While on the way to the gym, Seiichi starts questioning Takeru.
“Hey, what the fuck are you on?” – Seiichi
“What...?” – Takeru
“You’d never come, you’re not one to curb so easily” – Seiichi
“Hey isn’t working out supposed to do that to you. Make you motivated?” – Takeru
“I mean yeah, but you just aren’t the type” – Seiichi
“Look man forget it let’s just do this” – Takeru
(Seiichi to himself) “Weird. Very weird”
The atmosphere once again returned to silence and the two boys kept strolling their way to the gym, looking quite bored.
Back at Takeru’s house…
“UGHH! What to do now...” – Reginald
“He’s always going somewhere… well not that mind, I’m fairly convinced its best I don’t move out of this place as much as I can” – Reginald
Suddenly, rustling can be heard near the backend of the living room. Reginald, without a moment’s hesitation, puts up his guard and carefully moves towards the source of the noise. This leads him to an open window.
“WHO’S THERE!?” – Reginald
“EHH!?” – unknown
The figure moves around quickly hiding behind anything it can. It peeks to see if anything is there, but, perplexed, it sees nothing.
“Behind you” – Reginald
“AHHH” – unknown
Reginald was hanging off a cupboard staring directly at the intruder, squinting his eyes, a bit confused.
(Reginald to himself) “Looks like I’m not the only one who likes to sneak into this boy’s house”
What was standing in front of Reginald was another Gopher, pretty obviously a female. She gave off an intense look at Reginald, being very wary of him. Reginald turned his head away and let out a short chuckle.
“Hehe… who would’ve known we’re so attracted to this guy’s house? It’s pretty unbelievable!” – Reginald
The girl gives no response and immediately heads for the window but it is immediately cut off by Reginald, showing off his great speed.
“You haven’t been in this field long have you? Gals usually are able to get jobs” – Reginald
“It’s none of your business…” – unknown
“Oh finally talking, are we? Better explain what you were doing here cuz… you do realise what’s just a few blocks away right?” – Reginald
“…grr” – unknown
“Well, I’ll take that for a no. It’s the AGEN-MOTHEFUCKIN’-CY. Like, I could WALK you there, ya hear me? – Reginald
“…d-doesn’t explain why you are here” – unknown, a confused and intrigued look on his face.
Reginald sighs
“That’s… that’s just a long story...” – Reginald, looking away
During that moment, Reginald had slightly let his guard down and failed to notice the vase the girl had grabbed…
“Hyaa!” – unknown
“Huh!?” – Reginald
Reginald was forced out of the way and the girl proceeded to leap out of the window and disappear in moments. Reginald, feeling lethargic, didn’t bother to start a chase.
Reginald sighs
“I should seriously tell Takeru to lock his windows and doors, literally anyone can get in! Although, I should probably do it myself…” – Reginald, scratching his head
“We’re finally here, don’t tell me that little jog took everything out of you?” – Seiichi
“Of course not” – Takeru, letting out a snicker at Seiichi’s comment
Takeru, more motivated than usual, and Seiichi walk into the gym. Inside, they see the usuals, Ying, Yong and Yang, the most built Chinese people they had ever seen and Alek, a Danish monster who always challenges people in arm-wrestling matches, where of course, the opposition almost never wins.
“Hey, Douglas, want to go again?” – Alek
“U-uhhh, haha… I just remembered my wife told me to get some groceries so I have to go, sorry” – Douglas
“Oh c’mon! One more match it’ll be quick” – Alek
“S-Sorry man, maybe another time” – Douglas
Douglas swings the gym door open and vanishes.
“The Viking blood runs strong in that one” – Seiichi
“Yeah, no kidding” – Takeru
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
“Let’s get to the bench press. We’re going up by 10 kg again” – Seiichi
“Oh god” – Takeru
“…I thought you were motivated for this?” - Seiichi
5 minutes had passed on the bench press and it was still light of a challenge for the teenager.
“You’re really taking this well, aren’t you? Maybe I should add another 10?” – Seiichi
“Ugh”– Takeru
While fetching the weights, Seiichi suddenly halts in his tracks and thinks.
(Seiichi to himself) “Maybe a little more would do him some good”
He then grabs a 45 kg weight plate and places it on the bar, undisclosed to Takeru. Seiichi is soon shocked.
“Wow, guess adding 10 didn’t do much, maybe you should have put more huh” – Takeru
“H-how…” – Seiichi, puzzled at the situation
“What? C’mon don’t be impressed by me. I'm just lifting 120 kg here, that’s average for my weight, isn’t it?” – Takeru
“Y-yea sure…haha I guess I was just impressed by your lazy ass growing so quickly…” – Seiichi, avoiding Takeru’s gaze
“C’mon man I haven’t done a real jump since we first came here and, back then, I was only lifting about 60 or 70” – Takeru
“That was still pretty good y’know, for a beginner” – Seiichi
“I’ve heard more impressive feats”- Takeru
After pressing for a couple more minutes, they switch and Takeru takes a break before moving on to the dead lifts. He lifts gradual amounts for about 10 minutes then ends with some stretches. He takes a glance at the time, pointing close to a quarter past 6...
“Damn, it’s already this late?” – Takeru
“Well, I was a little bit tardy in picking you up. Let’s get going alright?” – Seiichi
“Okay.” – Takeru
Once Reginald had checked every entrance in the house, he finally ends up in the attic where he accidentally uncovers some old photos while trying to steady himself on a bunch of misplaced boxes.
“What’s this?” – Reginald
Reginald grabs one of the pictures and sees a young boy and his sister holding their parent’s hands at a certain park.
“Is this… Takeru? With his parents? And who is that?” – Reginald
Reginald ponders his head with questions until he hears the door open.
“Hey, Reginald I’m baaack” – Takeru, loudly
“Oh shit” – Reginald
Reginald quickly sets everything back and goes down stairs to greet Takeru.
“Hey man, what’s up?” – Reginald, with an upbeat tone
“I just had a good workout that’s all. I feel a bit readier for tomorrow!” – Takeru, his eyes glowing
“Also what were you doing up there?” – Takeru
“Oh uhh nothing just closing all the windows and doors” – Reginald
“Why?” – Takeru, crossing his arms and leaning against a pillar
“Ahh it's nothing to worry about… OTHER THAN THE FACT THAT YOU JUST ALMOST GOT ROBBED!” – Reginald
“Whaaaat? You for real right now?” – Takeru
“Yes I’m for real! I wonder what you’d do without me…” – Reginald, sighing
Takeru looks at Reginald in awe, putting a hand on his shoulder.
“You’re such a nice guy you know that? And what happened to the thief?” – Takeru
“Oh yea, it was another Gopher. I couldn’t pin her down so she managed to get away” – Reginald
“And you didn’t follow?” – Takeru
“Look man, I didn’t wanna leave the house so, I locked all the entrances” – Reginald
“Alright, alright, just forget it and again thanks for watching the house” – Takeru
“No problem man…” – Reginald
“So what are we eating for dinner tonight?” – Reginald
“…Oh yeah about that… I spent most of my money on the equipment so I’m dry right now” – Takeru
“I should’ve known… Welp you’re in luck bro, my pockets are still pretty full. Wanna order takeout?” – Reginald
“Pizza maybe?” - Reginald
Takeru sighs
“Alright if you say so…” - Takeru
Somewhere outside the city, a car can be seen pulling up to a certain establishment, with a large sign reading ‘Kenshuku’s sleepy bar’. The duo stop their car and look over to the building.
“We made it” – Ichino
“Kenshuku’s bar, huh...” – Denki
“Yep. I know the owner quite well; I think he’ll have something for us” – Ichino
The detectives barge into the bar, feeling the old style jazz music in the area. On one side of the bar, some were throwing their money away at poker games while on the other, a security guard was throwing out a heavy drunk.
“It’s pretty old fashion” – Denki
“Just how I like ‘em” – Ichino
Ichino leads Denki to the counter where the barman is serving. The latter paid little attention to them and continued performing his job. Soon enough, Ichino attracted his attention
“Can I get a couple drinks over ‘ere?” – Ichino
“No.” – Barman sternly replies
Suddenly, the two started giggling randomly which muddled the tall man beside them.
(Denki to himself) “How is that funny in any sort of way?”
“What’s going on, old boy?” – barman
“Hey I’m still in my mid 40’s, middle age baby!” – Ichino
“Shut up, would ya?” – barman
“Listen, Ren, I’m on another case and… I need to find this guy…” – Ichino
“Heh… like always” – Ren
“HEY, just listen, alright?” – Ichino
“So, this guy is about as tall as where that bottle is over there and always has this large hat and coat on, you catch me? – Ichino
“Yuh” - Ren
“...” - Ichino
“Oh! yeah, it’s a B rank threat by the way” – Ichino, knowing that Ren would pay attention now
“WHAT!?” – Ren
“Yup. The boss sent me to track him down and report any suspicious activity” – Ichino
“Is she trying to get you killed?” – Ren
“Maybe, but you gotta get the job right? And… I mean it’s not the hardest thing we’ve done” – Ichino
The mood gains a sudden, gloomy shift. Ren frowns slightly and looks away, giving out a quiet response.
“We don’t talk about that…” – Ren
“Tch. I told you to get over it already, it’s been years now” – Ichino
Ichino quickly changes the topic while Ren maintains a quiet attitude, he obviously did not appreciate Ichino’s reply.
“So, have you seen anyone fitting the description?” – Ichino
“I mean a guy with that type of wear and height would get noticed easily… hmmm but I haven’t seen anyone of that description” – Ren
“Argh...God damn it. Is there anything you can tell us, any rumors or weird activities?” – Ichino
“…I did hear that the Raikens making moves down south near Jurong lake” – Ren
“That small time group? Ugh, at least it’s something, thanks man” – Ichino
“Yeah no problem, wish I could do more though. I’ll catch you later old boy” – Ren
The two exchange hands and part ways. While on their way outside, Denki turns towards Ichino, looking quite confused.
“What was that all about?” – Denki
“Huh?” – Ichino
“Y’know the thing he avoided” – Denki
“Ohh… that… well its nothing to be concerned about… it was a long time ago” – Ichino
“…If you say so” – Denki
“Let’s get outta here” - Ichino
Once out of the bar, the duo come across a very intriguing scene.