
NAEGI-KIRIGIRI RESIDENCE: 10:30 PM
After what felt like hours of traveling, the car finally arrived at my destination. Apartment 053. Home at last, thinking to myself with a small sigh of relief. That briefing took longer than was expected. Although, it is logical given the circumstances. After a turn of the keys, the door was opened.
“I’m home.”
“Hey, welcome back!” hearing Makoto from the living room. The sound of his voice brought a small smile to my face.
My hand placed the coat on the hanger next to Makoto’s and placed my shoes next to his. Ready for what little time there is to relax before making preparations. Looking through the small hallway and arriving in the living room, stood Makoto where he was cooking in the kitchen.
“H-hope you don’t mind, I made you something to eat.” he stuttered while holding a plate of omelet rice. “Sorry it isn’t much, I got back pretty late too. So I kind of just scraped together something really quick.”
“It’s fine. I appreciate the effort regardless. Thank you.” I replying politely, taking the plate he was offering me.
“Heh. No problem.” he grinned with that usual hopeful smile of his, which most of the time warms my heart a little whenever he gives it. One of the multitude of reasons why he’s charming, despite what other people think.
Both of us sat at the small dining table we had and began to eat. We began engaging in some small talk. Calm moments like this are ones I find solace in, especially when I’m spending those moments with him. It’s nice to spend the evening with, given that this is the last we’ll have for a while. After a bit of talking, particularly about this one manga Makoto and his sister were reading together. He then asked me about my day, given how late my arrival home was.
“I’m gonna guess you’ve got another rough case on your hands, huh?” he muttered nervously.
I stayed silent for a moment, pondering as to how to respond to his question.
“I guess ‘rough’ is a bit of an understatement. Sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.” he apologized.
“It’s fine, Makoto. You don’t need to apologize for that.” I retorted quickly, pausing for a moment. “Although, I can’t say your statement isn’t entirely inaccurate.”
“Oof. That bad, huh?” he winced. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. I understand if you don’t want to get into it.”
“No, it’s fine. I don’t mind explaining it to you. I could use a second opinion on some of the details.”
“Of course. Anything I can do to help.”
Despite appearances and mannerisms, Makoto is surprisingly well adept at deduction himself. There have been moments where I hit a dead end in some cases and was able to take different perspectives thanks to his insight. If it weren’t for him being a school headmaster, he’d make a rather impressive detective himself.
“So, what kind of caper is it this time, Holmes?” he teased. While not the most opportune of times, I did still find it rather amusing.
“Well, Watson.” I replied, deciding to play along a little bit to his humor. “As you already deduced. I’ve been hired to lead another ongoing case. A rather taxing one too.”
“It’s not another serial murder case, is it?” he gulped.
“No, it wasn’t even the police that hired me this time.” I assured, however little it may calm him.
“Well that’s a bit different. So who hired you then?” He questioned, while taking a sip of water.
“The D.E.A.”
At that moment, he spat out the water he was drinking to his side. He took a moment to recollect himself and said “Are you serious?!” with understandable worry. Judging by my deadpan expression, he knew this was no joke.
“Okay, that’s a new one. It must be pretty bad if those guys are asking for your help. Just what kind of case do they have you working on?” he probed with concern and worry.
“I’ve been hired to lead the investigation of an illegal trafficking ring. One specializing in performance enhancing drugs, to be precise.”
“Performance enhancing drugs? Like, steroids?” he wondered, rubbing his chin.
“Yes. From what I’ve been informed, this group has been active for several years, originating in America somewhere in New Mexico and have been in business for well near a decade supplying performance enhancers and seem to have had a rather high number of clientele. Ranging from professional bodybuilders to underground criminals and gangsters. When their leader was taken into incarceration about 5 years ago, the operation was put out of business.”
“Wait.” Makoto interrupted. “First off, if this trafficking ring was prominent in America, then why is the Japanese D.E.A. handling the case now? Wouldn’t that be handled by the American D.E.A, or interpol? And secondly, why would they hire you to handle a case that’s already been solved?”
“I was asking the same questions myself. But recently the group has had a resurgence as of three years ago. Now in Japan.”
Makoto raised an eyebrow at the statement. “But, how is that possible?”
“Supposedly, one of the members who managed to evade custody fled the country and wound up here. There were theories that he was the one who tried to get the group back up and running. At least until he was arrested about 5 months later. However, even after his arrest, the group still continued to function, even improving since his incarceration. With their ranks increasing to the point of running a far larger operation from before.”
“But if both known leaders are in prison now, how is the group still keeping business up like this?” Makoto stopped for a moment before pondering. “Unless someone else is running the show now. Having taken over since the last guy was arrested.”
“Exactly.”
“Are there any leads on who it could be?”
“The former leader of the group gave a plausible one during interrogation. They stated that if anyone were to be able to flourish the business, it would be the new manufacturer of the drug. Unfortunately, that’s the only information we have to go on. He refused further testimony after that point. Since then, the D.E.A. hasn’t managed to procure any new evidence or suspects since. And whatever agents could find a solid lead… shortly disappeared not long after. Which is why they called me to handle the case from here.” I finished with my arms crossed.
A long silence then began to fill the room. Feeling as though time had slowed to a crawl, when it had only been seconds. Makoto spoke out, attempting to clear the air, peppering me with many questions.
“So, what’s the game plan then? This seems pretty tough to crack, even for you. How are you even going to start an investigation like this?”
“I’m not completely out of avenues for investigating. There have been rumors about recent activity with the group being prevalent in Yokohama.”
“Is there anything to back those rumors up?”
“No. But right now it’s all I have to go on, so it’ll have to do.”
“So that means you’re going to Yokohama?”
“Yes, I plan to leave tomorrow morning.”
“Okay. So, what’s the plan for when you get there?”
“Given the circumstances of the case I do have a plan to handle the investigation. However, it’s rather unorthodox and could be potentially risky.” I gave a short pause before explaining my approach. “The only way I’m going to gather any information…is on the inside.”
“The inside?” Makoto questioned, realizing what I meant. “You’re going undercover?!”
“That’s the idea, yes.”
Shaking his head for a second in disbelief trying to comprehend the situation, he spoke out.
“Okay, no. That’s insane, Kyoko! Given what you’ve said about other investigators handling the case, the same thing could happen to you. Plus, you’ve never worked undercover before. I’m sorry, but this sounds too risky for you this time.” he trembled with clear worry in his tone.
“I understand the potential dangers this approach could bring. But playing this by the book won’t yield any results. If I’m to make any progress in this case, then I have to know every detail possible. No matter the risks involved. You should know that about me by now.”
“Yeah, but-”
Before Makoto could finish, I placed my hand over his. “I know you’re worried, you have every right to be. But I’ll be fine. Because I know you’ll be hoping for me to succeed. That’s all the motivation I need to make it through this.” I reassured, never releasing my grip on his hand.
“And I thought I was the cheesy one.” he chuckled with a meek smile.
“I figured I’d try it your way for once.” I chimed in with as warm a smile I could muster.
“It doesn't really suit you.”
“Heh. I didn’t expect it to.”
“Promise me you’ll come back safe, okay?”
“It’s a guarantee.” I affirmed, and gave him a small kiss on the cheek, which of course made him blush in response.
“I love you.” he smiled warm enough to melt an arctic glacier.
“I love you too.” I try to evoke the same kindness he’s always shown me.
This case was going to be difficult, no doubt about that. But I’ve got the best man I could ever hope for in my corner. Everything was going to turn out just fine.
TWO DAYS LATER
UNSPECIFIED GYM: 7:00 AM
Having arrived at the destination, I walked through the automatic doors and began to survey the establishment. Noticing the multitude of machinery throughout the gym, all looking fairly high end and well kept. Also taking into account the patrons in the area ranging from simple athletic builds, to people with physiques on par with Sakura from my old class. This is the place.
Intel suggests that many of the patrons here have been seemingly gaining increased results over short periods of time. Indicating the possibility of them utilizing performance enhancing drugs. Due to those facts and that the equipment in here clearly cost a high amount. There’s the possibility that this place is involved with the traffickers in some capacity. Perhaps even being used as a front to bring in more clientele. Although it’s still too early to say for certain in that regard.
Tipping my hat downward to obscure my face, I make my way through the building. My reputation as the Ultimate Detective already puts me at a disadvantage. I had to choose my disguise carefully so as to not draw attention to myself. Wearing a simple hoodie jacket combined with a baseball hat to hide my identity. Along with some sweatpants and gloves designed for weight training in mind. This ensemble should be able to keep me low profile while also fitting in with the rest of the crowd.
To make any headway into this case, I’m going to need to frequent the place as much as possible. With enough persistence and patience, there should be someone here who could get me on the inside. My only concern is if that persistence pays off in the end. But, that’s enough dawdling. It’s time to get to work.
TO BE CONTINUED
Next: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/51.....oad-successful
After what felt like hours of traveling, the car finally arrived at my destination. Apartment 053. Home at last, thinking to myself with a small sigh of relief. That briefing took longer than was expected. Although, it is logical given the circumstances. After a turn of the keys, the door was opened.
“I’m home.”
“Hey, welcome back!” hearing Makoto from the living room. The sound of his voice brought a small smile to my face.
My hand placed the coat on the hanger next to Makoto’s and placed my shoes next to his. Ready for what little time there is to relax before making preparations. Looking through the small hallway and arriving in the living room, stood Makoto where he was cooking in the kitchen.
“H-hope you don’t mind, I made you something to eat.” he stuttered while holding a plate of omelet rice. “Sorry it isn’t much, I got back pretty late too. So I kind of just scraped together something really quick.”
“It’s fine. I appreciate the effort regardless. Thank you.” I replying politely, taking the plate he was offering me.
“Heh. No problem.” he grinned with that usual hopeful smile of his, which most of the time warms my heart a little whenever he gives it. One of the multitude of reasons why he’s charming, despite what other people think.
Both of us sat at the small dining table we had and began to eat. We began engaging in some small talk. Calm moments like this are ones I find solace in, especially when I’m spending those moments with him. It’s nice to spend the evening with, given that this is the last we’ll have for a while. After a bit of talking, particularly about this one manga Makoto and his sister were reading together. He then asked me about my day, given how late my arrival home was.
“I’m gonna guess you’ve got another rough case on your hands, huh?” he muttered nervously.
I stayed silent for a moment, pondering as to how to respond to his question.
“I guess ‘rough’ is a bit of an understatement. Sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.” he apologized.
“It’s fine, Makoto. You don’t need to apologize for that.” I retorted quickly, pausing for a moment. “Although, I can’t say your statement isn’t entirely inaccurate.”
“Oof. That bad, huh?” he winced. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. I understand if you don’t want to get into it.”
“No, it’s fine. I don’t mind explaining it to you. I could use a second opinion on some of the details.”
“Of course. Anything I can do to help.”
Despite appearances and mannerisms, Makoto is surprisingly well adept at deduction himself. There have been moments where I hit a dead end in some cases and was able to take different perspectives thanks to his insight. If it weren’t for him being a school headmaster, he’d make a rather impressive detective himself.
“So, what kind of caper is it this time, Holmes?” he teased. While not the most opportune of times, I did still find it rather amusing.
“Well, Watson.” I replied, deciding to play along a little bit to his humor. “As you already deduced. I’ve been hired to lead another ongoing case. A rather taxing one too.”
“It’s not another serial murder case, is it?” he gulped.
“No, it wasn’t even the police that hired me this time.” I assured, however little it may calm him.
“Well that’s a bit different. So who hired you then?” He questioned, while taking a sip of water.
“The D.E.A.”
At that moment, he spat out the water he was drinking to his side. He took a moment to recollect himself and said “Are you serious?!” with understandable worry. Judging by my deadpan expression, he knew this was no joke.
“Okay, that’s a new one. It must be pretty bad if those guys are asking for your help. Just what kind of case do they have you working on?” he probed with concern and worry.
“I’ve been hired to lead the investigation of an illegal trafficking ring. One specializing in performance enhancing drugs, to be precise.”
“Performance enhancing drugs? Like, steroids?” he wondered, rubbing his chin.
“Yes. From what I’ve been informed, this group has been active for several years, originating in America somewhere in New Mexico and have been in business for well near a decade supplying performance enhancers and seem to have had a rather high number of clientele. Ranging from professional bodybuilders to underground criminals and gangsters. When their leader was taken into incarceration about 5 years ago, the operation was put out of business.”
“Wait.” Makoto interrupted. “First off, if this trafficking ring was prominent in America, then why is the Japanese D.E.A. handling the case now? Wouldn’t that be handled by the American D.E.A, or interpol? And secondly, why would they hire you to handle a case that’s already been solved?”
“I was asking the same questions myself. But recently the group has had a resurgence as of three years ago. Now in Japan.”
Makoto raised an eyebrow at the statement. “But, how is that possible?”
“Supposedly, one of the members who managed to evade custody fled the country and wound up here. There were theories that he was the one who tried to get the group back up and running. At least until he was arrested about 5 months later. However, even after his arrest, the group still continued to function, even improving since his incarceration. With their ranks increasing to the point of running a far larger operation from before.”
“But if both known leaders are in prison now, how is the group still keeping business up like this?” Makoto stopped for a moment before pondering. “Unless someone else is running the show now. Having taken over since the last guy was arrested.”
“Exactly.”
“Are there any leads on who it could be?”
“The former leader of the group gave a plausible one during interrogation. They stated that if anyone were to be able to flourish the business, it would be the new manufacturer of the drug. Unfortunately, that’s the only information we have to go on. He refused further testimony after that point. Since then, the D.E.A. hasn’t managed to procure any new evidence or suspects since. And whatever agents could find a solid lead… shortly disappeared not long after. Which is why they called me to handle the case from here.” I finished with my arms crossed.
A long silence then began to fill the room. Feeling as though time had slowed to a crawl, when it had only been seconds. Makoto spoke out, attempting to clear the air, peppering me with many questions.
“So, what’s the game plan then? This seems pretty tough to crack, even for you. How are you even going to start an investigation like this?”
“I’m not completely out of avenues for investigating. There have been rumors about recent activity with the group being prevalent in Yokohama.”
“Is there anything to back those rumors up?”
“No. But right now it’s all I have to go on, so it’ll have to do.”
“So that means you’re going to Yokohama?”
“Yes, I plan to leave tomorrow morning.”
“Okay. So, what’s the plan for when you get there?”
“Given the circumstances of the case I do have a plan to handle the investigation. However, it’s rather unorthodox and could be potentially risky.” I gave a short pause before explaining my approach. “The only way I’m going to gather any information…is on the inside.”
“The inside?” Makoto questioned, realizing what I meant. “You’re going undercover?!”
“That’s the idea, yes.”
Shaking his head for a second in disbelief trying to comprehend the situation, he spoke out.
“Okay, no. That’s insane, Kyoko! Given what you’ve said about other investigators handling the case, the same thing could happen to you. Plus, you’ve never worked undercover before. I’m sorry, but this sounds too risky for you this time.” he trembled with clear worry in his tone.
“I understand the potential dangers this approach could bring. But playing this by the book won’t yield any results. If I’m to make any progress in this case, then I have to know every detail possible. No matter the risks involved. You should know that about me by now.”
“Yeah, but-”
Before Makoto could finish, I placed my hand over his. “I know you’re worried, you have every right to be. But I’ll be fine. Because I know you’ll be hoping for me to succeed. That’s all the motivation I need to make it through this.” I reassured, never releasing my grip on his hand.
“And I thought I was the cheesy one.” he chuckled with a meek smile.
“I figured I’d try it your way for once.” I chimed in with as warm a smile I could muster.
“It doesn't really suit you.”
“Heh. I didn’t expect it to.”
“Promise me you’ll come back safe, okay?”
“It’s a guarantee.” I affirmed, and gave him a small kiss on the cheek, which of course made him blush in response.
“I love you.” he smiled warm enough to melt an arctic glacier.
“I love you too.” I try to evoke the same kindness he’s always shown me.
This case was going to be difficult, no doubt about that. But I’ve got the best man I could ever hope for in my corner. Everything was going to turn out just fine.
TWO DAYS LATER
UNSPECIFIED GYM: 7:00 AM
Having arrived at the destination, I walked through the automatic doors and began to survey the establishment. Noticing the multitude of machinery throughout the gym, all looking fairly high end and well kept. Also taking into account the patrons in the area ranging from simple athletic builds, to people with physiques on par with Sakura from my old class. This is the place.
Intel suggests that many of the patrons here have been seemingly gaining increased results over short periods of time. Indicating the possibility of them utilizing performance enhancing drugs. Due to those facts and that the equipment in here clearly cost a high amount. There’s the possibility that this place is involved with the traffickers in some capacity. Perhaps even being used as a front to bring in more clientele. Although it’s still too early to say for certain in that regard.
Tipping my hat downward to obscure my face, I make my way through the building. My reputation as the Ultimate Detective already puts me at a disadvantage. I had to choose my disguise carefully so as to not draw attention to myself. Wearing a simple hoodie jacket combined with a baseball hat to hide my identity. Along with some sweatpants and gloves designed for weight training in mind. This ensemble should be able to keep me low profile while also fitting in with the rest of the crowd.
To make any headway into this case, I’m going to need to frequent the place as much as possible. With enough persistence and patience, there should be someone here who could get me on the inside. My only concern is if that persistence pays off in the end. But, that’s enough dawdling. It’s time to get to work.
TO BE CONTINUED
Next: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/51.....oad-successful
Category Artwork (Digital) / Muscle
Species Human
Size 2260 x 1630px
File Size 3.87 MB
Comments