tangled. I'm sorry I had to choose you to be the one to put up with it.”

“It's not a problem. I've become invested in it, myself; especially with the involvement of Atmos's health data.”

“True, that's something that might affect you and I personally,” Okada says as he brings his hand up to tap his face, directly beneath his right eye. “Since we're both members of the clan and also owners of prosthetics, we could be victims twice over if whoever's behind all of this accomplishes their goal. It's one thing to have a major source of income taken from us, but to have detailed information on how our bodies function in the hands of some unknown person or organization is... unsettling, to say the least. Who knows what they intend to do with that sort of data?”

The two men share a melancholic silence as they ponder the consequences of allowing this unknown entity to accomplish their goal of obtaining Atmos's information. It unnerves them far more than idea of simply making less money. The thought that some unidentified third party operating outside of the law might know more about their health than they do strikes a deep sense of unease.

“If breaching Atmos's network is what they're after, then this could be far larger than the Sanada-gumi,” Okada continues, hanging his head sullenly. “Four days ago, I thought this was 'just' a murder, but we might be onto something that affects millions of people around the country. We need to be careful about how to proceed, but at the same time, we need to hurry. If you feel like this is too big for you to handle, you let me know.” He gives his pupil a stern but thoughtful gaze.

“I want to finish what I've started,” Atreus responds with a determined expression. “I've already had this conversation with Ryuji. If I stop now, I don't think I'd forgive myself if it ends up being as bad as I had feared, yet I had the opportunity to stop it.”

Okada nods lightly, understanding of his subordinate's sentiment. “It's not a good feeling to look back on your life and only see regrets. I respect your resolve, Watanabe-kun. But if the burden ever becomes too much to bear, you be sure to tell me, okay?”

“I will, oyaji.”

For the remainder of Atreus's visit, the two men share miscellaneous thoughts on the investigation before eventually transforming their conversation into typical small talk. Due to his slow consumption of the beverage, Atreus's tea eventually becomes lukewarm before he finishes it, but he gulps down the remnants of it out of courtesy. After midnight passes, he finally takes his leave, exiting Sanada-gumi headquarters with his mission back at the front of his mind with a refreshed sense of determination, but also with slightly more anxiety.

With almost a full hour until his hopefully tell-all meeting with the unknown witness, Atreus decides to first eat a late dinner before making his way to Kawada Tower. His summons an Automa from the sidewalk in front of clan headquarters, and directs it to a quaint little establishment only a couple blocks from the meet up spot: Noodle Empire, a late-night restaurant run by an old man named 'Johnny' Takei that specializes in noodle-focused Japanese foods, specifically ramen, soba, and udon; though they offer yakitori on the side, as well.

He soon arrives at the restaurant with plenty of time to spare. Noodle Empire has an old-fashioned aesthetic heavily based on the appearance on similar Japanese eateries. The exterior is a simple sliding door entrance behind a cloth banner proudly displaying the establishment's name in both English and Japanese kana. The interior is mostly a collection of stools along a counter where you'll be able to directly communicate with the cook after he prepares your meal on the opposite side, though there are a few small tables along the walls.

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Atreus walks in casually, and is relieved to see that it's not particularly busy. He doesn't come here terribly often – possibly about once a week at his most frequent, which is rare compared to how often he visits Takahashi's and Joji's places – but he's been a consistent visitor long enough for the staff to know him by name.

“Welcome back, Atreus!” a low, scratchy voice is heard from behind the counter; an old man with short white hair and grey scruff along his cheeks and jaw greets the gangster. He's wearing an all-white chef's uniform and apron speckled with stains as he beckons his customer inside. “You're here later than usual.”

“Hey, Johnny. I'm between errands, I guess you can say,” Atreus responds as the takes a seat up at the counter.

“So, what'll it be for tonight?” Johnny leans against the counter with a welcoming smile and expecting glint in his eye. It's an enthusiastic expression he gives all of his regulars.

“I can't stick around for too long, so anything that can be prepared somewhat quickly would be ideal. I'll leave it to you,” Atreus asks the man to more or less decide on the dish himself. Noodle Empire functions reliably as both an omakase experience and an à la carte one.

“No problem,” the old man enthusiastically accepts the invitation. “I have some soba noodles prepped and ready to be cooked, and I can also grill some yakitori in the meantime, too. How's that sound?”

“Sounds perfect. Thanks.”

“Want something to drink while ya wait? Tea? Juice?”

“Orange juice would be nice,” Atreus quickly answers, hoping to avoid consuming his third cup of tea before the night is over.

After the chef gives a tall glass of cool orange juice to his patron, he begins preparing a soba and yakitori dish with the finesse of a person who's been cooking these exact meals for decades. Before long, Atreus can smell the savory scent of the noodles, cooked vegetables, soy sauce, and skewered chicken grilled over a charcoal fire; it exacerbates his hunger in mere minutes.

In what almost seems like a flash, Johnny offers up the meal with a satisfied grin. The bowl of soba immaculately displays the soft, hot noodles sitting in a soup of soy sauce and sake, with green onion, kamaboko, and komatsuna nestled at the top. Sesame seeds are sprinkled over the dish, and there's a tiny dash of ichimi togarashi to spice things up. The skewered meat looks equally delicious, boasting a glossy shine thanks to the restaurant's secret, flavorful sauce.

“Enjoy!” the chef announces, presenting the meal like a work of art.

Atreus wastes no times digging in, not simply because he's growing short on time, but because the food looks too delectable to resist, as well. The impeccable craftsmanship and cathartic taste makes this meal a form of comfort food that satisfies the soul in ways that even donuts and sliders can't touch.

“So, how are these 'errands' going for ya tonight? Or is that something I can't know?” Johnny asks with a facetious smile. He's been serving Sanada-gumi members for years, so he has more second-hand knowledge than most.

“They're... really just meetings,” Atreus gives a vague but technically truthful answer. While the chef is familiar with tales of roughing people up and collecting money, the investigation is clearly something he should be kept away from.

“Well, if ya say so, I won't bug ya about it. How's your week been?” Johnny asks as he begins doing various chores around the kitchen, mainly cleaning dirty dishes.

“Hectic, to say the least,” Atreus tries to politely partake in small talk between bites. “I've been going back and forth between places all day for the last few days. I can't get any time to relax.”

“Ya still have that bouncer gig up in that club? Crown, was it?”

“Yeah, but Friday's my last day. I was only supposed to be there for two weeks as a favor to Ryuji's friend, but it ended up being drawn out to a whole month. But after this week, I might finally go back to having some time to myself. Hopefully.”

“I guess suddenly being strapped with a nine-to-five after so many years of being in the clan feels off,” Johnny comments, showing sympathy to his young customer's eagerness to finally stop working at Crown. “I'm sure ya must've learned something useful during your time there, right?”

“I don't know about 'learning' anything, but... I met a girl there.” Atreus finally pauses his meal for a long enough moment to reflect on his growing relationship with Max. “She's works as a hostess.”

“Dating a hostess, huh? Can't say I have any experience with such a thing, but I've heard a couple horror stories in passing as time went by.”

“From who?”

“Other Sanada-gumi members who think they're showing off their status of something,” the old chef recalls with a dismissive wave. “I never understood that train of thought. If ya need to pay people to tolerate ya, then how many people tolerate ya without getting paid, ya know? Doesn't speak very well on your character.”

“Well, I'm not paying her see me. She's well aware that I'm not made of money.”

“That's all well and good, but gold diggers are only half of it. Some girls want guys who they think are powerful, too.”

“I'm pretty sure she knows I'm more or less an errand boy, too.”

“Well, Atreus, then I think ya might be onto something, then.” Johnny gives an encouraging glance. “But still, even if she's on the level, does she think there's a future in your relationship if ya stay with the clan? I can't tell ya how many times I've seen grown men come in here and start crying about their girls leaving them because she can't take a criminal home to meet her parents.”

“Yeah, well, hopefully that won't be an issue.” Atreus become somber as his mind abruptly switches from positive prospects on his relationship with Max to his failed romance with Reiko, who broke things off for the very reason Johnny just stated. The gangster doesn't know how he'd feel if it were to happen a second time. Would he be surprised? Likely not, but it'd still hurt all the same.

“It's been over thirty years since I've opened this place, and no matter how much time had passed, relationship problems always stay the same. Oh, and by the way,” Johnny suddenly leans in slightly, suddenly acting secretive. “Was that, uh, murder near the Hoshino place... Ya know... Clan business?”

“...You know better than to poke around like that,” Atreus responds curtly, but without giving a straight answer, and continues eating.

“You're right, you're right,” the master chef straightens himself and shrugs. “I just worry about these things, ya know? I wouldn't that nasty business with those Blue Star rogues to happen again. And those assholes from way back, just before I opened this place. What was their name again?” He pauses and strokes his chin for only a second before waving the thought off. “Ah, forget it. Just be careful, yeah?”

Atreus forces himself to continue eating despite his unwitting desire to pause and reflect on multiple things; the subject of the conversation almost pulls him out of his appreciation for his stellar meal. He's already beginning to cut it close to the designated meet up time, and to lose track because he was having a meditative soba and yakitori meal would be a poor excuse to explain. He takes advantage of the lull in small talk to wolf down the remainder of his food.

“Great meal, as always, Johnny,” Atreus gives his gratitude as he stands from his stool and simultaneously pulls out his phone to prepare for payment.

“You really scarfed it down. You about to run late for your next 'errand'?”

“Honestly, yeah, I am. Can't let myself get caught up in savoring the food for too long, even though I want to.”

“Hey, you know you're welcome to come in whenever and take your sweet time. You'll have more opportunities in the future.”

“Thanks, Johnny.”

Atreus hastily pays for his meal with the Velonum application on his phone, and exits the cozy establishment before Johnny can even place the dirty dishes in the sink. With less than ten minutes until 1 AM, he's cutting things dangerously close. To save a few precious minutes, he opts to take advantage of the slightly less-congested late night traffic by summoning another Automa and riding to Kawada Tower, despite being practically a stone's throw away. Soon, he'll finally be able to speak to someone who may have answers to some of the investigation's key questions, particularly the whereabouts of Edward Takiyama, and maybe, if lucky, the identity of the killer.