Later that night, Takahiro prepared to go home.
7 p.m, already. Takahiro said calmly as he checks the time on his watch So many happened in just 1 day...Takahiro just lets out a sigh out of exhaustion Two suspicious new students, Two mysterious videos from two mysterious and self destructive children, The declaration of war against the country, and the bombing of Kanagawa Central Mall. He looks up in the ceiling Who the hell are those two masked kids? and What are the backgrounds of my two new students? That is the biggest questions of the day...He muttered to himself. He rubs his chin, thinking deeply.
"Is it possible that Arata and Shinji are closeky related or...possible THEY ARE the masked duo online? But there are no concrete evidence to back up this claim...Those kids are just something else, Especially that 4 eyes boy, Arata." He taught to himself, and later on he decided to get up and get ready to leave the Faculty Room.
Are you going home too, Ms Akira? Our co-workers akready gone home. He asks calmly.
Oh, it's okay! I am going home in a bit too, I am just going to record some papers! Ms. Akira said with a smile on her face.
Unfortunately, I won't be able to join you here He scratches his head I promised to meet an old friend tonight.
Oh, It's alright! Enjoy your time with them! Ms. Akira cheerfully bids Takahiro fairwell.
Thank You, I must excuse myself now...take care on your way home. Takahiro said calmly then he exited the room.
Takahiro started reminiscing his conversation with Superintendent Kuriyama in the phone from earlier.
5 hours prior....
I would like to request for your help in this case, Former Senior Inspector Takahiro. Superintendent Kuriyama requested, His voice shaky.
Takahiro's eyes widen because of the sudden request from his old friend, Superintendent Kuriyama.
I need your abilities once again, Takahiro He pleads Help me catch this insane kids, like what we used to do before...I know you are still traumatized because of...what "happened" 7 years ago Superintendent Kuriyama clears his throat But, I hoep you consider my request!
Takahiro's heart beats so fast as memories of that faithful day turned a tragic one from 7 years ago flashes back in his memory.
I...I would like some time to think Takahiro's voice turned a bit shaky.
Alright, I'll wait. Superintendent Kuriyama clearly is disappointed in this outcome But, why don't we meet in a local restaurant? The one where i ate a lot lately. Also, I would like to catch up with an old friend after those 7 years without any contact with each other! Superintendent Kuriyama invites with enthusiasm.
Are you for real? Takahiro lets out a sigh After all of the mess you are in right now with this new declaration of war and bombings thingy case, You still have an energy to meet up and eat with this messed up teacher? Takahiro says sarcastically as he laughs.
Still loves sarcastic remarks so it seems. Superintendent Kuriyama chuckles Well, are you up on it? Superintendent Kuriyama asks hoping that he will agree.
I have nothing to do later...So, I guess it's fine. Takahiro scratches his head.
Then, it has been decided Superintendent Kuriyama is evidently happy I will send you the location and meet me there at 7:40 P.M! His tone shifts into a more serious one I will also share some information about the case to you later, I still hope that you consider helping out in this one. He hangs up the phone call.
Going back to the present...
Takahiro just elts out a sigh of defeat.
How coudl this happen? Flashbacks of his past flashes in his head, He then touch his head because of the growing uncomfortableness of the memories Damn it! He mutters to himself as he walks to the given location by the Superintendent.
YamaSushi...seems like I've already arrived in my location Takahiro stops to look at the signage, and then looks at his watch 7:30 P.M, so it's just 25 minutes away in Sakurazaka Highschool and 40 minutes away in my house, pretty convenient. He opened the door and enters the restaurant.
"Superintendent intends to meet me at 7:40, I got here 10 minutes earlier so I might as well order a sake first." He taught to himself.
One battle of sake here, Please! He calmly requested to the waitress.
One battle of sake, Coming up! The waitress rushes back to the staff room to get the orders.
Takahiro lets out a sigh and waits for the Superintendent and his sake, There he thinks about the Superintendent's request.
"This might also give me the power to demand things because they are the ones who needs something from me, It's also my opportunity to investigate the two new kids in my class as well." Takahiro taught to himself then sighs.
7:40 P.M, He should be nearby by now. Takahiro yawns.
Not long after, Superintendent Kuriyama enters the restaurant and sits in front of Takahiro.
You're finally here...Takahiro yawns I am going to die from boredom because of how slow you are! You're still the same slowpoke Kuriyama I know...Takahiro sighs.
And you are still the same sarcastic Takahiro I know Superintendent Kuriyama chuckles, and signals for the waiter to come in Two orders of my usual, please!
Yes, sir! The Waiter salutes and rushes to the staff room to get the order.
I already ordered one battle of sake for us, You know? Takahiro asks coldly.
Still a sake guy too! Superintendent Kuriyama laughs Anyways, in the past 7 years...How have you been? Superintendent Kuriyama asks, His tone shows genuine concern.
My life has been so dull ever since that day Takahiro looks up in the ceiling But, at least teaching is fun Takahiro smiles for a bit then immediately goes back to his stern expression.
Quite the tsundere, aren't you? Superintendent Kuriyama said with playful tone.
Shut it. Takahiro sighs Anyways, You are going to provide me some private information about that new case of yours, right? Takahiro asks, with genuine curiosity.
Oh, right! Sorry, I got immersed for a while, since it's been a while...My former partner! Superintendent Kuriyama clears his throat Here it is, listen well and make sure that you will not tell anyone. He whispered to him looking at Takahiro's eyes intently.
I won't tell a soul. Takahiro said straightforward.
Alright, I know you are already aware that we are dealing with two genius teenagers despite their naivety, daring to challenge the whole country. Superintendent Kuriyama turns serious The bombs are handmaid bonbs they are disguising the appearance of it into something cute or something that could be seen in your every day life, but what's inside is a mix of dangerous chemicals and gases that makes the explosion destructive also a strange unknown device that is used to trigger the bomb and is connected to the detonator which is most likely the perpetrators' device. He clears his throat I know you already caught on the news, but what i have shared to you is what we are withholding for now.
Takahiro seems calm outside but inside his thoughts are scattered and he is utterly bewildered.
"A handmade bomb, that has been created by the hands of teenagers... intelligence really is a sharp weapon, I am more than eager to know right now...to learn who these two kids are." Takahiro taught to himself.
Anyways, I have solved the riddle after watching the fiest video, but I am afraid that...I might be one fo the reasons why the bomb goes off, it's because I pay it no mind thinking that it's just a prank from kids until i heard about the news of the explosion in the exact location that cryptic video is pointing out. Takahiro closes his eyes, His voice laced with calmness and guilt.
What?! Tell me how did you come up with the correct deduction! Superintendent Kuriyama expected this already but he can't still help to be amazed by Takahiro's abilities.
It's just simple really, The clue is the three locations they have said and the word NEAR Takahiro clears his throat Those three locations they have pinpointed in that videos are three of the most famous and important places here in Kanagawa Prefecture. So, I thought that it's one of those two places that they have mentioned just like you do. But, as I observe their body language and how they act in the video also paying attention in the tone of their voice...I realized that we are being played by their playful facade because their are some words where their playful facade falters in the word "NEAR" and "KANAGAWA" that is where i realized that everything in that video is already a clue in the location of the bombs and also the fact that they are staying in the center of the screen and not even moving them also plays a significant role and the mention of "THERE ARE LOTS OF YUMMY FOODS THERE" by the white masked man, that is where i solved the riddle "KANAGAWA" and the fact that they are unmoving in the center "KANAGAWA CENTRAL" and the food one mall is full of restaurants and foods as well not just some thiyand entertainment. "KANAGAWA CENTRAL MALL". Takahiro yawns as he finishes his explanation.
Superintendent Kuriyama lefts bewildered by his friend's ability to solve things like this that him struggles.
You really are a genius, Takahiro! You're abilities is still sharp even though you retired 7 years ago! Superintendent Kuriyama is delighted, clapping his hands.
It's nothing...But, I must admit those two are good they almost got me fooled too. Takahiro sighs, his face forming a scowl for a moment and goes back in his usual stern expression.
So, what do you say about my request earlier? Superintendent Kuriyama gulps, awaiting his response.
A moment of silence occurs for a moment, And Takahiro finally broke the silence.
I will agree under three conditions. He whispered to Superintendent Kuriyama.
Name it! Superintendent Kuriyama is completely delighted by his response.
Even though you got appointed as a Superintendent...To me, You are still my partner that childish Senior Inspector from 7 years ago. Takahiro smiles warmly.
First, I want ro serve only as a consultant detective. I will remain as a teacher in Sakurazaka Highschool just phone me up when you need my assistance and keep me updated in the meetings about this case. Second, I want you to provide protection in my wife and daughter. Lastly...His expression turns dark.
What is your thirs request? Superintendent Kuriyama gulps.
There are two new students in my class and they are too mysterious for me...So i would like you to investigate their backgrounds and not just their backgrounds put them into thorough surveillance as well, and don't even try to ask questions. Takahiro pulls out Arata and Shinji's requirements in his bag This is them, That is my last request. His voice turned even more colder.
Alright! I will arrange for the second and third request and your first one...will be gladly respected...just receiving your help is enough for me. Superintendent Kuriyama clears his throat Thank you, Old Friend. He smiled genuinely.
It's nothing. Takahiro looks away.
In the corner of the restaurant...
Hmmm, You're good Takahiro. But unfortunately, you are not observant enough in your surroundings. Shinji mutters to himself and smirks, casually eating his sushi Thanks for the tip, Takahiro-Sensei...He mutters to himself with a mocking tone.