Chapter Text
April 15th, 5:38 pm (Japan Time)
Chūō Expressway
—Music: Camping Trip - Persona 5 Strikers —
With Zenkichi behind the wheel, our camper van smoothly changes lanes in order to pass a car on our right.
Zenkichi spontaneously chuckles.
"What's got you in such good spirits?" I ask him.
"I know we've been on the road for a while now," he mentions, "But I just can't get over how nostalgic it feels to be in this camper again. Sure is lucky that Boss was able to get it for us again on such short notice."
Ryuji and Futaba are engaged in playing a co-op game together. Ryuji pauses to speak. "The guy who owns it must really have nothing better to use it for, to keep just renting it out like this, eh?"
"Not that we're complaining," Futaba snickers. "Ok, now unpause the game, I was trying to do something cool."
"Right, sorry," Ryuji laughs with embarrassment, and the two go back into their game.
Maya is fairly interested in the conversation. "So the Phantom Thieves have used this exact same van in the past to go on a road trip, eh?"
"We crossed most of Japan with this baby," I tell her. "I'm happy to be using it again."
"It's quite a bit more convenient than having to take three separate vehicles everywhere we go as a group," Edgeworth comments. "That, and it is remarkably comfortable."
"I still don't get why we didn't take the train," Kay complains, "It would have been a lot faster."
"We need to have transportation beyond just reaching Inaba," Ritsu reasons. "The tip we received from the Inaba PD was that someone resembling Hebi Hibiki was spotted in a car with shady individuals going through Inaba. They likely just passed through and moved on. Given that we don't know where they are specifically, we're most likely going to end up going further elsewhere."
Mishima seems uneasy. "It's still kind of crazy to hear that the yakuza straight up just nabbed this guy out of the back of a police transport. How did they even get away with that?"
"I'm shocked knowing that happened, as well," Sae expresses morosely. "Makes me wish I were a prosecutor again, so I could put all of those lunatics behind bars."
Ritsu skews his lip and his brow furrows. "Makes me sick that they think they can just get away with things like that. Good on the America Team for putting a stop to those pricks during their flight. I had a feeling Gumshoe was the type of cop to really take care of business, and I'm glad he was there."
"Gummy's awesome!" Kay praises, "He'll always go above and beyond to help others, no questions asked. I think the other team is in very good hands."
"Between Nick and Gumshoe, there's no problem that can't be solved," Maya expresses with a big smile.
"What I'm really concerned about," I add, "Is how Ann told us that the yakuza thug was working with a mafia thug, too. Supposedly the Komedi Club and the Rivales Family…"
"Shit just keeps getting weirder and weirder…" Ryuji mentions.
"Ryuji, stop pausing the game every time you talk!!" Futaba raises her voice in frustration.
"My bad!" he frantically apologizes.
"I've heard some hearsay about the Komedi Club," Zenkichi tells us. "They're a small time family as far as organized crime goes, but rumor has it that they're trying to move up the chain and gain more notoriety as a family."
"Do you think the Komedi Club might be the same group that took our guy Hibiki?" Futaba wonders.
"Hard to say," Ritsu speculates. "I'm not sure a small time group would have the means to nab a guy under police supervision right in front of them. I'm worried we may be dealing with a more powerful family here."
"There's another possibility, too," I suggest. "Ann also said that the Komedi guy told Phoenix that his clan was likely working for someone else. Depending on how influential the person buying them is, it might not be impossible that someone was pulling strings to allow that kidnapping to happen."
Edgeworth folds his arms. "If Brian Washington was involved in the plane kidnapping scenario, then it seems more than likely that influential individuals would be involved, given the nature of the conspiracy we're investigating. Ergo, assuming Hebi Hibiki may be connected to this conspiracy in a roundabout way, the same may apply. Pure speculation, on my part, but possible nonetheless."
"Hibiki was trying to sell the Orb of Heart, afterall," Sae recollects. "We have to remember that Austin Translation was specifically sent after Hibiki over the Orb, too. Hibiki is definitely on the conspiracy's radar. The worst case scenario is that someone paid the yakuza to kidnap him because that someone might be pissed that Hibiki let the Orb of Heart get stolen."
"There's still so much we don't know…" Maya laments. "But hey, at least we're making progress. It's very fortunate that we got the tip that we did leading us to Inaba."
"Still wish we could have taken the train," Kay gripes.
Ryuji looks up at her. "Why are you so fixated–"
"Ryuji, unpause, now!" Futaba snarls at him.
"Shit, sorry! I was just going to ask, why are you so fixated on the train, Kay?" he asks, but the sound effects from his game signify that his character died while he was distracted talking. "Aw, man…"
"My phone is barely getting any service out here," Kay explains. "I'm so b-o-r-e-d! At least we'd be there already if we took the train. Not that you two would mind, since you have video games to play… I wish I could be gaming on my phone, too…"
"Bad signal, eh?" Mishima repeats. "I suppose since you have an American network carrier, that makes sense. Maybe your network doesn't get great signals in these parts."
"Hey, idea," Futaba pitches. "Why don't we stop at a phone store? We can buy you a burner phone, and we can just set it up as a mobile hotspot. Sounds like a plan?"
I pull up my phone and do a quick map search. "There's a phone and tech shop right on the outskirts of Inaba, as it turns out. Zenkichi, can we make a quick detour at the next exit?"
"On it," Zenkichi nods, giving a quick two-finger salute. "Just tell me which ways to turn and we'll be there in no time."
Zenkichi pulls us toward the highway exit.
—Music Fade Out—
April 15th, 5:13 pm
Parking Lot, Mobel Phones and Electronics Store
—Music: New Days - Persona 4 —
Our van pulls into a parking spot just outside of our destination. Zenkichi turns around, hanging his elbow over the back of his seat to look at us. "Alright, we're here. Is this going to be a quick stop, or do you think it may take a while?"
"Shouldn't be too long," Kay supposes, "I'll just run in and get a cheap phone and be right out."
"I'm going to get up to stretch my legs," Mishima tells us, "It's been a long drive."
I stand up too. "I'll just run in and use the restroom really quickly."
April 15th, 5:15 pm
Mobel Phones and Electronics Store
By the time I'm done with my restroom break, I see that Kay and Mishima are all checking out at the counter. There's an employee ringing up the purchase, and they seem to be making small talk. The employee has wavy black hair, and skin that borders on the pale side. Her dark, almost red eyes seem to have an air of mystique.
"So, what brings you folks to Inaba?" the worker asks casually.
"I think we're just passing through by chance," Mishima explains.
"That so, eh," the worker acknowledges. "That's a shame. Though I can't say I'm surprised. You strike me as people who are on a mission."
Kay seems ready to proclaim something proudly. She swipes her finger under her nose as if trying to be modest. "You could say that. We're part of a super special team on an investigation"
"An investigation… that sounds interesting!" the worker admits.
The worker seems occupied for a moment, possibly calculating sales or otherwise finalizing the transaction while typing information into a handheld tablet. "So what's your name?"
"Kay Faraday!" our friend proudly announces. "I may not look it, but I'm an ace agent of justice who always steals the truth, no matter how far out of reach it may seem."
The shop worker seems to be generally pretty aloof, but her eyes widen ever so slightly as she looks genuinely impressed. "Steal the truth, is that right? Never heard anyone word it like that before. That sounds very interesting. That makes it even more a shame that you won't stick around in these parts. Inaba could certainly use some lively folks like you."
"Well, we might stay around for a bit afterwards," Kay reasons, "We have one friend who was doing some research that led her to this town, I suppose…"
"So, Kay," the worker addresses quite casually, forgoing formalities, "What do you say to exchanging phone numbers? That way you can give me a ring if your new phone gives you any trouble."
"Sure," Kay smiles.
The tech shop worker holds up her own personal phone. "It's super easy these days. Just hold up your phone to mine and I'll send you my contact info through an NFC transfer."
"I wonder if I should use my new phone or my old phone…" Kay considers.
"Either should do," the worker smiles.
Kay lifts up her old phone and holds it against the worker's for a moment. There's a short chime when the transfer is complete. Kay takes a look at her phone and reads the contact information. "Thanks again, um… Miss Yumiko!"
"Don't mention it," the worker grins pleasantly. She then looks at Mishama next. "You look like the type of person who would be interested in IT work, right?"
Mishima seems a bit surprised to become involved in the conversation. "Oh, yes! I actually am. How could you tell?"
"Just a hunch," Yumiko passes off. "I saw you eyeing things around the store and got the feeling there's more to you than meets the eye."
Mishima seems uncertain how to react to the attention. "Really?"
"We're always looking for part time workers at this store who know their way around tech," Yumiko elaborates. "I know you said you're just passing through, but if you ever find yourself looking to stay in Inaba for a while, you should totally give us a call. We could set you up with a job here, no sweat. Would you like to exchange numbers, too?"
—Music: My Homie - Persona 5 —
A shiver visibly overtakes Mishima, rising up from his shoes all the way up to his neck. "You… erm, I mean… a girl…"
Come on, Mishima. Now is your moment to shine. You have one job. Just don't be cringe, and you'll be fine.
"A girl… who is… who is very attractive… w-wants to exchange… phone n-n-n…numbers…?"
This is a bit painful to watch. Abort mission…
Thankfully, Yumiko seems to find it endearing more than embarrassing. She holds up her phone, much like before, offering the same contact transfer.
Mishima's still in a cast, but he uses his good hand to try and get his phone, fumbling around in his pocket for a moment trying to grab it. As he lifts it up, he narrowly avoids dropping it on the way up, catching it before it slips. His face is red as can be as the transfer goes through and the phones chime.
Mishima looks into his phone screen, and then he holds his phone across his chest as if it's something to be treasured and kept close to his heart. "T-thank you, Yumiko-san!!"
Did I walk into a romcom anime or something? Is this the start of a long and comedic road towards Yuuki Mishima getting a girlfriend? Honestly, that would be pretty cool. Do your best, Mishima.
—Music: New Days - Persona 4 —
The front door rings a bell and another customer walks in. Oh, it's Maya. "Hey guys, is everything ok? I just dropped in to check on everyone."
"Things are totally fine," Kay salutes. "Oh, Miss Yumiko, this is the friend I was telling you about who wanted to research stuff in Inaba."
"Interesting," Yumiko nods. "I know it's none of my business, but mind if I ask what stuff you're researching?"
Maya seems surprised to immediately become the focus of the conversation. "Oh, uh. You see, I'm from a group called the Fey Clan, who used to live in Japan a long time ago before moving to America. I'm just trying to find out a bit more about my clan history, is all. Supposedly they had some historical presence in Inaba at some point."
Yumiko closes her eyes for a few moments. "That sounds a bit familiar," she expresses.
"It… does?" Maya seems shocked. "You've heard of the Fey Clan?!"
"It's possible," Yumiko says, "I'm a bit of a history buff, even though I may not look it. I've also been in Inaba for a long time, so I know a lot about the local history. I could swear I've heard the name of that clan before, somewhere…"
She thinks to herself a bit. "I tell you what. How about we exchange phone numbers? I'll do a little bit of digging, and I'll give you a ring if I find out anything about what you're researching. Sound cool?"
"That's very kind of you, thanks!" Maya agrees readily. As before, the phones touch, and they chime when the transfer is complete. "Thank you again, Yumiko-san."
Yumiko has a strange look on her face which almost seems to convey a slight sense of surprise. "It's my pleasure. I'll let you know first thing if I discover anything," Yumiko agrees. "You all take care now, and hope to see you around again some time."
Goodbyes are exchanged, and we all group up and leave the store. That was a rather lively interaction for a random conversation with a store worker, but it seems like things were rather fruitful, all things considered.
April 15th, 5:25 pm
Parking Lot, Mobel Phones and Electronics Store
As we walk out of the store, Mishima stumbles a bit, and I catch him from falling. He holds his head. "Are you ok?" I ask him.
"I'm fine, I just… got a little light headed all of a sudden," he tells me.
"I'm feeling a little dizzy myself…" Kay sighs, holding her head with one hand.
"I wonder what's up?" Maya considers. "I feel fine. Maybe you two get car sick easily? We have been on the road for a long time."
"That might be it," I reckon. "Hopefully we aren't too far from where we're going, so there will be time to rest when we get there."
We get back into the van. "Everything all set?" Ritsu asks us.
"Yep," Maya confirms. "Next stop, Inaba!"
"Sounds like a plan," Zenkichi nods, starting up the engine again and driving us off.
—Music End—
April 15th, 5:40 pm
Inaba Police Station
Zenkichi pulls us into a spot outside of the local police station. "Alright, gang," Ritsu rallies us, "Our contact is inside here, he's one of the head detectives around these parts. Everyone be on your best behavior," he teases us. We all head inside.
—Music: Signs of Love - Persona 4 —
It seems pretty busy in here, but I suppose most police stations are. Everyone is running around and taking care of their own business. One person in particular walks towards us. It's a rugged individual who looks middle-aged, or just over it. He's dressed in a button up shirt with a red tie, and he's holding his jacket over his shoulder. His hair is short but a bit shaggy, and he has a bit of a 5 o'clock shadow of a beard on his face. He's looking at us like he anticipated our arrival.
"I take it you are the guests I'm expecting," he greets us. He has a hint of a smile, but otherwise looks serious.
"Detective Ritsu Chitsujo," our friend says as he shows his badge. "I'm with homicide investigations with the Tokyo PD."
"My name is Zenkichi Hasegawa," Zenkichi introduces next. "I work with Public Security."
"Miles Edgeworth, at your service," Edgeworth says as he crosses his arm over his chest and bows. "I'm a prosecutor, but I'm currently working with Interpol."
"And I'm Sae Niijima," Sae adds, "I'm a defense attorney based out of Tokyo, formerly a special investigations prosecutor. All the others here are acquaintances of ours."
The man seems a bit surprised.. "Quite a crew you all make, I didn't expect so many big shots when you told me you had a small group with you, Chitsujo-san. Even Interpol is in on this? We'll have to go over more in-depth introductions later, since there seem to be quite a lot of you…"
"Just Ritsu is fine," Ritsu allows, "I'm not big on formalities."
The man laughs. "Haha. I like that. I'm detective Ryotaro Dojima, and if you want to just call me Dojima, that suits me just fine. Come on, I'll boil a pot of coffee and we can talk in one of the back rooms."
April 15th, 5:50 pm
Inaba Police Station, Break Room
After taking some time to cover the rest of our introductions, Dojima starts handing out cups of coffee to each of us. He gets to me next. "How do you like your coffee, kid?"
"Black," I tell him.
"That so? Somehow I had a feeling you'd say that," he chuckles. "You strike me as that type of person."
"I'm a bit of a coffee enthusiast," I mention, "Black is the best way to taste all of the flavor profiles."
"Well, I don't know if ours will suit your refined tastes, but it'll wake you up at least," Dojima assures me.
I take a good sip. "Actually, this isn't bad at all," I tell him. "Just what I needed in fact."
"I'm glad to hear it," Dojima expresses. "So, I suppose we better get down to business then. I just have to ask one more time: are you all ok with so many civilians being here while talking police business?"
"We have a rather complicated situation going on with our group," Edgeworth attempts to explain. "Let's just say, everyone in this room has a very good reason for being here. These are, shall we say, civilian specialists of sorts."
"Alright, I'll take your word," Dojima nods. "So getting right to it, I'll give you the rundown. At around 2:15 pm, we got an anonymous tip from a local that there was a convoy of cars headed through the city that took a stop at a local gas station. The sketchy part was that the person matching the description you gave me was spotted in one of the cars, and he seemed to be bound and gagged, supposedly trying to get away. Evidently he didn't, and the cars moved on. All we know beyond that is that they were headed south, probably down E20."
"Hmm… thank you for all of that, Dojima," Zenkichi shows gratitude. "Even if it's just a cardinal direction, it's better than being totally in the dark. I'm just trying to think where they might be headed going that way. Do we know of any gang activity hotspots around there?"
"Well… I have some suspicions of my own, personally," Dojima asserts. "In fact, I might have one more lead that may be of use to you all. It's not much, but there's still a chance."
—Music: Reasoning - Persona 4 —
"I have suspicions that there's a yakuza safe house somewhere near the base of Mount Fuji, actually," Dojima informs us. "I don't have any proof yet, but… I do have a strong reason to believe as much."
Dojima sets out a folder on a table to show us, and it seems to be some kind of police record. Inside of it, there's a mugshot of a man, and a bunch of information inside.
"Five years ago, there was a murder in the area south of Inaba. The victim's name was Fukōna Jueki, and his body turned up Saiko Lake. Only thing is, this isn't a case of someone falling off a boat and drowning, unfortunately. The body had all kinds of intentionally inflicted mutilations. I know without a doubt that this poor sap ended up on the wrong side of the yakuza, and they are the ones who did him in before dumping the body."
"Dude… that sucks," Ryuji expresses sadly.
Dojima takes a long, solemn sip of coffee as the information sinks in. "It doesn't sit well with me. I hate to leave a case unfinished, and we never did find out a culprit, or even where the murder would have happened. I'm not even really sure why I'm telling you all this, but something in my gut as a detective just tells me that this unfinished case may be the key to figuring this out."
"Actually, Mr. Dojima…" Maya speaks up. "I'm really glad you are showing us this. It might be just what we needed to help right now."
Dojima didn't expect that response. "Wait. Really?"
—Music: Kurain Village 2016 - Spirit of Justice —
"Ok, so this is going to sound a bit strange, I know," Maya tells him. "But I actually come from a clan of spirit mediums called the Fey Clan."
"Fey Clan… that sounds familiar for some reason," Dojima considers.
"Supposedly my clan may have had a history in Inaba a long time ago, I learned recently," Maya explains. "But that's a topic for another time. What I wanted to tell you is that I actually have a really cool power, and that's the power to channel the spirits of the deceased. All I need to know is the person's appearance and the person's real name, and you've just shown me both."
Dojima's eyes shuffles across the room between all of us, as if he thinks we're all in on some sort of prank. "You... aren't kidding? Really?"
Edgeworth waggles his finger. "It's as I said before. Everyone in this room is a specialist in some way. I believe you shall find Maya's channeling technique most intriguing."
"I've never actually seen it before, myself!" Kay says, with clear excitement in her voice, "This is going to be awesome!"
"Alright, everyone," Maya claps her hands together. "Can you give me a little bit to focus? I'm going to channel Fukōna Jueki's spirit now."
—Music: Chains of the Heart ~ Psyche-Lock 2013 - Dual Destinies —
Holding her hands in a praying position, Maya closes her eyes. All of us watch her with varying expressions of anticipation, awe, disbelief, and all kinds of other emotions. This will be interesting indeed.
It's as if Maya's body glows, and suddenly… there's another person sitting where she was sitting, wearing her clothes and with her hairstyle!
"Uh… that's not Maya anymore, is it?" Futaba questions.
It's a man, whose physical proportions have been copied completely. He's taller than Maya is, has a much more burly build, and even a mole on his face is there.
He looks sleepy, and he stretches his body. "Huh… I'm back? I'm back?!"
Dojima's jaw has dropped, and he takes a moment to shake his head rapidly before regaining his composure. "Well then, consider me a believer," he mumbles before addressing the man. "Are you Fukōna Jueki?"
"That's me… though I thought I was dead?" he answers, very confused. "Why am I in these strange clothes…?"
"Jueki-san," Edgeworth calls to him. "You may find this difficult to believe, but you are currently having your spirit channeled through an associate of ours who is a spirit medium. You have been temporarily brought back to the land of the living."
"Wow… that sounds really cool, even though I'm not sure I really understand," he says.
"We could really use your help, Jueki-san," Dojima speaks up. "My name is Ryotaro Dojima, and I'm the head detective on your still-open case. I've been doing everything I could these last five years to try and find the people responsible for your murder. Is there anything at all you can tell us about the circumstances of your death?"
Jueki shivers a bit. "I hate thinking back to it, but… yeah. I remember quite a bit. Not everything, but still a bit."
*!*
Dojima is astonished as he pulls out a notepad and a pen. "Really?! Great! Please, anything at all you can tell us will help."
"Well, I borrowed some money from the wrong people you see. When the interest rates got too high and I got into too much debt, I tried to leave Inaba… but they didn't like that. So they kidnapped me and took me off deep into the forest. I'm almost positive it was Aokigahara Forest… if they were telling the truth, that is."
"Aokigahara…" Mishima mumbles uncomfortably, "Isn't that the creepy place that's infamous for all the people who go there to commit suicide?"
"That's the same one, I think," Jueki reasons. "I remember one of the guys specifically told me that they took me there because it's the type of place that won't get any unwanted guests, because they wanted me to be sure that nobody would come to look for me. It did a really good job of making me lose all hope…"
"Fucking bastards…" Ritsu whispers to himself.
"Can you remember anything about where they took you, within the forest?" Dojima asks urgently.
"It was some kind of shack out in the middle of nowhere, obscured by trees and foliage," Jueki explains, evidently remembering quite clearly. "I don't know what else to call that horrid place other than a torture house. The whole interior smelled like blood, and it was terrifying on the inside."
"A shack, I see," Dojima scribbles notes madly, "Any estimation on the size of this shack? How big are we talking? I'm trying to have an idea of what kind of size of a building we need to look for."
"Enough to fit twenty or so people inside," Jueki recalls. "It was like a lounge, with chairs and tables and a tv and even a pinball machine. I don't know how those creeps could stomach the smell while hanging out there…"
"I have a very important question for you, Jueki-san," Dojima says. "I might already know the answer, but you can tell me for certain: is this a place the yakuza took a lot of their victims?"
"I'm almost positive," he confirms. "They told me as much while taunting me. They said this is a building where they take people to die."
Edgeworth taps his forearm as he carefully considers what he's hearing. "So there is a possibility that this may be the location we're looking for."
"You're looking for it?" Jueki asks, "To solve my murder?"
"Yes, but also because we are concerned that another victim may be headed there now," Ritsu informs him. "And it's sounding like there's at least hope that we may be able to save that victim in time."
"Do you have any clues as to where this shack may have been?" Sae asks next. "Even just memories of landmarks nearby might help.
"I'm not sure, I'm sorry… I was blindfolded when they took me there…" he starts to explain sounding uncertain, but then he changes his tune and sounds as if he can tell us something without a doubt. "But, I do remember exactly where I died."
—Music End—
*!*
—Music: Reasoning - Persona 4 —
Dojima is clearly having a hard time keeping himself contained, with all of this new information flowing in. "Please do, Jueki-san. That will help us immensely."
"I don't think I'll ever forget what happened," he gulps and nods. "You see, I had an opportunity to escape the torture house by sheer chance. I remember rushing out of the door and running for a long time as far as I could go. After running maybe a kilometer or two, I tripped on some rocks and I scraped up my knee pretty badly. I remember getting blood all over the rock formation."
We all listen intently as he continues. "I realized I wouldn't get anywhere with my hands still bound by ropes, so I tried to find something sharp that I could use to cut the ropes. I found a sharp tree branch sticking out from a tree, and I cut the ropes before running further."
"By this point, they were chasing after me," Jueki keeps going, "I heard a number of gunshots and impacts, and I think they hit the trees near me. I panicked, so I changed directions and ran to the right side instead to take cover."
"When I thought I was safe and out of sight, somehow I felt something extremely painful hit me in the side, and realized I had been shot on the left side of my torso. I have no idea how because that was the opposite direction of where they were firing from…"
"I ran as far as my legs would take me, but I eventually ran out of steam," Jueki sighs. "I ended up collapsing, and I guess I was bleeding to death. The last thing I remember seeing while I was laying on the ground was some kind of sign."
"You've given us so much information that we'll put to good use, Jueki-san," Zenkichi praises. "Is there any possible way you can recall what the sign said?"
"I remember… It was a sign by the side of a hiking trail. It said, uh… 'Keep Out,' I think?"
Edgeworth and Kay look at one another. "What do you think, Mr. Edgeworth?" she asks him. "Think that's enough information to crack this case wide open with a good old fashioned investigation?"
Edgeworth taps his forehead with a clear smile on his face. "I would certainly say so. You have been an invaluable help, Jueki-san. I know it isn't much, but I can assure you that those responsible for your death will meet their justice."
"I'm truly hoping we'll find them before they take the life of another victim, too," I nod firmly.
"I hope you can rest in peace now, Jueki-san," Dojima nods with determination. "You've given us a ton of information, and I think we can take it from here. I don't know how I can ever thank you enough for your help."
"It's the least I can do," Jueki smiles meekly. "I'm so thankful just imagining good people like you putting a stop to those creeps and their murderous ways. Thank you so much, detective Dojima, and all of you."
—Music End—
There's a brief glowing light once more, and Maya is back now. She looks a little groggy. "H-Hey, everyone. What did I miss? Did you get to meet Fukōna Jueki?"
"You don't remember any of what just happened?!" Kay asks in surprise.
"Nope, sorry," Maya shrugs. "When I channel spirits, I'm completely unconscious. You guys will need to fill me in on what happened."
—Music: Secret Base - Persona 4 —
Dojima is completely flabbergasted. "Maya, I can hardly believe this, but you've given us the tools necessary to close the book on a case that's been bothering me for five years. I owe you, big time!"
"So, it's a little past six o'clock," I reason. "What's our gameplan, moving forward? If we head out now, it'll be dark by the time we get to Aokigahara Forest. But if we wait until morning, who knows if Hebi Hibiki will still be ok…"
"Wait, you can't ALL be planning on going, can you?!" Dojima asks in confusion. "This is no game, these are the yakuza we're talking about. This is going to be extremely dangerous."
We look at one another and talk things out amongst ourselves. The thing is, none of us particularly want to stay behind.
"Hell no, we aren't staying behind!" Ryuji aggressively stands up for all of us, "This shit is way too serious to just turn tail and run at this point. We're all in this together, man!"
"As much as it would make sense for some of us to stay here, it just doesn't sit right thinking that the others will be putting their lives on the line," I assert strongly. "So if Zenkichi, Ritsu, and Edgeworth are going, then we're all going."
"You can be sure that Kay and Akira have special investigation skills that will be of great use in terms of finding the location we are looking for," Edgeworth vouches.
"I should come along too, in case we need to talk with the victim again," Maya nods.
Dojima holds his chin while frowning. "I don't like the idea of this many civilians being involved when we're getting this close to a possible yakuza safehouse…" he mentions, "But I suppose this wouldn't be the first time I've seen ordinary civilians accomplish extraordinary things. How about this? I'll let you all tag along to help with the search, but once we start closing in on the safehouse itself, stand far back and let the police take over. I'll be bringing a squad, and I'll be calling in a few associates for added back up. Can we agree to this?"
"I think we can work with that," Zenkichi smiles.
"By that point, the rest of us can wait safely in the camper, right?" Futaba recognizes.
"Can't wait to arrest these yakuza sons of bitches," Ritsu says with his eyes closed, and a visible uneasiness.
"So, are we going to do this by the cover of night?" Kay asks. "That's the least chance of us being spotted, even if it might make the investigation itself tricky."
"This is a race against time, so I think it's imperative that we move quickly," I establish.
"Alright. Then let's get prepared to move out as soon as we can," Dojima says, still not entirely comfortable with the idea. He whips out a phone and starts making some calls.
Something tells me that this is going to be a long, long night.
To be continued…
—Music End—
—Music: Results - Persona 4 —
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