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AKB48 Fanfics => AKB48 Fanfics => Topic started by: jubethehare on August 25, 2015, 09:26:50 AM

Title: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[Bonus]
Post by: jubethehare on August 25, 2015, 09:26:50 AM
Hello, everyone! This is my second fanfiction here and I have to warn you...

THIS IS GONNA BE DARK~~

...

..

.

Well, not really. Hmmm... Maybe? Anyways~

It will be the crossover between Joshikou Keisatsu and Majisuka Gakuen 4, but even though I said Majisuka the story will focus around Gekioko so a lot of NMB casts will appear. So yeah, actually you can call this an "NMB+TentoumuCHU" fanfic. Now with all the explanation out of the way let's get on to the story.

Enjoy~   



The Epitome of Justice
-Table of Contents-

(http://s3.postimg.org/wz60sz1fn/seigi_small.jpg)

__________________________________________________________




~CHARACTERS PROFILE (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=39666.msg1346339#msg1346339)~ 
[Last edit: 12/08/2016]



~CHAPTERS~

    --CHAPTER 00 : Prologue (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=39666.msg1345746#msg1345746)

    --CHAPTER 01 : Her Crumbling Dailylife (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=39666.msg1345831#msg1345831)

--CHAPTER 02 : Reunion of The Fallen (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=39666.msg1346333#msg1346333)

--CHAPTER 03 : Awakening of Nightmare (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=39666.msg1347218#msg1347218)

--CHAPTER 04 : The Philosopher's Ramble (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=39666.msg1348407#msg1348407)

--CHAPTER 05 : Choices and Homecoming (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=39666.msg1352551#msg1352551)

--CHAPTER 06 : Broken Girls; Broken Memories (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=39666.msg1355659#msg1355659)

--CHAPTER 06.1 : Xmas special - Their Fleeting Dreams (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=39666.msg1359527#msg1359527)

--CHAPTER 07 : Strategy Meeting (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=39666.msg1365167#msg1365167)

--CHAPTER 08 : Before The Storm (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=39666.msg1368034#msg1368034)

--CHAPTER 09 : The Fallout (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=39666.msg1372191#msg1372191)

--CHAPTER 10 : Hide and Seek (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=39666.msg1378244#msg1378244)

--CHAPTER 11 : Backtrack-- Retracing Our Steps (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=39666.msg1379868#msg1379868)

--CHAPTER 12 : Stand Alone Complex (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=39666.msg1388102#msg1388102)

--CHAPTER 13 : Theory of A Monster - Questions (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=39666.msg1390211#msg1390211)

--CHAPTER 14 : Theory of A Monster - Searching (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=39666.msg1391919#msg1391919)

--CHAPTER 15 : Theory of A Monster - Answer (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=39666.msg1395237#msg1395237)



~BONUS ART~

--[10/09/15] (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=39666.msg1347638#msg1347638)--[02/01/16] (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=39666.msg1360655#msg1360655)--[14/02/16] (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=39666.msg1365525#msg1365525)--[13/03/16] (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=39666.msg1368503#msg1368503)--[20/05/16] (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=39666.msg1374128#msg1374128)--[21/10/16] (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=39666.msg1386624#msg1386624)--[14/03/17] (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=39666.msg1395809#msg1395809)--


__________________________________________________________
The Epitome of Justice : Table of Contents// TO BE CONTINUED
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshikouKeisatsu] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[Ch.00]
Post by: fath107 on August 25, 2015, 10:09:47 AM
that's great! keep on going author-san!  :thumbsup

NagiUha make me sick too like MaYuki couple -_-
Title: [MJSK4XJoshikouKeisatsu] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[Ch.00]
Post by: jubethehare on August 25, 2015, 10:13:32 AM
The Epitome of Justice
Chapter 00: -Prologue-

__________________________________________________________




Tell me, what is ‘Justice’?

...


...


..


.



             
“—**** from Class *** was taken to custody. That makes the third times this month.”


                            “Damn, what the hell is going on!?”

    “There got to be a traitor among us!”



                                                  --Doing what is morally right           --Giving everyone his or her due equally

                         --Rewards of the righteous; punishment of the wrong



“No; it's her… It got to be HER!”

                  “—the principal had given his order; capture her and bring her to us.”



                                                      --It is a bias concept that can easily change based on someone’s perspective


          “Hey, is she strong?”

  “A HA HA HA!!! I don't care about the principal~ I just want to hear some screams~~



                       --someone once lost their precious half to it

                                    --someone was raised alongside that concept and put it above everything



“That shitty bastard, I'll make her pay for running away!!”

                          “I wonder what face she'll make once I gouge out her eyeballs. Maybe Coby-sama will come back and praise me! E he he he~ “



                                                                --there are two who barely understand nor care about it

                                         --and there’s one who never believe it exists



“Calm down, do you even know where she is?”
   
     “Zoshigaya, Tokyo. A footage from the security camera I hacked shown an image of her around the area.”



--one was wronged by it and wanted to redeem herself

--and one was blinded by it and lost faith in everything...


“There’s no mistake.”
 
           “Find her... The bearer of that corrupted 'justice' ; the very person who started and destroyed everything...”



--Hey, tell me… What is ‘Justice’?

                                                                                                                                               
“That person who bears that Hideous Name,

we will show her what real ‘justice’ is with our fist.”

   


--Does it even exist in this world...?

__________________________________________________________
The Epitome of Justice : Chapter 00 // END

Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshikouKeisatsu] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[Ch.00]
Post by: teru_fi on August 25, 2015, 12:35:24 PM
You got me at the word, NMB. Update, please
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshikouKeisatsu] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[Ch.00]
Post by: ChibiRine on August 25, 2015, 01:42:57 PM
AHA! NMB! SO I GUESS OUR FAVORITE PAIR WILL BE HERE! PLEASE UPDATE THIS WONDERFUL STORY SOON! :on gay:
Title: [MJSK4XJoshikouKeisatsu] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[Ch.01]
Post by: jubethehare on August 26, 2015, 04:03:57 AM
The Epitome of Justice
Chapter 01: Her Crumbling Dailylife

__________________________________________________________



Joshikou Keisatsu.

A special police force made by the Japanese government to fight the ever increasing crime rates.

It was a unit of police detectives consisted of high school girls led by inspector Shimota J Taro, conducted at Zoshigaya High School under the disguise of a mere club. At first it was only an experimental unit but after a year of successful run the special force had been declared as official and would continue their service without constant supervising from then on.

Today was another peaceful day after school and the high school detectives were busy at their office as usual, working through various papers and documents. Half a year had passed since their inspector moved to Okinawa branch, believing that the girls were finally ready to continue the duty by their own. As in majority vote, and recommendation from supervisor Minegishi, Kojima Mako was appointed as the new leader of the special unit with Shibuya Nagisa as her deputy since the two of them were the ones who kept the group running all this time. That very deputy though, was slouching on her desk right now with a lazy look on her eyes.

"I'm bored~ Why’s there no big incident lately?"

A girl sitting adjacent to her let out a long sigh; she seemed to be tired with the complaint and purposely clicked the pen on her hands loudly to express it.

"Would you stop complaining? It's good that it's been peaceful lately. And if you have that much free time, please do your paperwork, vice-chief. "

"Eeh, no waaay~ Say, why don't cha be vice-chief instead, Naachan? Yer better at it than me, fer sure."

The girl with the blue beanie put out her trademark smile, earning a glare from her serious friend.

"Are you telling me that you want to ignore majority votes and revoke your position?" Nana clicked her pen loudly one more time. "Just how selfish can you be, vice-chief?"

"Well, I dunno~" Nagisa smirked. "Ain't those calling it 'Majority Votes' and forcefully push me to this position the selfish one? Hm?"

Mako let out an awkward laugh as she felt the tension in the air. Looks like their daily quarrel had finally started. She paused from her works and leaned to the right a bit, peeking through the tall stack of papers; the chief desk was situated a bit far from the others so she had to do some extra efforts to join the conversation.

"Now, now, Naachan there's no need to take Nagi-chan seriously."

The two girls didn't budge, and Mako sighed. This call for a back-up. She switched her gaze to the far end of the room, focusing her eyes on a certain girl quietly reading a document on her desk.

"...But as you said, we're the police so we shouldn't ask for trouble just because we're bored. Right, Ryou-chan?"

She let out the last sentence a bit louder, and she could see Nagisa flinched. Alright, case closed. Mako leaned back to her chair as the quiet girl lifted her eyes from the criminal record, turning to face the quarreling officers. Nagisa gulped.

"Mako is right. Stop being such a troubled child, Nagi. Oh and by the way, have you run through the documents I left for you? I wonder where it is..."

SLAM

"It's all right here. All of the documents from two weeks ago."

All of the girls quickly turn to the source of the voice, watching as Nana slammed a stack of unchecked documents on their vice-chief’s desk. Ryouha stared at the documents for a while, before turning to Nagisa with a sweet smile. Nagisa felt a shiver ran down her spine.

"The submission deadline is tomorrow by the way, so good luck ‘vice-chief’."

Ryouha spun on her chair and returned to her work, while Nagisa let out her breath in relief. Looks like I’m safe for now. Right, what should I do with this pile of boring records… She turned her attention to her desk, gazing the amazing amount of papers Nana dumped on it. She glanced at Mako, clasping her hands together with a pleading look, but the chief only shrug before resuming her own work. Thanks for setting me up, you traitor. Nagisa sighed and put on her blue headset, taking out her phone from her pocket to punch a song.

“Oh no, you don’t.”

“Wha—hey!”

In a flash Nana snatched her phone away.

“Go and do your work NOW.”

Nagisa grumbled and reached for her pen, playing with its tip. Sheesh, what a Majime devil…

“I heard that. And start working!”

“Aye, aye…”

Nagisa let out another long sigh, skimming through the piece of paper with a very bored look on her face. Oh come on! She joined the police for a fun crime fighting, not doing some office work! Maybe she should've refused the vice position right from the start. Just as she thought about that, the front door slammed open.

“Everyone, we got a case!”

Seriously? Nagisa grinned.

“Hell yeah, about time!”

The room fell quiet as Nagisa jumped from her seat in excitement, while Nana literally giving her a death glare. She clamped her mouth shut as she felt the cold eyes around her and sat back down, trying her best to put a serious expression.

“I mean, ahem, don’t mind me. Please continue, Miki-chan.”

The twin-tailed girl nodded and walked toward the whiteboard at the front, posting a piece of photograph on it.

“Two days ago around 10pm, there was an incident of violent Vandalism at a bus stop three blocks away from here.”

“Vandalism?” All of the girls asked at the same time.

“Yes. The building was destroyed by what seems to be sharp objects, all of the windows were broken and walls were painted all over with graffiti. Luckily there wasn’t anyone around so there was no casualty. On the down side, there was no witness either.”

Everyone gave a nod. But then Nagisa chirped in.

“Eh, ain’t that just normal vandalism? Why contact us police detective?”

"I'm not done, yet.”

Miki whisked out another photo from her bag and posted it beside the first one.

“Last night around 12am, there was another case. This time it’s burglary. The place was a convenience store two blocks away from our school. Right now Mio and Meru are investigating the area to gather more information.”

She took a black marker and started to write down the necessary information beside the photographs while the other police detectives tried to process the news. One of them though, seems to be barely excited to see that.

“…So?”

“Yes?”

Miki turned to find Nagisa crossing her arms.

“How’s that got anything to do with us? Wait, in the first place, what’s the second case got to do with the first one?”

“That is…because a similar mark was found at both crime scenes.”

Once again Miki reached for her bag to retrieve two photos. She pasted them under the previous pictures and drew a line between the two. Nagisa narrowed her eyes, trying to get a better view of them.

One had the picture of a ruined bus stop, while the other showed a broken and empty cash register. Both were badly damaged and full of strange marks that resembled tiger claws, as if a pack of wild beast just walked by for a feast trip. But what caught her attention wasn’t that.

There, on top of the savage destruction, three messy alphabets were painted on red as if mimicking blood.


            N.M.B


Nagisa rose to her feet, knocking her chair over.

No way…

A sudden pain rose to her stomach and she bit her lip, clutching the stinging area.

No, it got to be a mistake... They can't be here!

  —gisa. —you're such good girl—

The sweet ghastly voice echoed inside her and she closed her eyes, trying to fight off the wave of paranoia.

Shut up.

   --Next one——for the sake of Justice — kill — understand, don't you?

I said shut up!

    --a ha ha ha ha!! — fault!

No. No—

--it's all your—


“Nagisa!”


The girl snapped out of her trance, feeling a strong grip on her shoulder. It was Ryouha, and the girl was shaking her in slight panic.

“A-are you okay?”

Nagisa looked around to find the whole squad staring at her.

"...Owwie~" She let out a playful whine, putting on her goofy persona flawlessly. "My stomach hurts... shouldn't have eaten that week old takoyaki, ha ha!"

The serious air quickly dissipated and everyone sighed. Nana slammed her desk in irritation.

"Oh for…vice-chief! Please, we're having a serious talk here!"

"But I am serious, Naachan. Anyways..."

Nagisa stretched and put her fallen chair back into position, before taking her bag. She spared a glance at Mako as she walked toward the door.

"I don't feel well, so please continue without me everyone. See ya~"

And with that, the bubbly girl gave them a salute and disappeared by the front door. The remaining girls only shook their head at their fellow officer's antics. Sure they could count on her at times, but sometimes her laid-back personality was just too much for them to handle. Especially for Nana; she's currently nudging her forehead to keep her anger from exploding. Ignoring their missing vice-chief, everyone resumed their previous discussion. Everyone but Ryouha.

The quiet girl suddenly rose, snatching everyone's attention.

"Ryouha?” Mako tried to study her face that was hidden by a curtain of long hair. “What is it? Is something matter?"

“…”

Ryouha clenched her hands.

"I...I’m sorry. I'll check on her."

She bowed slightly and left the room in a run, not even waiting for the other girls to respond.

There's something wrong, she thought.

Something really REALLY wrong.

Nagisa might be able to fool everyone with her silly smile, but no, not her. Being the most nervous and quiet of the group Ryouha had spent her first few months in Joshikou Keisatsu sticking close to the outgoing Nagisa. They'd gone through many cases and investigations together that she could easily see through her partner's facade. So she knew for sure, the pain on Nagisa's eyes just now was real. Nagisa tend to hide her own problems, so seeing that pained expression worried Ryouha even more. The girl quickened her pace. The reddish sunset illuminated her as she ran through the empty school ground, her eyes darting around to find a certain blue beanie amidst the fallen red leaves.

"NAGISA!"

She shouted as she found the black-haired girl by the school gate, and she reached out her hands toward the lone figure. Ryouha panted, clenching Nagisa's right hand tightly as she tried to catch her breath. Nagisa tilted her head innocently.

"Oh? What's wrong Ryou-chan? Your grip kinda hurt though."

Ryouha didn't answer.

"Um, if it's about the documents...I'll try to manage them tomorrow morni —ouch, ouch, ouch!"

She yelped as the smaller girl pinched her cheek hard, leaving a big red mark.

"Owwie, are you really that mad?"

"Stop giving me that fake smile, Nagi."

For the first time in a while, her smile faltered. Ryouha raised her face, staring eye to eye with the now silent girl.

"What are you hiding this time?"

"..."

"You promised me, right!? That you'll tell me if there's something wrong!"

Nagisa didn’t answer. The two girls stayed like that for a while, staring at each other in silence. Neither spoke a word, neither dare to move. Only the quiet cry of the crows accompanied them, until...


...


..


.


"Puh--Aha ha ha!"

Ryouha blushed as Nagisa petted her head and laughed.

"W-what!? Stop laughing! I’m being serious here!"

"Aww, are you worried? How cute—ouch!" Nagisa yelped as the shorter girl kicked her on the shin.

“Ooh, my poor leg… Geez, why do ya have to be so cruel to me?”

The girl crossed her arms, glaring at her partner.

“You asked for it. Now tell me what happened...”

“…”

Nagisa stared at her in silence; just like how Ryouha could see past her fake smile, she too can easily read what’s hidden behind her partner’s tough outer shell. So Nagisa knew, even though she was putting a bold front, the girl was trembling in fear inside. She sighed.

“I’m fine, ‘kay? ‘m just making an excuse so I can go home early. See?”

Nagisa patted her belly a few times to proof her words, giving Ryouha a toothy grin.

“…really?”

“Yep, I’m fine. Totally fine.”

“You’re lying…”

Nagisa looked away.

“Eh, well…maybe?”

“Nagi…”

“…”

“…”

The silent battle between them continued for a while until Ryouha decided to give in.

“...fine. If you can’t talk now... at least promise me that you won’t do anything reckless by your own.”

A huge grin quickly formed on Nagisa's face and the deputy stood up straight, giving her partner a perfect salute.

“Yes, ma’am! I, Shibuya Nagisa, promise that I won’t do anything reckless again.”

“Pinky swear?”   

“Eeh, sure. Pinky swear.”

Nagisa held out her pinky finger, locking it with Ryouha’s. The quiet girl smiled. She knew that Nagisa was probably lying, but at least she now had a reason to punish her if the girl ever broke that promise.

“...you really won't change your mind?”

“Uh…   phone! Ryouha, your phone is ringing!”

Ryouha blinked. She pulled the beeping mechanism out of her pocket while Nagisa secretly let out her breath in relief.

"Is it the chief?"

"Yes... Maybe she got a lead on the case, hold on a second."   

"Gotcha~"

Nagisa took a few steps back quietly as she saw Ryouha switching her full attention to the call, her eyes darting around to find any opening.

"...I understand. I'll return to the office immediately with Nagi. Yes, she's fine. She’s with me right now."

Alright, now’s the chance—


“AND WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU’RE GOING?”


Nagisa flinched, feeling a sharp glare boring into her back. She let out an awkward laugh.

“…to the…supermarket! They’re havin' beef on sales today by 6pm so I gotta run. Ya don’t know but for someone living alone special sales like this can save a lot of my expenses~”

Ryouha gave her a skeptical look.

“You left your job as a police officer…so that you can get more beef to make that strange takoyaki-flavoured yakiniku of yours for dinner?”

“Hey! Don’t insult takoyaki, they’re delicious!”

“Doesn’t mean that you have to make everything taste like one… Ah, wait, s-sorry. What is it again, chief?”

She raised the phone to her ear again.

“Yes, yes…eh? But—…I understand.”

Nagisa tried to stifle her laugh as Ryouha turned to her with a big pout.

“Pfft, a ha ha ha! What with that face? What did Mako say?”

“She’s giving you the shift off. And she wants to talk to you.”

She half-heartedly tossed her phone to the laughing Nagisa who caught them with ease.

“Shibuya Nagisa here~ What’s up, chief? Uh-huh, uh-huh… I see… Alright, gotcha~”

Nagisa tossed the phone back to Ryouha.

“What did she say…?”

“Get me some of the yakiniku in return, she said. With lot looot of yer specialty ponzu sauce~ “

“…I doubt she said that.”

“She did y’know, she did~ Oh, and she need ya back in the office this instant! Hurry, hurry~”

Nagisa pushed her partner playfully, waving at the girl as she saw her off. After she’s sure that Ryouha had really left, she let out a long sigh.

“Well then…”

The kansai girl took off her blue beanie, staring at the small golden badge on it; the proof of her position as a member of Joshikou Keisatsu. The tiny ornament reflected the sun ray perfectly, giving off light just like a real star, and she closed her eyes to blocked out that beautiful yet fragile sight. I shouldn't let it grow dirty, now I? Her smile vanished, replaced by cold empty eyes. She put away her beanie to her backpack and removed the red jacket around her waist, replacing her white school blazer with it. She pulled the hood over her head.

“Looks like the takoyaki will taste a bit stronger tonight.”



__________________________________________________________
The Epitome of Justice : Chapter 01 // END
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[UPDATE - Ch.01]
Post by: junchan48 on August 27, 2015, 08:22:10 AM
NagiUha>0<
Ryouha just worried with you, Nagisa><
I'm so curious with Nagisa's relation with thi N.M.B.
Maybe Nagisa was their victim or their member..... I dont know :D

I already be your stalker anyway :D
And I love your NagiUha fic><
Thanks for the update, author-san^^
I'll waut for the next chapter :twothumbs
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[UPDATE - Ch.01]
Post by: Rena-chan Daisuki on August 27, 2015, 03:41:47 PM
Just the first chapter and there's already something....
With this i think the rest of the chap are going to be.... :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[UPDATE - Ch.01]
Post by: fath107 on August 28, 2015, 06:12:53 PM
Please update soon  :bleed eyes:
Title: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[Ch.02]
Post by: jubethehare on August 30, 2015, 08:41:47 AM
Thanks for the feedbacks and comments everyone~ Here's chapter two.
Oh, and I'll also post the Characters Description that will get updated once in a while, revealing more characters and info as the story progress.  8)
Anyways, Enjoy~






The Epitome of Justice
Chapter 02: Reunion of The Fallen

__________________________________________________________



They said this place is Pitch Black.



A cold and dark hole where the dazzling light of the city won't reach. A place where every trash and filth of the world reside.



This place always exists, yet people tried to forget.

They tried to ignore the fact.


That under the fragile concept they called 'Peace' lays a twisted and corrupted nature.



Yes. She used to be like them too. Lured by that fragile illusion, trapped in its sweet sweet lie; mesmerized by a honey-laced voice that kept haunting her deepest mind.

She was so naive back then, so innocent. Believing that the world spun on a perfect concept called 'justice'...



Until everything blew up on her face.



"How stupid..." The red hooded figure could almost laugh.

She walked down the dark alley in a deep silence, her white shoes turning more and more black as they hit the dirty ground, and she let out a snicker as she saw that. She could always wash these shoes, but however how hard she tried, they would never return to their original whiteness.


A dull color that could hardly be defined; how fitting for her. The girl softly laughed.


"Why hello, miss~"


The hooded girl blinked, returning to reality as she saw two figures blocked her way. She stopped on her track, burying her both hands deeply in her pocket as she watched them came closer and circled her. So they finally appeared, huh? The filth of the world...

"What a lil' missy like ya doing in this oh so dark alley alone?" "It's very dangerous 'round here y'know~"

That thick kansai dialect; looks like the intel she got from the chief was right. She opened her mouth as she felt her voice rose to her throat, calling out those nostalgic names.


"Ibukuro. Otona."



The two yankee flinched and backed away.

"You--" Otona growled. "Who the heck are ya? How do ya know our names!?"

"Just an off-duty police walking by..." The girl lowered her hood, showing her cold dark eyes that almost looked dead. Otona took another step back as she recognized her face while Ibukuro simply smirked, clenching her fist to stop her trembling.

"I see...so that's how it is. I thought your voice sounds familiar, Miss police officer. So you finally appear… 


The former general of Kango-ka,

Gekioko’s monstrous berserker, Seigi. "



Nagisa narrowed her eyes dangerously.


    Justice
' Seigi '


A name she used to be so proud of. Now it only made her want to puke. The girl clicked her tongue to ease her disgust.

"What're ya Gekioko-folks doing all the way from Osaka?"

" 's that the first thing ya hafta say in this touching reunion?"

"I didn't call for a party. And I thought Antonio told cha not to mess in other's hunting ground?"


"Shut up, traitor! Antonio's era is over!!! And it’s because of you— "That’s enough, Otona.”


Ibukuro stopped her partner short, and Nagisa clicked her tongue again. What did she mean by that? And how is it her fault? She watched the two yankees closely, her eyes trying to pry whatever info she could get from their behaviors; a habit she developed working as a police detective. Ibukuro sighed, turning her attention back to the former Gekioko's student as she managed to calm her furious partner.

"Come with us, Seigi. Gekioko's top is lookin for ya."

"And what’s that top want from me?" Nagisa tilted her head in a mocking manner. "Doing all this just to lure me out..."

"Well, I wonder? Even I can't guess what Kurobara's thinking..."

What...?

Nagisa's widened as she heard the name.

Kuro...bara?

She clenched her fist tightly in her pocket as a certain maniacal laugh flashed in her mind.


What's that crazy outlaw doing inside Kango-ka!?


"Ya get it now, traitor?" Otona growled again, eyes filled with pure hatred. "The Kango-ka that Antonio built had long gone. It's nothin but a fucked up place now thanks to you!"

The former Kango-ka general gritted her teeth.

What's going on? What happened after she left!?


...


..


.


Well, does it matter?

Nagisa took a deep breath. The anger in her eyes quickly dissipated into nothingness.

That's right. Nothing matter for her anymore. She had left Gekioko for good, so whatever happened to them was none of her business. Right now she's a student of Zoshigaya High who is working part-time as police detective. Nothing less, nothing more. And stood in front her now were suspects of the recent case she's chasing. So it's simple. As the vice-chief of Joshikou Keisatsu there's only one thing for her to do, isn't there?

"I won't come with you." Nagisa pulled a handcuff from her jacket’s pocket, tossing it to Ibukuro.

"For committing vandalism and burglary, I'll take you guys with me instead."

"Well, well. Playing the hero of justice again now, are we?" Ibukuro chuckled and twirled the handcuff around her finger, playing with it.

"Don't get me wrong, Ibukuro; I'm only doing my job. It has nothing to do with justice.

"Really?"

“...yeah. Now be a good girl and cuff yourself."

“What if I say NO ?”

“…”

“Can’t answer, huh?”

CLANK

Ibukuro tossed the handcuff away. She undid the chain around her right arm and slammed it to the ground while Otona cracked her fist. The yankee smirked.

"Then let’s settle this the old way, Seigi. Hope ya still remember how…"

So it finally came down to this? Nagisa sighed. She wanted avoid this outcome as much as possible but looks like she had no other choice. Well, it's easier to take them down if she split them away, but what next? Once she defeated them Kurobara would only send more yankees to get her. Unless...

SMACK

Nagisa staggered back as Otona punched her cleanly on the left cheek.

"Hmph, what's wrong traitor? Lose yer edge?"

"..."


  --Unless...


Nagisa rose to her full height, smiling widely.


“What’re ya smiling for, huh!?”

"Aaah, sorry but I won't fight~~ It’s such a hassle, ha ha~"


She raised her both hands, leaving herself vulnerable and wide open.


"You coward!!!"


Ibukuro swung her chain, catching Nagisa on her right arm.

"I can't believe ya, Seigi... Have livin' in Tokyo dull yer sense this much?"

"Nah, it’s just that y’know? I‘m not into violence anymore~" She let out a laugh, the same laugh she always did all the time, but it only put oil to the fire.

"Then let me remind you with my fist!"

The yankee pulled her chain, dragging Nagisa to meet her partner's kick. It hit her on the chest with a sickening crunch. The girl flinched, but her smile didn't waver as if permanently planted on her face. Ibukuro pulled her chain again, swinging the former yankee around like a rattle doll while Otona hit her with synchronized blows. Lastly, she threw her to the nearby wall in a huge slam. Otona followed the movement flawlessly, pinning her prey roughly on the neck.

"Who’s smiling now, punk?"

Nagisa spit blood to Otona's face.

"Tch! Looks like I need to pummel ya some more!"

Otona gave her another punch on the face, sending the helpless girl to the ground. Nagisa cowered on the ground as the Nandeyanen Sisters beat her over and over.

--BAM  --CRACK   BAM --SLAM! CRASH--

The painful sounds echoed throughout the empty alleyway just like a broken music, but the beaten girl didn't seem to care, taking each and every blows in silence while covering herself to lessen the pain. After what seemed like forever the one-sided torture finally ended. 

"Ya kiddin me? She really THE Berserker?" Otona kicked the badly wounded girl on the side, earning a slight grunt.

"She's hella weak!"

"That's enough. Let's go."

"What? We're not takin her?"

Ibukuro paused and switch her gaze from her partner, staring at the pitiful form of Nagisa lying on the ground. She scrunched her nose in disgust.

"...nah. 'Seigi' is no more. Besides, Kurobara isn't interested in a prey that won't even scream."

"Tch, fine."

The two yankees turned and walked away. Ibukuro gave her former friend one last glance.

"I hope this’ll be our last meeting, 'miss police officer'. Because next time, I’ll make sure you have no face left to smile..."

“…”

Nagisa rolled to her back and coughed, staring at the starless sky of the city.


...


..


.


“Aah, I wish its weekend tomorrow...”


She weakly laughed, closing her eyes as she rose into a sitting position. She flinched as she felt a huge pain on her side. Probably broke a rib or two there, those Nandeyanen Sisters sure didn’t hold back. Nagisa sighed, opening her eyes to examine her dirty uniform. Well, this doesn’t look good either. She hadn’t taken her spare uniform out of laundry, too. And not to mention she needed to come up with a good excuse to avoid Ryouha’s wrath. Oh how she really wished there’s no school tomorrow… The troubled girl stood slowly, careful not to put anymore strain on her battered body.

“Now then, what shall I do…”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


  RRRR--
   
        RRRR--

  CLACK



     --“Hello ello~ Have ya two shitty sisters done yer job yet?”


  “…we’ve found her. But she’s no longer the same monster.”

      --“Oh?”

  “Seigi’s done for. There’s only a coward that won’t even lift a fist.”

       --“Ha ha, that sounds lame~ So what did ya do? Beating her and threw her dead body down the sewer?"

  “Nah. Let alone Kurobara, killin a lifeless prey won’t even excite me. ‘m sure she won’t be happy if I drag that trash back to Osaka.”

       --“Well, how about we revive the monster?”


  “What do you mean...”

       --“Ibukuro ya silly bastard. You used to be a general together with her, yet ya don’t know how to push her button?”

  “…”

 
--“Listen up, shithead. It’s simple! What you need to do is…”



__________________________________________________________
The Epitome of Justice : Chapter 02 // END
Title: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice [CHARA DESCRIPTION]
Post by: jubethehare on August 30, 2015, 10:53:43 AM
The Epitome of Justice
Characters Profile: [12/08/2016] edit

__________________________________________________________




[ Joshikou Keisatsu // Zoshigaya High School ]



-- Shibuya Nagisa / "Seigi"

    (http://s18.postimg.org/brgqgw9ut/nagi.jpg)   (http://s2.postimg.org/9suhvzorp/seigi.jpg)

   Name meaning: Seigi means ‘Justice’. Taken from her strong sense of justice (as revealed in TEPPEN Radio). Also known as Gekioko's Berserker.

   Position: 2nd year of High School. Deputy.

   Code Number: 07

   Description: The vice-chief of Joshikou Keisatsu and a transfer student from Osaka. She lived alone at an apartment near the school.
   An outgoing and laid-back person that always looks cheerful, but she's actually hiding a violent side. She used to be a yankee and a student at Gekioko
   before transferring to Tokyo. It seems that something happened in the past between her and Yoshimoto-gumi,
   giving her severe trauma and partial memory loss.


-- Kitagawa Ryouha

   (http://s15.postimg.org/ui10uvz6f/Uha.jpg)

   Position: 2nd year of High School. Squad Member.

   Code Number: 06
 
   Description: The most quiet member of Joshikou Keisatsu. She looks cold on the outside, but behind her tough exterior she’s actually soft-hearted
   and easily nervous around people. She has lost her parents on a fire back in Nagoya and now lives with her relatives in Tokyo.
   Very close to Nagisa and often work on a case together as a partner, but seems like their relationship is more than that.
   Currently under the custody of Gekioko's rebels led by Gakushu and her whereabout is  unknown.


-- Kojima Mako / "Kamisori"

   (http://s18.postimg.org/k3zwy8739/Mako.jpg)   (http://s22.postimg.org/h9g4wepy5/kami.jpg)

   Name meaning: Kamisori means ‘Razor’.

   Position: 2nd year of High School. Squad Leader.

   Code Number: 01
 
   Description: The current leader of Joshikou Keisatsu and also its first member. She has a strong sense of responsibility and often act as a mediator
   between the members, always trying her best to keep her squad together. She also acts as Seigi’s supervisor and was tasked to get rid of her
   if she ever go berserk again. Seems like she used to be known as a yankee called 'Kamisori' and once lost her partner because of Seigi,
   but the details still remains unknown. Currently acting as the temporary leader of Majisuka Rappapa.


-- Okada Nana

   (http://s18.postimg.org/ev9he3e1x/Nana.jpg)

   Position: 2nd year of High School. Squad Member.

   Code Number: 02
 
   Description: A member of Joshikou Keisatsu who seems to act more like a vice-chief than Nagisa and despises her laid-back attitude.
   She comes from a well-known family which has served the police force since a long time.
   Her upbringing shapes her into a strict and no nonsense girl who put her job above everything.


-- Nishino Miki

   (http://s17.postimg.org/avw0f7x7v/Miki.jpg)

   Position: 2nd year of High School. Squad Member.

   Code Number: 03
 
   Description: An easily frightened member of Joshikou Keisatsu who's known for her big reactions. It is said that she was found by Shimo J somewhere
   before being adopted by Nishino family. Her unknown past probably play a role in her developing some kind of anxiety disorder.


-- Tashima Meru

   (http://s12.postimg.org/nu2120z8p/Meru.jpg)

   Position: 2nd year of High School. Squad Member.

   Code Number: 04
 
   Description: The childish member of Joshikou Keisatsu who loves to eat and pull off pranks, but sometimes her pranks can go overboard
   so Mio always stay by her side as her anchor. Also a genius and have a strange love of explosives; she is an expert at making homemade trappings.
   There's rumor that she was involved in some kind of bombing incident that happened years back in a certain Junior High,
   but the truth about this matter is still unknown.


-- Tomonaga Mio

   (http://s16.postimg.org/40afxkxv5/Mio.jpg)

   Position: 2nd year of High School. Squad Member.

   Code Number: 05
 
   Description: A calm and soft-spoken member of Joshikou Keisatsu. She acts just like a motherly figure to Meru and always seen around the girl.
   It is said that she is naturally cute that everyone can't help spoiling her, but it seems like she is disturbed by that for some reason.





     nurse department
 [ Kango-Ka // Gekioko High School ]


TOP:

-- Yagura Fuuko / "Kurobara"

    (http://s2.postimg.org/6ba2a1w6d/kuro.jpg)

   Name meaning: ‘Black Rose’. Her official name from Majijo 4.

   Position: 3rd year of High School (repeat year). Leader.

   Weapon of Choice: None. Prefer empty fists.

   Description: The current top of Gekioko. Kurobara is a cruel fighter who likes to fight just for the sake of hearing her opponent's scream.
   She seems to be a bit mentally deranged as well and always seen laughing.


VICE:

-- Shiroma Miru / "Shirogiku"

    (http://s22.postimg.org/jqxkd6zvx/shiro.jpg)

   Name meaning: ‘White Chrysanthemum’. Her official name from Majijo 4, taken from part of her name ‘shiro’ which means ‘white’.

   Position: 3rd year of High School (repeat year). Vice leader.

   Weapon of Choice: None. Prefer empty fists.

   Description: The second-in-command of the current Kango-ka. Shirogiku is someone who fights just for the sake of fighting and
   always looking for stronger opponents. She seems to be the only one that understand Kurobara's way of thinking
   and also take delight in hearing screams just like her. 


THE THREE GENERALS:

-- Yabushita Shu / "Kimotama"

    (http://s9.postimg.org/lxlkdwlff/kimo.jpg)

   Name meaning: ‘Guts’ as in having a gut to do something. Because she doesn't afraid of anyone.

   Position: 2nd year of High School. General.

   Weapon of Choice: Metal Bat.

   Description: One of the three generals of Kango-ka. She has a foul mouth and never thinks highly of anyone, acting rashly most of the time.
   A childhood friend of Seigi and her best friend; they used to stick together all the time. Seigi's disappearance seems to shaken her a lot
   and makes her develop a deep hate to the said yankee, but looks like they've started to get along again. She's currently labeled as a traitor
   by Kango-ka and being hunted down, but she doesn't seem to care much. Right now she is allying herself with Kamisori and Majisuka in an attempt
   to find Seigi.


-- Sutou Ririka / "Gakushu"

    (http://s7.postimg.org/tq854wzqv/gakushu.jpg)

   Name meaning: ‘Study’. From her deep love in studying and philosophy.

   Position: 2nd year of High School. General.

   Weapon of Choice: -yet to be revealed-

   Description: One of the three generals of Kango-ka. A childhood friend of Seigi. At first she keeps close to Seigi because she’s interested
   in her abnormal strength but her view had changed. She's planning to destroy Yoshimoto-gumi, luring them out by creating war among the three
   strongest yankee schools. Her reason for this is still unknown.


-- Kinoshita Momoka / "Henteko"

    (http://s21.postimg.org/kpzjdbghf/hen.jpg)

   Name meaning: ‘Weirdo’. Because her eccentric look and personality.

   Position: 2nd year of High School. General.

   Weapon of Choice: -yet to be revealed-

   Description: One of the three generals of Kango-ka. Known to be a bit crazy.
   She seems to enjoy games and like to play around with her prey before finishing them.



OTHER MEMBERS:

-- Kadowaki Kanako / "Ibukuro"

    (http://s13.postimg.org/xvweuilar/ibukuro.jpg)

   Name meaning: ‘Stomach’. Her official name from Majijo 4. From her huge appetite.

   Position: 3rd year of High School. Previous General; now a simple member.

   Weapon of Choice: Chain. Also good with knife.

   Description: A member of Kango-ka and a previous general together with Seigi. Calm and collected, she usually looks after the younger yankees
   and teaches them the true code of Kango-ka made by Antonio. She despises Kurobara’s way of indiscriminate fight.
   Has a very strong hand grip and can fling a person with her chain.


-- Kadowaki (Kinoshita) Haruna / "Otona"

    (http://s7.postimg.org/qmby0qstz/otona.jpg)

   Name meaning: ‘Adult’. Because she’s often being mistaken as one.

   Position: 2nd year of High School. Member.

   Weapon of Choice: None. Prefer empty fists.

   Description: A member of Kango-ka and the younger sister of Ibukuro. She highly looks up on Antonio’s teaching and was very angry when Kurobara
   took over to reform Kango-ka. She blamed Seigi for running away and despised her ever since.


-- Kusaka Konomi / "Enoki"

    (http://s21.postimg.org/r964dkr5f/enoki.jpg)

   Name meaning: Enoki is a kind of mushroom. Because she's said to look flimsy like one.

   Position: 2nd year of High School. Member.

   Weapon of Choice: Unknown.

   Description: A member of Kango-ka and the successor of Basset in the line of informant. She's officially enrolled in Majisuka, Gekioko, and Yabakune
   all together in an attempt to widening her information web. Very good with words, but her drowsy face tends to irritate people sometimes.
   Also like to come up with sudden 'Boke' (funny man joke), which adds up to people's irritation.





[ Yoshimoto-Gumi ]


-- Fujie Reina / "Zero"

    (https://s31.postimg.org/sx3mxocob/zero.jpg)

   Name meaning: Taken from part of her name 'Rei', which can also means the number 'zero'.

   Position: 3rd year of High School (repeat year). Student Council President of Gekioko High.

   Weapon of Choice: -yet to be revealed-

   Description: The current known member of Yoshimoto-gumi, a huge yakuza organization based in Osaka. The one who gave Nagisa the name 'Seigi'.
   Nothing much is known about her as of now but she seems to play a big role in Seigi's disappearance from Gekioko.




[ OTHER ]


-- Takahashi Juri / "Uonome"

    (https://s32.postimg.org/wc7eo4woh/uonome.jpg)

   Name meaning: Uonome means 'fish eyes'.

   Position: 3rd year of High School. Heavenly Queen, Rappapa member.

   Weapon of Choice: None. Prefer empty fists.

   Description: One of the four Heavenly Queens. She is an old friend of Kamisori who act as the temporary leader of Rappapa before the said yankee's
   return to Majisuka. Calm and have a leader-like aura around her, she seems to have gained a great amount of respect from her underlings. When Majisuka
   is suffering a great decline in power due to the graduation of Sakura and the previous Heavenly Queens, she and the other members of team Hinabe took
   over Rappapa and successfully maintained the difficult tug-of-power with Gekioko and Yabakune. Her goal is to protect Majisuka until a suitable yankee
   appears to take over the top once again.


-- Kotani Riho / "Basset"

    (http://s2.postimg.org/6mcguofid/ripopo.jpg)

   Name meaning: ‘Basset’ is a name of a dog breed. Basset hound is a friendly and gentle dog, but also one of the best hunters.
   Its tracking ability is second only to Bloodhound. The breed is mostly known now as the mascot of Hush Puppies.

   Position: Owner of 'Macaroon Dog Cafe' in Zoshigaya, Tokyo

   Description: A legendary Kango-ka member from back in Antonio’s era. She is known as the shadow hound and a perfect spy,
   working as the leader’s informant. She has graduated from Gekioko and move to Tokyo to open a dog cafe. Quiet and very observant.


-- Shimota 'J' Taro

    (http://s13.postimg.org/mqjxttuhv/shimo_J.jpg)

   Position: Inspector, Police Officer

   Description: The founder of Joshikou Keisatsu and former squad leader. Nothing much is known about him yet but he seemed to care about the girls a lot.


-- Miyawaki Sakura

    (http://s14.postimg.org/xhmcsfurh/sakura.jpg)

   Position: Staff at Asobina Restaurant

   Description: A legendary yankee from back in Antonio’s era, known as the one to single-handedly stop the huge war between Majisuka and Gekioko.
   Calm and barely shows any expression, though it probably because she's a bit air-headed.
   She has graduated from Majisuka and currently works in Asobina,
   a family restaurant not so far from her former high school, and quietly watch over the other yankees from there.


-- Watanabe Miyuki / "Coby"

    (https://s32.postimg.org/42ry8pcad/miyuki.jpg)

   Name meaning: A romanize version of the Japanese word 'Kobiru', which mean 'to flatter/ to flirt'

   Position: Part-time daycare worker

   Description: A legendary Kango-ka member from back in Antonio’s era and the leader's right-hand. Mischievous and unpredictable,
   nobody ever know what she's really thinking which resulting a lack of trust from her peers. She has cut all ties with the yankee world right after
   she graduated from Gekioko and is now living peacefully by her own, but it seems like she's still keeping contact with Antonio.


__________________________________________________________
The Epitome of Justice : Characters Profile // TO BE ADDED LATER
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[Ch.02&Characters]
Post by: ChibiRine on August 30, 2015, 01:59:49 PM
Okay, I give up. :frustrated:

THIS IS AWESOME!!!!! :on gay:
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[Ch.02&Characters]
Post by: junchan48 on August 31, 2015, 08:28:32 AM
Woooooooaaaaaaaah! Sounds cool :onionwhip:

I can't wait for the next :tantrum:
Title: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[Ch.03]
Post by: jubethehare on September 06, 2015, 04:14:41 PM
Hello, everyone~ Here's your long-awaited chapter three.  8)
So I heard Nagisa loves the band "SEKAI NO OWARI" (I love them too, actually!), so I thought "Huh. Let's insert some on this chapter then~"
Their songs match with the theme of this fanfic anyways, so I decided to pick two from her favorites: "Angel and Demon" for opening and ending of this chapter, "Love the Warz" for the ringtone of her phone. *typing down the lyrics* There we go. Oh, I'll also update the characters description.
Well then, enjoy the story~






The Epitome of Justice
Chapter 03: Awakening of Nightmare

__________________________________________________________




In this world where there are both Angels and Demons
Nobody can tell who’s really right or wrong
“Am I an angel or a demon?” I don’t know which one
And I don’t think I want to know either


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


The cold autumn wind blew as Nagisa walked through the empty street, forcing her to hug her red jacket tighter to fight back the chill. The girl sighed. It’s getting cold lately. She’s wondering if it’s already time to wear some thicker clothing. Oh yeah, maybe if she wore that muffler Ryouha made for her she’d be able to avoid the girl’s wrath tomorrow! At least that would lift her partner’s mood a bit, and if she’s lucky she might be able to get away with just a few scolding.

“Right, maybe I’ll try that—ah...ACHOO!

Nagisa sneezed, cringing as the movement made the wound on her side ache. Right, she got better thing to worry about now. Whether she’d get scolded or not tomorrow wouldn’t matter if she didn’t survive the night. The girl tried to walk a bit faster. She stopped in front of a building with a huge painting of a Chihuahua on its wall.

     --Macaroon Dog Cafe--

She had gone to this place a few times before with Joshikou Keisatsu and it was quite crowded on daytime, but she never thought the place would turn so lifeless once night had fallen. Oh, well. She ignored the CLOSED sign on the window and stepped inside.

CLINK-CLANK

A small silver bell rang as the cafe’s door being pushed open and she was quickly welcomed by a lounge full of dogs of each and every size. A black Chihuahua approached her.

BARK! BARK!

“Alright, calm down Macaroon. I’m sorry but we’re closed— The owner of the dog turned, almost dropping the plate she was holding as she saw the person by the door. 

' Seigi…?”   

“Hello, Kotani-san. Am I too late for the last order?” Nagisa removed her jacket and limply walked to the nearby sofa while the cafe owner ran to the other room in a panic rush. Shuffling sounds accompanied by some nervous mumble could be heard from the next room as Nagisa rested herself on the comfy seat, petting the Labrador beside her.

Kotani Riho. She was a Gekioko High School graduate from Antonio’s era and also one of the leader trusted informant. She’s almost never seen in Kango-ka Headquarters and perhaps only the inner circle ever met her in person. Yet, her name was known throughout the whole school.


   [ BASSET ] - The shadow hound; the perfect spy


But those days had long passed. Nowadays she’s known as the kind-hearted and slightly clumsy owner of Macaroon Dog Cafe. Nagisa tried to stifle her laugh as she saw the woman almost tripped herself while running with hands full of bandages. Really, how time can change people… The said cafe owner was now folding up her sleeves after setting the medical equipment on a nearby table, crouching in front the wounded girl.

“What happened?”                                                               

“Hm?”

“Seigi, please. You come here black and blue in the middle of the night.”

“Aww, come on~ Stop calling me with that name, Kotani-san. It’s embarassing~”

There she goes, avoiding a serious topic as usual in a typical Nagisa way. This will take a while. Riho sighed as she examined the cut on the girl’s leg and started to clean it. Meanwhile Nagisa leaned to her side to take the ice-pack on the table, but quickly regretted it as her rib started to creak. She silently cursed under her breath. Riho seemed to notice this.

“Oh no, don’t tell me you broke your ribs?”

“Uh…”

That’s it, young lady!! Get your shirt off so I can quickly treat your wounds, you’ve still got a lot of explaining to do!”

All of the dogs scampered out of the room in a flash as Riho yelled; one of them stopped to give Nagisa a look of pity, as if telling her ‘good luck’. Nagisa could only gulp. Oh what demon has she unleashed? She could only wonder as Riho started to undress her and work on her swollen side, biting down to her knuckles to distract her from the pain. The Gekioko graduate tended all of the injuries quickly and flawlessly, cleaning and stitching up cuts as if she was a real doctor. Well, the only difference was that the woman didn’t seem to care whether the treatment hurt her patient or not. Or perhaps she’s doing it on purpose. Whichever it is, Nagisa could only grin and bear it.   

Fortunately the whole procedure finished in less than an hour, leaving Nagisa on the sofa cringing in pain while holding an ice-pack to her swollen cheek. Riho set aside her medical kit and pulled a chair over, sitting face-to-face with her guest. The fleeing dogs had finally started to occupy the room again as the brewing storm had seemingly passed.

“Alright. Now start explaining, Seigi.”

Geez, has interrogating her become a huge trend today? Nagisa grumbled and casted her eyes away to avoid Riho’s observant gaze, her hand unconsciously moved to cover the huge old scar on her right abdomen. The cafe owner raised a brow knowingly. Sometimes Riho wondered if it’s because of her ability or the girl was just too easy to read.

“It’s Gekioko, isn’t it?”

“…”

That stab wound you got from back then, does it start hurting again? Seigi?"

The wounded girl clicked her tongue in annoyance. “Alright, I’ll start talking. So stop calling me with that name…

“If you say so.”

Riho took her Chihuahua to her lap, stroking the small dog as she waited for Nagisa to talk.

“Joshikou Keisatsu have been getting cases of vandalism and burglary lately. Turned out it’s the Nandeyanen Sisters of Gekioko lookin’ for trouble.”

“That’s strange. What are they doing so far away from their territory?”

They’re luring me out. ‘cause they said the current top’s lookin for me.”

“The current top?”

“Kurobara.”

Riho froze as she heard the news.

Kurobara...is the current top of Gekioko?
  --If that's true, then that means the principal has…


...


..


.


The Gekioko graduate shook her head. No, she can’t be sure yet. Right now she needed to focus on the matter at hand.

“I see. So then, you refused to cooperate and the sisters wiped the floor with you?”

“Well, I didn’t even raise a fist.”

“Eh, big talk. It doesn’t change the fact that you’re the one leaving with your tail between your legs.”

“I’m losing on purpose…”

“Bark all you can. That’s what losers do, right Macaroon?” The Chihuahua howled in reply. Great, now even a dog is bullying her? Nagisa couldn’t believe it. Riho chuckled and decided to tease her a bit more.

“You know, I thought you were fighting off those secret fans of Ryou-chan.”

“Ha. Ha. Very funny, Kotani-san.”

“Eh, you don’t know? They’ve been sending things like love letters lately.”


What did you say—ack! Ouch, ouch…”


The dogs howled as Nagisa held her throbbing ribs, laughing at her misery. She glared to suppress her embarassment.

“Wow, it’s been a while since I see some real emotions in your eyes. What’s that, jealousy? I thought Ryou-chan’s the envious one.”

“…just a little surprised.”

“Oh really?”

“It’s a joke anyways, right? Kotani-san…”

Riho shrugged.

“That aside, what are you planning to do now?”

“Don’t just push ‘em aside…” “Did you say something?”

NO. Nothing. Kurobara isn’t interested in weaklings so she’ll leave me alone. Meanwhile I’ll get Mako to distract Joshikou Keisatsu and transfer the case to another division. Problem solved.”

“Are you sure that will work?”

“Not quite. That‘s why I’ll be staying in yer place for a while in case they change their mind and decide to attack me in my sleep.”

“If that the case, why don’t you just fight back and teach them a lesson?”

Nagisa clicked her tongue again. Sure she had a chance of winning if she fought seriously, but once she took a yankee down there’s no stopping until she defeated the top. That’s the rule of ‘that world’. And it’s truly troublesome. What worse is, if she kept fighting it’s only a matter of time until Ryouha and the whole Joshikou Keisatsu found out about her true origin. Oh hell no. She rather had a few broken bones than letting that happen.

“Nah, I’ll pass." Nagisa waved her hand in dismissal. "I'll just stoop low and wait till she gets tired of me.”

“...I don’t think everything will end that smoothly.”

“Hm? How can you say that?”


Intuition. And a bit of experiences.”


Riho stood, setting her Chihuahua back to the floor.

“I’ll get you a blanket and some water. Meanwhile, think carefully of what you need to do.”

“Aye, aye…”

“Oh, and Seigi. Don’t forget to come up with a good excuse for those wounds or a certain tiger cub will chew you out tomorrow.”

...oh yeah. That. Nagisa shivered. For once she thought maybe fighting Kurobara and her goons would be a hundred times better than facing the wrath of Kitagawa Ryouha.


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


Morning came faster than she imagined and now Nagisa was hanging her head as she walked toward Joshikou Keisatsu office. She overslept a bit and didn’t manage to stop by her house to retrieve the muffler, much to her demise. Ha ha, I wonder if it’s a good day to die… She let out a pathetic laugh and started dragging her feet again.

The police girls had morning shift before class started and usually not everyone is present, but Ryouha being the diligent girl would probably be there. Nagisa normally never came to the morning shift herself, but since she had to finish a mountain of documents before the day ended she had no other choice. The kansai girl prayed for her safety as she turned the doorknob open.


“Well, if it isn’t the Vice-chief. How rare to see you coming so early.”


It was Nana, the diligent girl number #2.  She was in no mood for sarcasm so Nagisa only gave her fellow officer a little smile, her eyes already scanning around the room; Mako was also there on her table doing some paperwork but she couldn’t find Ryouha anywhere. That's odd…

“What happened to your face? Did you get into a fight?”

“Huh, me?” Nagisa quickly snapped her attention to Nana and gave her her usual goofy look.

“Oh well, those old ladies can be crazy on special sales day~ Too bad I missed all the beef, sorry chief!

She said the last sentence a bit louder for Mako to hear but the girl only waved her hand without lifting her eyes even a bit from her work. Nagisa clicked her tongue, clearly not amused with that response, but she decided to ignore the seemingly busy officer and returned her attention to Nana.

“By the way, where’s Ryouha?”

“I haven't seen her. I thought she’s with you.”

Nagisa blinked, giving her serious friend an oblivious look. Huh? Why would Ryouha be with her? As if in cue, the girl continued.


Yesterday after work Ryouha went to your place.

          Huh…? --BA-DUMP--

' She said she’d deliver your cellphone. Did you not meet her?”

           No… --BA-DUMP-- It can’t be—


Nagisa broke into a run, slamming the office door on her way out. Nana jumped out her seat as she heard the huge slam.

“What the—SHIBUYA NAGISA! GET BACK HERE— “Let her go."

Nana froze, turning to the source of the voice.

“Mako? What are you saying, she’s— “I said, LET HER GO.”

Mako said in a stern voice, her eyes never left the papers on her hand. Nana gave her a look of disbelief. What? What is she… Suddenly the office phone rang and the serious girl flinched, her hand reached for it in reflex.

   "Yes, Joshikou Keisatsu here. Can I help you?"

   --"Naachan, it's Mio."

   "Oh, thanks for your work yesterday. What is it?"

   --“It's terrible! There’s another case of burglary last night and――"

   "Calm down, Mio. Where's the location this time?"

   --"..."

   “Mio?”

   --“It was…on Nagi-chan’s place.”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


Nagisa desperately sprint down the street of Zoshigaya she knew so well, running with all her might toward the small apartment she lived in. Soon enough the simple three-storey building came into view and she stopped for a while, leaning on the gate to catch her breath. Please tell me that I’m wrong… She ran up the stairs to the third floor all the way to her room, but what awaited her there wasn’t the same wooden door with the nameplate ‘Shibuya’ on it, but a badly destroyed room with huge red graffiti all over it. The leftover rampage of Namba's yankee.

She slammed her fist to the wall, cursing. No. Calm down, Nagisa. There's a chance that Ryouha wasn't there when they attacked. Yes. She needed to calm down and clear her head—


     The world recite of LOVE&PEACE; Peace for Peace by Peace of Peace
    ~世界が唱えるLove&Peace, PeaceのPeaceによるPeaceのためのPeace


Nagisa blinked as she heard something. A...song?


     To uphold PEACE and eliminate WAR, people do even more wars
    ~Peaceの対義語の戦争を無くすため何回だって行う戦争


Wait. She knew this song! It’s the one she used for the ringtone of her phone. The girl entered the wreckage of her room, searching for the source of that song.


     If there’s no morning, there’s no night; if there’s no evil, there’s no justice
    ~朝がなければ夜もないそして悪がなければ正義もない

 
Among all the destruction was a simple table, her phone sitting neatly above it. She carefully took it and examined the screen. An unknown number.


     If there’s no obligation, there’s no freedom; so if there’s no war, will there be no PEACE?
     ~そして不自由がなければ自由もないだから戦争がなければPeaceもないのかい?

BEEP--


Nagisa pressed the answer button and raised the phone to her ear.

   

       …

  --“Hellooo, Seigi~”


Nagisa narrowed her eyes. She recognized the voice--no, she couldn't mistake this voice anywhere.


  “Kimotama…”

   --“Long time no see~ Glad that ya still remember me.”

   “What’s the meaning of this!?”

  --“Oh? Why’re ya so mad? ‘s it because I trash yer home? Or maybe…


There was a little pause on the other end before a wicked giggle entered her ears.


  --“Because I got yer girlfriend?”


Nagisa gripped her cell phone hard until she almost broke them.


   --“Aha ha ha! Ain’t she such a sweet girl? Waitin in front of yer place all night~”

   “You… What have you done to her…”

   --“Well, why don’t you just ask ‘er?”


      --"...

   --...

   --...Nagi? Is that…you?”



Nagisa’s eyes widened.


   “Ryouha! Ryouha, are you alright!?”

   --“Nagi! Don’t come, it’s a trap——CRACK

        “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA----HHHH!!!”


Nagisa froze as she heard the painful scream.


   --"Annoying~ Why’s she suddenly being so noisy?"

   "..."

   --…nagi..sa…don't…”

                           CRACK CRUNCH


Her hands trembled as another scream echoed from the other end, a burning sensation started to swell inside her.


  --“Oops, I did it again. My bad~”


She knew this feeling. Something that she had long forgotten; a fuel to her monstrous side.


   --“Now, time for a lil’ pop quiz! Which part of her bones did I break just now?

   “…you bastard…”

   --“Here's a hint: she won’t be able to hold a chopstick for a while~”


   “I'LL TEAR YA APART---!!!!"


Nagisa shouted on top of her lungs, releasing the raw emotion through her words.

Yes, it’s been a while since she felt this. A very long long while.

This fiery emotion called ANGER.


   --“How scary~ Aha ha ha! Looks like you’ve finally awaken!”

   “Kimotama!!“

   --“Come and get me if ya dare, shitty Seigi! You know where to find me. The time, hmm… how about tonight? I’m sure ya can make it~”

   “…”

   --“Oh, and no crappy police nonsense. Or else, well, who knows what I’ll do to her next~ See ya again, ol’ buddy. I'll be waiting for you…

      BEEP--

         BEEP--

                BEEP--


“Rrrgh, damn it!!”

Nagisa screamed and kicked the table, sending it crashing into the wall. What has she done? She only wanted to avoid further conflict but now she had dragged Ryouha into this too! Foolish! How foolish of her. The girl clutched her head in frustration. Now what should she do? What CAN she do? As police detective she must report this to her squad and form a rescue unit. But if Kimotama find out she couldn’t ensure Ryouha’s safety. Even now as she stood here thinking those Gekioko bastards might have done something more terrible to the girl. The burning rage started to eat her even more.

    ——kill—seigi—destroy them—kill—for the sake of [______]

She dug her fingers deeper to her head, clawing at her hairs. The voice in her head echoing, louder and louder and louder.
No. She can’t make the same mistake again. Calm down. She has to calm down. She has to—

    ——someone important—a ha ha ha! You’re going to lose them again~~

Her breath hitched and she halted into an abrupt stop, as if a switch just clicked inside her. And slowly, very slowly, she lowered her hands from her head, staring at her palms. A small warmth was still left on her pinky finger.

“I’m sorry, Ryouha…” She whispered, clenching her palms into fists.

‘Looks like I’m gonna break that promise.”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


In a terrible world ruled by justice, they said
[ If the majority is ‘right’, then everything else is ‘wrong’ ]

Dear God who gave birth to Justice, can you hear me?

                                                         me
It’s because you created "such thing" that everyone hurt each other


So if my biggest contradiction is living while denying myself
Does it mean that my whole life amount to nothing?




__________________________________________________________
The Epitome of Justice : Chapter 03 // END
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[CHAPTER.03]
Post by: ChibiRine on September 06, 2015, 07:14:07 PM
NOOOOOOOO! NOT THE PROMISE GDI :frustrated:
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[BONUS]
Post by: jubethehare on September 10, 2015, 07:19:43 AM
It's getting more and more dark, huh? This fanfic... I guess I should post this sweet little drawing I made before it got too dark, haha.
Just take this as a breather for these two main characters before the upcoming war. Enjoy~  ;)


(http://i.imgur.com/sZPyB7h.jpg)    (http://i.imgur.com/ee1Hgze.jpg)     
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[Intermezzo]
Post by: Ruka Kikuchi on September 10, 2015, 12:54:08 PM
SO CUUUUTE~ >w<
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[Intermezzo]
Post by: fath107 on September 10, 2015, 01:28:17 PM
 :bleed eyes: :bleed eyes: :bleed eyes: :bleed eyes:

I'M DYING!!

CUTENESS OVERLOAD!!! (aggre with Ruka Kikuchi-san)
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[CH.04]
Post by: jubethehare on September 16, 2015, 04:02:22 PM
So I see that you guys enjoy the little art? Well well, after that two cute pictures here it is... DUN DUN DUN! Chapter 4.  8)
This time let's see Ryouha's side of the story. Oh, and there's another update on the characters profile.
Enjoy~ (p.s: the part about the boys and some old lady's garden is real. Nagisa told the story in her radio once. She's scary when angered, seriously...
But it is that gap that makes her interesting~ Childish yet mature, fluffy yet tough, laid-back but working hard behind~ *enter flailing mode* *please don't mind me and enjoy the story*)




The Epitome of Justice
Chapter 04: The Philosopher's Ramble

__________________________________________________________



A familiar neighborhood, that empty street of Nagoya she had known for long…

The girl closed her eyes and took a deep breath, taking in everything.
   
The song of the cicadas cry, the gentle winds blowing her hairs, the soothing sounds of bells chiming; she let her legs guided her through the nostalgic scenery, and soon she reached a simple two storey building of a little shop. She reopened her eyes, finding a little girl crying in front of her.

“Why…” The girl sobbed. “Even though daddy didn’t do anything wrong…”

She watched as a man, somewhere around his thirty, bended down to his knees and stroked the little girl gently on her head. A soft smile on his face.

“It’s alright Ryouha, daddy is fine.”


..oh, so it’s this dream again.

How many times has she seen it? Looping over and over and over, just like a broken record she could never throw away.
 

“They are just bad people. Justice will come to serve them when the time comes.”
   
“Justice..?”

“That’s right. So don’t be sad, okay? Mommy and daddy and Ryouha, we just have to do what is right. Can you be a good girl and do that for me?”

“Un.”


A lie. A typically sweet and innocent lie for a father to tell his child. She closed her eyes again, knowing for sure what she would see the next time she opened them. She could already feel it, the abnormal temperature rising in the air.


“No! Let me go! Mommy and daddy are—“

A big fire engulfed the once so peaceful neighborhood, its crackling sound mixed with the loud cry of a little girl calling desperately for her family. She watched the girl in pity, but still, there was nothing she could do. There was nobody to save her, no one at all. Not even herself. She watched the flame grew bigger and bigger, swallowing the very place she once called home.



“Justice will never come.” She whispered quietly, hoping that her words would somehow reach her young self. “No matter how hard or how long you wait...”


“No…it will… Daddy said it will, so it will come.”


The girl froze as she saw her younger self stood slowly and turned, facing her with a tear-streaked face. Something is wrong. Usually her dream would stop here, but now… A strange chill ran up her spine as the little girl smiled and raised her hand, pointing at something behind her.

“Look…”

She quickly turned. The scenery around her shifted, replacing the warm summer of Nagoya with the dark autumn night of Zoshigaya district, an eerily restless footsteps echoing from afar. And it’s getting closer.

She’s coming for us! Daddy was right; daddy never lies to Ryouha, unlike her.”

She felt the girl touching her right hand, leaving something cold on her grip, and she switched her gaze to it. Her eyes widened as she realized what it was. A…gun? The little girl giggled and hugged her arm tighter, whispering softly.

“Ryouha hate justice, you see. Because she never come when Ryouha need her the most. So can you help Ryouha punish the bad guy in her stead, ms. Police Officer?”

“I…”

“Why are you hesitating? Isn’t it the one reason you join the police, miss? Because justice never came for us, you decided to be ‘justice’ itself so that nobody will suffer like us anymore.”


“…”

“Oh, look! She’s finally arrived~”

She gasped, watching as a familiar figure closing in from the distance. That blue beanie, that long wavy hair, those lonely eyes that were twisted in worry; she could see her partner reaching out to her, running with all her might.

“Why…?”

She felt her hands moving by her own, pointing the deadly device toward the arriving figure. The girl tried to fight back but she couldn’t control her body at all; it was as if she was reduced into a simple spectator, watching a movie laid out for her from the front-row seat.

“S-stop! She got nothing to do with this!”
                                                                                          justice
“Eh? What are you talking about? Isn’t that how they call her? Seigi.”

“!!”

“What is she hiding from us this time? What kind of lie is she making now? Even after all this time… Maybe she’s only using us, just like all those people?”

“No… She’ll never…”

“How can you be so sure?”

“…please…just stop this…”


The girl was only a few steps away from her and she could only stare on with horror. Her finger trembled as it slowly pulled on the trigger. The sounds of her own giggle filled her ears.


“I SAID STOP—“


A split second. That was all it took for the tiny metallic toy to sing the only song it knew, sending the running figure into a sudden stop and falling slowly to the cold ground, a magnificent red flower bloomed madly from the little gush on her forehead. Ryouha froze, watching the little light left on those jet black eyes disappeared into nothingness.


“No… Na—!”   


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“Nagi…sa…”   

The girl opened her eyes, feeling the sense of gravity hit her. Had she finally awaken from that dream? Her vision was still a bit blurry; there was something on her eyes and she tried to wipe it away, but suddenly a sharp pain coursed through her right arm. She yelped.

“Phalanges. Metacarpals. Carpals. Radius and Ulna. All of the bones on your right forearm are practically broken now, so I suggest you stop using it for a while.”

Ryouha flinched, trying to find the source of the strangely high-pitched voice.

“But don't worry, I have treated it so it will return to normal function if left alone.”

Who...? She tried to move her other hand but found that she couldn’t, feeling a handcuff around her left wrist stopping her movement. What is… ?

“It is better if you stop the pointless struggle, Kitagawa-san.”

...


..


.


Ah. She remembered now.


She was kidnapped.


Her memories were scattered bit by bit, but she did remember waiting in front of her partner’s apartment when suddenly someone attacked her from behind. She was shaken awake not long after and forced to speak through the phone, finally managed to catch the sight of her attackers; a group of high school girls around her age with white uniforms that resembled a nurse outfit. And there’s her partner talking on the other side of the phone. What’s going on? She couldn’t think clearly back then. One thing she knew for sure was that they’re dangerous and she couldn’t let them get Nagisa too. She tried to warn the girl but it seemed like her action only provoked her kidnapper, and the last thing she remembered was the sound of a metal bat crushing her bone before everything turned black.

“But hmmm, this is interesting indeed. For Kimotama to resort to torture, she must have hated you so much for ‘stealing’ her beloved Seigi.”

Ryouha closed her eyes tightly as she felt a rough towel against her face, feeling the mysterious person wiping the tears on her eyes.

“Good morning. Did you have a bad dream?”

A girl with short black hair and matching black eyes said that to her; she was wearing the same uniform as those kidnappers so she’s probably one of them. No. She’s definitely one of them. Ryouha narrowed her eyes dangerously as the girl stood.

“From the look of your eyes it seems like you have taken grasps of the situation quite well.”

“What do you want…?”

“Who; Me? Kurobara? Kimotama? Or probably the principal?”

“…”

“Each of us has something we need intertwined which resulted in this very situation.”

The mysterious girl walked away, running her fingers through the bookshelves as she passed them by; the room was unkempt and a bit dim save for the sun ray seeping through the broken windows, and with all the bookshelves put in disarray Ryouha concluded that they got to be in some kind of rundown library. She tried to analyze the best course of action. Her right arm couldn’t be used and her left one was bound to the nearby stair. She didn’t know anything about her kidnappers nor their numbers. So for now she could only listen.

“Have you finished studying everything?”

“!!”

“You’re a bright one, I see. What a relief… I’ve gone through quite a trouble retrieving you from those brainless savage so it’ll be frustrating if I can’t even strike a conversation with you.”

The girl spun and sat behind of what used to be the librarian’s desk, folding her arms neatly above the wooden surface.

“My name is Sutou Ririka, 2nd year of Gekioko High and also one of the three generals of Kango-ka. They called me [ GAKUSHU ] around here though, so I suggest you do the same.” She put on a small smile.

“And as what I want, it’s simple.” She leaned forward, resting her chin above her hands and lowering her voice slightly above a whisper.

“I need your help, Kitagawa-san.”

What…is she talking about? Ryouha furrowed her brow, trying to find some senses among the information she was given. Gekioko? Generals? Kango-ka? And moreover she need her help? Gakushu seemed to realize the confusion in her eyes.

“So Seigi always keep you in the dark, I see…”

“…”

“I’ll try to explain it as simple as I can.”

She pushed away from the desk and bended down, retrieving a box from under it. What is that? Ryouha blinked, studying the girl as she walked closer and lowered her stance, unloading the contents of the box between them. Are those...Mahjong tiles?
 
“Well then, shall we start?”

The Gekioko’s general sat cross-legged on the floor and assembled the tiles into three piles.

“As a member of police force you must have at least heard some rumors about Osaka. Hmmm, how do you guys call us again… The most dangerous area in the country, is it? That being said, there are numerous amounts of delinquent schools around here and those schools are ruled by the three strongest schools.” She pushed out three tiles, turning it over one by one.


[ MAJISUKA ] which rules The East and a portion of The North.

  --The red dragon.

 [ YABAKUNE ] ruling The West and the other half of Northern area.

  --The green dragon.

 And [ GEKIOKO ] which controls The Central and Southern area of Osaka. ”

   --The white dragon.   


“Gekioko itself—“ She put four other tiles beside the white dragon tile. “—is ruled by a department known as [ KANGO-KA ] , led by a chief along with her vice-chief and three generals.”

Gakushu paused, waiting for the other girl to process the information. After a while she resumed her story.

“One day, one of our three generals suddenly went missing. Her disappearance created a tug-of-power within the school which brought Kango-ka into its current disorder. After digging for information here and there I’ve finally found her whereabouts, but to make sure… Can I ask you something, Kitagawa-san?”

“…what is it?”

“One year ago, around the second semester of your first year in high school; was there any student transferring from Osaka around that time?” 

Ryouha froze, staring at the girl with wide eyes. What is she trying to say…

“I believe you can connect the dots by now.”

“…”

Seigi, or the one you know by the name Shibuya Nagisa, was our missing general.



..

.

What…? She couldn’t believe her ears. Nagisa…a yankee?

No. She has to be joking.

“You must be thinking that I’m joking, correct?”

Ryouha gave the kansai girl a skeptical look.

“…of course. Nagi…I don’t think she can even hurt a fly…”

“You’re right. She can’t.”

…what did she just say? Gakushu ignored her confusion and gathered the tiles again.

“She can’t hurt an innocent insect, but she can crush the skull of a robber without an inch of hesitation.”

Ryouha switched her gaze away as she heard that. There were so many things that Nagisa hide from her, even then, something inside her told that she couldn’t deny that statement. Because she could see it, the eyes her partner was always making while chasing down a suspect, it was as if the girl was trying to reel in her murderous intent, pushing it behind a laid-back attitude. Perhaps that’s why she’s always absent on a capture operation; because she wouldn’t be able to stop herself by then. Gakushu glanced at the troubled girl as she proceeded to assemble the mahjong tiles on top of each other.

“Say, Kitagawa-san. Have you ever heard about ‘Berserker’ ?”

Berserker? Ryouha blinked, returning her attention to the yankee as the pile of mahjong tiles started to resemble a short tower.

“If you search about it in a dictionary, you’ll find this: Someone who fights with uncontrollable rage, performing inhuman feats while being completely numb to their pain and the killing that they were doing. Their existence corresponds with Nietzsche’s theory of ‘Will to Power’, but actually their origin goes way back to the ancient Scandinavian.”

Eh? What is she suddenly babbling about?

“A few years ago I’ve heard of a yankee called 'Bakamono' who fight by closing off her intelligence, gaining an immense power by doing so. But that’s still incomplete. She’s missing the main thing that drives a true Berserker. Anger.”

Anger…? Ryouha gasped as she finally realized what the yankee was implying.


“Nagi…is that what she is?


“As I thought, you’re very bright~” Gakushu paused from her little tower-making and clapped her hands in a mocking praise.

“So that is your reason…? You kidnapped me…so you can awaken her rage and lure her here?”

“You’re definitely correct~ In fact,

    the one who provoked the principal and made an uproar inside Kango-ka,
    the one who hacked through the security cameras and tracked her down,
    and also the one who told Kimotama about you and your connection to Seigi...

All of it; it was my doing.


Ryouha clenched her fist, trying her best to stop herself. She gave her a dangerous glare.

“You…what are you planning to do with her?”

Gakushu didn’t budged and kept building up her tower.

“You see Seigi, she’s docile most of the time, isn’t she? But it doesn’t mean that she has no feelings. All those negative emotions, she always piles them all inside.” The tower had started to reach her waist and the yankee slowed down her pace. She put one tile on the top carefully. “On and on and on…” The makeshift tower started to sway as it seemed to have reached its critical height. “Until—“

CRASH

Ryouha flinched as the fragile structure crumbling down in a loud crash, sending the mahjong tiles scattered all around the floor in a huge mess. The yankee chuckled as she saw that.

“Amazing isn’t it? Once you’ve hit her switch nothing could stop her. Not even herself...”

Her chuckle grew louder until it turned into a full-blown laugh.

“Ha ha… Aha ha ha ha!! She truly perks my curiosity, you know~~!

' I have known her since middle school so I can say that she’s the most perfect example of a Berserker I’ve ever seen~ I was surprised the first time I found out too; who would’ve thought I’d see the class clown and number one idiot beating down some boys by the street? And that was for ruining a garden owned by some random old lady she didn’t even know.”

Ryouha stared at the girl with wide eyes.

“What did she say that time again? Ah yes, ‘The heck are ya doing!? Trampling around people’s hardwork fer nothing!!’ She had truly exploded back then~”

What the…this girl…

“Isn’t it such an irony? Her overly strong sense of justice turned her into a monster! How interesting~ What is the reason for that abnormal psyche? A brain damage? A psychological defect? Or perhaps it was not an error at all? If Nietzsche said in his theory that human is just another stage of evolution, then how far can she evolve? How strong can she get? If you chop off her head, will her body keep attacking until her nerve systems completely stop? Just thinking about it makes my brain jolting in excitement.”

She’s insane! Ryouha watched the yankee doubled over from her own laugh, before she finally running out of breath and stopped. Gakushu let out a long sigh, giving the other girl a sad smile.

“Or so… that’s how it all started…”

"...?"

“Oh, sorry. You haven’t eaten anything since yesterday, have you? Wait here, I’ll get you something.”

It took Ryouha some time to cope with her sudden mood swings, but knowing that she couldn’t do anything for now, the captured girl decided to simply nod while keeping her alert high. It was better not to provoke these yankees any further; she’d learned that the hard way. She watched as Gakushu stood and disappeared to the deeper end of the library, taking the time to calm herself and study her surrounding better. If Gakushu was telling the truth then she’s probably inside Gekioko High right now. Those yankees must have no use for books so the philosopher-wannabe turned the school library into her private lounge.

“I found some onigiri and tea.” Ryouha flinched, turning her attention back to her captor. “Don’t worry, they’re leftover from my breakfast and since Ibukuro’s the one bringing it you can be sure that they are edible. Now be a good girl and hold still.”

She gave another nod as the yankee put down the makeshift breakfast in front of her and searched around her pocket to reveal a key. She tried not to make any hostile movement as Gakushu unlocked the handcuff around her left wrist; her shoulder had started to grow stiff so she was relieved to have finally able to move her good arm. The yankee put away the handcuff to her pocket and crouched, tilting her head.

“Do you need me to feed you?”

“N-no. I can eat just fine with my left hand…”

It was very awkward, Ryouha thought, as she felt the yankee watching her nibbling on the onigiri, staring at her every movements like she was some kind of interesting specimen. But she had no room to protest. So she tried her best to ignore the stare, locking her eyes on the floor.

“Say, Kitagawa-san?” 
 
Ryouha paused, glancing at Gakushu’s expressionless face.

“What do you love about Seigi?”

    BPPFFFT——

She almost choked on her food as she heard that.

“W-what do you mean by t-that?”

“That sudden change of skin color around the face, are you embarrassed? Aren’t you her girlfriend?”

“!!”

Ryouha looked away, trying to cover her flushed face.

“I-it’s not…like that…”
 
“So I was mistaken? I’ve never seen Seigi doing things like holding hands or such with someone so I thought— “How long have you been watching us!?”

Gakushu blinked from the sudden outburst. Good job, Ryouha. Just forget about NOT provoking the yankee.

“I was waiting for the right time to take action, so around a few weeks or so?”

“…”

“I also know that when Seigi fell asleep on her desk, you—“

“STOP. Just...stop.”

“...alright. Sorry to bother your meal.”

She could swear that the yankee was sneering at her right now as she closed her eyes and hid behind her hand in a mix of embarrassment and frustration. Do they have no delicacy? She wondered if the rest of those Gekioko’s folks were all like this; at least she know where Nagisa got her dense and bluntness now.

“Do you want to help her?”

Eh? Ryouha blinked.

“Haven’t I told before? I need your help, Kitagawa-san. I need your help, to help her.

She lowered her hand, staring at the yankee’s serious face.

“If you agree then I will tell you everything. About a yankee called Seigi and her previous life here;
about the principal and 'the dark secret' of this school, and their shadow that are still haunting her until now…”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


 RRRR--
   
        RRRR--

  BEEP


   “What’s up, chief? I’m busy so make it quick.”

       --“Where are you now? Report your status.”

   “Ikebukuro station. Imma headin’ to central Tokyo right now to catch the next train to Osaka.”

       --“Stop doing anything rash. Return to the office and——"

   “They kidnapped Ryouha.”

       --“…”

   “They’re taking her hostage. ‘m the only one they want so—”

       --“Return to the office.”

   “…come again?”

        --“We will make a countermeasure and form a rescue unit.”

   “There’s not enough time! I need to get there by tonight—”

        --“This is an order.”

   “…”

       --“Did I make myself clear, deputy Shibuya?”

   “…heh. I see. So this’s how ya gonna play?”

        --“What?”

   “You told me about Ibukuro and Otona on purpose. You knew that they’d attack my place and yet you let Ryouha went there. Haha, it’s so obvious. How can I be so stupid…”

       --“What are you talking about…"

  “This is yer way to take a revenge on me, isn’t it? 'cause I took away your other half.”

       --“…”

   “Am I right, chief—no, Kamisori ?”

       --“Deputy Shibuya Nagisa. I order you return to headquarter right now——”


“Goodbye, chief.”


      BEEP--

         BEEP--

                BEEP--



__________________________________________________________
The Epitome of Justice : Chapter 04 // END
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[CHAPTER 04]
Post by: Ruka Kikuchi on September 16, 2015, 08:10:02 PM
K-Kamisori?!?!?! :w00t:

Are we gonna see Kamisori?!?!?! OwO

Does that mean... we may also see Zombie?!?!?!? >w<

OMG Can't wait! Update soon!!!
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[CHAPTER 04]
Post by: teru_fi on September 17, 2015, 12:19:13 PM
Dumbness+Anger is the best! Go Nagisa!
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[CHAPTER 04]
Post by: ChibiRine on September 17, 2015, 01:37:56 PM
PLEASE UPDATE IT SOON. CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT UPDATE 'CAUSE OF KAMISORI. :glasses:
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[CHAPTER 04]
Post by: jubethehare on September 22, 2015, 03:16:38 AM
K-Kamisori?!?!?! :w00t:

Are we gonna see Kamisori?!?!?! OwO

Does that mean... we may also see Zombie?!?!?!? >w<

OMG Can't wait! Update soon!!!

PLEASE UPDATE IT SOON. CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT UPDATE 'CAUSE OF KAMISORI. :glasses:

Yep, Kamisori here is the same as the Mako who's the leader of Joshikou Keisatsu. Just a little spoiler: the next chap will focus on Mako. And for zombie, well... I guess you guys already know when Nagi mentioned about the chief's 'other half'~  :kekeke:
Fu fu, please wait warmly as the next chapter's being baked in my word processor...

Dumbness+Anger is the best! Go Nagisa!

Yeah, go you NMB's number one Bakako!! Stop thinking and run them over like a bulldozer :lol:
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[CHAPTER 05]
Post by: jubethehare on October 18, 2015, 04:11:15 PM
Finally got my chance to update this fic.... *sighing loudly* Oh well, here you go! Chapter 5!  8)
Oh, and I also made an art for this. I put it on the Table of Contents, by the way. Enjoy~



The Epitome of Justice
Chapter 05: Choices and Homecoming

__________________________________________________________


  “Deputy Shibuya Nagisa. I order you return to headquarter right now—”

  --“Goodbye, chief.”

              BEEP--
 
           BEEP--

              BEEP--





Mako closed her eyes and sighed, lowering her phone from her ear.

It’s over.

She's too late. She's way too late. There’s no point in calling her back; the girl would’ve probably crushed her phone or thrown it away somewhere by now. Yes. She knew for sure. She knew about 'Seigi', a lot more than she knew about 'Shibuya Nagisa'. Why you ask? It’s only natural, isn’t it?

Because it’s her job to look after that monster, and to kill it if it someday went out of control.

It’s a secret mission given to her since that day; the day she lost her other half, and the day she gained this little squad called Joshikou Keisatsu. That day is the end, and also the beginning of everything. How long had passed since then? A year? Or maybe two? Perhaps the peaceful days had really dulled her razor sharp sense and made her forgot about the important mission she was given back then. And thanks to that, she had made another mistakes and brought her squad into a big mess.

“Heh, the Inspector would’ve laughed if he sees me now…”

Mako reopened her eyes, staring at the call log shown on the screen of her phone. The log was empty, safe for a single entry from her previous call.

     Shibuya Nagisa – 08:40

So it's time, huh? She tapped the entry and the screen changed to show the information of her desired contact. She narrowed her eyes.

"Goodbye to you too, Deputy Shibuya."








..


.


huh?

The squad leader froze, staring at her own hand trembling. Her finger hovered over the little picture of a trash can on the top right part of the screen. Why? Why is she hesitating? She knew what needed to be done and the huge consequences this mission would bring. If she didn’t get rid of ‘Seigi’ more and more of innocent people would be dragged to 'that world'. No. She wouldn't let that happen. She had enough of that world and she wouldn’t let anyone important to her involved with it ever again. Yes. She had to pluck away that disturbance before it consumed the whole Joshikou Keisatsu. That’s what she needed to do, as a squad leader and as herself.

...but then why?

Why is she still hesitating?

After spending these peaceful days together with her, does she start to see 'Seigi' as more than a mere object? Heh, it made her want to puke. She might as well cut off her own throat with a razor before thinking of accepting that heartless beast. But then why—


SLAM--

“Yahoo~~!”


The sudden slam broke her away from her inner conflict and she switched her eyes to the source of the sound in reflexes, staring at the newly arrived figure by the door.

“Wha-whoa!? What’re you doing here, chief? Class has already started, you know.”

“…Meru?”

“Yup, it’s me of course. Who else could it be?”

Meru smiled and gave a quick salute, a small plastic bag on her other hand. Mako blinked, once, twice, before she finally returned to reality. She sighed and put her phone back to her pocket, a part of her felt relieved by the distraction.

“Stop slamming the door when you enter the office, Meru.”

“Sorry, my bad… I thought there’s no one inside so I just kinda ‘BAM’ like that.”

Mako shook her head as she saw the girl threw her arms to the air to emphasis her words.

Tashima Meru. The most childish member of Joshikou Keisatsu and the rowdy engine of the group; there’s bound to be a blast when she’s around. Well, literally. Despite her noisy personality the girl was a genius, and somehow, doubled with her love for pranks, she’s an expert at explosives and home-made trappings. As far as Mako knew the girl had already mapped the whole school in her head and lay out her booby traps around. Fortunately she only used her ability for harmless jokes and nothing more.

Maybe I should thanks the Inspector for finding her first before anyone dangerous…

Mako sighed, watching as the girl lifted her plastic bag and unloaded the content to her desk; small plastic balls bounced out of the bag in a messy heap. Huh? The squad leader  mulled to herself as she took the ball that rolled near her foot.  Ping-pong balls? What kind of prank is that girl planning this time? Meru seemed to notice the curiousity on her eyes and she chuckled.

“Hey chief, you know what ping-pong balls are made of?”

“Whuh, what? Plastic, right?”

“Well, it’s called ‘celluloid’ actually, but yeah, still plastic. And you know what? It’s extremely flammable~

Bombs. She's making more of them. That girl sure loved them. Mako crossed her arms gave the girl a look of warning.

“Meru.”

“What? It’s nothing harmful, I promise!”

“We’ve made this agreement before; You may make explosives but it’s only for police-related situation. You may not make one in the school area as well. It’s dangerous...”

“So you said, but I’ve seen you bring a gun here before.”

Urk. Mako switched her gaze away, her fingers absent-mindedly twirled the ping-pong ball on her hand. Meru smirked in victory.

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep that a secret from Naachan. Besides, I’m just making some smoke bombs.”

“And what are you trying to do with those bombs?”

“Oh, those? I just need ‘em to trick the smoke alarm. You see, there’s that special Melon-pan that Mio wanted today so I’m thinking of buying her some.”

Oh yeah, that limited menu. They're always sold out by the time she reached the cafeteria. But what does it get to do with the bombs? Meru smiled as she pulled out a cutter and made a hole on her ping-pong ball, big enough for a pencil to fit.

“Our class is so far from the cafeteria you know, so I’m sure we’ll miss them even if we run with all our might." She put a pencil into the hole and started to cover the mechanism with a layer of aluminum foil. "Then what should we do? TA-DAH!” The loud girl raised her hand to reveal her creation. “I just need to get myself a handicap~”

Mako blinked, staring at the strange item before her.

“I’ll trick the smoke detector with these bombs and while they’re in panic I’ll get the Melon-pan. Ping-pong balls will burn completely and leave nothing but smoke so I just need to hide the aluminum foil~”

Meru laughed in excitement as she declared her plan, puffing out her chest in pride. ...to do a mischievous deed without leaving any evidence behind; that’s what you called a perfect crime. For a member of a police force to do it, what an irony. Mako held her head in disbelief. Well, as long as nobody’s hurt by it...

“So what about you, chief?”

“Huh?”

Mako raised her face to stare at the excited girl.

"What about what?"

“I’ve told my reason, but what about you? You never skip any class before so it has to be something important.”

“…just some police-related business.”

“Does it have something to do with the attack on Nagi-chan’s apartment and Ryou-chan’s disappearance?”

What a sharp girl. Mako gave her a small smile and tossed away the ping-pong ball on her, which the girl caught with no trouble. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

“Meru... Can I trust you?










SNIP SNAP

What the--? Mako opened her eyes to find Meru casually cutting a ping-pong ball, an air of indifference around her. She glared at the girl.

"Oi, are you listening to me?"

“Yeah, I do.” She said, her attention never left the little handicraft she’s making. “Geez, chill out already. You’re being so stiff that I thought I was talking with Naachan for a while now, ha ha!”

The girl laughed, putting away a smoke bomb she made on the nearby table and started to work on another.

There’s a hidden passage I made on the other side of the Gym. You can sneak out of the school unnoticed from there. You have something important to do, right?”

Mako stared at the girl with wide eyes.

“I’ll pretend that I don’t see you here today and make something up.”

The Hakata girl gave her a toothy girl, patting her shoulder. Mako smiled.

“Thanks, Meru.”

“Sure, any time you need~”

The squad leader raised her hand and gave her friend a quick high-five before walking toward the front door.

“Oh, and chief. Can I ask you a favor in return?”

Mako stopped on her track, giving the other girl an oblivious look. That's strange. It’s rare for Meru to ask for help. The said girl scratched her cheek as if she's embarrassed, a sheepish smile on her face.

Come back here safely, alright? Everyone will be waiting for your return. And please tell this to Nagi-chan and Ryou-chan as well.”

She froze. A feeling of uneasiness swelled inside her and she looked away, trying to avoid the girl's gaze.

"I can't promise you that."

"...I see."

"..."

"Say, chief. What do you think about Joshikou Keisatsu?"

...what? What is she suddenly talking about?


"I really love this place, you see. I love the feelings that every one of us put together despite all our differences.

    The Naachan that always so keen and keep us on track...
   
    The Nagi-chan that always smile and brighten our days...

    The Ryou-chan that always quietly watching and put everyone on a fair ground...

    The Mio that always nurture us and bring us at ease...

    And the you that always look after us and bring us together.

For me, Joshikou Keisatsu is just like a real family-- "Stop it, Meru."


Mako clenched her fist.


"What you see is just a lie."


She saw the smile on the girl's face faltered. What am I saying? She wanted to stop but the words kept flowing out of her mouth.

"There's no family, there's no friendship, there's nothing. Nobody is like what you see them. Even me-- "I know."

A casual answer. A very casual and light answer. Something that she didn't expect to hear, and she turned her perplexed look to the girl.

"I know that everyone has something they can't tell anyone about; I know that everyone's been hurt before. Sometimes I can see it too, you know; You and Nagi-chan and Ryou-chan, even though you smile there's always a hint of loneliness in your eyes. Even then, I don't think these days we spent together are a lie.

'I think the Inspector has his own reason; why he created Joshikou Keisatsu and chose the seven of us personally.
And if these days are really a lie, then I'll give me all to protect this lie."

Giving one's all...to protect a lie?

...buh!

"Aha ha ha ha!"

Mako laughed loudly, feeling all the hesitation she had before disappeared into the thin air.

"Eeeeh? Why are you laughing, chief?"

"You really are a child, Meru..."

"Whaaat? I just said something cool and that's what you're giving me?"

"Yep, a child. Definitely a child, a ha ha ha!"

Meru smirked.

"Say, chief. The smoke produced by this bomb can be toxic if inhaled directly, you know. Need me to lit one for you?"

"Whoa, time! Time! Okay, I'll stop."

Mako took a deep breath trying to calm herself. She smiled.

"Well, I'll be going then."

"See you~"


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


A lone girl in a green jacket walked down the road in silence, burying her both hands deep into her pockets. She was heading to that place, a famous dog cafe on the block with that eye-catching painting of Chihuahua. The girl opened the door without hesitation, the CLOSED sign being ignored for what seemed to be the countless time.

CLINK-CLANK

The dogs swarmed around and barked as the silver bell on the entrance rang, and the owner of the cafe sighed loudly.

“Again? I’m sorry, but we’re closed today—“

“It’s been a while, Kotani-san.”

Kotani Riho let out a whine as she recognized the person by the door.

“First Seigi and now you? Perhaps I should buy a bigger CLOSED sign…”

The cafe owner crossed her legs and rested her chin on her broom lazily, her observant eyes studying the girl standing by the door.

“So? What do you need from me, Kamisori?”

Mako felt her ears twitched as she heard the name, but she decided to let it slide.

“You sure have a knack at hitting the right button, huh?"

"Well, if not I wouldn't be an informant, ain't I?"

That actually makes a sense. Mako shrugged.

"I heard that Nagisa came to your place yesterday.”

“She did. She even came all beaten up in the middle of the night.”

“And could it be that you're the one who provoke her to awaken her violent side?”

“…”

Riho paused. Her lazy eyes turned sharp.

“I see… So she had finally awakened…”

The cafe owner stood to her full height, walking toward the nearby table. Mako followed her movement with her eyes.

“Are you perhaps trying to pull something, Kotani-san?”

“No. Nothing at all. I only gave her a piece of advice.”

“Is that so?“

“Stop being so hostile, Kamisori. You’ll frighten the dogs.”

Dangerous growls entered her ears and Mako glanced to her side, finding dogs of each and every size eyeing her like a predator. She narrowed her eyes, putting her alert in all high. Riho smiled and petted the huge Labrador beside her.

“So then, since Seigi had awaken you’re coming here to get ‘that thing’ right? Why don’t you have a seat while I fetch you what you need?”

The cafe owner pulled a chair over for her, motioning her to sit down, and Mako sighed. She had no other choice but to comply.

“Even then, I was surprised. Why are you wearing that jacket instead of you usual red one?”

“…”

“That jacket is hers, am I right?”

Mako narrowed her eyes dangerously. This woman truly knew how to push someone to their edge. Won’t she just hurry it up and give her what she need right now? Mako sighed loudly to herself as she watched the cafe owner browsed through the faraway shelf.

“Let’s see…ah, here it is.”

Riho returned with a small package and she set it on the table between them.

“This is what you’re coming here for, right?”

She proceeded to open the package, revealing the metallic item sleeping inside.

A pitch black handgun.

Mako gulped. She reached her hand toward it, shivering a bit as her skin touched its cold surface. It's been a long time since she touched a real gun. Well, she always carried one on a capture operation but there’s barely any need for her to pull its trigger. But right now... She bit her lip. Suddenly the gun on her hands felt so heavy. Riho seemed to notice the slight fear on her eyes and sighed.

“What are you planning to do after taking this gun?”

“…”

“You’re going to kill Seigi, to kill Shibuya Nagisa with your own hands? It is your choice though. You may as well get your revenge by then.”

Mako didn't answer; she fixed her eyes on the little weapon in her grasp, lost in thought.

“You hate her, right? You hate Seigi. You hate her for taking away your most precious person.”

"...that's true."

She smiled and put the gun back to its sheath, taking them with her.

"I hate Seigi. I hate that monster more than anything in this world and I couldn’t deny that hatred. But it doesn't matter right now. Those Gekioko bunch have taken two of my squad members with them. Two of my precious friends. So I'll use these hands to beat them up instead and take back what's mine."

It was Riho's turn to be surprised, and she gave the girl a soft laugh.

"You sure have changed, huh Kamisori?"

"Perhaps I have."

"Well, in commemoration for your growth, I'll give you a little present."

The cafe owner pulled out a piece of paper from her breast pocket and put it gently on the table. A shinkansen ticket, straight from Tokyo to Osaka. To prepare this in advance... the woman must have planned this all along. Mako smirked and took it with her.

"Bring them back, Kamisori. And after that, let's have a party with everyone."

Mako stood, giving the woman a slight wave as she walked. The cold wind blew against her as she stepped outside, letting the green jacket fluttered slightly, and she closed her eyes.

...

...

...

..

.

"Let's go home, Zombie."


__________________________________________________________
The Epitome of Justice : Chapter 05 // END
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[CHAPTER 05]
Post by: Ruka Kikuchi on October 18, 2015, 04:40:51 PM
Zombie.... o.o

...uh-oh..... o-o

Is Zombie....? T^T

NOOOOOOO!!!! TT___TT
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[CHAPTER 05]
Post by: niineechan on October 18, 2015, 05:50:12 PM
Did Seigi kill Z??!! :OMG:
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[CHAPTER 05]
Post by: deguchi on October 19, 2015, 12:27:04 PM
Eeiiii~ it really took my interest~
ah NagiUha!!! <3
hm poor Mako but I hope she's already get over with her sad and please save your comrades!
Nice story author-san! N thanks~
Title: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[CHAPTER 06]
Post by: jubethehare on November 15, 2015, 02:14:59 PM
Hello again, everyone. At long last chapter 6 is finally here.  8)
Err, there are a lot of concealed situations and names on this chapter so I hope you all can bear with it, because from here on...a new arc will begin! More and more secrets about Gekioko will be revealed from this point and it'll get more and more dark as the story progress... 

Oh, and I've also updated the character description so sit tight and enjoy the ride~




The Epitome of Justice
Chapter 06: Broken Girls; Broken Memories

__________________________________________________________



“Hey, Seigi.”

“Hm?”

“Yer entering Gekioko next year, right? Why there?”

“Hmmmm… For world’s peace.”

“Pfft, wait what!? How the heck you come to that, ya blockhead?”

“Eeeh, well… They’re one of the strongest schools ‘round here, ain’t they? So if I take their top I’ll be the strongest in Osaka.”

“…”

“From there I’ll take the top of the top, then the higher top, all and all until the highest top.  If people only listen to the strongest, then I’ll be the strongest and make ‘em listen to what I say.”

“Then you’ll tell ‘em to make peace with each other.”

“Exactly!”

“…geez, why do I hafta to stuck with a delusional idiot like you.”

“What’s that ya stinkin’ brat!?”

“Nah, nothing. But Gekioko, huh? They have a low passing grade so I’m sure we’ll pass.”

“Whaddya mean ‘we’?”

“Well, thanks to YOU we’re stuck together now. So I’ll follow ya even to the depth of hell.”

“Why? And why yer blaming me for that!?”

“Because… Heh, I’m sure a super-dense blockhead like you will never understand…”



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


Nothing had changed.

A year had passed since she left this place, but even then, nothing had changed. Nothing at all. The identical gray buildings, the dull walls covered in messy graffiti, the broken dark fences; everything were still the same as how she remembered them, standing there silently in front of her like a mirage projected from her long lost memories. A black metal sign planted on its gate.


      [ Gekioko High School ]


Nagisa sighed and closed her eyes, burying her hands deeply to her red jacket. She’s here. She’s really back here. Back to Osaka, back to this delinquent high school, back to the place where she was called a monster. Back to ‘that world’.

     ——yes, seigi—back here—destroy—you’re a good girl—

The girl growled, holding her head as the painful headache returned. Shut up, shut up, shut up, SHUT THE HELL UP! She screamed loudly inside her head, fighting off the echoing ghastly voice. This is bad. She had to find Ryouha and leave this place quickly before—

  “Hey!!”

She opened her eyes and turned around, switching her attention to the new source of voice.

“Who’re ya? What’re ya doing in our school in the middle of the night!?”

Was someone there? Her view was a bit blurry from the headache but she could see a group of girls in matching white uniforms approaching her, and she instantly knew who they were. So they’re still lurking around the school even in nighttime? Those Gekioko’s hyenas. She kept silent as they eyed her curiously, taking the time to observe their messy outfit in return.

    “Oi, check out her fancy uniform.”

    "..."

    “Wheew, what a surprise~ Yer from some elite school or somethin’, missy?”

One star. There’s only one star badge on their collar. If Kango-ka didn’t change their system then these yankees supposed to belong to the lowest class. And there’s one, two…three of them? Or was there more? She didn’t know for sure. The scenery was too dark and the constant headache didn’t help at all.

     “Ya look a pale~ What, pissing yer pants already?”

Aah, this is bad. This is really really bad. She really hated unnecessary conflict. She better do something to scare them away before she lost her temper. The former Kango-ka general opened her mouth.

“Stay out of my way.”

“Ha?”

“Stay away... before I tear y’all apart.

Her threatening voice pierced the heavy atmosphere and she could see them flinched from her icy-cold gaze, but looks like it wasn’t enough.

“What did ya say, punk!?”

One of the girls grabbed her by her collar, glaring back at her empty eyes. Aah, really. She hated this. Nagisa clicked her tongue, her hand slowly moved to the grip on her collar. One second. Just in one swift movement. She closed her palm.


CRACK


“Ack! Aaaagh!!!”

Huh? The girl released her grip and let the screaming yankee go.

“Y-you bastard…”

“…”

The yankee clutched her broken wrist, trying to hold in the pain, and Nagisa looked back at her with wide eyes. That’s odd. Was human supposed to be that fragile? She switched her gaze to her own palm and stared at it in confusion. Open. Close. Open. Close. Open. She continued that gesture with her palm like a child observing a new toy they found. No. That’s wrong. It was nothing new. How could she forget? She used to break many and many people with her hands before. Even then…

“All this time I’ve been holding you with this same hand, huh? Ryouha…”

She whispered those words softly under her breath. How could that be possible? Was there something stopping her from breaking that girl? She didn’t understand. Well, she’s always been called an idiot so maybe it’s pointless for her trying to understand. The former Kango-ka general chuckled and switched her eyes to the group of yankee, startling them.

“I told cha to stay away, but ya won’t stay away… That means~~” She smiled widely.


“I can tear all of ya apart now, ain’t I~~?”


Fear. She could see it reflected clearly in their eyes. The yankees scampered away from the intimidation but some of them stayed, fighting off their fear and keeping their ground. She gave the remaining girls an empty look.

“D-don’t look down on us!”

They let out a pathetic yell and she cracked her fingers in response. Should she really crush them all?

“As members of Kango-ka, we’d never— “THAT’S ENOUGH.”

Hm? Another voice. A familiar voice she heard just recently. She glanced over her shoulder, finding the older of the Nandeyanen Sisters appearing from the school premise, a calm stern look adorning her face. About time…

  “I-Ibukuro-nee!” “It’s Ibukuro-neesan!!” “Ibukuro—“

“Leave this place. NOW.”

The yankees let out a quick ‘yes ma’am!’ in unison and made a hurried bow, before leaving the area in a rush. Simple. In one strict order from the upper rank they’d withdraw without a complaint whatsoever. So there’s still some who follow Antonio’s teaching of ‘minimalizing bloodshed’, huh? That took a bit load out of my mind… Nagisa put her hands back to her pocket, turning to face the newly arrived yankee who was standing there between her and the school gate. They stared at each other in silence, waiting for the right moment to speak, until Ibukuro decided to break it first.

“So we meet again, ms. Police Officer.” The yankee shrugged.

“Shall we continue what we had left before?”

This again? Nagisa sighed, giving the yankee a bored expression in reply. Just when she thought she could avoid a useless fistfight… Aah, this is why she hated ‘this world’. When she plucked the weak ones the stronger one would appear afterwards as if there’s no end to them. How troublesome. How very VERY troublesome. The girl clicked her tongue in annoyance.

“Kimotama.”

“Hm?”

“Where is she?”

“Heh, who knows? Aren’t ya the one who know her best? Or perhaps…” The yankee narrowed her eyes dangerously. “Ya have forgotten all about her?”

Forgotten… Forgotten? Had she forgotten about Kimotama? Wasn’t she supposed to be someone important to her before? Nagisa switched her eyes away, trying to recall her memories of that girl. The place Kimotama is waiting at, the place that she would’ve definitely know; where is it? Ibukuro smirked as she saw the dreaded expression on the girl’s face, and she continued.

“Or maybe not just her?

Ya have forgotten all about Kango-ka; about this place we all built together, this place we called ‘home’.”


   ——Home—Gekioko—Kango-ka—Antonio and Coby—a place to belong—


She held her head as a surge of memories flooded her mind. She remembered. She remembered about them, but it’s not enough. Deeper. She had to dig deeper to those suppressed memories.


   ——Kimotama—Friends— ***** SacrificeGone??


Another wave of hysteria hit her but she held them off, searching through the broken pieces.


  ——Where? Where, where where—after school—baseball—together—

  ——Ain’t it fun~?


Nagisa flinched, gasping for air as she finally found what she’s looking for. She remembered now, the place where Kimotama would be, and Ibukuro seemed to realize it too.

“Have ya remember now?”

She didn’t answer, staring at the overly calm yankee silently as she tried to calm herself. ...this is bad. There’s not enough time. She had to go to that place fast and save Ryouha before the time limit passed. The former Kango-ka general gritted her teeth and stepped forward, raising her hand toward the yankee in front of her.







TAP--

“Step aside, Ibukuro.” She whispered to the yankee’s ear, resting her right hand on her shoulder. “I have no time to fight with you.”

“…I see. Then I’ll withdraw today.”

Huh? Nagisa blinked, partly surprised to find the yankee stepping aside without a single fight, and Ibukuro snickered in response.

“Don’t let any blood being spilled for nothing. That’s what Antonio taught us, right?”

“…”

“Go and finish what ya need to do. In fact, I was waiting for ya to come and pummel that brat. She’s been way too cocky lately.”

She gave the yankee a perplexed look, before she smiled, hitting her old friend lightly on her shoulder as she walked past her.

“Thanks, Ibukuro.”

“Don’t thanks me yet; ya know that it’s probably a trap, ain't it?”

“Eeh, well yeah but… Too bad an idiot like me can only charge forward, ha ha~”

Ibukuro shook her head and sighed.

“…hey, Seigi. You’ve realized it, ain’t ya? Something’s wrong with the current Kango-ka. And it’s been like this ever since ‘that day’.”

“…”

She closed her eyes, her back against Nagisa as she spoke quietly.

“Can ya tell me?  What happened on ‘that day’ one year ago?  Why did ya suddenly disappear without a word?”

“…”

“That massacre… Seigi, is it true that you— “I don’t remember.”

“Huh?”

“I don’t—I can’t remember. What truly happened on ‘that day’, I can’t remember at all. Maybe something bad happened and I’ve decided not to remember. Funny, isn’t it?”

“I see…” The yankee let out a long breath, before turning to give her old friend a grin.

“Well then, it’s getting late so I’ll catch my leave now. See ya.”

“Uh...sure? Bye.”

The yankee snickered as she heard the awkward reply and waved her right hand lazily, whispering something as she left.

“Good luck with yer rescue operation ms. Police Officer.”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“Home run!! Yeah!!!!”

“Eeh, no way!”

“Heheh, that’s for making me wait for two hours. I told ‘cha that I’ll be waitin’ in the usual place, and of course I mean THIS field you idiot.”

“Stop callin me an idiot, yer grade’s not much better than me dammit! And I didn’t put my power to that throw ‘cause *****’s the one catching it.”

“Pfft, being a sore loser are ya? Well, bring it on! Step aside *****, just let the catcher position empty.”

  “ ‘Kaaay~”

“Ya better start yer prayer ‘cause I’ll put my 100% on this one!”

“Talk all you want, I’ll make it fly all the way to the school ground for ya.”

  “Don’t hurt yourself now. Nagisa-neechan~ Shu-neechan~”



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


The baseball field behind Gekioko High. At 7pm strike.

That’s the place. Kimotama would definitely be there without doubt. In fact Nagisa could already see the said girl from the distance, standing in the batter box as she swung her metal bat wildly. The former yankee took a deep breath and entered the field, stopping a safe distance away from the girl, and as soon as she did that Kimotama stopped her constant swinging. The girl turned to her visitor, a hateful smirk on her face.

“So ya really come, huh?”

“…”

Nagisa didn’t answer, her eyes locked on the nostalgic figure in front of her. Kimotama—no, Yabushita Shu. Her childhood friend and the one she used to call best friend. Why did she look so unfamiliar to her now? Her smile, was it always look so twisted like that? Somehow she just couldn’t remember.

“I thought you’ll make me wait for hours again like you used to, Seigi.”

Waiting… Yeah, she could faintly remember about that. They used to play baseball together in this place even before they entered Gekioko. She remembered. She always came late every time. By then Kimotama would get angry and they’d fight until ***** told them to stop. They got along again afterwards, mouthing a quick ‘sorry’ to each other as ***** treat their bruises. Then they’d laugh and play until the sky got dark. Those were happy times, weren’t they? How could she forget about that?





Wait. ***** ?


Nagisa blinked as a blurry figure started to appear in her memories.


   Was there someone else beside the two of us...?


“I’m a bit disappointed, actually. I was thinking of playing with yer girlfriend a bit more, popping her bone one by one for every minute yer late~ Aha ha ha!”

The girl flinched back to reality as she heard that and she clenched her fist. No, she couldn’t get distracted now. There’s something more important for her to do. She took a deep breath, finding her voice once again. 

“Where is Ryouha?”

“Ryouha? Oh, is that her name? That weak shitty girl.”

“…”

“Aha ha, ya should’ve seen her expression when I broke her arm! Pffft, it was so priceless that I couldn’t help yanking her face up to take a closer look.”

Nagisa clenched her fist harder, trying to stop her building anger.

“Stop yer useless blabber and tell me where she is…”

“What? Ya don’t even have time to listen to my story now?”

The Kango-ka general let out a dry laugh and walked toward the nearby metal basket, taking one ball from the pile of baseballs.

“Ya remember, Seigi? We used to play here together like there’s no care in the world.” The girl walked slowly as she juggled the ball with her right hand. Up and down and up and down; Nagisa followed the bouncing balls from the corner of her eyes, focusing her attention on the girl playing with it.

“Sometimes we fight, sometimes we get along, but we always stick together. We were two of a kind, ain’t we? Nothing can separate us back then. And I thought everything will stay like that forever—!

Nagisa’s eyes widened as the yankee suddenly throw the ball to her face, and she quickly raised her hand to catch the incoming projectile. She gulped, feeling her palm stung a bit from the impact. If it was someone else their skull would’ve been broken by now. She stared at the yankee in disbelief. This girl…she really wanted to kill me.

“Ya still have a quick reflexes even now, huh? Amazing~” Kimotama snickered, resting her metal bat on her shoulder.

“It doesn’t matter though. Bam.”

Huh?    

 BOOM--

What the—!? Nagisa threw the ball away in reflexes as it suddenly exploded, covering her nose from the smoke it produced.

    --“Whoa, it really exploded! That psycho-head Henteko can make a useful toy, too.”

A smoke bomb? No. She said it was Henteko’s so it wouldn’t be something that simple. Nagisa narrowed her eyes as she somehow started to feel a bit lightheaded, trying to identify the current situation. This sweet and strong smell of alcohol… Don’t tell me— She gasped as she finally realized what it was and she hurriedly sprinted out of the thick cloud of smoke, holding her breath to stop herself from inhaling anymore of the dangerous gas.   

“Oh? Ya realized what it is? Guess yer survival instinct does surpass yer idiocy.”

Chloroform. The girl clicked her tongue as she started to feel her limbs going numb, glaring at the smirking yankee in front of her.

“But geez, yer still conscious from that strong dose? Yer really are a monster. A brainless one that is. A ha ha ha!”

“Kimotama…why…?”

“Why? Why you ask? Hah, ya seriously ask that?”

Kimotama raised her boot, kicking the girl’s numb leg and sending her to her knees. The yankee growled, grabbing Nagisa by the hair and forced her to look at her face.


Because I hate you, Seigi. I hate you, because you destroyed everything I have. ”


CLANK— The metal bat hit Nagisa painfully on her face and she grunted, falling to the cold ground.

“I was alone. I was always alone. But then ya come and saved me from that. Don’t cha remember? Don’t cha? Ha ha, of course ya don’t! I don’t mean anything in yer eyes anymore, ain’t I!?

She pushed herself back to her feet, forcing her woobly legs to move and escape the enraged yankee.

“I was happy just by being by yer side; I’ve decided to stick with ya through anything! But then what? You suddenly disappeared ‘that day’ and left me all alone again. I thought you were dead, and I thought I was better off dead too…”

She raised her arms over her face, blocking and dodging with all she had as Kimotama swung her metal bat wildly. CLANK—CLANK—CLANK—CLANK The blows didn’t feel hurt at all, but with each hit she felt her body getting more and more numb.

“But in the end I decided to keep on living! I became a general and decided to take over the top in yer place; I’ve decided to continue yer silly ideal for you. Aha ha! But y’know what I found later?


   Yer still alive~~”


Kimotama let out a loud giggle, and hearing that, Nagisa felt a cold shiver running down her spine.

“Yer still alive and well and happily leading a oh-so-carefree life away from here!! What the heck—Ya frickin joking with me!? Do you know how it feels when I found out?

    Do you know how I feel? Seeing my most important person cheerfully living with someone else while forgetting all about me!?

Do you!? NAGISA!?!!” 

Nagisa gritted her teeth, feeling another blow hitting her left leg and pushed her out of balance; the pain from the impact registered not to her brain, but pierced straight through her heart. She rolled to her back, staring up into Kimotama’s furious gaze. Her whole body started to feel numb from the previous gas she inhaled. The yankee stopped her mad rush, her head lolling to her side like a broken doll, her hateful stare boring into the person in front of her.

“If only you were dead back then…” She towered over the fallen figure, stepping hard on the girl’s chest to keep her down. “If only I never meet you maybe being alone wouldn’t be this painful…”

Kimotama smiled and raised her bat high above her head, staring down at the source of her pain with sad eyes. It was the look that Nagisa never seen in that girl before and somehow it made her heart crunched.

“Please, just disappear Nagisa… Forever…

“…”

I’m sorry, Shu…

  CLANK--







“Wha—!“

Kimotama froze, seeing the girl raising her right hand to catch the metal bat. Her jet black eyes glaring into her.

“I’m sorry…but I can’t die just yet.”

The girl let out a loud scream, clenching her palm and yanked the metal bat away from Kimotama’s grip, her other hand snaked out to grab the yankee by her collar. What!? Where did she get that power from? Kimotama thought loudly in her head as she felt the girl lifted her off her feet, struggling to escape the iron grip.

“Aah, now I understand why they called me a monstrous berserker…”

Nagisa sighed, closing her right palm into a fist.

“Now clenched yer teeth tightly, Kimotama.” She gave the yankee a wide grin. “Cause I’ll put my 100%...no, maybe just 60% to this one punch.”

“Sto—“ “Here I go~~”


SMACK!


Her right fist hit the yankee hard on her cheek, sending her flying a good few feet away across the field. Kimotama squirmed as she hit the ground, feeling her jaw barely intact from the single blow. She heard the other girl let out a long sigh once again.

“Wheew, that feels refreshing~”

“Ya fricking monster… what are ya—“

“Huh? We always did this before, ain’t we? Hitting each other when we didn’t get along. Ain’t it our way to get our feeling across?”

The yankee stared at her in disbelief, and Nagisa gave her a little laugh.

“I had my own reason to leave back then… but it was wrong of me to forget about ya. I guess the memories of ‘that day’ really outweigh my other memories here, ha ha~”

“…”

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry for hurting ya, but I want you to understand one thing; You’re not alone Kimotama. Everyone in Kango-ka is like a family and I want ya to remember that. Well, even though I heard this family is in a bit of trouble now…”

“…you…”

"Hm?"

“…you think I’ll listen to yer pitiful excuse?”

“Well, I’m trying.”

Kimotama sighed and pushed herself to a sitting position, staring at the other girl blankly.

“Then…ya better try harder, ya brainless idiot!”   She smirked, and Nagisa smirked back as she heard that.

“Huh!? What did ya call me, ya stinkin brat!?!!”

“An idiot! The biggest idiot there is in this world!! And yuck, what with those cheesy lines you said? You’ve been so lovey-dovey with yer girlfriend that ya turn all mellow now?


Wha— Nagisa felt a small blush ran up her face and she gave the other girl a dangerous glare.


“Ya little…want another piece of me!?”

“Bring it on, shithead!!!”


The two girls glared at each other, growling and throwing insults like there’s no tomorrow, before suddenly, they started laughing.

“Aha ha ha—ouch, ouch! Dammit, why did ya hafta to punch my face!?”

“Stop complaining, yer assaulting me with a metal bat for god’s sake! And what, chloroform? Dang, my head starts to feel whoozy again… I think I’ll collapse any second now so ya better carry me after this.”

“Sure, I’ll dispose ya in the nearby trash can.”

“Ha. Ha. Very funny.”

Nagisa chuckled, sitting back to the ground as she felt her consciousness started to slip. Aah, so this is how it was, huh? Her life back here in Osaka. Just because what happened on ‘that day’ she had forgotten all about it and put them in her darkest mind. A coward. What a stupid coward she was. Perhaps she’d visit this place again once in a while after everything’s over.

“Hey Seigi. That girl…Ryouha, was it?”

Huh? Nagisa blinked, turning her attention to Kimotama.

“Just for yer information... She’s with Gakushu right now.

“…”

“I’ll take ya to her place after this so ya better be grateful, blockhead…”

“…ha. Ha ha, thanks— “Helloooo??? Check, check, is this thing on?”

The two girls froze as they heard the gruff voice echoed from the school’s speaker.


   --“Can ya two down there hear me? It’s the great Henteko-sama late night radio! Yeaaah~~!!”


Kimotama closed her ears as the loud voice pierced the air, cursing under her breath. “The heck!? What’s that crazyhead on to now?” She hurriedly returned to her feet, feeling all alert,  and Nagisa clicked her tongue. I have a bad feeling about this…


   --“I’ve been watching ya two from afar with my super long-range telescope. Man, how touching~ After sharing yer feelings with each other with some cool fistfight, the two of ya finally go all buddy-buddy again. Whoo-hoo, I’m like watching a grand arc from some shonen manga! Bravo! I’ll give ya two a special prize in return.”


“Let’s get outta here, Seigi.” Kimotama said, swinging her friend’s arm above her shoulder. “I don’t like the sound of this.” Nagisa nodded, letting the smaller girl helped her back to her feet. The voice behind the speaker let out a playful drum roll, before shouting in joy.


   --“TA-DAH! A super explosive hand-triggered land-mine made by yours truly!! Huge enough to blow the whole field up~!!!”


What!? Nagisa tensed, feeling the yankee beside her stricken in the similar manner.


   --“Ain’t it romantic? To die together in the place where all yer memories are buried in. I’m shivering in excitement just by hearing it~ And don’t worry Seigi, I’ll take a good care of yer girlfriend after this. She’ll make a good addition to my collection, he he~”


“Shit, she’s really crazy! Like hell we gonna die here!!” She could hear Kimotama shouted in panic as the smaller girl tried drag her away from the field. Her consciousness started to fade even more.


   --“Imma starting the countdown now. 10… 9… 5…” 


“The heck—she’s skipping the count!?”


   --“4…”


Her ears started to fail her, and the counting voice sounded like it was underwater.


     --“3…”


Aah, what was that?


       --“2…”


A blur of green was approaching her from afar. And why did it look so familiar?


         --“1…

                 …
 

                     …


                        …


                            ..


                               .



__________________________________________________________
The Epitome of Justice : Chapter 06 // END
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[CHAPTER 06]
Post by: faanpal on November 19, 2015, 08:17:48 AM
Ho-
This's so exciting.!
And what da heck with Nagi n Shu back there?! LoL.
Bestfriends are bestfriends.
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[CHAPTER 06]
Post by: jubethehare on November 24, 2015, 08:02:31 AM
Thanks for reading this chapter~ And here's reply to your comments

@ruka kikuchi @nineechan : Well, Seigi did separate Zombie from Kamisori once but what truly happened to her... I'll let you two guess about that until I reveal it in later chapters~

@deguchi : Thanks! I'm glad that you enjoy this fic  ;)

@faanpal : a 'skinship' between bestfriends is nothing strange, right~?
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[Xmas SP]
Post by: jubethehare on December 24, 2015, 08:16:47 PM
Hello, everyone! Here's the Xmas special. Man, I thought I wouldn't make it by 25th of December but I guess I was wrong, ha ha. Anyways, this chapter takes place around episode 8 of Joshikou Keisatsu (it's better if you watch it first, but it's fine if you don't) and a good half a year BEFORE the first chapter of this story.   

This one isn't as dark as the usual, but more of a peek at their earlier peaceful days. Enjoy~




The Epitome of Justice
Chapter 06.1: Xmas special - Their Fleeting Dreams

__________________________________________________________



A dream is fleeting,
and yet because of that

It is beautiful...



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


"Thanks for your hardwork, squad."

"Yes, chief. Thank you very much."

Seven girls in white school uniform answered in unison, raising their hands as they gave their squad leader a perfect salute. The man by the chief desk did the same, answering their salute, before letting out a tired sigh and fell back to his chair.

“Well then, that’s all for today. Dismiss.”

“Understood!”

Shimo J smiled as he heard the energetic response from the little squad, his eyes silently observing the whole room as the girls started to tidy up their belongings. Three months had passed since Joshikou Keisatsu started their service, and the police-in-trainings had been doing their job quite well. It's quite an achievement, given that some of these girls had been through hell and back; their output as part of police force was decent and their deduction abilities were quite great, but still, something else concerned him.

“Man, I’m beat~ So glad today’s work is over, ha ha~"

Nagisa stretched her arms and leaned back on her chair, a huge grin on her face. The other girls rolled their eyes as they heard that, while some let out a small laugh. A certain girl sighed, taking a stack of paper with her as she approached the smiling officer.

“...not for you, Nagi.” Ryouha hit her partner lightly over the head with the papers, scolding the girl.

“Concerning today’s operation…you’re writing the report for it…tonight.”

“Eeh, why me? I gotta take out my laundry after this~”

Nagisa let out a playful whine, earning a little giggle from Mio. Ryouha shook her head. This girl, she always has a reason for ditching work, doesn't she? Even today she suddenly disappeared somewhere without a word and neglected the operation. She couldn’t help but glare at her partner as she remembered that. 

"Na--" “Would you stop your complain? Shibuya Nagisa."

Ryouha blinked, stopping short from her scolding and switched her attention toward the source of the voice, finding Nagisa did the same. Here comes the first spark...

“You barely did anything today, so be grateful you only need to do that much.”

Nana said in a stern tone, her eyes never left her desk as she neatly put her belongings back to her bag. Ryouha could see Nagisa clenching her fist from that, but in contrast to her action, she heard the girl let out a playful laugh instead.

"But Naachan, it was a capture operation~ Told 'cha I can't participate 'cause of...something."

“And I suppose you can tell what that 'something' is?”

"Well that's..."

Nana crossed her arms, finally switching her whole attention to the girl, and Nagisa looked away. Great, it's starting to get worse. Mako sighed as she could mentally hear the crackle in the air, while Miki gulped, trying to step in between the two.

"I-it doesn't matter, isn't it? The operation went smoothly. Besides, Meru-chan didn’t join too.”

“It’s because chief said I couldn’t blow the guy up.”

“Gyaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!”

Meru suddenly appeared behind the poor girl, tapping a cold can of drink to her neck, and Miki let out an ear-piercing scream. The little prankster laughed loudly.

“Meru-chan…" Mio approached the girl and proceed to lecture her, while Mako let out another sigh.

“Let it slide, Nana. She already did a great job tracking down the suspect.”

“…fine. I'll let her off the hook today."

Nana turned and resumed packing her things, while Nagisa huffed, switching her attention to her own bag. The look on her eyes changed a bit. Ryouha noticed this, but she decided to not press the matter any further and returned to her own desk, taking the previous papers with her. And with that, the room turned dead quiet in an instant.



And there you have it.

Shimo J sighed as he watched the unfolding scene. This. This was what concerned him the most. It’s true that their individual skill was way above average, and they could cooperate effectively when it’s needed, but perhaps having them to get along in a personal level was a bit too much to ask. Well, he had predicted that they might clash given their different backgrounds and personalities, especially those two. If there’s one thing he could be grateful was the fact that Mako didn’t let her emotion get the better of her and join the fray for a three way battle.

The man hummed, his hand absentmindedly reached for the toygun he held reserved on his desk while his eyes wandered to the window beside him, eyeing the busy street of Zoshigaya that was blanketed in pure white snow. A big old man with red pointy hat was waving by the sidewalk, and he stared at the figure intently. Oh yeah, it's almost that time of the year. Maybe he could make use of that ‘certain event’ and gave these girls a little push.

"Come to think of it, everyone.” Shimo J said as he twirled his toygun in his hand.

“It's almost Christmas."

...

The girls abruptly stopped from their current activities and turned toward their chief with wide eyes.

“Christmas?”

They let out the word in unison and Shimo J tried hard to hold in his laugh from their cute reaction. So it managed to catch their attention, huh? He raised his shoulders in a playful manner.

“Yes. Christmas. You know, the day when Santa Claus come and--"

“Wait, we know what Christmas is, chief." Mako cut him off. "But why are you suddenly bringing it up?"

"Bffft, seriously?”  The man snorted. “Listen carefully, Kojima. If it's Christmas it calls for one thing.”

He pointed the toygun toward the girl, and she blinked in confusion.


    "A Christmas Party."


The police girls froze, staring at their squad leader with a blank look. A…party? Suddenly, one of the girls rose from her seat.

"A-a party!? You mean with all the presents and cute decors and everything?"

"That's right, Nishino. We'll do all that if you want."

"Ooh, this will be so fun!"

Miki squealed as she heard the news, and Mio clapped her hands, starting to look excited herself.

"We can do it at my place. It's big enough to hold all of us."

"Whoa, seriously? On Mio-sama's fancy residence and restaurant class meal?” Nagisa joined in, her huge smile returned.

“No way I'm missin this party, ha ha~"

"P-please stop calling me like that, Nagi-chan. And I prefer if we all can cook together..."

" ‘s that so? Alright then, we’ll cook together~"

"...you're staying out of the kitchen, Nagi."

“Eeeeh?”

Nagisa dropped her shoulder, giving her partner a big pout, while Mio let out another giggle.

"Don't worry, Nagisa." Meru grinned and patted her shoulder. "I'll cook for your share."

"Umm, no Meru-chan. You're staying out of the kitchen, too."

"What--why?"

Everyone let out a laugh as they heard that, and Shimo J couldn't help smiling himself. Looks like his plan was a success and the girls looked very eager to do it. Everyone but one person, it seemed.

"HOLD ON A SECOND."

Nana let out a dangerous growl, sending the room into another eerie silence. Shimo J raised a brow at her sudden outburst.

"Is something wrong, Okada?"

"Yes. EVERYTHING." Nana glared and crossed her arms.

"We're the police; we're not supposed to take a day-off even in holidays! And moreover you even intend to hold a party? Are you kidding me, chief?"

Uh-oh. So here we have Ms. Serious spoiling the joy again. Shimo J rested his toygun to his shoulder, keeping his calm. Well, it's not her fault given how she was raised. He had met some of the Okada before on his earlier days, and he knew just the right thing to shut this uptight bunch. He smirked.

"If that's what you're worried about we can start the party after the usual shift end. I'll arrange the time so that it wouldn't bother your job. Besides, it's normal practice to celebrate little things like this to improve the squad's moral. Don't you agree, Okada?"

"That..." Nana paused as Shimo J tilted his head slightly, telling her to see the disheartened looks on her teammates, and the girl sighed in defeat.

"Alright. I get it."

"And there you have it, girls."

"Yaay!" Miki shouted in joy, tackling and hugging her partner. "Thanks a lot, Nana."

"W-why you--release me this instant!"

The other girls laughed as they saw Nana tried to struggle out of Miki's bear hug, while Shimo J tapped his toygun to his palm.

"Right. Now that it's settled, let's start with the preparation. There's only less than a week left until christmas so we have to hurry. Tomorrow we'll start with decorating the office. What’s your reply, squad?"

"Sir, yes sir!"


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


A party. A Christmas party.

Kitagawa Ryouha had never been into a party before, let alone a Christmas party, and she couldn't help but wondering about it. Fortunately Mako had explained the basic to her and everyone else, but still...

"A present...huh."

The girl whispered quietly under her breath, her eyes absentmindedly watching the other girls as they all walked together to their respective home. She's not really good at such kind of things. Who shall she give? And what? She closed her eyes and sighed.

"Ah...ACHOO!!"

Eh? Ryouha flinched as she heard the loud sneeze, snapping her head to her right to find Nagisa covering her nose.

"Brrr, it's so cold today..."

The kansai girl hugged her coat tighter, trying to hide her bare hands and neck from the cold, and Ryouha blinked as she saw that. The girl was only wearing a layer of coat above her uniform, and although it was a winter uniforms it seemed that the fabric wasn’t enough to block out the cold. The said girl shivered a bit as she tottered away.

"Heey, Miki-chan~ Lend me yer pocket~~"

"What? Geez, you're so hopeless."

Miki retracted her gloved hands from her pockets, letting Nagisa snuggling her from behind and buried her own hands to it. The twin-tailed girl sighed, giving her friend a look of pity.

"Seriously, go buy a muffler or something already."

"Eeeh, y’know that I’m broke.”

“And you still have enough to buy a pair of headphones?”

“This and that is different. And imma saving this month’s paycheck for sumthin' else."

“Gosh! Can’t you set your priorities straight?”

Nagisa only laughed at that, while Miki couldn’t help but facepalmed at her friend’s silly behavior. Mako tilted her head, giving the two a perplexed look as the group continued their walk.

“You guys… isn’t it hard walking like that?”

“Oh, it is hard.” Miki sighed, slowing up her steps to match Nagisa’s. “Reaaally hard.”

Mako let out an awkward laugh and stole a glance at Ryouha, seeing the quiet girl staring at the two in silence as she walked a good few feet away from them. Whoa, that’s some scary look… She gulped and quickened her steps, walking alongside Nana. After a while the group reached an intersection, and Miki stopped on her track.

"Okay, now hands-off, Nagi-chan. I have to go the separate way.”

“Awww… But it’s cold~”

Miki pushed the girl’s face away as Nagisa gave her a big pout, making Meru and Mio laughed from the funny face she’s producing. Nagisa blinked, her eyes wandered around the group of six as she noticed something was missing. Hm? She shook Miki’s hand off her face.

"Where's Ryouha?"

"She left just earlier. I guess you’re too busy to notice that." Nana said plainly as she approached the girl, snatching her hand out of Miki's  coat. "And while I'm at it, I'd like to have you off my partner as well, Shibuya. Go annoy your own partner."

"…”

Nagisa retracted her both hands and put them back to her own pockets, seeing the group dispersed as they waved each other goodbye. She smiled and returned their wave, watching as her friends left the sidewalk one by one and disappeared by the crowded street. She sighed, blowing out a puff of white smoke from her mouth as she hugged her coat tighter, the smile on her face disappeared.

“Maybe I’ll talk to her tomorrow.”   


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“Hey, Mio-chan.”

“Yes?”

“Is something wrong with Ryouha?”

“Huh?”

Mio stopped from writing her report and glanced at Nagisa, finding the girl standing by the Christmas tree by the corner of the office, absentmindedly poking it as she talked. She couldn’t see the girl’s expression as her back was against her, but the tone of her voice was a bit different than usual. Mio sighed and spun her chair toward the girl.

“What makes you think like that?”

“Well,” The kansai girl ruffled her hair. “She’s clearly been avoidin’ me fer a while, going straight home by herself without saying goodbye or anythin’. And she's been a lot colder ta me than usual.”

“Hmm…” Mio tapped her chin. “Maybe she’s mad at you.”

“Eeeh?” Nagisa turned, showing Mio her usual pout. “Why’s that?”

“There’s too many reason I can think of. First, you never do your job properly. Second, you rarely pay attention to what she’s saying. Third, you lie too much. Fourth--“

“Kuuh, please stop~ ’m wrong, I know, I know~”

Nagisa sighed and hang her head, while Mio gave her a giggle.

“It’s better if you stop fooling around once in a while. That will make Nana feel better too.”

“Aye, aye…”

“Ah, but I think what makes Ryou-chan’s angry wasn’t that.”

“Huh? Then what?”

Mio turned her attention back to her work, giving the confused Nagisa a quick smile.

“There’s only two days left until Christmas. Meanwhile, think about what you’ve done wrong and prepare a nice gift for her.”

And with that, she left the oblivious girl thinking by herself. Nagisa let out a loud whine, dragging her feet toward her desk as she heaved her body back to her chair. She sighed, playing with the tip of her pen. If it’s a present, I already have one…

SLAM
 

“We’re back~!!”

Nagisa flinched as she heard the front door being slammed open, revealing an excited Meru and a not-so-happy Nana behind her, the rest of the squad following suit behind them. The kansai girl instantly put back her huge goofy smile, her eyes silently searching for her partner among the group of girls. Leaving early today too, huh? Nagisa couldn’t help but feeling a bit disheartened as she couldn’t find the girl, but she hid it perfectly behind her smile.

“How’s it? The investigation goin’ well?”

She asked no one in particular, and Mako gave her a nod.

“Sure. But before that, I need to make an announcement.”

An announcement? The other girls returned to their respective seat while Mako walked toward the whiteboard on the front, facing the whole squad.

“Regarding Christmas, the chief said that we can finish our work earlier to prepare for the party. But...not at all of us.”

Wait, what? Nagisa narrowed her eyes. I have a bad feeling about this…

“The other squad could only substitute us after 6pm so someone has to be on standby until then. Nana had volunteered for this, while I would also stay as the chief’s representative. The last one staying will be--”

Mako switched her eyes toward one of the girls. “You. Nagisa.”

Nagisa blinked, trying to process the situation, before her eyes widened realization.

“Whoa, whoa, wait a sec.” She raised her hand in protest, and Mako blinked.

“Ya sure choosing me? ‘m just gonna screw up again y’know~”

“It’s the chief’s order.”

“…”

The simple statement instantly shut her and the girl sighed, hanging her head in defeat. This is great. Spending a day with two people who hated her the most, while having her partner avoiding her all the while? Wonderful. I guess I just have to grin and bear it. Nagisa smiled wider, trying to reel in her irritation.

Oh, yes. It would be a very great day indeed...


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“Ha… Ha ha, yeah it could be worse.”

Nagisa let out a half-hearted laugh as she walked down the busy street, finding light twinkling here and there as the town was enveloped by the feeling of Christmas. She sighed, feeling the happy and merry atmosphere in air as she brought her coat closer. Today’s work ended with only one case, with the culprit being a stalker who accidentally killed his loved one. It’s a case that left a bad after taste in her mouth, but what truly ruined her mood wasn’t that.

“Damn it…”

The girl gritted her teeth, feeling the scar on her stomach throbbing a bit. She didn’t know if Shimo J did it on purpose or it was just her being careless, hitting herself by the end of the table like that, but thanks to that little accident she couldn’t even put a proper smile now. That’s the end of the rope. There’s no way she’s going to the party with her current condition. Even though she had prepared a present, too...

“Aah, I really screwed up this time.”

Nagisa sighed, letting her legs guided her as she wandered aimlessly around the town. The Christmas party would’ve started by now, and the whole Joshikou Keisatsu must be having a great fun. She wondered if they missed her even a little. She wondered if her partner missed her. If Ryouha missed her-- The girl stopped on her track as the thought crossed her mind, and she clenched her fist.

“Heh, the heck’s wrong with me? I’ve gotten really soft, huh?”

She chuckled, letting her eyes wandered to her side, finding the colorful illumination staring back at her in a soft wonderful glow. The display was nothing grand, a lot smaller than the light festival she once saw back in Osaka, but it was enough to make her remember of that place. Of that hellhole she used to live in. Yeah. It was enough to remind her that the peaceful life she spent now was nothing but an illusion, so fragile that it might go crumbling anytime.


 “Just like a dream...is it? A beautiful, yet fleeting dream..."


She closed her eyes and turned.

"Guess I’ll go home for now. Might as well check if the wound openin’ up again--hm?”

Nagisa stopped on her track as she bumped into something, and she reopened her eyes, hearing the figure she bumped into falling to the asphalt with a ‘thud’. She offered her hand in reflexes.

“Ah, sorry. I wasn’t payin’ attention to my surrounding--“

Nagisa stopped mid-sentence, her eyes widened as she recognized the person.

“Ryouha?”

The quiet girl took her hand and stood back to her feet, eyeing her partner with her usual cold expression. 

“What are ya doing here--ouch, ouch, ouch!

Nagisa yelped as the girl suddenly pinched her cheek, while Ryouha simply huffed, giving her a glare.

“…what are YOU doing here?”

“Huh?”

“The party has already started…and everyone is waiting for you.”


“…”

Nagisa stared at her blankly, holding her cheek that was red from the previous attack, her head still trying to process the words. Ryouha sighed and grabbed her hand.

“Stop giving me that stupid look…let’s go.”

“Wait, I--“ Nagisa paused, trying hard to put back her smile. “I don’t feel well, so I think I’ll pass. Ha ha~”

Ryouha stopped and glanced at the girl, staring straight into her jet black eyes, and Nagisa smiled wider. They stayed like that for a while, the soft glow of the Christmas tree illuminating them as they stared eye to eye in silence. Finally, Ryouha sighed.

“Aren’t you cold...?"

“Huh? Well, that’s true but--“ “…here.”

Nagisa blinked as she saw Ryouha undid the muffler around her neck and put it around hers, once again trying to decipher the situation. The girl looked away, seemingly a bit flustered.

“…i-it’s a Christmas present…I made it for you.”

The kansai girl stared at the blue muffler in silence, touching the soft fabric with her cold fingers. ...oh. So that's how it was. She finally got it now. The reason why Ryouha had been leaving early all this time, it’s because she’d been sparing her time to make this for her. And to think that she thought her partner was avoiding her, all of that sounded so silly know that Nagisa couldn’t help laughing.

“Thanks, Ryouha. For everything.”

“W-what’s with you? Suddenly saying stuff like that…”

Nagisa only chuckled at that. Oh yeah. She also had something to give her. The girl reached for her pocket, searching for a little present she set aside for her partner.

“I also got something for ya.”

“…?”

“Here ya go~”

Ryouha flinched as she felt the girl’s cold fingers brushed against her cheek, feeling her putting something on her hair.

“This is...?"

“It’s a hairpin. I just bought it in impulse since I thought I suits ya. Besides ya should show yer face some more, ya got some beautiful eyes after all, ha ha~”

“…”  The quiet girl touched the golden pin lightly, and Nagisa scratched her cheek in embarrassment.

“Err, ya don’t have to wear it if ya don’t wanna though. At least it’ll help to ward off some sweat in summer--“

“No. I like it.”

“Is that…so?”

“…thank you.”

“Sure thing~”

Nagisa gave her a huge grin, and Ryouha softly laughed. It's been a long time since anyone gave her a present, and getting one from her usually so dense partner made it even more special. She smiled, before she suddenly let out a small sneeze. Nagisa stifled her laugh.

“Pfft, now yer the one feelin’ cold? Ya should’ve brought along yer muffler too.”

“…shut up, I had my hands full looking for you all over the town.”

“Okay, okay, ‘m sorry for that~”

She walked closer toward her partner, loosening her muffler and looping it around the two of them. Ryouha turned her eyes to the ground as she did that, while Nagisa looked away, switching her attention to the illumination beside them.

“Umm, say…”

“?”

“Wanna stay here and watch the illumination a bit? I don’t feel like going to the party yet.”

“…alright.”

Nagisa smiled, clenching her partner’s hand as they watched the Christmas tree in silence, seeking comfort in her touch. It was nothing but a simple pine tree decorated by lamps and all its artificial lighting, but still, as she enjoyed this moment with this girl, it looked a lot prettier than everything she had ever seen. This similar scenery... Had she seen it somewhere before? Somewhere, somehow, with some other people... A distant laughter echoed at the back of her mind as she tried to remember, the sound of some children laughing and mumbling words she couldn't comprehend. She sighed, trying to shook away the headache that come accompanying the blurry memories.

“…Nagi?"

"Hm?"

"Are you okay?”

“…” Nagisa didn’t answer, and she felt Ryouha squeezing her hand.

“You're in pain…I can see it in your eyes…”

“...ha ha, ya got some amazing skill, ain't ya?”

“People lie a lot, so I'm just accustomed to sensing one…”

“Really?"

Ryouha gave her a nod, and Nagisa chuckled.

"Then I'll have to get better in doing it.”

“Nagi..."

“It's a joke, a joke~"

She laughed, and Ryouha sighed, raising her face to see the illumination beside them. The girl hesitated a bit, biting her lip, before she took a deep breath.

“Your hands...do they still feel cold?”

“Huh?”

“I could get you a pair of gloves too, so…” Her voice grew quieter just above whisper, and Nagisa tilted her head from her sudden change in tone.

“…could you stop…snaking your hands to other’s pocket…or something like that…

Nagisa stared at the girl with wide eyes, studying the girl's beet red face, before she let out a playful snicker.

“Eeh, so ya really were angry at me~ And it’s b‘cause of that silly reason--ugh!

She grunted as Ryouha elbowed her right atop of her wound, and she gritted her teeth, trying to hold in the pain.

“I see that you're already fine now…"

“Uurgh, well...thanks to you..."

"...did I hit you too hard?"

"Nah, no worries. A little nudge can't hurt me, ha ha~"

Nagisa took a deep breath, pushing the pain to the back of her mind. Ryouha blinked.

“Let's go to the party then, everyone is waiting…”

“Gotcha!”

Nagisa grinned, matching her steps with her partner as they started to walk.

“Oh, and one more thing…”

Hm? Suddenly the quiet girl stopped, making Nagisa did the same as she gave her a confused look. What is she on now? Ryouha turned to face her partner, a small yet sweet smile adorning her face. The soft light of the illumination basked her white skin perfectly, and Nagisa could feel a little blush creeping up her face as she saw that beautiful sight.


“Merry Christmas, Nagisa.”


“…”

Nagisa laughed, staring deep into those lovely brown eyes. And she smiled.


“Merry Christmas to you, too. Ryouha…”



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=



This is a dream
a beautiful yet fleeting dream
and because of that

I want to spend it some more, together with you...


(http://s28.postimg.org/ihw2e88ul/Fleeting_Dream.jpg)




__________________________________________________________
The Epitome of Justice : Chapter 06.1 // END
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[Xmas SP]
Post by: Ruka Kikuchi on December 24, 2015, 09:00:59 PM
Aaaaaah~ so good~~~

And I love your artwork; beautiful as usual. >w<

Merry X-mas! :heart:
Title: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[NewYearArt]
Post by: jubethehare on January 02, 2016, 06:36:00 PM
Happy New Year, Everyone~~!! :D

So, to start this year I've made some bonus art for the story. Enjoy~



(http://s10.postimg.org/handb877t/Epitome_Coll_0101.jpg)

(http://s14.postimg.org/57q6jg5k1/Epitome_Coll_0102.jpg)

(http://s8.postimg.org/whsf9e35h/Epitome_Coll_0103.jpg)

(http://s13.postimg.org/qsb4npxnr/Epitome_Coll_0104.jpg)


(http://s13.postimg.org/b5jvacjvr/Epitome_Coll_0105.jpg)

(http://s16.postimg.org/q3q5cs87p/Epitome_Coll_0106.jpg)
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[NewYearArt]
Post by: fath107 on February 07, 2016, 01:15:39 PM
Okay! It's about to update this fic jubethehare-san!!!  :angry: :angry:

It's been 1 month  :catglare:

Hahahahaa! I'm sorry, kinda miss nagiuha :3

Please don't die seigi! Your girlfriend were waiting for you!  :rock: (girlfriend... wait... haha~ i think ALMOST GIRLFRIEND~  :w00t:  :bleed eyes: )

I'm waiting for you :3 ah.. but if you still working on your new fic, it's okay. But not too long!!  :D
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[CH.07]
Post by: jubethehare on February 10, 2016, 04:42:28 PM
Hello, everyone! Here’s your long awaited chapter 7  8)
Whoa one month, huh? Has it been that long? I guess I’ve been occupied with my other fanfic that I hardly realize, ha ha. Oh and of course, there'll be update on the character description.

Enjoy~




The Epitome of Justice
Chapter 07: Strategy Meeting

__________________________________________________________



"Hiya! So yer' Kitagawa Ryouha, huh?"

"…"

"Nice ta meet ya! I'm Ka—I mean, Shibuya Nagisa. We gonna be partners from now on, so let's work hard together. Ha ha~"

"…"

"Yer' very quiet, ain't cha?

"...why are you laughing?"

"Huh?"

"Your eyes... you look like you're about to cry..."



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


Nagisa opened her eyes slowly to the soft ray of the sun and the sound of bird chirping by the window. She saw a dream. A dream from when she and Ryouha first met. Was it a good dream or a bad dream? She couldn't say for sure. Whichever it was it just reminded her of the girl. On how she missed her and that she got to help her, fast. She sighed, trying to move her sore body.

Head. A bit dizzy, probably side-effects of Chloroform. No serious damage.

Legs. Still a bit heavy but movable.

Right hand. All great.

Left hand...

...

...

...

Nagisa narrowed her eyes as she felt she couldn't move her left arm, as if something was keeping it in place. She glanced to her side, and as she found what made her arm trapped, she let out a loud whine.

It was Kimotama, sleeping on a chair by her bedside with her left arm caged within a bear hug. The girl was sleeping so soundly that Nagisa afraid that she might drool on her arm. Scratch that. She already did.

"Goddammit... Wake up, ya slobberhead!"

She shook her arm a few times, attempting to wake the sleeping girl, but Kimotama only groaned and hugged her hand tigther. Nagisa let out another sigh. She gave up. Maybe she'd just lay down for a while until she gathered enough energy to fling the brat away. Well, at least she seemed fine though. Come to think of it, what happened with the explosion last night? And what is this place?

"So you're finally awake?"

Nagisa flinched, hearing a familiar voice from the other end of the room. She pushed herself into a sitting position, turning her attention to the door.

"I almost thought you'll finally sleep forever."

"Too bad, chief. Imma lot tougher than that, ha ha~"

Nagisa snickered as she saw Mako entered the room and closed the door behind her. The girl's hair was tied up into a ponytail, while a dusty green jacket replaced her usual school blazer. Nagisa narrowed her eyes as she recognized the attire. That jacket... wasn't it belong to...

She pushed the thought away, her smile widened.

"So? Whatcha doin' all the way to Osaka? Skippin' school? Ah wait, this still Osaka, right?"

"It is. And why am I here... let's say I'm on a police-duty."

"Eeh, don't drag me into it~ I already quit Joshikou Keisatsu, remember? And as for the official letter 'n stuff... I'll give it to ya later, haha~"

"Don't worry about that, Deputy Shibuya." Mako closed her eyes, her right hand reaching for something behind her jacket.

"I'll take care of all the documents for you. All of them. Down to your death report..."

Nagisa clicked her tongue as she found a pitch black gun being pointed at her forehead, and she eyed Mako with a bored look. Aah, what now? This is troublesome... The two girls stared eye to eye in silence, as if trying to find an answer from each other, until a loud yawn distracted them. Nagisa snickered.

“Finally awake, eh slobberhead?”

“Shut it you—huh?”

Kimotama froze as she noticed the gun, her head trying to decipher the situation as she was still swayed between sleeping and awake. As soon as her mind cleared, her eyes turned into a deadly glare.

“You bastard!! What're ya—“

CREAK--

“Ouch, ouch, ouch!”

Mako almost cringed as she saw Nagisa squeezed Kimotama's fingers in her grip, barely breaking it.

“Oi, oi, calm down will ya~ If ya provoke her I'll be deadmeat, ha ha.”

“You idiot... why...“

“And get yer arms off my hand. It's starting to grow numb.”

Kimotama gave her friend a look of disbelief, staring at her abnormally wide smile. Seigi, what are ya planning? She tried to convey it through her eyes, but the girl only chuckled, shaking her left arm free.

“Now then, what's this all about, chief? Shooting someone without a reason will get cha in trouble, y'know.”

"Not if I have the permission.” Nagisa blinked as she heard that.

“Permission?”

"This is the task given to me.” Mako said matter-of-factly. “To get rid of 'Seigi' if it ever go berserk again."

"By the inspector?”

"Yes."

“I see. I almost thought you're on me for a revenge."

The statement seemed to shaken the girl a bit, Nagisa noticed, though she seemed to try keeping her calm composure. Well, well, now what shall I do? She switched her gaze around the room, trying to find any opening. Her headache had subsided quite a bit and she got her both arms free now. Avoiding gun in point blank is unthinkable even for her but if she could hit the girl's arm and diverted the trajectory...

“Any last word, 'Seigi'?”

Nagisa blinked again, focusing her attention to her former squad leader. And then, she chuckled. Or perhaps there's no need for me to do that...

“Seigi!? What are you—!”

She could hear Kimotama shouting in panic as she closed her eyes and raised both hands in defeat. 

“Third floor, East Building. There's a library where a Kango-ka member called Gakushu usually reside. She's the one who got Ryouha.”

“...”

“Oh, and one more thing, chief.”

Mako raised her brow as the laid-back girl opened her eyes.

“What is it?” 

GROOOWWWLLL—

Mako froze as she heard the loud stomach growl, while Kimotama stared at her friends with her mouth opened. Nagisa only gave the two a sheepish smile.

“You have food? I'm hungry.”

...

...

...

“..pffft, aha ha ha! You're really something else, Nagisa.

Eh? What?

What!?

Kimotama turned her dumbfound face toward the laughing Mako, then to Nagisa, before ruffling her hair with both hands.

“The heck is goin' on, dammit!? First ya all pointing gun and now—argh!”

The yankee shouted on top of her lungs and fell back to her chair, her head dangling above the headrest as she mumbled.

“That's it. I have enough of ya, Seigi. I'm done worryin' or savin' yer ass.”

“Eeh~ I thought you say you'll follow me even to the pit of hell?”

Kimotama growled and kicked her friend by her side, earning a grunt, while Mako shook her head and put her gun back to its sheath. She watched as the two grabbed each other's collar and started throwing insults, before taking a glance at the clock. It's about time...

“Let's go, Nagisa.”

“Huh?” She stopped from barely trading punch with Kimotama, tilting her head at Mako.

“Where to?”

Mako shrugged, opening the door.

“Well, aren't you hungry?”

“Ooh, now we're talking!” She released Kimotama without a single thought.

“Breakfast, here I come~”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“Whoaa, this is good! One more serving, please!!”

Nagisa grinned, raising her bowl as she asked for more rice, while Kimotama elbowed her.

“Psst, watch yer words a bit.”

“Hm, what's wrong with ya? Did ya hit yer head or somethin'?”

Kimotama gave her a skeptical look, before gesturing her head to the short-haired girl by the counter.

“That restaurant lady, don't cha realize who she is?”

Nagisa blinked, switching her attention to the girl. She crossed her arms, eyes closed as if she was in deep thought, before she finally shrugged. Kimotama growled and hit her fist lightly on the table.

“Stop actin' so stupid, shithead! That girl is—


   “Thanks for the food, Sakura-san.”


Mako finished the sentence for her, and the said girl nodded in response. She was just about to take the dirty dishes with her when Mako stopped her, taking the bowl and chopsticks by herself to the sink. Nagisa blinked as she saw that.

Mako seemed to respect that girl a lot, huh.

She hummed, taking her bowl as the girl finished refilling her rice.

Hmm, Sakura. Sakura. That name sounds familiar...

Ah.


Nagisa clicked her chopsticks as she finally remembered.

Why of course! That girl is Miyawaki Sakura. The legendary yankee who put an end to the war between Majisuka and Gekioko two years ago. Nagisa was still in Junior High back then so she didn't know the detail, but it was said that the girl stormed Gekioko by herself and defeated Antonio in a one-on-one battle. So then, what's a powerful yankee like her doing working in a small family restaurant like this? Is she an informant just like Kotani Riho? Sakura seemed to notice the stare Nagisa had been giving her, and she turned to the kansai girl.

“Do you want another serving?”

“Huh? Eeh, maybe later. Just kinda curious though.” Nagisa put down her meal.

“What is this place? And what are you doing here?”

She could feel Kimotama elbowing her again but she ignored it, keeping her eyes on Sakura. The girl raised a hand, telling her to wait, before walking to the kitchen to retrieve a pitcher of warm tea.

“This is Asobina.” Sakura calmly said as she poured a cup of tea to her curious customer, “A family restaurant just a few blocks away from Majisuka High School. We offer many kind of dishes but we're specialized in Japanese Cooking.”

“Eeh, that's amazing~ There's barely any restaurant near a yankee's hideout; those Majisuka bunch's so lucky, haha~”

Nagisa gave her a playful answer and sipped her tea, watching the girl offering a cup to Kimotama as well. Sakura continued.

“As for what I'm doing here... Hmm, that's right.” She tapped her chin. “I'm working.”

“Ah, I see, I see~ As a waiter or?”

“As a waiter, yes.”

That wasn't the answer she anticipated, but Nagisa kept her smile, taking another sip of her tea. Sakura seemed to notice the change in her mood.

“And a chef, for now. The owner of this place is currently away for vacation so I'm handling everything in her place.”

“Hmm.”  Nagisa put down her cup, ready to ask another question, but Sakura beat her to it.

“I've heard about you.”

Sakura said calmly, sitting adjacent to her as she poured a cup of tea for herself.

“In fact, it would be strange if I haven't heard about you. Seigi.

Nagisa flinched as she heard that, her smile vanished. Sakura sipped her tea.

“A former student of Gekioko. The only first-year general ever and the one who study directly under Antonio and Coby. And also,” The girl locked her emotionless eyes on the frozen girl. “One of 'their' pet dog.”

“Huh? What's she talking about, Seigi?”

Nagisa clenched her fist, staring back at the girl calm face.

“You... how much do you know?”

“Not much.” Sakura took another sip of her tea, and Nagisa looked away.

“I have nothing to do with 'them' anymore.”

“Do you think saying that will erase your sin?”

  SLAM

Nagisa hit her fist hard to the table, sending all the plates and cups into the floor in a huge crash, and snatched Sakura by her collar. She brought the girl close, trying to supress her building anger.

“What do you know about me?”


   --calm down, calm down, calm down


“Nagisa! Release her right now!!”

She could see Mako pointing a gun at her from the corner of her eyes and Kimotama staring at her in horror, but she couldn't care less.


   --calm down, calm down, calm down


“What do you know...”

“I don't. You're the one who know.”

Sakura stared into the girl's eyes, not even faltering a bit.

Show me your seriousness, Seigi. You can't laugh everything off and running away forever.”


   --calm down—


“Ooh, ooh~~ What's going on~? Do I come in a wrong time~~?”


Nagisa came into an abrupt stop as she heard the loud voice, her fist barely colliding with Sakura's face. She slowly turned her head to the source of the voice.

“If you call, then I'll definitely come! It's Enoki-man~ TA-DAAH~~!!”

...

..

.

Uwaah...

Nagisa's face fell as she recognized the figure and she quickly released Sakura, falling back to her chair in a lazy manner.

“Damn, I suddenly don't feel like hitting anyone... Kimotama, pass me some rice.”

“Huh? U-uh, yeah. Sure thing.”

Kimotama shook her head and did as she was told, while Sakura pushed away the broken table.

“Can you get a broom from the kitchen, Oshima?”

“It's KOJIMA—I mean, right away, Sakura-san.”

The whole situation reverted back to normal and the new figure froze, hearing the wind howling beside her.

  “Wait, wait, wait! Ya all ignoring me!? Huh??”

The girl ran into the restaurant, waving her hand in front of the Osaka duo who had resumed their eating. They blinked.

“Ah, it's a mushroom.” Nagisa flatly said.

“A mushroom.” Kimotama continued and raised her hand. “Excuse me, Sakura-san~ Can ya grill this one for us, please?”

Sakura nodded, while the girl in front of them shook her head.

“Tsk, tsk. Enoki is not for grilling, fools. If it's Enoki, then nothing beat a mushroom nabe indeed!”

Uwaaaaah....

The Osaka duo gave the girl another blank look, before Nagisa raised her hand.

“Scratch the grill. Can we borrow some hotpot?”

“Tsukkomi me already!” The girl shouted in frustration. “And the heck, ya two really want to eat me!?”

Nagisa tilted her head, while Kimotama gave her an 'isn't it obvious?' look.

“Err, I see the three of you already know each other...”

Mako let out an awkward laugh and stepped in between them, stopping for a while from sweeping the floor.

“Nope.” Nagisa flatly answered, stuffing some meat to her mouth.

“Ain't know any mushroom, nope.”  Kimotama added with no care whatsoever. The girl dropped her shoulder, and Mako couldn't help feeling a bit sorry for her. Sakura crossed her arms.

“You two, don't be so cruel to Shiitake.”

“It's ENOKI. Kuuh, I know they're both mushroom, but they don't even rhyme you see...”

“Ah...” Sakura blinked, her face as emotionless as ever.

“Sorry, Emoji.”

ENOKI!! Now yer just doin' it in purpose!”

Sakura-san... Mako held her face in frustration. They hadn't even start a real conversation yet and she's already feeling tired. Somehow she wished Nana was here to get the topic straight. She cleared her throat.


“Now, can I have everyone attention?”


Mako said in a stern tone, and the girls switched their eyes to her. Finally... She let out her breath in relief, setting the broom on her hand aside.


“The reason I brought all of you here is because there's something I need to tell you all about.
Regarding what happened last night, and what we are going to do from now on.


The squad leader pulled two chairs for her and Enoki, while Sakura left the four girls by their own, fetching some more tea.

“Last night explosion has put Gekioko on their highest alert. Therefore it will be harder for us to proceed with our rescue operation.”

“ 'We'? Yer into this too, chief?” Mako gave Nagisa a nod.

“Yes. But of course, I'm keeping this a secret from the other Joshikou Keisatsu. I leave a record that says that you, me, and Ryouha are in a special mission out of town.”

“Whoa, way to go~ Nice going there chief, ha ha.”

“Now, the problem is, it seems that something has been going on even before we arrived. Do you know anything about this, Kimotama?”

Kimotama sighed and ruffled her hair.

“A lotsa students from Gekioko have been arrested lately. The reason varied, but most of 'em are non-active members of Kango-ka or shady bunches who rarely seen in school. The principal grew wary though, thinking that yer responsible for this, Seigi. Come to think of it, why did the principal think like that?”

“It's 'cause of Gakushu.” Enoki cut in.

“You saw it too, ain't ya Kimotama? The footage that showed Seigi's whereabouts. Kango-ka members are being arrested and their missing general is now part of the police. No wonder the principal thought that way.”

Mako nodded, seeing Nagisa starting to put a bored expression. About time to bring out her plan.

“The three of us are currently hunted by Gekioko so we can't move freely around their territory. That's why I asked Enoki to get information for us while we build our strategy here in Majisuka area.”

“Now that ya mention it.” Kimotama glanced at Enoki. “Why're ya wearing Majisuka uniform, mushroom-head?”

Enoki snickered, puffing her chest in pride.

“Heh. Well that's of course, as the new information broker and successor of Basset I'm enrolled in Majisuka, Gekioko, and Yabakune all together. That way I can retrieve info from all schools without being suspicious.”

Nagisa tilted her head at her. “I see. Then why're ya helping us? What're ya asking in payment?”

Enoki snickered, pulling out a cellphone from her pocket.

“There's something I wanna ask from the three of ya. Or more like, something that my other client need.”

She dialled a number and put the phone in the middle of the table, while the three girls waited, their eyes locked on the screen. 


    -- …

   --  …

   --”Good Afternoon, everyone.”



Kimotama flinched while Nagisa smirked as she recognized the squeaky high-pitched voice.

“Long time no see, Gakushu.

Mako glanced at her fellow officer as she heard the name, before focusing her attention back to the phone.


   --”Oh, it's Seigi-san. Hello. Long time no see, indeed.”


“Cut with the formalities, Gakushu. Whaddya want?”

There was a few moments of silence on the other end before Gakushu continued.


   --”I believe you all have learned about the multiple arresting that's been happening around here.”


“Heard 'em. What about that?”


   --”Those things... I am actually the one responsible behind it.


Kimotama froze as she heard it, while Mako and Nagisa kept her cool, listening intently.


  --”I did that to create an uproar within Kango-ka. And not only Gekioko; Majisuka and Yabakune,
   I've done the same things to them with Enoki's help.
   Now the three schools have been suspecting each other.”



“And then?” Mako asked. “What are you trying to achieve from doing that?”


   --”...”


“...”


   --”A war.”


The three girls narrowed her eyes as they heard the declaration, each of them wearing a different expression of their own.


   --”I want to create another war, just like what happen two years ago, and destroy the current Kango-ka with it.”


Nagisa chuckled as she heard that, while the other girls kept silent, didn't know what to say.

“Eeh, so ya wanna drag all of Osaka to yer rebellion? That's some grand plan, ha ha~”

Mako nudged her temple, trying to calm herself from the shocking information.

“So then, when do you need us in this plan of yours?”



   --”Three days from now I will have a meeting with a member of Majisuka's Rappapa in their territory.
   That moment, on my way to the meeting, I want the three of you to kidnap me.



The words brought Mako into another shock while Nagisa couldn't contain her laughter anymore.


  --”I will tell the detail of the plan there.
   And of course I will make sure that your friend is safe under the rebels' protection.
   You can have my head if there's even a scratch in her face, Seigi.”



“Gotcha~ I'll take ya on yer word, Gakushu.”


  --”...”

   --”Well then, I'll be waiting for you in the appointed place. Until then.”

   --BEEP

        --BEEP

              --BEEP


“And there ya have it.”

Enoki put her phone back to her pocket, while Mako sighed loudly, crossing her arms. Nagisa raised her shoulders at the girl.

“Whaddya say, chief? Yer buying this deal? If ya decline I'll just storm into the place and save Ryouha on my own.”

“THAT is the very thing I want to prevent. Just for your information, if I didn't come to save you yesterday you'd be dead from the explosion.”

“Now, now, stop dwelling in the past~ Ha ha~” Nagisa let out a playful laugh and turned to Kimotama.

“How 'bout cha, Kimotama?”

“Eh, I'll follow whatever ya choose. If yer stomping the place then I'll be right beside ya.”

The duo bumped their fists and Mako let out another sigh, glancing at Enoki. There's no other choice.

“Enoki, please send this word back to Gakushu.


'We're taking the deal.”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


The night wind howled loudly as a lone figure walked the empty road of Osaka, carrying a backpack with them. The figure walked cautiously, their eyes darting around as if to make sure that nobody was following them, and suddenly they broke into a run. They could hear footsteps from behind them and they quickened their pace, glancing to see some group of people running after them. They turned on the next fork road, running down the narrow alley with all their might.

A dead end. The figure stopped and turned, finding that they're already being surrounded, but their emotionless face stayed the same. The figure sighed.

“About time you show yourself, Seigi.”

CRACK-- SMACK-- THUD--

The pursuers fell to the ground one by one, and another figure in a red jacket jumped down the tree branches, revealing herself.

“Why're ya callin my name just now, Gakushu? If they wake up later they'd know that I'm the one attacking them.”

“That's exactly what I'm doing. Shifting the blame to you.”

“Ya little...”

Nagisa cracked her fists, trying to stop herself from punching the girl on the face. Gakushu didn't seem to care though, proceeding to search through her pursuer and taking their wallets.

“I'm quite surprised you really come though. I thought you'll dismiss my secret message and stick to the back up plan.”

“I'm done running away...” Nagisa whispered quietly. “And ya better be grateful; it's hard wrestling out of Kimotama's bear hug, y'know.”

“Well, isn't she a handful? Should I tell your girfriend about it?”

THUD

“That's my head you're stepping on, dear Seigi. Not like I mind it.”

“Tsk, yer disguting...”

Nagisa gave Gakushu a light kick on the head and the yankee stood, taking all the money she could get.

“But to think that the principal only send these small fries after me, is he mocking me? Or is it a trap?”

“Doesn't matter. ” Nagisa spat, burying her hands in her pockets.

“Spit out yer plan. It's not just a rebellion, ain't it? The reason why yer doin all these, are ya trying to smoke them out?”

Gakushu smirked.  “You can be quite sharp sometimes for an idiot, Seigi-san.”

Nagisa let a 'hmph', and Gakushu continued.

“You're correct. Nothing will change if we don't destroy them from the root, and I will sacrifice everything if necessary.”

She gave the girl a determined look, something that Nagisa never saw in her before, and the former Gekioko general sighed.

“Fine, I get it. I'll play along with ya. As long as you promise that you'll keep Ryouha safe.”

“Of course. Because she'll also play a vital role in this plan.”


“Gakushu, you bastard!”


Nagisa grabbed the yankee by her collar. “Don't drag her into this!!”

“But it's already too late, Seigi-san. I've told her about them. I've told her everything.

  CRACK CRUNCH--

Gakushu gritted her teeth, holding in her scream as Nagisa clenched and broke her forearm. The former yankee pushed her away roughly, a cold blank stare in her eyes.

“As I thought, I really don't like ya.”

“That's too bad... Because I like you so much.”

Nagisa clicked her tongue, feeling a slight shiver running up her spine. She turned away.

“Eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” Nagisa glanced at Gakushu, staring down at the squirming yankee.

“I'm taking yer right arm as promised. And if I find her hurt in any way, I'll make ya regret ever living in this world...”

“Don't worry. Like I said, I'm all ready to sacrifice anything.”

The former yankee let out another 'hmph', pulling her hood over her head as she leaned on the wall, waiting for her childhood friend to treat her broken bones.

“Why are ya doing this, Gakushu? Ya have nothing to do with them. And I've known ya long enough to know that ya don't even care about Kango-ka at all. So why?
For what reason ya wanna destroy 'them'? Just another form of yer entertainment?”

“Why, huh?"

Nagisa peek through her hood, seeing the yankee fastened her makeshift arm-sling over her neck. The girl put her good hand on her chin for a while, thinking.

"I'm doing all this for you, of course.”

Nagisa shivered as she saw the girl smiled. “Stop sayin' disgusting stuff or I'll rip off yer throat.”

"Now, don't be so hasty. Seigi-san."

Gakushu carried her backpack on one arm, walking side by side with the former yankee.

"Let's work together as a team. Just for the sake of old times."

Nagisa didn't answer, burying her hands deep in her pocket as she walked along the empty alley. She clenched her fists.


...


..


.


"Wait for me, Ryouha."



__________________________________________________________
The Epitome of Justice : Chapter 07 // END
Title: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[OMAKE]
Post by: jubethehare on February 14, 2016, 05:49:31 PM
Just me messing around...  8)
Happy Valentine's day, everyone~




(http://s10.postimg.org/ufo14p62x/Epitome_omake_01_small.jpg)
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[OMAKE]
Post by: fath107 on February 15, 2016, 12:00:02 PM
Hmm i don't really believe on gakushu (´・д・`)

But... it's gonna be a bad decision if they didn't accept her plan 。゚(゚´Д`゚)゚。

Shu-chan would join seigi team?! ( `ิิ,д´ิ)

Haha~ i can't stop smiling when i saw your omake xD

I think you should make ryouha become your girlfriend, nagi (  ´ิ∀´ิ)

Waiting for your update jubethehare-san
_(:3 」∠)_

Thanks for your update and your cute omake ヽ(*´∀`)ノ
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[CH.08]
Post by: jubethehare on March 09, 2016, 08:15:08 AM
Hello and welcome to chapter 8, everyone.  8)
There's not much I want to say here, but...

Enjoy~




The Epitome of Justice
Chapter 08: Before The Storm

__________________________________________________________


:.03:00AM, a certain hotel room—


“We'll take cover for a while here.”

Gakushu heaved her backpack to the nearby bed while Nagisa looked around, inspecting the small and slightly unkempt room. She walked over to the cupboard.

“Ya still keeping this place as one of yer base?”

“Of course.” Gakushu plainly answered. “I rather say 'our' base, though. The owner's even as kind as keeping this room the same as the last time we visit.”

“Don't go including me as you please...”

Nagisa growled and opened the cupboard, finding a pile of clothes and blunt weapons inside. It was perfectly the same as how she remembered them two years ago safe for the dust and cobwebs. She crouched down, searching through the pile.

“There's no 'we'. I'm only following ya till I get what I need.”

“I wonder why you're always so cold to me, Seigi-san. Did I ever do you wrong?”

Ha ha, right. Are you kidding me?

Nagisa felt like laughing as she replayed the memories of that poker-faced manipulative childhood friend of hers in her head.


90% of the memories was filled with nothing but troubles.

99% of the troubles ended up with her having to suffer in some way while the girl ran free off the blame.

Don't ask what the other 10% is. She wouldn't even want to remember.


Nagisa clicked her tongue. She felt like shouting in front of the girl's face but she knew better than arguing against Gakushu. The only thing she'd get is another headache. So she ignored the girl, blowing off the dust from a pair of brass knuckles she found from the cupboard; her favorite weapon from back in her time as a yankee.

“No answer? Well, it's not like I hate that part of you.”

“Would.ya.stop.that?”

She put the brass knuckles to her pocket and turned around, glaring at the yankee's emotionless face. The yankee smiled.

“Ah. Finally get your attention.”

“...I don't know what ya want Gakushu but if ya keep pressing my temper—”

“You'll punch me to the end of the world. You always said that.”

“...”

“But you never did. From what I remember the farthest you ever punched me to was the emergency room and you even regretted it so much you came to visit me everyday.”

BAM

Nagisa hit her head to the wall in frustration.

“Why can't ya just die back then and there...”

“Because you're the one bringing me to the hospital, Seigi-san. Really, sometimes you're too kind for your own good. And I like that part of you, too.”

BAM BAM BAM BAM-- 

“Please, Seigi-san. I know you don't have a brain but it's better if you stop doing that before you break the poor building. If you need a punching bag I can always volunteer.”

“Shut up ya freakin' masochist.”

She removed her red forehead from the wall, glaring dagger at the living heap of troubles. She remembered the girl being annoying but not THIS annoying. Perhaps her memories failed her. Nagisa sighed and put her back against the wall, crossing her arms. 

“Just spit out yer plan. Now.”

“Don't be so hasty. I'm just about to get to that but first, I have something for you.” 

She clicked her tongue in annoyance as Gakushu searched through her backpack.

“Ah, there it is.”

The yankee pulled something out of the worn-out bag, and as soon as Nagisa realized what it was, her eyes widened. It was a black choker, with a red ear-cuff chained to it and metal plates adorning the leather material. The sight brought a lingering horror in the back of her mind.

“Do you remember this?”

Of course. She remembered. There's no way she could forget.

That cold chained ornament was her 'leash'. The collar she wore as their pet dog. She gripped her arm, trying to stop her own shivering.

“You...how did you...”

“I took it after you went on rampage that day.”

Gakushu tossed the choker to Nagisa, her eyes intently watching as the girl caught the trinket with an anxious grip, a sign of fear in her face. Psychological resistance. The yankee calmly thought. I better do something about that.

“Hey, Seigi-san. Do you know what your 'Berserker Ability' truly is?”

Nagisa didn't respond, her eyes still locked on the black leather in her hand. Gakushu continued.

“In theory, your ability is just another form of extreme adrenaline rush. The unique thing about it is that you can easily access it by triggering your anger and pushing your physical limit to the maximum. But of course you will be no different from a wild animal if you can't control it. That's why they created that choker; to control your adrenaline level by sending electrical impulses through the device. I altered the function a little though.”

The yankee finished her speech with a sigh and sat down on the bed.

“It will still check your heart-rate and body heat for any sign of rush, but now I've added an extra feature. There's a timer that you can activate by turning the metal plate on the left which will delay the electrical current—”

“Cut with the useless explanation, Gakushu.” Nagisa turned her gaze toward the yankee.

“How can this thing help?”








That choker is your 'brake', Seigi-san. The reset button to your Berserk state.”

Gakushu paused, staring as the girl clenched the choker in her hand. She smiled.

“You don't need to worry about going wild anymore. In fact, I will be needing that ability of yours at given times.”

“...a brake, huh?”

“That's right. Oh, but since it works just like a stun gun your body will be completely immobilized afterwards so please use it moderately.”

“I know. I'm not that stupid.”

“Then I'll trust you with that. I don't know about the stupid part though.”

Nagisa gave the smiling yankee another growl before she took off the headphone around her neck, revealing the burn marks she always hid behind the device. Just a proof of how hard she knew the choker could sting. She sighed, putting the black leather around the reddish skin and locking the ear-cuff on her left ear. The way it touched her skin felt sickeningly familiar, almost choking even, but she tried to push the thought away. At least she knew she wouldn't go destroying things without control now. And that took a load off her mind.

“Are you done readjusting yourself?”

She heard Gakushu spoke and she turned her attention to the yankee.

“Yeah, all clear.”

“Very well.”

Gakushu closed her eyes and let out a long breath, before letting her body fell to the bed. Nagisa stared at the girl and blinked, once, twice, before she kicked the bed hard, almost knocking the yankee to the floor.

“Oi. Whaddya think yer doing, huh?”

“I'm trying to sleep, Seigi-san.” Gakushu answered calmly as she fixed her position on the bed. “Sleeping, as in charging my energy for the upcoming war. And while you're at it can you help me move my backpack to the table?”







“...ha. Ha ha ha ha.

Nagisa dropped her shoulder, her body trembled slightly as she let out a dry laugh.

”Ookay~ Have.a.nice.sleep~~”

She smiled widely, trying to reel in her anger as she grabbed the backpack. Two hours. It's only been two hours since she stayed with Gakushu and she had almost exploded. She put down the bag on the table slowly, taking the time to calm herself down.

“Oh, and Seigi-san?”

“Hm?” She glanced at Gakushu, seeing the yankee patted the empty space beside her.

“We can share the bed like we used to. And don't worry, I'll keep this a secret from your girlfriend. All those nights we spent together as well.”

Nagisa clenched her fists and took a deep breath, before exhaling an equally long one. Her smile widened.

I'll kill you after this, Gakushu...


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


:. 08:00AM, Asobina Restaurant


Mako hummed quietly as she swept the wooden floor of Asobina Restaurant, listening to the lively bird chirping outside. Sakura was out shopping for today's grocery so she was left to look after the place in while waiting for the Osaka duo to wake up. It was kind of a silly sight, for the leader of the elite squad of Joshikou Keisatsu to sweep the floor of some small restaurant in the middle of nowhere, but Mako was not bothered even the least. Whether moping the floor or killing someone, if Sakura asked for it she'd do anything. That's just how much she owed the girl.

“I...no.” She grabbed the sleeve of her green jacket. “We owed her a lot, didn't we?”

She stopped sweeping for a while, a soft smile on her face. Yes. If only you're here as well—

“SHE'S GONE----!!!!”

Whuh? What the—!? Mako flinched, shaking herself out of her thought as she heard the ear-piercing scream. She could see Kimotama sprinted out of her bedroom right after, eyes wide as she searched around the restaurant in panic. Mako tried to catch the girl.

“Wait, Kimotama—calm down. What in the world happened?”

“Damn, damn, damn—Dammit! SEIGI. SHE'S GONE!”

What!? Mako shook her head, trying to keep her thought straight as the yankee started pushing around the furniture roughly.

“Calm down for a while. Maybe she's just out for a walk.”

“That's impossible, shithead! She's too much of a lazybum for that! Argh, and I thought I've locked her arms perfectly. Should've put a leash on her and chained her down!!”

“Wait, don't—“

Mako could only stare as Kimotama took her metal bat and stormed out, her words being ignored on the wind. She sighed, nudging her forehead. This girl and that one too; how can she forget how reckless a yankee can be? Especially THAT one. How great. Now she understood how Nana felt. Maybe she should've let her put a tracking device on the girl.

RRRR—

   RRRR—

Now of all time? Mako groaned and pulled out her cellphone. The word 'Enoki' flaring on the screen. She narrowed her eyes, answering the call.

 
   “Yes, Kojima here.”

   --”Err, I got some bad news.”

   “...”

   --”Last night Gakushu was, uhh, kidnapped or somethin y'know. And rumors goin' on that her kidnapper was—“

   “Seigi. Am I right?”

   --”...yeah.”


That idiot... Mako clenched her phone. This is bad. Really really bad. Things are running out of control and heading for the worst. She had to come out with another plan. Fast.

“Enoki. I want you to search around Gekioko and find—“
 
   CRASH--

The loud sound brought Mako back to reality and she turned toward the source in reflex, finding a girl in black school uniform dangling on the window unconscious, the glass pane breaking into pieces. Oh, for... Mako gritted her teeth, cutting off the call as she pocketed her phone and ran outside.
She knew that uniform. In fact, she had once wore it before.

It's the Majisuka yankee.

The young police pushed the front door open, meeting more and more of the familiar black outfits surrounding the building, Kimotama fending some of them off with her metal bat. One of the girls noticed her and shouted.

“Oi, that's the other one!”

“Get her!”

...how did it come down to this?


CRACK

Mako raised her broom to parry a punch, spinning on her heel to kick her attacker on the gut. She sighed as she stared at the broken broom.

“Sakura-san will scold me after this...”

She threw the broom away and joined the fight.

“Kimotama!”

Mako crouched, dodging as the said girl swung her metal bat over her head and hitting the yankee behind her. She jumped back to her feet and turned, standing back to back with the Gekioko general.

“What did you do?”

“Nothing! They suddenly appeared and attacked me for no reason!”

She sighed, parrying another blow with her elbow and returned the punch. She switched place with Kimotama, her eyes scanning the bunch for any familiar face. No luck. Are they all new students? One way to find out...

“Kimotama. Get down.”

“Wha—“

  SLASH--

The yankee moved to her knees in reflexes as Mako swung her right arm in a horizontal arc, watching as an invisible blade cut through the Majisuka girls.

“Whoa...”

Kimotama whispered in awe. The group of yankee stopped their attack abruptly, taking a few steps away in alert. Kimotama raised her brow from their sudden change of behavior, glancing at Mako. 

“Oi, what's with 'em?”

Mako only shrugged, until one of the girls shouted.

“K-kamisori! She's Kamisori!”

Huh? Kimotama froze as she recognized the name and she turned at Mako with wide eyes.

“Wait, yer THAT Kamisori!?” Mako only blinked, offering her hand to help the yankee stand.

“Yes. Am I really that famous?”

Kimotama didn't know what to say. There's nobody in Kango-ka who didn't know about Sakura and her two underlings, but why is one of them being part of the police? And Seigi even calling her 'chief'. Just what's going on? The thinking made her head hurt and she ruffled her hair.

“You.” She pointed her metal bat at Mako. “Ya better explain everythin' to me later.”

Mako answered her with a simple nod, before switching her eyes back to the Majisuka yankees.

“Can I have all your attention?”

Her stern voice made all of the yankees flinched and she stepped forward.

“What is your reason for attacking us? Depending on your answer, I might let you guys off without a complain.”

She could see the yankees mumbled to each other, seemingly not sure what to say. Could it be that they were sent here without knowing the reason? That'd make her work a lot harder. And she didn't feel like coming all the way to Majisuka for it. The girl sighed, burying her both hands in her pocket.

“Fine. If you can't talk bring your boss here—“ “There's no need for that.”

Mako flinched as she heard the familiar voice, watching as the yankees dispersed to make way for the newcomer.

“Good to see that you're still up and healthy, Kamisori.”

“Uonome...”

She whispered the name quietly, staring as her old comrade approached her with her trademark smirk, her long skirt and red jersey still the same as ever. Mako blinked as she saw the plastic bag on the yankee's hand.

“What are you bringing?”

“Oh this? I met Sakura-san on my way here so I helped with bringing some of her groceries.”

Uonome tossed the plastic bag to Mako and the girl inspected the content. Flour and vegetables and some of those stuffs. She glanced back at Uonome.

“I don't mean you any harm, Kamisori. I just need that Gekioko girl and her little friend Seigi.”

“And why is that? I don't remember you working for Gekioko.”

“I don't.” Uonome shrugged. “I'm doing this to protect Majisuka. No more and no less.”

“What do you mean by that...”

Uonome snickered, shaking her head.

“Many things had changed since you left, Kamisori. And since this gonna be a long story how about we talk it over a pot of nabe?”

Mako stole a glance at Kimotama, seeing the yankee growled and lowered her metal bat in defeat. She sighed.

“I'll prepare the hotpot.”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


:. 09:30AM, an abandoned building


“Gakushu.”

“Yes?”

Nagisa stared at the huge rifle in front of her, her eye twitching a bit.

“You... How do ya manage to get THAT?”

Gakushu only gave her an odd look.

“That is a very stupid question, Seigi-san. I have my own channel, of course. Or do you think we'll be going against them with plain old fistfight?”

“Ha ha...”

Ah, yes. How could she forget? This girl is crazy. Big time. Nagisa sighed, crouching to inspect the sniper rifle.

“Who's the target?”

“The student council liaison teacher.” Gakushu plainly answered, sitting down on the floor as she emptied her backpack.

“He's one of the person I find close enough to the principal. Do you know him?”

Nagisa peered through the scope, watching the middle aged man eating breakfast in his living room, his white shirt clean and tidy as he seemed ready to go to work.

“Nah, don't ring any bell. And I didn't get that annoying headache when I see 'em.”

“PTSD.”

“Huh?”

Nagisa gave Gakushu a confused look, and the yankee continued.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. That's where your constant headache comes from. It also seems to cause you partial memory loss about everything related to them.”

“Yeah, yeah. Post-whatever it is. So is this guy one of 'em?”

“Maybe. Maybe not.”

Nagisa clicked her tongue.

“Look. I ain't killin' some random guy just because of yer hunch.”

“Investigation, mind you. And we're just about to find out.”

Gakushu pulled a frilly dress out of the bag and Nagisa stared at the clothes blankly.

“What's that thing doin' in yer bag?”

“Nothing. Just one of your infiltration equipment.”

Wait, what? Nagisa switched her blank stare to Gakushu.

“You only need to get to his room and fetch the information I need. If he's indeed one of them you can kill him as you please. I'll make sure that the area is clear and watch over your movement through the sniping scope.”

“...come again?”

“To make it simple, Seigi-san.” Gakushu smiled at her sweetly, sending a shiver up her spine.

Please make use of your other ability. The one you learned from Coby-senpai...

“...”

I'll DEFINITELY kill you, Gakushu.


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


:. 10:00AM, inside Asobina



“...and that's what happen.”

Uonome put down her bowl as she finished her speech, leaving Mako staring at the empty hotpot in silence. Majisuka was in shamble. Uonome, Jisedai, and the rest of team Hinabe took over Rappappa after the previous Heavenly Queens graduated, and now the top position was left empty. And all of that happened after—

That day. The time when you and Zombie left us.”

Mako clenched the bowl in her hand tightly.

“Majisuka couldn't afford another war with the current condition. That's why I'm trying to hand over the real culprit to clear our name.”

“We didn't kidnap that bastard Gakushu!” Kimotama shouted, smashing her hand to the table.

“Maybe you didn't. But how about your friend Seigi?”

“Tch!”

The Gekioko general spat and turned away, crossing her arms. She glanced at Mako, signaling for her to speak.

“Uonome.” The former Majisuka yankee spoke.

“From what I hear Majisuka was being toyed around by Gekioko. What are you guys afraid of? Was it because there's nobody strong enough to lead from the top?”

“Not quite."

"..."

"There is someone. And we're waiting for her, all this time.”

Uonome folded her both arms over the table, staring straight into Mako's eyes.


We're waiting for you, Kamisori.
 To come back and take over that place which rightfully yours.”


Mako looked away, switching her eyes to the empty bowl in front of her. Uonome sighed as she saw the reaction.

“Are you still blaming yourself for what happened? Look, Zombie wasn't—“Stop it, Uonome.”

She gritted her teeth, her voice trembling.

“You don't know what happened..."

"..."

"...just...stop talking...”

“...I understand.”

The Rappappa member leaned back on her chair, a hint of disappointment in her face as she absentmindedly gazed around the room. She could see some of her underlings whispering at each other in panicking manner and she narrowed her eyes.

“You.”

“Y-yes, Uonome-san!”

“Did something happen?”

The girl seemed to hesitate a bit before approaching Uonome, whispering to the yankee's ear.

“I see... Then so be it.”

Uonome sighed and stood, giving a glance at Kimotama and Mako before she bowed slightly.

“Our talk ends here. We'll take our leave now.”

“Huh? What's that?” Kimotama smirked. “Ya ain't trying to capture me or Seigi anymore?”

“No.”

Mako lifted her face as she heard that, watching the dark expression Uonome was wearing as she walked toward the front door.


“The discussion with Gekioko had failed.

'The war had begun--”



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


:. 10:20AM, The Liaison Apartment



Nagisa hit face hard to the wall, trying to forget everything what just happened. Oh how she wished all of this was just a dream and she'd wake up back in her apartment in Zoshigaya to meet another boring yet peaceful paperworks. But it seemed like her prayer wasn't answered.


  --”Seigi-san? Can you hear me?”


Ha ha, right. Lucky me... Nagisa groaned as she tapped the communication device on her ear, mentally laughing.


   “Loud and clear.”

   --”Alright. Good work getting into his place without being suspicious. What is your position? I can't see you through the window.”


Nagisa rolled her eyes, walking toward the nearby window.


   “Here. And I've got rid of that guy. Snap his neck clean and hid the body in the closet. Ya clean up the rest.”
 
   --”...ah. What did he—“

   “Don't ask, Gakushu. Don't ask.”

   --”If you say so. Well, your acting was perfectly cute so—"


   "GA~KUSHU~~"
 
   --"..."

   "The plan."

   --"...right. Now I just need you to search around his computer for any valuable data.
   I'll guide you along the communicator so listen carefully.”


Nagisa muttered a quick 'ok' and turned on the computer, doing everything as the girl instructed. She's glad that Gakushu didn't press the matter any further though, because if she did she would probably kill the yankee for real now. The girl sighed loudly as she browsed through the many photos of Gekioko's student, finding some familiar faces on the list.


   --”Enter the year from when the previous war happened until the year of your disappearance.”


Right. Nagisa did as she was told, finding her own photo from almost two year ago as well as Kimotama's and Gakushu's. They looked so innocent back then that it's almost laughable. Oh well, back to her job. The girl scrolled down the list, meeting more and more familiar faces, until she stopped on a certain entry.


   --”Seigi-san? Can you hear me? What's wrong?”

   “...found her.”


Nagisa smirked, holding her head as the throbbing headache returned. The voices in her mind howled and she closed her eyes, trying to fight it back.


   —hello—you're miss Ka—gisa, correct?


That face... That voice... The more she tried to remember the more her head felt like exploding.


   —heard what happened to your——can help—


Nagisa hit her fist to the table, gritting her teeth.

   --”Seigi-san!? Do you get another attack? Get out of there before— Shut up! Shut up, I almost remember!!”

She opened her eyes, forcing herself to look at the photo. She had to remember. She had to. So that she could settle everything and face them head on.


   —justice? Of course——student council—Gekioko—


The very person who destroy her life. The one who turned her into a monster.

The one to give her that hideous name.


   —Fujie Reina——second year—call me  [ZERO] for short—

  —Nice meeting you, [SEIGI]
 






__________________________________________________________
The Epitome of Justice : Chapter 08 // END
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[CH.08]
Post by: faanpal on March 13, 2016, 09:20:06 AM
Fujie Reina?!!
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[OMAKE2]
Post by: jubethehare on March 13, 2016, 04:25:44 PM
Thanks for reading this far, everyone. Seems like I haven't reply some comments for a while, so here I go.

@fath107 >> Gakushu? Eh, don't trust Gakushu. Ever... *looks away*
@faanpal >> Yep, it's her~ Or maybe someone else posing as her? Well~~



-----------------------------------

My little stress reliever before Monday comes... *shrug* Read from right to left.



(http://s23.postimg.org/asfm1s35n/choker01.jpg)


(http://s22.postimg.org/m3z6bs29t/choker02.jpg)


(http://s24.postimg.org/k43jrf8f9/choker03.jpg)
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[OMAKE2]
Post by: LoyalFlutist on March 25, 2016, 04:18:34 PM
I am startled to see this gem hidden from my sight. I guess not being active on the forum for 1+ year is biting me back! I will make another post after this with my opinionated comment. I will admit, after a quick skim, your fiction greatly perks my interest. I am unfamiliar with the pairings, but the plot and characterizations you've built up is worth the read. As much as I could have not written this and just wrote my comment, I want to make a request that you keep on writing this!

Thank you for creating this series! I look forward to the rollercoaster ride that you planned out for us readers. 

- LoyalFlutist
Peace :peace:

P.S: Nice art! It's rare to find both a writer and artist co-existing in one person, haha.
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[CH.09]
Post by: jubethehare on April 25, 2016, 05:20:23 PM
Hello everyone. Wheew, how long has it been since I updated this fic? A month? Or was it more?

@LoyalFlutist : Thank you for reading~ I'm very happy to hear that, ha ha. I hope you enjoy this fic as much as I enjoy writing it.   :D

Anyways, welcome to chapter 9, folks. 
So we've known what's going on with Nagisa and all of those who've been dragged into the Yankees' little war,
but what about the rest of Joshikou Keisatsu? What happened to them after Mako, Ryouha, and Nagisa left?
Now that... WILL BE REVEALED ON THIS CHAPTER! 8)

That being said let's leave this chit-chat and check on their condition now, shall we?
Enjoy~




The Epitome of Justice
Chapter 09: The Fallout

__________________________________________________________



“--violent vandalism found around the vicinity of Zoshigaya district have greatly decreased in number. The police suspected that the incidents were caused by some deliquents--”

A certain girl in twintails sighed, hitting the stop button on her phone as she turned off the radio. She pulled down her headset, walking along the empty field of Zoshigaya High School that was dyed in the color of autumn. The school had ended for a while so most of the students had returned to their respective of home or left for their clubroom, much to her relief. She wasn't in a mood for an idle chit-chat right now. The girl continued her walk in silence, approaching a certain clubroom, or an office actually, that was hidden behind the school's gym all the way to the school's backyard. She stopped on her track as the small building came into view. The girl closed her eyes, slapping her own cheeks a few times.

“Alright, Miki. Just smile and waltz in like usual.”

She took a deep breath, before letting out an equally long one. After she was sure that she's ready, the girl put on a smile and pushed the front door open.

“Good afternoon, everyone!” She shouted, entering the office with zeal. 

“Hello, Miki-chan.”

“Sup~”

Two voices answered her one after another and Miki replied them with a quick salute. She walked over to her desk, her eyes unconsciously wandered to the empty seats by the other end of the office.

“So they're not here today too, huh... ah!”

Miki gasped, covering her mouth; she didn't intend to say that out loud but seemed like it's too late. The atmosphere grew grim and Miki waved her hands around frantically.

“Uh, no, I-I mean—It's been a great day! So let's work hard today too, what do you say?”

Mio gave her a nod, a small smile on her face, while Meru only shrugged, seemingly uninsterested.

“...right, okay. I'll just, uh, start working. Now.”

Miki lowered her hands and put down her bag silently, her smile wavered. She sat down on her chair and sighed, reaching for her pen and the numerous case files on her desk.

Mako, Ryouha, and Nagisa; three days had passed since her friends and fellow officers suddenly disappeared, and somehow, it started to worry her. Just yesterday an official letter was issued from the headquarter stating the three girls were sent on a special mission out of town, but still... she couldn't help feeling something was wrong. Nobody said anything though, so Miki guessed it was just her being paranoid like usual, so to ease her worry the girl decided to contact her three friends.

She called Mako first, knowing that as the squad leader she could probably explain the situation better. There was a dial tone, but no matter how many times she tried to call that specific number there's nobody picking up on the other end. She called Ryouha next and received the very same response. The countless failed attempts shook her and she called Nagisa at last, only to find that she couldn't reach her number at all.

She couldn't contact any of them, and nobody could tell her about their conditions or whereabouts.
Those very facts made Miki grew a lot lot more wary.

No no, Miki! Pull yourself together!

She shook her head.

Being paranoid won't help at all! That's right. You just have to trust the HQ and wait for their return.

Miki took another deep breath and took a single report to her hand. That's right. If there's one thing she could do right now it's managing the current job in their absence. In fact, the whole thing happened since that mysterious vandalism occurred. So if she investigated the case further perhaps she could get a clue on what's going on. The girl skimmed through the paperworks quickly, but then, she raised her brow.

Hit and run—wait, huh? This isn't the case file I'm working on.

The girl put down the paper and searched through the piles, running through them once again. 

“...Mio-chan?”

“Yes?”

The short-haired girl in question spun on her chair, turning to Miki with a smile.


“The documents relating to the [NMB case], where are they?


“Ah... that's...” The girl stammered, as if not sure herself of what to say. 

“The HQ...” “Nana took 'em with her just now.”

Meru finished the sentence for her, “She said the HQ are asking for them.”

“Umm, yes. It's just like Meru-chan said.”

Mio quietly concluded, and Miki stared at the two girls in confusion. That's strange. The Joshikou Keisatsu was still in the middle of handling that case so why they suddenly withdraw it? And without any notice too? There's definitely something wrong.

Wait a second, Miki. Why you suddenly get so work up?
 
The nervous girl unconsciously started clicking her pen, an irrational fear swelled up inside her. She darted her eyes around. Come on, be positive! The weather is nice today. Mio and Meru are all calm with this. And Nana will definitely work something out. Why are you so scared, silly? It's fine. Mako-chan, Ryou-chan, and Nagi-chan are fine. They're only gone for a little trip—

“Good afternoon, squad.”

Miki flinched back to reality as she heard the familiar voice. She turned her head just in time to see Nana entering the room, that usual stern expression on her face. The sight of her partner calmed her greatly, but still, it wasn't enough to completely erase her fear. Miki gulped, trying to keep her mind straight. She had to ask the girl just to be sure.

“Hey, Nana?

“What is it?”

“T-the documents relating to 'NMB' incidents, do you have them? Where are—”

“Calm down, Miki.“ Nana flatly spoke as she put her own bag to her desk, right beside Miki's.

“You're slipping into another panic attack.”

“D-don't change the subject!” Miki gripped her right wrist tightly, trying to stop her own trembling.

“The documents, Nana. Where are they?

Nana stared at the girl in silence, noticing the fear swimming in her eyes. She glanced at the other officers in the room finding that the two had been giving her the same hostile look. The serious girl sighed.

“I just received a new order from the headquarter, and frankly, it will affect how our squad will operate for a certain period of time from now.”

She stole a quick glance to the empty chief desk, before returning her attention to the girls. Miki seemed to notice the strange atmosphere she was giving and the girl gripped her own hand tighter.

“First, in the absence of the squad leader and her deputy, I, Okada Nana, will be assigned as the temporary leader of Joshikou Keisatsu.”

The three girls didn't look surprised to hear that so Nana continued.

“Second,” She brought her hands together, folding them atop of her desk,

The [NMB case] that was previously assigned to Joshikou Keisatsu will be transferred to another unit. Everything related to that case, including all evidences, documents, and investigation results, will be transferred to the main office for further action. That is all.”

“Wait, what?”

Miki froze, staring at her partner with wide eyes.

“The NMB case...will be transferred from our hands?”

“As you've just heard, yes.”

“B-but... But...” She darted her eyes away.

“But w-why? We've been steadily working on it and it's not like we didn't make any progress! Why are the suddenly—“The reason is classified.”

Classified? She stared at Nana in disbelief, but the girl only gave her the same cold look.

“It's an order, Miki. Don't stick your nose into something you don't need to.”

Miki clenched her fists as she heard that.

“Fine then. Let me guess. Mako-chan, Ryou-chan, and Nagi-chan; the special mission they're assigned to, it's also classified, isn't it?”

The serious girl didn't answer.

“You're the current squad leader, right? The Headquarter must have told you the current position of those three. So tell me, Nana.”

Miki stood, staring down at Nana with a dangerous glare.

“The three of them, where are they?”

“...it's classified.”


  “I have enough!!”


The twintailed girl grabbed her partner by her collar, forcing the girl to look at her eye to eye.

It's been three days! Three days and we've got no news about them at all! I've tried contacting them, you know, I've tried. But none of those reach them! None!! And I don't even know why.” Her voice started to tremble.

“S-something wrong is happening, Nana. And everything start from that incident...”

“...”

“You know it too, right? I'm sure you're not that blind. The three of them might be in danger and we don't even know what happened! And that case... that case was the only clue we have! So why? W-why are you letting—”

“Miki.” Nana held Miki's hand in hers, gently prying it off her white blazer. She stared back at her fearful eyes.


It's an order. That's all there is to it.”











“...an order. Ha ha, of course. That's how it is.”

Miki let out a small laugh, taking a step back as she released her partner.

“That's the only thing you care about, isn't it? Order, order, order, and order.”

“Miki-cha—!“ Mio tried to step in between the two but Meru stopped her, pulling her back to her seat.

“Say, Nana.” Miki gave her partner a cold look. “If the headquarter order for it will you do everything? Even though it means you have to throw away your friends?”

“That goes without saying.”

The girl answered in monotone, not a single doubt in her voice.


“If it's an order, then I will do everything to fulfill it.”


    SLAP--!


Nana froze as she felt a painful sting on her left cheek, her mind went blank as she tried to register what happened.

“...I'm really sick of you.”

Miki turned away, taking her bag as she left the office in a run.

“Wait, Miki-chan!”

Mio ran after the girl without a second thought, worry painted all over her face. The new squad leader raised a hand to touch the red mark on her cheek, before she silently sat back to her chair, browsing through paperworks before her. She glanced at the remaining officer.

“Aren't you going after them, Meru?" “No, wait. Just a sec...”

The cheerful girl raised an index finger, shushing the talking officer.

“There we go. Perfect.”

She sat down her newly handmade bomb on her desk, before turning to Nana with a huge grin.

“Actually I was thinking of making you go 'BOOM' with this but since you don't cross the line 'till making Mio cry... Hmm, I guess I'll forgive you this time.”

“...”

Meru pocketed her little toy and stood, heaving her bag to her shoulder. She took Mio's bag on her other hand before skipping away to the front door, giggling all the way.

“Oh, and good luck with your new team, ms. squad leader. I hope you're happy with this 'justice' of yours...

The girl made a sloppy salute, and with that, she left the remaining member of Joshikou Keisatsu on her own. Nana clenched her fist, listening to the tick-tacking sound of the clock that echoed inside the empty room.


“There is nothing wrong. This is for the better.”


She closed her eyes tightly, burying her face to her hand.

                                           justice
I'll protect this [ order ] by myself, 

and make everyone happy for sure...”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“M-miki-chan!”

Mio shouted as she ran along the empty sidewalk of Zoshigaya street, trying with all her might to catch up with her fleeing friend.

“Miki-chan, please wait up!”

The girl abruptly stopped and fell to her knees panting. She was not the athletic type but she never thought it would hinder her this much. She raised her face.

“Oh no, if I'm not hurry I'll lose her...”

Mio pushed herself back to her feet.

“Miki-cha--”

SWISH --SLAM

She blinked as she felt a strong wind beside her, seeing the girl she was chasing falling to the ground with a huge 'thud', a school bag above her head. No wait. Mio blinked as she recognized the keychain on the bag. It's not just a normal school bag. It's HER school bag. But didn't she leave it back in the office?

“Hey, hey, Miki~”

Mio flinched as she heard the familiar voice, turning to her left to see Meru beside her.

“Don't you hear Mio is calling you? Slow down for a while.”

“Meru-chan?”

“The one and only! Anyways, hey Miki.”

The cheerful girl approached her friend that was sprawling by the sidewalk, nudging her.

“You're still alive?”

“That hurts... Hey, Meru-chan! Don't throw a bag at me like that, it hurts!”

“Tee-hee. My bad~”

Miki threw the bag back to Meru which the girl easily caught. Mio smiled as she saw the small quarrel, before approaching the two.

“Umm, Miki-chan.” She softly spoke, offering her hand to help the girl up.

“Let's return to the office. Nana-chan might be looking for you.”

“No.”

“E-eh?”

Miki crossed her arms and pouted, turning her face away from Mio.

“I hate her. I have enough her. I'm not coming back to the office.”

“N-now, don't say that.”

Mio yelped as she felt some weight on her shoulders, finding Meru putting her arms around her.

“I kinda agree with Miki. I'll probably set the whole office in fire if I come back now, he he.”

“Not you too, Meru-chan...”

Mio sighed. Now what should she do? She had to agree that the way Nana talked hurt her a bit, but she also felt sorry for the girl. She's just trying her best to live up her family expectation and Mio knew just how strict the Okada lineage could be. It's better if the four of them talked over it together. But looking at her two short-tempered friends... The girl shook her head. Really, what should she do now?

“It's alright, Mio-chan.” Miki stood and dusted off her skirt, returning the school bag to its owner.

“Don't stress yourself over this; It's just between me and Nana so it's okay if you return to the office now. I don't want to drag you along.”

Mio hugged her bag tightly to her chest as she heard that, trying to find her voice.

“What are you planning to do now, Miki-chan?”

“Me? That's obvious, isn't it?” Miki raised a brow at her, and Mio blinked.

“I'll find those three; Mako-chan, Ryou-chan and Nagi-chan, and bring them back here.”

“B-but how?”

“How? Hmm, I don't know yet. At least we can start by investigating the 'NMB' case ourselves.”

“...”

Mio glanced at Meru, and the girl chirped in.

“Bad news. I've tried doing that but it seems like the HQ cut all of our access to the case.”

“Wha—seriously? That stinkin' higher-ups—”

“Umm, Miki-chan... Language...”

“Ahem, right. Anyways.”

Miki fake a cough as Mio quietly scolded her, before clenching her fist.

“I don't care if they block our access or anything but I won't stop until I bring those three back with me. Even if it means I have to go against their so-called 'order'. And I'll name this rescue operation, hmm...right. [ Operation Bug-hunting ] !"

...uuh, what? Why? And why 'bug-hunting'? Mio froze as she heard the triumphant declaration while Meru simply laughed.

“Ooh, I like the sounds of that~!! Laying out trap here and there and waiting because you don't really know the exact location of your target... say, Mio! We're tagging along, right? Right?”

The girl skipped on her heels like an excited child, her eyes sparkling as she eyed Mio with hopeful look. ...well, does she even have a choice? She didn't really like the sound of this thoughtless operation but she couldn't deny that she felt worried about those three. So she only sighed and muttered a small 'ok'. Miki grinned as she heard the response.

“Alright, squad. Let's start our mission. Nothing will stop us until we find them! What is your response!?”

“Yeaaahh!!”

Miki and Meru pumped their fist to the air, while Mio covered her face. 

“We're going to get ourselves into a huge trouble...”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“So this is the place, huh?”

A group of girls in white school blazer stood there by the sidewalk, eyeing the fancy two-storey house before them.

“Ryou-chan's home.”

Miki sighed, staring at the building silently. Nagisa lived by her own so there'd be nobody looking her and they couldn't get any information about Mako's residence, but that's not the case with Ryouha. She still got her family taking care of her so at least the HQ would inform them about the girl's whereabout, right? Right. Miki nodded and walked over to the front door, but then she noticed something. Something...strange. It was the name inscribed on the nameplate. The name wasn't spelled as 'Kitagawa', but was of another name she didn't know. She blinked and glanced at Mio.

“Umm, Mio-chan. Are you sure this is the right address?”

“Huh? I believe so. ...ah, yes. I got it.” The girl flipped through her notebook.

“Ryouha-chan is living with her relatives. So I guess the family name written on that nameplate is not hers but her uncle's.”

“Her relatives? But what about her par—”

Miki said that a bit too loud and she closed her mouth in reflexes. She didn't know anything about Ryouha's family but she also had no right to pry any further. It shook her a bit though, that she actually knew so little about her friends. The seven of them had worked together for roughly one year, and yet, neither of them ever talked about themselves much. Perhaps it was a sensitive topic? She didn't know for sure.

Well, it's not really my place to say that. 

She sighed, before putting her index finger over the electronic bell by the gate.


Even I have my own share of secret...


    DING DONG


  --...
 

  --...


  --“Yes? Can I help you?”



A feminine voice answered by the speaker and Miki quickly replied.


“Umm, hello. I am Nishino Miki, a friend of Ryouha. And I—”

  --”I'm sorry, miss, but the girl is not home.”


Miki paused for a while before she continued.


“Yes. I am aware of that, ma'am. Actually I want to talk to you about that—“

   --”She is away on a school trip with her club.”


Huh? Miki froze. What is she saying?


   --”The teacher in charge called yesterday and told us that.”


The teacher in charge? Perhaps it was a person from the HQ? Miki mentally noted and continued.


“I see. Then, did they—“That's not possible, ma'am.”

   --”Excuse me?”


“Meru?” Miki whispered to her friend in shock but the girl didn't seem to care. She pushed Miki away and started talking.


“We're her clubmates and there's no such trip. Besides, you said the school called you 'yesterday' which means she hasn't been home for two days before the call. Don't you even feel worried, ma'am?”

   --”Ryouha is not home right now. And she's away on a school trip. That is all we know, young lady.”

There's no school trip in autumn, ma'am, you know that much. And you don't find it fishy at all?”


“Meru-chan!” Mio whispered to the girl, trying to pull her away from the speaker.

“That's enough, let's—“


   --”We don't know anything.”

“Yeah sure. You don't even care or want to know.”

   --”...”


Miki snaked the girl by her collar, pulling her rather roughly.

“Meru, what are you thinking!? Keep you manner, will you?”

“No. What are YOU thinking, Miki? We're bringing them back whatever happen, right? Besides...”

Meru smirked, burying her right hand to her pocket.


“I hate these type of people the most; these negligence kind of people...


“U-umm, Miki-chan.” Mio quickly said, sensing the dangerous look in Meru's eyes. “I think it's about time we take our leave.”

“A-agreed. Come on, Meru. Let's go—“


   --”May I ask you to leave, girls? Before I call the security for your impolite behaviors.”


Uh-oh. Miki and Mio froze as they saw the huge smile stretching on Meru's face.


“There goes the fuse~~!”

       “Meru-cha—!!”


    BOOM


Miki flinched as she heard the huge explosion, her instinct took over in an instant. She took her two friends by their hands in reflexes, running with all her might. She could faintly hear fire alarms buzzing behind her and she ran faster.

“Meru!” She shouted between her sprint, “What do you think are you doing!?”

“What? I'm just making them go 'BOOM' a bit for ignoring Ryou-chan. That's all.”

Argh, enough with this girl's logic! Miki mentally shouted as she darted her eyes around for any escape route. Where to go? Where to go? The only place flashing in her mind was a certain cafe with a huge Chihuahua painting on it. So without much thought the panicking girl ran toward the said building, her adrenaline pumping quickly inside her.


   CLINK-CLANK

“Hello and welcome to—whoa!

The cafe owner nearly jumped when three girls suddenly bursted through her front door, panting and sprawling on the floor. The dogs around the room started to circle them.

“Good afternoon...” Miki tried to speak between her gasp, closing the door behind her back. “Kotani-san.”

“We...are sorry,” Mio continued, looking even more out of breath than Miki. “For bursting in...after the shop's closing hour.”

“We'll be in your care for a while~” Meru finished for the three of them without losing a beat.

Kotani Riho froze as she saw the chaotic scene, before she dropped her shoulders.

“You girls... Why is it that all of you always come here bringing troubles along?”

“Err... we're sorry?”

Miki said rather hesitantly. One of the dog answered her with a snort to the face and she yelped, flailing her hands. Mio let out an awkward laugh as she saw that while Meru seemed unfazed, petting the Dalmation beside her. Riho shook her head. She wondered if it was a good or a bad thing that she had gotten used to their troublesome visit; the Osaka woman sighed and showed them to one of the nearby table, before leaving for the kitchen to retrieve some drinks.

“So?” Riho plainly asked as she set down three glass of water for her guests.

“What happened now?”

“Uhh...”

Miki glanced at Mio, who in turn glared at Meru.

“Meru blew up another house.”

Riho felt like slapping her face as she heard that.

“Meru...”

“Hey, I didn't blow the whole things up! And just so you know, they deserve it. Nobody walk away unscathed after saying things about my friend—ouch, ouch, ouchie!

“Behave yourself.” Mio said rather coldly as she pulled on the girl's ear.

“I'm sowwy... Don't get mad at me...”

Mio sighed as she saw her usually so wild partner shrunk like an obedient dog, before she patted her head in apologetic manner. Miki only shrugged as the two went through their usual antics, turning to Riho with a tired face.

“Anyways, Kotani-san. We'll be staying for a while until the condition clear up.”

“Alright, alright. Take your time, girls...”

The woman lazily waved as she took some dirty dishes back to the kitchen, leaving the girls alone with the dogs. Miki sighed and rested her back to the chair, feeling tired from the whole ordeal. She looked over to her two friends. Okay, so what now? It will take some time until the situation calmed and for the headquarter to cover up Meru's usual shenanigans. What's worse, they would definitely get a penalty after this and it'd be harder for them to sniff around for more clues. Miki held her head and wailed to herself. This was way harder than she thought.

“So tell me, Nishino.”   
 
Hm? She heard Riho said and she lowered her hands from her face.

“What have you guys been doing for Meru to blow another house up?”

Meru let out a protest at that but Mio shushed her, letting Miki to answer. The girl took a deep breath.


“Mako-chan, Ryou-chan, and Nagi-chan have gone missing.”


“Missing?”

“W-well, the headquarter told us that they're away on a special mission, but for all I know it's too sudden. A-and what worse—“ Miki stammered, gripping her own hand as she felt another panic attack hit her.

”I can't even contact any of them Kotani-san! I can't! I-I'm not sure about this but the headquarter seems to know something. And yet, they're hiding it from us—”

“Calm down, Nishino.” Riho returned to the room, her eyes grew sharp as she locked her gaze on the girl.

“Take a deep breath and talk more slowly.”

Miki did as she was told, before continuing her explanation.

“So... we're coming to Ryou-chan's place to ask if her family know anything about it. Turns out that they, well... don't care much about her. So then Meru...”

“Okay. I think I've got the gist of it.”

Riho sat adjacent to the girls, taking her beloved Chihuahua to her lap.

“And Okada?” Miki flinched a bit as she heard the name, her face turned into that of disgust.

“Nana doesn't seem to care. It's all about order, order, and order for her.”

“Typical of the Okada, I see. And I thought that girl will be different, what a disappointment.”

The cafe owner sighed, stroking the small dog.

“But Nishino, why are you so fixated on looking for them?”

“W-why, you ask?” The other dogs grew quiet and sat around them in circle, and Miki noticed this, sensing the sudden change in atmosphere. She gulped.

“That's, because I'm worried about them. They're my friends.”

“Is that all?”

“Huh...?”

“You see, Nishino,” Riho turned her attention to the dog on her lap.


"Let's say I have information about their whereabouts.

And let's say by knowing that information,
you will have to sacrifice this 'peaceful dailylife' you have.


Will you still be able to say the same thing?”



Miki looked away, gripping her hand harder.

“I...” “Of course, I will!”

Eh? Miki flinched as she heard the loud voice, turning to see Meru grinning and puffing her chest in pride.

“I'll do anything to help those people important to me. Even if I have to blow the whole world or even myself up!”

“Right, Right.” Mio patted her childish partner by the head, smiling. “And I'll be there to be your anchor, okay Meru-chan?"

The girl nodded. Riho only chuckled as she saw that.

“I'm not asking you, Tashima. I've known for long that common sense don't work for you.”

“Ehe, thanks~”

“Um no, Meru-chan. That's not exactly a compliment.”

“You think so?”

Mio let out another giggle and Meru snickered in return, but still, the sound of their chatter only made Miki grew even more wary. What would she do? She's been all pumped up before but now she's the one stepping back in fear. How pathetic. Well, she's always been, hasn't she? Being frightened by even the smallest thing and putting everyone in panic. And now she didn't even have the courage to put herself up for them.

“I...”

It took her a long way to achieve this happiness; this peaceful and simple dailylife she'd yearned for as long as she remembered. So then, why would she sacrifice it for another people? Those days where she could forget the suffocating anxiety lurking in the back of her mind; those days where she could smile just like a normal girl without a worry in the world, does she really have to give them away? That will be unthinkable, isn't it?

Then again, Miki, who is it that make you smile everyday?

The one...who makes her smile? The thought struck her and she froze, staring at her own trembling hand.

If you end up losing them, will you still be able to smile in those tranquil days?

“I...”

Miki clenched her hand, her trembling disappeared.


"I want to know, Kotani-san.
I want to help them, to help my precious friends.”


She lifted her face, staring at the cafe owner with renewed determination.

“Please tell me. Mako-chan, Ryou-chan, and Nagi-chan; where are they and what happened to them?
What is it that been going on in this place?

“Okay, calm down. You've always been in a rush, aren't you? Don't get into another panic attack now.”

The woman chuckled and joked a bit to relieve the heavy atmosphere, before she turned her attention to the front door.

   “Besides, the squad isn't complete yet.”


  CLINK-CLANK

The three police girls turned their head simultenously, and as soon as they recognized the person by the door, they froze.

“...Nana? What are you doing here?”

Miki whispered the words above the breath, and her partner looked away, seemingly a bit shock herself to be there.

“I heard from the HQ that you guys have stirred up yet another problem. So I thought you will probably gather here.”

“Oh. I see.”

Miki replied her rather coldly and Nana sighed, approaching the somehow so crowded table.

“What now? You're reporting us to the higher-ups?”

“...no.”

Nana stopped in front of Riho, locking her sharp gaze on the woman.

“Please tell me more about that too, Kotani-san. The whereabout of those three.”

Miki couldn't believe her ears, while Meru cheered, jumping out of her seat to fling her arm around her friend's shoulder.

“Awright~~ Welcome to the team, ms. Serious-freak!” 

“Stop—Tashima Meru. You are hurting my neck.”

The girl ignored the plea, only releasing the girl after Mio told her to. Miki still couldn't believe it. She clenched her fists.

“Wh--what's with you!? Why are you suddenly doing this?”

“...the office. It's been so empty that I can't even concentrate. And that, you see,”

The serious girl sighed and looked away once again, seemingly a bit embarrassed.

It is hard to admit but I cannot finish a job properly without your critical judgement by my side, though your words can pass off as a bit paranoid at times.”

Miki crossed her arms as she heard that, and before she realized, a smirk tugged on her lips.

“Really now? Why can't you just be honest to yourself and say 'I can't work without you, Miki-sama, so please stay with me~' something like that?”

Nana huffed, closing her eyes.

“For all I know, it is you who can't stay a whole day out of anxiety without my presence, 'Miki-sama'.”

“Hmm. I'll forgive you since you kept the '-sama' on.”

Mio giggled as she heard the duo returned to their usual mock-fight, feeling the tension between them melting.

“Alright, girls. Are you all ready now?”

The four police girls switched their attention to the store owner, no doubt left in their eyes as they simultenously nodded. Riho chuckled as she saw that; the sight reminded her of her own high school days as an informant, where lots and lots of girls would gather to hear her words. Well, even though those Gekioko girls back then looked way more imposing. She shook her head and smiled.


“Keep your ears peeled and your mouth zipped. Because what I'm going to tell you is nothing but truth.
The truth about a world the three of them are facing; the truth about 'that world'...”




__________________________________________________________
The Epitome of Justice : Chapter 09 // END
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[CH.09]
Post by: Yuki88 on April 26, 2016, 11:22:52 AM
Holy shit, Meru is so explosive, like... LITERALLY. Even Mio failed to defuse her this time XD
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[Teaser]
Post by: jubethehare on May 20, 2016, 04:12:42 PM
Hello, everyone~ Since I haven't updated this please enjoy this bonus art for a while.
It's a long-strip comic which show a little teaser about Nagisa's past.
Enjoy~~

<Click the image for Hi-res>

(http://s32.postimg.org/ixpwv6kqt/gisei.jpg)
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[Teaser]
Post by: Ruka Kikuchi on May 20, 2016, 07:44:40 PM
O______O

You

Are

Freaking

Good!
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[Teaser]
Post by: wata on May 21, 2016, 10:28:11 PM
Hello,
I haven't read any 48G fanfics for long time but then I suddenly got into NagiUha/Ryounagi/Uhanagi etcetc lol due to all the tentoumu chu varieties and their tabishoujo.
And,also Nagisa's birthday letter to Ryouha  :cry: :cry:
They are the coolest intergroup pairing!
then I try searching for fanfic both japanese and english and find your fanfic here.
It's absolutely amazing both plot and writing-wise  :wub:
also your art is also cool  :cow:
keep going! I'm always waiting for a new update  :bow:

Thanks!
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[CH.10]
Post by: jubethehare on July 10, 2016, 04:28:30 PM
Hello and long time no see~ I’m back! from hell and beyond.

Anyways it's been a very long time and to tell you the truth: we've already reaching halfway through the story.
That being said this chapter is kinda long... *looks up and down the entry* Longer than the previous ones, I guess. Yup, yup.

Oh, and I've updated the Characters Profile (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=39666.msg1346339#msg1346339). At last, ha ha. There's some new characters and descriptions added so you might wanna check it out.

Well, enough with the introduction. Let's get on with the story, shall we?
Enjoy~


The Epitome of Justice
Chapter 10: Hide and Seek

__________________________________________________________



“The student council president of Gekioko High; Fujie Reina.”

The girl sitting on top of the training bench muttered quietly, her eyes locked on the phone in her hand as she absentmindedly listened to the constant slamming beside her.

“Third year, repeat class. Three times elected as president. Now that sounds so fishy...”

“What's fishy about it? Gakushu.”

Gakushu paused, switching her eyes to her left to look at a certain person hitting a punching bag rapidly.

“You're required to have high academic ability to be the student council president and yet, Fujie Reina is repeating a year. Now how is that even possible, Seigi-san?”

“...”

The girl didn't respond, keeping the momentum of her heavy punches against the hanging target. Gakushu shrugged and continued.

“It means she's repeating a year not because of her incapability; it's because the school still need her around for much longer.”

“Yea' right, or—!“

  SLAM--CLANK--

“That girl's not really smart but someone from the inside grant 'er that position.”

The Gekioko general blinked, seeing the punching bag hanging crookedly against ground, the chains holding it upright were broken from the girl's previous punch. She tapped her phone, stopping the timer on it.

“15 minutes and 35 seconds. And I kind of hope you punch the bag all the way to the wall.”

“I'm just warming up...”

Nagisa growled as she fell down to the concrete floor, panting loudly. Fifteen minutes... She clicked her tongue, wiping her face that was covered in sweats. Fifteen minutes of non-stop punching and I'm already out of breath... Ha ha, 'm getting weaker for real. She let out a dry laugh, pushing herself up to a sitting position.

“So?” The former yankee asked, fixing her eyes on the short-haired girl by the bench.

“What's our next plan?”

Gakushu turned her attention back to her phone as she heard that, scrolling down the entry.

“Her student registration data shows a different address from each year she's attending which—”

“Which means she could be anywhere.”

“Yes. Of course I've anticipated that as well, Seigi-san. So please be quiet until I've finished my sentence.”

Nagisa let out a quick 'hmph' and looked away, letting the girl continued her speech.

“All of the adresses are real. The problem is all of them are situtated on old apartments that haven't got any security cameras installed, so I couldn't monitor the inside.”

“Right, how about a good news for once. Ya have any good news?”

“Of course. Now, Seigi-san, how do you know if a room being occupied without seeing the person themselves?”

“Huh? Why's that even—“

“Just answer it.”

Nagisa growled, scratching her nose as she tried to think out an answer.

“Ya can see the light from the window... Or ya can hear some sound from the inside.”

“Electricity and water supply, to be precise. It's a loophole that she can't completely hide.”

“So?”

“Following that line of thought I decided to check those registry. It turns out that all of the rooms are operational. Still, there seems to be a certain schedule to their use.”

Gakushu turned her phone, showing a photo of an old apartment building on its screen.


“Today on 11am, exactly 4 hours from now, Fujie Reina will arrive on this place.”


Nagisa brought her fists together as she heard that, a smirk forming on her face.

“Finally. Some good news.”

“If we can catch her, we can finally grab their tail. But...”

Gakushu pulled her phone back.

”There's something fishy about this.”

“Whaat~? Really now, fishy here fishy there; what's with all the fishes?”

She sighed, staring at the annoyed face of her childhood friend.


First, the time and location. That apartment is situated near a culinary district which will get crowded around lunch, meaning we have to get inside her room to execute our plan if we don't want to make any commotion.

'Second, the building's layout. It's a small building with only three floors and no emergency stairs. The only mean of escape is through the front door or climbing down the window, so if you can force her to the balcony I can easily snipe her.

'Third, around 1.30pm, there's a delivery addressed to that very place.”


“Well, ain't that perfect? We just hafta to disguise as the deliveryman and get on with the plan.”

“That's why I said it's fishy. This whole situation is forcing you to face her one-on-one inside a territory she know better.”

“So what, ya think it's a trap or somethin?”

“...everyone on their right mind will conclude such.”

“I don't care.”

Nagisa stood, pulling her right hand into a fist as she approached the punching bag one more time.

“Whatever happens I'll just destroy 'em, take Ryouha back from ya, and go home before the day ends. And if it's turn out to be a trap—“

    CRASH!!

“I'll mow it down along with them to their grave.”

The simple punch sent the punching bag crashing to the wall, and Gakushu stared at the destruction with wide eyes, watching the sand seeping out of it. And I was half-joking when I told her that before... Gakushu closed her eyes and nudged her forehead, trying to hold back her snicker.

“You never cease to amaze me, Seigi-san.”

“Told ya I'll send that bag flying.”

“No. I'm talking about your one-track-mind.”

“Why you... “Hey!!”

The two girls stopped their quarrel and turned to the source of the voice. It was a group of girls in grey sailor uniforms, and as soon as she recognized their uniforms Nagisa dropped her shoulders.

“What're you two doing here! This gym belongs to Yabakune High!!”

Ugh, not again... Nagisa glanced at Gakushu, seemingly more than annoyed.

“Don't tell me ya purposely choose this place for this?”

“Well, I just thought a still target won't be enough for you. So I prepare something better for your exercise, Seigi-san.”

“Right. Now wipe that smug look outta yer face before I do it myself.”

Nagisa sighed, tossing her red jacket to Gakushu.

“How to set the timer on this thing again...”

“Turn the metal plate below your left jaw. One full rotation for a minute; ten minutes at most.”

“Three minutes will be enough. Around the same time to get a cup noodles done.”

   Click—

She cracked her fists and stepped forward, giving the Yabakune yankee a huge smile.


“Please don't die on me, 'kay~?”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


It's quiet. It's too quiet.

A lone girl in navy green jacket silently stood, staring at the leather chair in front of her. A red huge flag with the letter 'M' on it decorated the background. She just stood there without word, as if reminiscing something.

   “One day has passed and yer still stuck with that?”

A voice disturbed her thought and she turned around, seeing a girl in white nurse-like uniform entered the room, a metal bat resting on her shoulder.

“Kimotama.”

“Pfft, ain't cha the top now? Stop being indecisive and sit on that fricking throne already.”

Kimotama snarled, plopping herself on one of the nearby chair. Mako narrowed eyes at that, walking away from the leather chair to the couch on the middle of the room.

One day has passed since the declaration of war from Gekioko. One day since she agreed with Uonome to return to Majisuka and helped them leading the tide of this war. It wasn't that she decided to transferred back to that school, not at all. She just felt that it was the best decision to take back then. Nothing more. Kimotama seemed to sense the hesitation in her gaze, and the yankee let out another snarl, rolling her eyes.

“Seems like Majisuka kept losing fistfight here and there.” Kimotama plainly said as she let her eyes wandered around the messy clubroom, searching for nothing in particular.

“Ya better start leading their move; they're getting restless, y'know.”

“I know...”

“Really?”

Mako let out a long sigh, fixing her eyes to the floor.

“Can I ask you one thing, Kimotama?”

“Whassit?”

“Why are you helping Majisuka?”

“Huh!?”

The yankee retorted back, giving Mako a weird look.

“Me? Helping Majisuka? Seems like ya got it all wrong.”

“...”

“Look here. I don't care a shit about this war; I just wanna find Seigi and stand by her side one more time to help her. And if allying with Majisuka can get me to that goal then I'll do it without an ounce of hesitation.”

“..so you're saying you will do anything for her?”

“Heh, ain't that what friends are for?”

“I think you have some screws lose.”

“It'll be strange if I don't.”

Mako shook her head, hearing the girl snickered to herself.

Friends. Isn't that the reason she come to Osaka in the first place? To rescue her friends Ryouha and Nagisa from Gekioko? But then, what is her reason to be here now? After everything that happened one year ago, does she have any right to call everyone in Majisuka her 'friends'? Could she even call them 'friends' in the first place? She didn't know.

“Tch, enough with that sorry face. Look. Friends are not something you decided on; they're just there. Yer coming back to Majisuka is enough proof so stop questioning things and move yer ass already.”

“...”

Was that something she unconsciously decided? To help her old friends in Majisuka protecting their place. To pay all the things she owed from Miyawaki Sakura. And for 'that girl'...

“Yer ready now? Hope all those melancholy not enough to dull yer razor.”

Mako shrugged, a small smile on her face. Kimotama snickered in return.

“Oh yeah, I almost forgot. There are rumors going on that some Yabakune bunch were single-handedly beaten by someone this morning. And they said it's quite brutal too.”

“Brutal?”

“Yup. Some with severe injuries had been sent to the hospital but those with minor ones just kept cowering on the floor with fear. No death casualties. The building's in wreck though, as if it was mowed by a bulldozer.”

...ah. Mako gave Kimotama an awkward look. The yankee tapped her metal bat to the floor in reply, scratching her head.

“It's her handiwork, isn't it?”

“She's more of a monster in the olden days. Believe me.”

“I better thanks Ryouha later for taming her then.”

Mako stood, walking over to the door.


“I'll assemble the Shitenno; it's time to make our move.


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“01:20pm. Ten minutes left to execute the plan.”

Gakushu muttered under her breath, setting up the scope on her sniper rifle. The apartment they're targeting was situated in the middle of a residential area, with many other apartments and taller buildings surrounding it. It wasn't hard to find an ideal spot to set her rifle, but...

“Eveything went so smoothly that it gave me nothing but bad feelings.”

She sighed, peering through the scope to see the curtained window of the target's room.

“Yer done setting the snipe?”

“Done.” The Gekioko general answered, her eyes didn't leave the scope as she turn the screw on it slowly.

“And your part of the job, Seigi-san?”

Nagisa huffed, putting a delivery package on the table. A blue shirt and trousers replace her Zoshigaya uniform, her long hair hidden behind a matching blue cap. She tapped the box lightly.

“I've checked inside and they're just watermelons. Seriously, why would she order watermelons in autumn?”

“It doesn't matter. And the delivery worker?”

“Let 'em sleep in the restroom for a while.”

“Alright then.”

Gakushu finally turned her eyes away from her rifle, taking something out of her backpack.

“Take this.”

She tossed a handgun to Nagisa.

“Keep your distance and don't listen to anything she say. I'd like to extract as much information as possible but it's far too risky with your current condition.”

“...”

“Listen, Seigi-san; that person is dangerous. We'll make eliminating her our top priority.”

“Fine. I get it.”

Nagisa fixed her grip on the gun, pulling the magazine base to check the ammo.

“That aside, can ya really snipe that way? Yer right hand's still broken, ain't it?”

“A few millimeters err are inevitable but I can still manage.”

“Huh...”

“Why, are you worried Seigi-san?”

The former yankee simply put a disgusted look in response. She locked the magazine back in place and hid the gun inside the package, taking the box with her.

“Keep the route clear. I'm going in.”

She kicked the door behind her and left. Nagisa walked down the busy sidewalk in silence, blending around the crowd that seemed to have increased as time passed by. She stopped for a while, staring up the three-storey building of the old apartment. She clicked her tongue, feeling a familiar pain throbbing inside her head.

“Let's put an end to everything...”

She whispered under her breath, ignoring the growing headache as she stepped into the building. There's nothing to be afraid of. The target room is the right most room of the top floor, perfectly aligned with building where Gakushu set her rifle; even if she's messed up in some way that girl would clean up the rest. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. It's right here. Her one-way ticket out of this pitch black world, it lies just beyond this door. The girl raised her right hand, her index finger hovering just above the bell.

DING-DONG







   --”Yes? Who is it?”

Nagisa felt her whole body tensed as she heard the voice, her right hand shivered against the door bell. It was the same voice that's been haunted her deepest mind ever since that day, and now she could hear it as clear as day.

Fujie Reina.

She clenched her trembling hands, fighting back her crawling fear.

“D-delivery service. I'm here to deliver a package for Miss Fujie?”

   --”Oh, thank you for your patronage. Can you put it inside? The door is not locked.”

“Understood. Please excuse me.”

Nagisa pushed the door open, stepping inside the room carefully. Her eyes silently scanned around the room. She could hear some sound by the room next door and she locked her eyes on that direction, setting the package slowly to the floor.

“Gakushu.” She quietly whispered to the communicator behind her collar. “Can you hear me?”

   --”Loud and clear. What is your position?”

“I'm inside the target's room. The target is—“

“Excuse me.”

Nagisa jumped as she heard that, nearly dropping the box.

“Y-yes, madam?”

“Would you mind putting the package in the kitchen? Just use your shoes, I haven't moped the floor.”

“...I understand.”


   –...

   --”Seigi-san? What happened?”



“Just stand by on your position. I'll call you later.”

She walked deeper into the small room, her heartbeat grew faster by each step.

   Calm down, calm down, calm down--

She set the box on the kitchen table as ordered, still keeping her eyes on the previous door. She could hear footsteps approaching from behind it.

“By the way, would you like to stay for a little snack?”

Nagisa froze as she saw the doorknob turned, staring as the door swung open to reveal the person behind it.

   “I remember you love watermelons, Se.i.gi.chan♥”
             
Shi—!

Nagisa pulled out her gun in reflexes, pointing it quickly toward the figure. The person simply smiled, raising her both hands beside her head.

“You...“

“Long time no see, Seigi. How long has it been again? Ah yes, around one year I believe?”

Nagisa gritted her teeth, gripping the gun tighter.

“Aww, you couldn't have forgotten about me right? It's me; Reina. Fujie Reina. Or you like it more to call me by the name [Zero] like the old times?”

“Don't move!”

The girl shouted on top of her lungs, pulling on the trigger slightly.

“My, how scary.”

“Don't move... Or I'll shoot yer head off.”

Zero chuckled as she heard that, closing the door behind her.

“I know what you've been doing, Seigi. You and your little friend have been sniffing around for me, correct? So being the good senior I am I thought I need to reward you for your desperate attempt.”

“...”

“Well, what now. Are you here to kill me? If so, why don't you just use your bare hands like you used to?”

“Shut up...”

“You like it better, don't you? The sound of their bones cracking...”

“Shut... up...”

The older girl walked away slowly, keeping her hands beside her head; Nagisa kept her gun against her, eyeing her every move.

“The sound of their helpless plea... The feeling of their blood against your grip... Don't you just love it?”

“I said shut up!! I'm nothing like you!”

“Nothing like me?”

Zero suddenly stopped on her track, staring back at the former yankee with a blank expression.

“What is it that you know about me, Seigi? Why is it that you even bothered by it?”

“...”

“How disappointing... The you from before was far more beautiful. Without a heart; without your emotion disturbing the scale of what is right and wrong, you delivered the [Perfect Justice] to everyone without fail. You have no need to know things unnecessary nor you ever ask for it.”

She smiled, stretching one arm toward Nagisa.

“I can help you reclaim that 'perfect justice' you lose. And everything will return just like it used to.”







“GO TO HELL.”

“...I see.”

Zero sighed, pulling her arm back.

“Then you can just disappear here, never knowing anything.”

Wha—

   BANG!

“Grrh—!”

Nagisa turned her body in reflexes, setting her back against the counter as she ducked away from the sudden gunshot. She clutched her right shoulder, trying to stop the bleeding as she tried to look for her target.

“Dammit, Gakushu!” She shouted into her communicator. “The target is heading toward the window!”

   --BZZZ BZZZ

“Gakushu!?”

No response.

“Gakushu, she's running away— CLANK

“Ahk!”

Nagisa cursed under her breath, pulling back behind her hiding spot to avoid the barrage of bullets. She peeked beside the counter, seeing the blurry image of her attacker. A guy with full body motorcycle suit and a helmet hiding his face. Damn, where the hell this guy came from!? I didn't sense 'em at all!!

“Grrh, that's it.” She threw away her gun, turning the metal plate of her collar.

Ten minutes, full rotation. Releasing all limiter.

“Don't blame me if you die, 'kay?”

She turned around, planting her both hands on the kitchen counter.

“RRRAAAAAAH!!!”

The Gekioko berserker pushed the counter off the floor, deflecting the bullets with it while mowing everything along the path. She threw the heavy appliance toward the guy, ignoring the huge sound it made as it crashed to the wall. She ran to the window, her eyes darting around to find the target of her rage.

“Zero...”

Her target was already running down the street and she gritted her teeth, planting one foot against the metal railing.

“You won't escape...”

“Whoa, seriously?”

   CRASH--

Zero glanced behind her for a while, running faster.

“Did she just jump down the third floor? What a monster.”

“ZEROOO!!”

Nagisa stood in an instant, chasing after the fleeing yankee with blind rage.

“Uh-oh, she's catching up. Now what to do, hmmm...”

“I'LL KILL YOU THIS TIME!!”

“Well then,” The yankee suddenly stopped and turned around, facing the berserker.

“Rammed her down.”

Wha—

Nagisa felt her breath stuck on her throat, her body flying a few meters away across the road as something rammed against her side. She pushed her face from the asphalt, staring at the motorcycle and the helmed figure riding it. Zero standing just beside the vehicle.

“Ze... ro...”

“Oh, wow~ You're amazingly durable, Seigi. How can you still move after being rammed by a bike?”

“Kill... I'll kill... you...”

“Seems like we have to continue this game of hide-and-seek later. All those commotions you're creating have attracted quite a nosy bunch.”

The yankee chuckled and climbed on the bike, the rider handing her another helmet.

“Please do your best not to get arrested; it won't be fun waiting until you come out from behind the bar.”

“Wait...”

“I'll see you around, Seigi-chan. Oh, and you're it."

“I said wait—“

   CRACKLE--

“--ggh!”

Nagisa growled, her body grew numb as she hit the cold asphalt once again. The collar... Has it been ten minutes already? She shakily reached to the metal plate, trying to turn off the electrical current.

   --”—gi-san. Seigi-san!”

“...Gakushu?”

   --”Are you alright!? There was an interference and—“

“I failed. The target... she's escaped...”

She clenched her fist, listening to the police sirens blaring from afar.

   --”...I understand. We'll retreat for now and devise a new plan. What is your current position?”

“...”

   --”Seigi-san?”

“The alley behind the apartment. I can't move right now... so hurry up before the cop's start sniffing our tail.”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“Right, so I have asked those Yabakune bunch.”

Uonome approached Kamisori that was waiting by the bench, ignoring the busy noise of the hospital waiting room.

“They said this person is female, slightly tall --perhaps around 165cm, japanese as far as we know, have jet black eyes and long wavy hair that flow just below her shoulder. One thing to note is that they just can't shake the image of her smile from their mind, as if haunting them.”

“That's our target. Kimotama.”

“Yup.” The Gekioko general nodded, standing up from her seat. “That's Seigi alright.”

“I'll leave the war to you for a while, Uonome.”

“Wait, Kamisori.”   

Uonome grabbed her shoulder, stopping the girl.

“Do you know what you're up against? This monster destroyed not just twenty people by herself but the whole building with her!”

“Calm down, Uonome.” She pry the grip off her shoulder, giving Uonome an assuring smile. “That girl is not a monster; she's just an idiot with a little too much power in her disposal.”

“...”

“And I have promised someone that I'll take her back.”

She tapped Uonome on her shoulder a few times, walking passed the Rappappa queen.

“U-uonome-neesan! Kamisori-san!!”

Mako stopped on her track, glancing at one of the Majisuka yankee running toward them.

“What is it?” Uonome spoke, waiting for the poor girl to catch her breath.

“Our school—Gekioko—“ “Calm down.”

Mako cut in, narrowing her eyes.

“Take a deep breath and start talking.”


“It's Henteko!”


The two girls froze as they heard the name.


“That Gekioko general is attacking our territory!!”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“Ouch, ouch, ouch...”

Nagisa cringed, leaning on Gakushu's shoulder as the girl helped her walk.

“Hold on, we're almost there.”

“There...? There where?”

The girl growled, finding another apartment building in front of her.

“We're not going to the hospital, as far as I can see.”

“No. We can't stay in a place where they can easily monitor us, so I'm bringing you to someone I can trust.”

“That doesn't sound too convincing...”

Nagisa sighed. In reality she didn't care anymore; she just needed someone to fix her fast so she can continue the chase. The two girls arrived on their destination not long enough, Nagisa waiting as Gakushu rang the door bell for her. She absentmindedly stared at the nameplate on the wall.

Watanabe? Watanabe... That name sounds familiar...







Urgh, wait...
 
“I'm coming, I'm coming~ Sheesh, can't you wait for a little... bit...”

The girl behind the door froze as she saw her visitors. Her face painted in a mix of shock and disbelief.

“Seigi...?”

“Shit—I mean, uh, hello... Coby-senpai...

Nagisa grunted, feeling the girl's arms around her neck, hugging her tightly. Her whole body felt hurt from the sudden contact but she didn't move, letting the older girl held her.

“You're alive... You're still... alive...”

“...yeah.”

Gakushu shrugged and left them, walking inside the room.

“Hey, Seigi...”

“Yes—guh!“

Nagisa stop mid-sentence, unable to continue her speech as she felt the grip around her neck tightened.

“Where have you been in this one year, hm~?”

“C-coby-senpai—neck! Can't—breath—“

“I'm sorry Coby-senpai but can you help me patch her up?” Gakushu plainly said as she took a seat on the couch, spreading some papers on the coffee table.

“I can't do it in my current condition and we can't go to a public hospital right now.”

“You always do whatever you please, ain't you Gakushu? But okay, I'll let it slip this time~”

The woman sweetly smiled, dragging the helpless girl to another room.

“Since I have a lot to talk about with this girl here~ Right, Sei~gi~~♥?”

“Gyaa—aaaaaah! Help—!!“
         
     SLAM--



Gakushu sighed, clicking her pen and tapping it to her chin. She ignored the painful cry on the background and started writing. What to do now? Not only letting the target escaped they also failed to extract any information from her. Of course she already left a back-up plan but that's the last of the least when her other plans failed to work. She glanced at the door where Coby just dragged her partner into, thinking.

Watanabe Miyuki. Also known as [Coby], the seducer. She was the second-in-command of Kango-ka back in her high school years and Antonio's right hand. A mischievous and dangerous woman, she's known to have betrayed Antonio once and lost the faith of the whole Kango-ka. People would choose her as the last person to trust but not for her. And not for Nagisa nor Antonio. They'd known the real Coby better, the one hidden behind her devillish mask.

“Ga~kushu.” Gakushu shook herself back to reality, staring at the woman as she emerged from the room wiping her bloodied hands. She tossed the used bullet to Gakushu, which the girl caught silently

“Care to explain how I can find this thing inside Seigi's shoulder? I might even thinking of spending a good 'jabu-jabu time' with you depending on your answer~”

“...”

“Oh, and did you make that cast on your right arm by yourself~? Let me fix it, it's kinda messy.”

Gakushu felt a slight shiver ran up her spine as the woman took a seat beside her, and she scooted away slightly, putting the bullet down to the table along with her pen.

“You can talk as I work on this~”

“...I understand. We—“

   “We're waging war with them.”

Miyuki stopped and glanced to the source of the voice, seeing Nagisa leaning against the doorway. She narrowed her eyes dangerously.

“Didn't I tell you to stay put on the bed?”

“Y-yes ma'am! I'm sorry!”

“Oh well. Since you're already here come over to the couch with us.”

“...yes, ma'am.”

Nagisa limply walked over the comfy surface, carefully setting herself down.

“There you go, Gakushu. All fixed up~”

Gakushu grunted as Miyuki tapped her broken arm lightly, and the woman smiled, resting her both hands against her lap as she sat between her two juniors.

“Okay. What did you say again about waging war? And by them, you don't really mean them them, don't you?”

Nagisa stole a glance at Gakushu and the girl stared back, as if telling her to talk first. None of them opened their mouth.

“Oh, Seigi~~ Gakushu~~ What will a good girl do if someone ask them a question, hm~?”

Nagisa yelped as she felt Miyuki pulled her left ear, while Gakushu simply looked away, ignoring the pain on her right ear.

   “[Yoshimoto-gumi].”

Gakushu whispered under her breath. The name seemed to echo in the small room and Miyuki sighed, the smile on her face disappeared.

“Waging war? Haven't you two gotten a bit full of yourself?”

Miyuki released her grip on the two girl and stood, walking toward the kitchen.

“Forget your little game and go home~ I'll get you two something to eat to help you forget it.”

“We're not playing around, Coby-senpai.”

Nagisa growled, clenching her both fists.

“Those people... they destroyed everything I used to have. And now—”

“They destroyed the life of a lot of people, Seigi. That's what they do.”

The woman flatly said as she opened the fridge, seemingly less than interested.

“This is not the same as your usual yankee mock-fight. Do you remember what happened when you go against them one year ago? You almost... lost your life.”

“...I'm sorry.”

Miyuki sighed, taking a big bowl filled with sliced fruits with her.

   “I'm sorry... But I'm not backing down.”

The woman froze as she heard that, staring at the determined look on her disciple's face.

“I'm done running away.”

“...”


I'll face them straight on and put an end to everything. That's what I've decided.”








“...uuh, but I wonder if such bold action don't suit me—uwaah, that's cold!”

“It doesn't~~”

Miyuki sweetly cooed, tapping Nagisa's forehead with the bowl.

“You're starting to sound like Antonio and it doesn't suit you at all.”

“Eeh~?”

The woman put the bowl on the table, passing some fork and small bowl to the two.

“Well, Seigi-san has a girlfriend to protect this time round.” Gakushu said as she took some slices of apple into her bowl. “Maybe that's why she's trying to act all cool now.”

“The heck! Gakushu—ouch...”

Nagisa cringed, holding her injured shoulder. Miyuki covered her mouth as she heard that, her eyes looked glittery.

“Aww, Seigi~ You're all grown up now~~”

“Not you too, Coby-senpai...”

Gakushu shrugged as she watched the scene, turning to Miyuki.

“Back to our previous topic. Do you have any information about them, Coby-senpai?”

“Hm? Oh, the Yoshimoto-gumi. Sorry, but I'm afraid I don't.”

The woman plainly said, taking her own share of the meal.

“I've left 'that world' the moment I graduated from Gekioko. Right now I'm just your average day-care lady you can found anywhere.”

“I see...”

Gakushu tapped her fork to her bowl a few times, her head already thinking out another possible moves to take. Nagisa seemed to realize the troubled look on her face and she tilted her head, trying to think of something herself. She blinked as something popped in her memories.

“I almost forgot, Gakushu.” The said girl spared her a glance.


“When I faced Zero earlier, there was someone else with her.”


“Someone else, you said?”

Nagisa nodded, while Miyuki simply listened to their conversation, nibbling on her fork.

“He's wearing a motorcycle suit all over and got a helm covering his face.”

“He? So it's a male?”

“Uuh, not sure 'bout that. I didn't take a good look but well, he, or she, 's around yer size in height.”

“Let's assume it's a 'she'.” Miyuki added for them. “In Japan you're allowed to take motorcycle license from age 16, so this person is around high school age in the least. A guy that age is normally taller than Gakushu.”

Gakushu took back her pen and started writing down the description.

“Oh, and what about her traits?” Miyuki continued. ”Does she have any unique gesture or something?”

“Gesture?”

Nagisa closed her eyes, trying to find something.

She's left-handed. And since I couldn't detect her presence she must've good with stealth.”

“Alright. So this is the info we got on this new person.”

Gakushu put her pen down, reading down the description.

“Not good. This isn't enough to track her.”

“Hmm. Could it possibly be someone you know, Seigi?”

“Huh? What do you mean, Coby-senpai?”

“Well~ It's just my hunch, but...” Miyuki poked the girl on her rib, earning a grunt.

“You said she ran you over with a bike but you get away with only bruises. Oh, those tiny fractures on your legs are from your jump by the way. And your ribs already broken before, right? She might not know about it and accidentally hit you a bit too hard making them crack once again. Even this bullet wound,” She poked Nagisa on her shoulder this time, making her squirming in pain.

“She even being careful as to not hit a vital point so your arm can still be used.”

“T-thanks for the explanation... Coby-senpai...”

“You're welcome~”

Gakushu put another words into the list, before tapping her chin, deep in thoughts. Miyuki hummed and looked over the description, smiling.

“Hmm. Ain't that good enough? If you bring that list to that person she might be able to help you track her down.”

“That person?”

Nagisa turned to Miyuki, who let out a mischievous smile in return.

   [Antonio].”

The two girls abruptly stood. Gakushu took the paper with her, putting it deep inside her pocket.

“Alright, Seigi-san. We're leaving.”

“Agreed. Thanks for everything Coby-senpai, we have to go—gahahah!

Nagisa cringed as Miyuki pinched her side, falling back to the couch.

“Why are you two leaving~? I can text her if you need. I'm sure she'll be happy to meet her two cute apprentices once again~”

“Err, no thanks! We're all good, senpai. All good~ Aha ha ha~”

“Aww, but I insist~ I'll even put p.s: Seigi is still alive. Don't forget to give her a good 'jabu jabu time' when you meet her~

“N-no, we—Gakushu say something!!”

“...phone call.”

“Ya traitor!”

Gakushu put her phone to her ear, before she suddenly rushed to coffee table once again, grabbing the TV remote.

“Oi, why're ya suddenly—“

BEEP—

  --”We are reporting from—hey, who are you—argh!

  --...

  –-...

  --Hello? Check, check. Is this thing on? Whoa, I'm on TV~ Whoooo~~~”



Nagisa and Gakushu's face fell as they saw the person on the screen, while Miyuki narrowed her eyes.

“Isn't that...Henteko?”

Nagisa gritted her teeth, glaring at the screen.

“What is she doing there?”


   --”Seigi~~ Are ya out there somewhere~? Well, ya better turn yer TV on now 'cuz I have something to tell ya, he he.”


“Gakushu. Search her location.”

“Already working on it.”


   --”Toot toot~ Ya know what uniform this is~~?”


Majisuka. She clenched her fist, already know where this would be going.


   --”Now, now. Zero told me that ya leave two of yer oh-so-precious friends 'round here. So I thought I'd go hunting them~”


“That crazy bastard... She's also with the Yoshimoto!?”


   --”Oh while am at it, I've also put some land mines and explosives around their area. It'll go boom in the next 24hours unless... TA-DAH!”


Henteko pulled out a small device, waving it on the screen.


   --”Whoops, better start running now before the cop's chasing me. He he.”


“Dammit! Gakushu, not yet!?”

“Calm down. I'm working on it."

Nagisa slammed the screen, staring at the craze face flaring on it.


--”Let's continue the game, Seigi~
 
      This little game of hide-and-seek...





__________________________________________________________
The Epitome of Justice : Chapter 10 // END
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[CH.11]
Post by: jubethehare on August 05, 2016, 05:34:36 AM
Hello and nice to see you again, everyone~ Here's chapter 11.  8)

Whoa, now. The war has gotten even larger, hm hm. Now that Momoka finally come down to join the fray, how will the course flow?
I'm writing this but I even don't know what'll happen once my brain start turning, so even I feel excited about what's next~ Ha ha~

Anyways, let's get on to the story. And happy summer, everyone!

Enjoy~~



The Epitome of Justice
Chapter 11: Backtrack-- Retracing Our Steps

__________________________________________________________


--”Let's continue the game, Seigi~ This little game of hide-and-seek...”


   --...


      --...


        --...


        BEEP—


Nagisa froze, staring at the TV screen that suddenly turned static, before an apology text with a plain blue background replaced it, stating a disturbance in channel. The girl released the device slowly, lowering her hands to her side.

“Gakushu.” She whispered darkly, clenching her fists.

“Give me her location. Now.”

Silence. The lack of reply ticked her and Nagisa growled, giving the yankee a dangerous glare. 

“Gaku—!“

“And then what?”

Gakushu retorted back, her stony cold gaze mirrored the girl's furious eyes.

“What do you think will you do after obtaining that information?”

“Of course I'll pummel her down!“

“In your current condition?”

The yankee clenched her own fist, trying to keep her calm.

“There's a line between being stupid and being cocky, Seigi-san.”

“What did you say...”

“Do you think you can solve everything by charging foolishly like that?”

“Then what do ya suggest, huh? Waitin' for yer oh-so-amazing plan to fail later!?

Nagisa yelled in frustration.

“Well, newsflash for ya ms. Smartypants~ I AM an idiot and charging foolishly is what I do!
Besides, ain't cha always using me as body shield for like how many times before!? So stop yer useless—“


         SMACK!

“--rrgh!"

Nagisa grunted as she felt Gakushu's fist connected on her jaw, staggering back from the impact.

   “Do you have a death wish?”

The yankee pulled her collar and glared at her, her usually expressionless face turned a bit somber.

“You've exhausted your stamina and your body are all battered. Fighting Henteko right now is the same as suicide.”

“..."

“Now. Just for now. Please stop being a ravaging animal for a while and think. If it's still too hard at least let me do the thinking for you...”

Gakushu released her grip and fell back to the couch silently, taking her pen to scribble on another paper. Nagisa stared at her for a while, before clicking her tongue and walked away, letting out her frustration by kicking the nearby chair to the floor. Miyuki could only sigh as she saw the scene.

“Gosh, you two... Are you done with your quarrel?”

The two girls didn't respond, and Miyuki shook her head, taking the dirty bowls from their previous meal with her.

“Fine, take your time. Just don't kill each other as I wash the dish, mm'kay?

Gakushu didn't answer, while Nagisa simply let out a quick 'hmph'. Miyuki gave the two another sigh before she disappeared into the kitchen. The room turned dead quiet, only the sound of some scribbling and a fist being pounded to the wall. After while the pounding sound stopped and Gakushu sighed, glancing at the girl standing by the wall.

“Have you finally calm down?”

No response. Gakushu stopped her scribbling and put down her pen.

“Is your leg okay?”

“Enough with the small talk. Ya already have a plan, ain't cha?”

The girl finally turned her face to the yankee, her fist still resting at the wall. Gakushu stared at her for a while before answering.

“Of course. What you have to do next is very simple.”

"..."

"Nothing."







“...huh?” Nagisa stared at her with wide eyes.

“Nothing? Whatcha mean 'nothing'?”

“Nothing. As in 'doing nothing and let them destroy each other' .”

   “Stop playing around!”

She growled, slamming her both hands to the coffee table as she gave Gakushu another glare.

“Are you telling me to sacrifice Kimotama—to sacrifice Shu and Mako!?

The yankee closed her eyes and sighed.

“It seems that you don't understand the point of this strategy.”

“...what?"

“Let me explain to you, Seigi-san. Henteko said that she's hunting Kamisori and Kimotama; that is her first mistake. Fighting Kamisori is the same as fighting the whole Majisuka. They might be on the weaker side right now but they're still one of the strongest yankee school. I don't think they'll be taken down that easily.”

“And the bombs? Ya wanna say that it's irrelevant?”

Gakushu shrugged.

“That is her second mistake. You probably forget but Majisuka is controlling the Eastern and some part of Northern Osaka, and by observing the surrounding from the previous broadcast I can assure you that she's in Higashiosaka.

'Higashiosaka is an industrial area; the place is covered mostly with factories and warehouses, which mean if the explosives goes off there will be minimum death casualties compared to other part of Osaka. Also, if such large scale explosion happens even the police won't be able to ignore it anymore and Yoshimoto-gumi will be at disadvantages. So this is what I concluded; Henteko might get some info from Zero, but she has nothing to do with Yoshimoto-gumi.”

Nagisa slowly rose to her full height, her expression blank as her mind still trying to process everything. She gritted her teeth.

“So you want to tell me that we should just ignore her... and let the town burned down with her?”

“Didn't I tell you that I'm ready to sacrifice everything?”

“...”

Our goal is not to save everyone. It is to destroy Yoshimoto-gumi so another tragedy won't happen again in the future.

'I hope you don't forget that, Seigi-san.”

Nagisa stared down at the yankee silently, unable to say anything. She couldn't deny it. She couldn't deny any of it. Everything that Gakushu said was true. Haven't she decided already? That she's done with this thing called 'justice', that she'll stop caring about saving every innocent lives granted in front of her eyes. Yes. She mustn't hesitate, so that she wouldn't lose sight of what's important anymore. She'll destroy Yoshimoto-gumi, save Ryouha, and that's it. That's all there is to it. The girl growled and walked away, heading toward the front door. Gakushu glanced at her.

“Where are you going?”

“I'm just...gonna chill my head fer a while.”

She closed the door and left, leaving the yankee sighing to herself again.

“That girl have changed, haven't she?”

Gakushu turned to the source of the voice, seeing Miyuki walking out of the kitchen, a ladle on her hand.

“No. Perhaps I should say that it is you who have changed?”

“Perhaps. Perhaps not.”

The yankee leaned back to the headrest, staring at the ceiling.

“Humans are constantly changing. And it is not themselves to judge whether they have really changed or not.”

“Hmm~ Again with your philosophical talk."

“..."

“But you have already expecting this outcome, ain't you?”

Gakushu blinked.

“Zero's escape, Henteko's attack at Majisuka, even putting Seigi in such confusion. It's all still within your calculation.”

“I think you're overestimating me, Coby-san.”

“Oh no, not at all~ Do you think I never know how far you can devise a plan?”

Gakushu simply closed her eyes as she heard the woman giggled.

“That's why I said you have changed. You've always used your superior intelligence to look down on others, but now you're wrecking your brain to help her. I'm sure you even have another plan to stop the explosion.”

“...perhaps. I'm only trying to find the best possible outcome. Because this time, I also couldn't afford to lose what's important to me.”

“Oh~? So little ms. Philosopher have cast away her wild curiosity for someone else?”

“I never say what that important thing was.”

“Of course, silly me~”

Gakushu sighed, before reopening her eyes and stood.

“You're going out as well?”

She stopped by the front door, one hand on the doorknob as she glanced at Miyuki.

“Yes. I will be back before midnight.”

“How about you make that 10pm. You two look awful so I'll make dinner to cheer you up~”

“...”

“Pass those words to Seigi too, 'kay~? And remind her to fix that chair she broke.”

“I understand.”

Gakushu nodded as Miyuki gave her a sweet smile, before closing the door and left, ignoring the shiver creeping up her spine as she walked into the chilly autumn night of Osaka. She sighed, looking up to the sky.

“I will not fail this time..."


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


It was very different, Nagisa noted.

The liveliness she felt in Osaka, as opposed to the quiet night of Zoshigaya, were truly completely different.

Here, the road was always merry even after the sun had set. The people were loud and talkative, chatting with everyone in a friendly manner as if there were no strangers. It shaken her a bit, when she saw the old man by the Takoyaki stall smiled and greeted her, asking if she want a bite. She returned the smile and bought a small box in a whim, munching on the nostalgic taste as she continued the walk down the colorful city decorated with various light signs.

This is Osaka. The place where she was born and grew up.


A chaotic city where people always seemed so friendly and bold, even passing off as nosy sometimes.

Those facts were reflected perfectly in her personality, and that's probably why she always clashed with Nana in first place. I guess Order and Rebel are really hard to get along, ha ha. Nagisa let out a small laugh and switched her eyes upward, finding that the bright neon lights had dwindled in number. Ah, she must have walked quite far into the center of the city. In fact she still remembered this road; turn left on the next three intersections and continue walking past the traffic light, there she would finally arrived at the bustling crowd of Ebisu bridge with that huge Glicoman sign watching them.

The heart of Osaka nightlife, the Dotonbori canal. The brightest and liveliest place she ever knew.

She came to that place a lot of time when she was younger, especially with Kimotama. They'd shout loudly 'Osaka wa kuidaore!' before storming all over the food stalls, eating until they drop. It was good times, wasn't it? She couldn't help chuckling as she remembered that, finishing her Takoyaki in one go before throwing the empty box to the nearby trash can. If it wasn't for her current situation she'd love to give that place another visit but she's in no mood for bigger crowds now, especially the one filled with those nosy Osakan people. Not like she's any different from them though. Normally. But most of all, she just didn't feel like gazing at what was beyond that place.

Yes. Though how much she wanted to forget, she could remember it as clear as day. Past the boisterous culinary district, all the way to Namba and further south. That forsaken place hidden behind the shadow of the tall buildings and skyscrapers.

“They said that place is pitch black...”

She said those words quietly, whispering to no one in particular.

“A cold and dark hole where the dazzling light of the city won't reach. A place where every trash and filth of the world reside.”

Someone said that to her long time ago, someone than she couldn't remember. And those words, she thought, was nothing further from truth.

Homeless, drug-dealers, prostitutes, the yakuza; she could name everything the society called outcast lurking around that place. At first glance the place looked harmless, just a quiet slum where those abandoned by society tried to live on, and it's not like everyone chose to live in that hellhole. Bad circumstances, injustice, deceit. Those who fell prey to such things might be forced to retreat there, the only place where they could survive by digging around the scraps. Things called law or order meant nothing and everything reverted back to the way of nature, where the strong preyed upon the weak, and instead of trying to improve anything the government decided to sweep it under the rug instead, making that place their own 'dirty little secret'.

“Ha ha, ain't that just pitiful?”

She let out a dry laugh, switching her eyes to the cold asphalt.


   --that is the very reason why we must protect them—


..huh? Nagisa stopped on her track. Her eyes widened as she heard a voice ringing in her head.


   --that little light called 'justice'—what left—


It was different than the one she always heard. A voice so warm, yet filled with deep sadness.


   --those smiles—don't forget—Nagisa—


“...who?”

She whispered to herself, wishing for an answer that she knew would never come.

Who was it, the one who told her that. Just who was it? Why can't she remember? How many things had she forgotten in the first place? How many people, how many things, how many words. Her memories were in jumble that she's not sure which was real and fake anymore. Should she remember or just forget them? She simply didn't know.

Nagisa shook her head, trying to push the thought away. She let her eyes wandered to the far away crowd on the other side of the road, trying to distract herself, watching the smiling faces of those people enjoying the evening stroll. She clicked her tongue.

“Aah, fine~ Let's get some more food~ That'll definitely make me feel better.”

She buried her hands to her red jacket and sighed. A full stomach always make everything better so let's eat. But it's been a while since she ate some real Osaka dish, so what should she get? Hmm. Her eyes kept scanning through the crowd, busying herself as she waited by the crosswalk for the light to turn green, but as her gaze fell on a certain figure among them, she froze.

“What... the heck...”

It was that person, the one she met earlier today on Zero's apartment. The one with a black motorcycle suit and matching helmet covering their whole face. She just couldn't mistake that person, and now that she could take a better look that person was definitely female. There was a strangely familiar feeling when she saw her though, but she pushed the thought away, snarling and running toward the figure.

“You bastard!”

She ignored the red light and kept running. Loud honking sounds and curses filled the air as the vehicles skidded into a sudden stop from her action, but she didn't care at all. The sound seemed to alert her target as well and the black-clad figure turned away, pushing through the crowds as she tried to escape. Nagisa clicked her tongue. This is bad. That person seemed to be good at navigating herself through crowds and her wounded legs didn't help at all.

Nagisa pushed against the last of the crowd, falling to her knees as she looked around the empty street breathlessly. Her target was nowhere to be seen.

“Dammit...”

Great. She should've known that it's impossible to catch anyone in her current condition and now she only succeeded in tiring herself. Come to think of it she's lucky that her target didn't bring out her gun, or else things might've turned for the worst. She chuckled.

“Ha ha, Gakushu will scold me again if she know about this...”

She pushed herself back to her feet and continued walking a bit further, trying to find some place take quick rest. She found a small park not far and plopped herself down the nearest bench, taking a breather. Right, think. Maybe she could try thinking once in a while. What should she do now? Returning to Coby's apartment right away and told Gakushu about her encounter? Or look around for a bit for any possible clue? She mulled to herself, looking around the dark empty park, finding only one lamppost on. Strange. Or more like, 'familiar'. She never came to this part of the city before so why is it? ...ah.

“The drill for delivering secret information. The one used by Joshikou Keisatsu.”


The drill stated exactly like this;

If you are in a need to deliver a package or information secretly, find a small public park and hide it there. Leave only one lamppost on, and from the bench nearest to it, count in clockwise according to the codenumber of the current officer doing a report for that day.

Nagisa rephrased it in her head silently. She wondered why she suddenly remembered about that; perhaps it was because of the lamppost. The girl chuckled and glanced at the bench on her left. Today is Sunday; the one on duty would be Mio and her codenumber is [ 05 ]. So counting to five in clock-wise...

“One... two... three... four... That bench, huh?”

She stood and approached the bench. Eh, but what would she expect? There's probably nothing. But if there's really something, then—

“No way...”

Nagisa froze, finding a package being taped under the seat. She quickly pulled it out, opening the brown paper bag to find a neatly folded paper and a cellphone, its battery being taken out of the case. Impossible. Who could've done this? Could it be the chief? She took the package with her to the previous bench, spreading the paper and studying the content under the dim light. It was a map of Higashiosaka, with some scribbles on it resembling a certain pattern. What is the meaning of this... She glanced at the cellphone, thinking to herself. ...only one way to find out. She put in the battery and turned the device on. Only one number was registered there and she already knew what to do with it. She took a deep breath and dial the number, putting the phone up to her ear.

RRRR--

    RRRR--

       RRRR--

   CLICK



“Hello, chief? What is this?”

There was no response on the other end and Nagisa repeated her words.

“Chief—“

    --”So you really find it...”







Huh?

   --”I almost thought...that you'll never find the package...”

Nagisa felt her hand trembled as she heard the voice, that soft timid voice she thought she'd never be able to hear again, and she sucked her breath.


“...Ryouha?”



   --"..."

   --"..."

   --”...of course. Who else do you think it is..?”


She couldn't believe her ears. She simply just couldn't believe it.


“Ha ha, yeah... Yeah, of course...”

   --"..."

"I could never mistake yer voice..."


She let out a chuckle, holding her face as she tried to collect herself.


   --”...Nagi?”

“Sorry... Sorry, I just...”

   --”...”

“I haven't heard anything about ya for days, so...”

   --”I'm fine...

She could hear Ryouha said in assurance.


--"Gakushu had left her subordinates with me, so don't worry... they won't be able to hurt me... but we have to make this quick...

Because I'm with Henteko right now...


The statement struck her and Nagisa clenched the phone tigther.


“What!? Why—“

   --”Keep your voice down, Nagi... I don't know when she'll suddenly wake up...”


She quickly clamped her mouth shut, obeying her. Her voice was barely above whisper now.


“Then why? Why are ya risking to wait for my call?”

   --”...”

“...”

   --”That map... I have marked the place where Henteko planted her bombs...


Nagisa switched her eyes to the piece of paper, looking at it intently.


   --”...she might plant some more the next morning... but it's easy to guess once you understand the pattern...”


She traced her finger over the scribble. True to Ryouha's word, the circular pattern was so simple that even an idiot like her could understand. But...


“There's too many of 'em.”

   --”...”

“It's impossible; even with Gakushu's help I wouldn't make it in time. And I—I don't even know how to defuse them.”

   --”Nobody asked you to do everything yourself...”

“...”

   --”We also have one right? Our very own bombing maniac...”


Nagisa's eyes widened as she heard that.


   --”I've also heard...how the chief is currently leading Majisuka right now... If you ask for their cooperation there will be enough manpower.”

“But that's—I can't drag them into this.”

   --”...is it really hard for you?”

“...huh?”

   --”Does it really bother you... to ask someone else for help?”


Asking...for help? Nagisa tried to decipher that words as if she never heard it before, and she could hear Ryouha sighed on the other end.


   --”I want to help you, Nagisa... and I'm sure that everyone else from Joshikou Keisatsu will say the same, too...”

“...”

   --”...”

“...I'm afraid.”


She sucked her breath, trying to find her voice.


“I'm afraid, Ryouha. That by asking for their help I'll end up breaking them instead.”

   --”...”


She let out a small laugh, switching her eyes upward as she gaze at the starless sky of the city.


“Hey.”

   --”...?”

“Let's run away.”


Nagisa clenched her fist, a smile forming on her face.


“I don't care about 'justice' or Yoshimoto-gumi anymore. I'm sick of them. So let's just run away somewhere far, somewhere that they could never reach us.”

   --”...”

“I-it's not a bad idea, ain't it? If ya tell me yer location I can easily kill them in their sleep and—

  --”The Shibuya Nagisa that I know...”


Nagisa stopped mid-sentence, listening to the quiet tone.


   --”...is very laid-back and a bit of a coward, always hiding behind her smile... A liar who always mess around... never show her seriousness in anything...”

“...”

   --”But I also know she's very kind at heart... and she'll never let any innocent people being wronged in front of her eyes...”

“...but I'm not that same Nagisa you know.”


The girl raised her free hand, staring at the bandages and the patch of blood left on it.


The real me is a yankee called [Seigi]. A previous general of Gekioko and pet dog of Yoshimoto-gumi. And I...”

   --“...”


“I have took many innocent lives before. A lot more than I could remember.”


 …


  ..


     .


   --”I know.”


Ryouha softly answered.


   --”Gakushu had told me everything... about you and what you've been doing before coming to Joshikou Keisatsu... And that's exactly why you shouldn't run, Nagisa...”

“...”

   --”...I know. You've been suffering from guilt and horror all this time... and if you decide to run away again... that guilt will only consume you instead...”

“But... I...”

   --”I will be fine, Nagi... Everyone will...”

“...”

  --”So please don't give up and face them... I'll definitely be waiting for you...”







“Ha... A ha ha ha...”

The girl chuckled, before she finally laughed.


   --”...why are you laughing?”

“Ha ha, no it's just—“


Nagisa wiped the small tear on her eyes, a huge grin replaced the previous gloomy look her face.


“I'm nothing like some knight in shining armor, y'know~ That role is more fitting for chief or Naachan, ha ha~”

   --”I-I never ask you to be one!”

“Ha ha, yeah. Yeah, you're right...”

   --”...stop laughing already, you'll wake everyone up.”

“Sorry, sorry.”


The girl rose to her full height and took the map with her, folding it neatly and putting it to her pocket.


“Hey, Ryouha.”

   --“...?”

“It might not be so gallant, but... I'll definitely save you.”

   --“T-that's enough. I'm hanging up...”

“Ha ha~”


She let out another chuckle.


“Wait for me and stay safe.”

   --”...I will.”


The line cut off and Nagisa lowered the device, staring at the screen.

“Aah, I guess I have no choice.”

She put the phone into her other pocket and smiled, the fear in her eyes replaced with confidence. She cracked her fist.


“Time to start the counter-attack.”

__________________________________________________________
The Epitome of Justice : Chapter 11 // END
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[BonusArt]
Post by: jubethehare on October 21, 2016, 04:12:06 AM
...I haven't got the time to update this yet.  :catglare:
There's been the one-shot and halloween chapter and I was busy with campus that I haven't written the next chapter.
The plot is all ready though, so once I have the time to write I'll post the new chapter.

Meanwhile, please enjoy the bonus art.
See ya again~



(https://s21.postimg.org/6yk08fwyv/Epitome_Coll_0201.jpg)

(https://s14.postimg.org/r68nqene9/Epitome_Coll_0202.jpg)

(https://s18.postimg.org/cae1r2649/Epitome_Coll_0204.jpg)

(https://s14.postimg.org/ncznfdbip/Epitome_Coll_0205.jpg)



(https://s17.postimg.org/b82yzadlb/Epitome_Coll_0203.jpg)

(https://s16.postimg.org/n9wvvqyat/Epitome_Coll_0206.jpg)
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[CH.12]
Post by: jubethehare on November 15, 2016, 05:42:27 PM
Finally here~ Whoo, I'm so happy I could finally update this, ha ha~  :D

Oh, and about the title "Stand Alone Complex" I actually got the idea from Ghost in The Shell.
It is a phenomenon where 'unrelated people doing independent actions toward the same goal, making it seems as if they're working together'. Also, I took it because of Nagisa's tendency to 'stand alone' and solve everything herself despite what people around her said... 

Well, without further ado,
Enjoy~~



The Epitome of Justice
Chapter 12: Stand Alone Complex

__________________________________________________________



“Here. A present.”

“What is this?”

“The location of Henteko's bombs. Bake up a new plan with this.”

“I see. Leak that info wherever you want, we're staying out of it.”

“You sneaky coward.”

“It's called 'strategy', Seigi-san.”

“...”

“...”

“Where are ya going now?”

“Recon. I started this war but I never thought that Gekioko will retaliate this much; I'll need to pull some more strings to change the tide.”

“Right~ Such a busybody, ain't cha?”

“It's crucial to win this war. And I advise you not to do anything reckless this time.”

“...”

“If things turn for the worse I can't even ensure what will happen anymore.”

“Just say it up right, that ya just wanna leave me cleaning up the dishes for Coby-senpai...”



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


   RRRR

       RRRR

  CLICK--



   --”Yes, Osaka prefectural police. Can I help ya?”

     “This Kojima Mako from Zoshigaya branch—“

   --”What the hell, you again?”


Kojima Mako paused as she heard the loud sigh on the other end, gripping her phone tighter.


    “Yes.”

   --”You brat, how many times do I have to tell ya... Enough with yer prank call!”

    “But sir, this is not a prank. There really are bombs planted in Higashiosaka—”

   --”Right, right. So it's Higashiosaka now. Yer connecting it with that yankee who sabotaged last night broadcast?”

    “...”

   --“I get it, we'll look into it. Thank you for calling.”

            CLICK


The girl froze as she heard the loud static, before she slowly lowered her phone.

“Dammit...”

Five times. She had called the local police five times already since Henteko's bombing threat but she always received the same answer. The girl slammed her fist to the wall in frustration.

“How'd it go?”

Mako raised her face, seeing Kimotama approaching her. She shook her head.

“Shit, I knew it. They're all nothing but lazy spineless scums.”

The yankee growled and kicked the nearby rubble.

“What now?”

Mako didn't answer. Twelve hours had passed and since then she managed to whittle down the possible area to Higashiosaka. All of Majisuka are searching every nook and cranny of the town right now, but even then she knew it wouldn't help much. Even if they managed to find the explosives they don't have anyone capable of defusing them. They could always try evacuating the civilians, but why would anyone listen to a bunch of kids storming around the street? Threatening them wouldn't do any good either since that'd only create another tension with the local security. She's running out of options here.

“Fine. That's it.”

Kimotama sighed, resting her metal bat to her shoulder.

“I give up. Though how much I hate this I rather run than dying a silly death.”

“This is not a game. People will die if those bombs go off; people who got nothing to do with this.”

“Heh, so what?” Kimotama abruptly said.

“We're yankees not some defence force. So save yer hero complex to yerself.”

Mako clenched her fist as she heard that, glaring dagger at her; she hadn't got a blink of sleep since yesterday and she's almost at her edge. Kimotama seemed to realize this but she didn't stop, showing her cocky smile to the girl.

“Or what? Ya have a better a plan—

   “Whoa, calm down people. Calm down~”

The two girls froze as they heard the sing-song voice, turning their head slowly as they heard footsteps coming from the other end of the alley.

“Don't kill each other now, ha ha~”

    CLANK--

The laughter stopped as a metal bat crushed the concrete wall just beside her head, and the figure sighed.

“Yer trying to kill me or sumthin'?”

“Heh, if it's really you ya won't die for this. Seigi...”

Nagisa scratched her cheek.

“Ya think I'm a zombie? I'll die if my head got crushed—

      SLASH

Her words stopped abruptly once again as she felt a sharp pain sliced through skin, fresh blood dripped down slowly from cut on her cheek. She blinked, feeling Mako's hand hovering slightly over her neck.

“Uh-oh, taboo word. Taboo word."

“How about if I cut off your head?”

“I'll die either way, chief. Ha ha.”

She raised her both hands in defeat, smiling.

“Chill out~ I don't mean any harm, really.”

“You got some nerve saying that after everything you did.”

The girl mouthed out a quick 'sorry' and Mako growled, before she hesitantly retracted her hand. Kimotama did the same, resting her metal bat back to her shoulder with a sigh.

“What do you want?”

“Aww, don't be that cold. I was thinking of meeting Henteko to stop this madness but two people scolded me already. 'It's suicide' they said, or 'don't give up' they said.”

Nagisa made some playful gesture with her hands to light up the mood but Mako didn't waver, her dark expression never changed. The girl dropped her shoulder and sighed.

“Fine, I'll go straight to the point. I need yer help, chief.”








“HAAAAAAA!?”


Mako yelled on top of her lung, throwing her hands to the air. She finally lost it.


“Are you kidding me you little dimwit!? You made me your scapegoat and now you're asking for MY help!?!!”


“Whoa, she exploded...”

Nagisa took a step back from the outburst. She stole a glance at Kimotama, who only shrug in response. The girl gulped and raised her both hands.

“Err, calm down chie—”

“LIKE HELL I CAN!!”

“C'mon. Even if I say I have the location of all the bombs Henteko planted?”

The statement effectively shut the enraged girl and Nagisa let out the breath she was holding. She put her both hands into her red jacket, tilting her head.

“Well?”

“...what games are you playing now...”

The girl chuckled.

“Good question. Hmm, alright, let's call it a game of treasure hunting~ Think ya can lend all yer Majisuka fellow to participate?”

“Will this treasures explode if we don't manage to find them within the time limit?”

“Ooh, yer finally getting it~”

“I already started with this games way longer than you...”

“True, but I have the treasure map.”

Mako froze as she heard that, her eyes widened.

“You—“

“But I don't have it with me now, ha ha—wah!“

Nagisa took a step back, dodging another slash that nearly hit her nose.

“I'LL CUT DOWN YOUR HEAD FOR REAL, NAGISAA!!”

“That's why I said calm down, chief~ I already left the map to an expert.”

“An expert?”

“Yes.”

“What do you—“

         “Yahhooo~~!”

Mako froze as she heard the loud yell while Kimotama cursed, readying her metal bat. Nagisa tried her best to stifle her laugh as she saw the two reactions, her eyes fell on another newcomer coming from the other end.

“Oh, it's the chief! And Nagi-chan as well!”

“Long time no see, Meru.”

Mako couldn't believe her eyes. Her fellow officer was really there, approaching her with a huge grin on her face as she juggled something on her hand. Nagisa seemed to notice the item and she tilted her head.

“What're ya bringing?”

“Hm? Oh, the map you gave were spot on, Nagi-chan! I found one of the bomb.” The girl stopped juggling the box, showing the fuse and clock ticking on it.

“Here. It's a C-4.”

“Waaah!”

Kimotama yelled and scrambled away from the girl.

“The heck with this brat—put that frickin' thing off!”

“Oh? Who are you?”

“That's what yer concerned about!?”

Mako stared at the scenes in silence, while Nagisa simply shrugged.

“There's yer expert. A bigger bomb maniac than Henteko.”

“...”

“Y'know, there's a saying that ya should fight a fire with fire~”

“...why?”

Nagisa paused, seeing the perplexed on the girl's face.

“Why are you doing this?”

“Sorry.”

She plainly answered, taking another step back into the dark alley.

“I didn't like this idea as well, but... I can't think of any other way...”

“...dammit.”

Mako clenched her fist, watching the silently as Meru cut off the detonator and deactivated the bomb, Kimotama cursing for the hell off it. She sighed.

“I should've just left you back then.”

“Ha ha, I was thinking the same. But it's too late for regret.”

Nagisa let out another laugh and turned away, waving her hand.

“I'll leave the bombs to you, chief~”

“Are you going to face that lunatic in exchange?”

The girl only smiled in reply, and Mako growled.

“That's enough, Nagisa. With Meru here we could—“

“Ryouha called me last night.” The girl whispered quietly.

“She's the one who sent me that map. Because she was with Henteko.”

“...it's suicide.”

“Ha ha, I've heard the same thing from Gakushu. Come to think of it, she's out doing some more of her shady business so it's the first time I can act freely after a while.”

“...”

“Naw, stop giving me that scary look~ I don't plan on dying; I'm too angry for that right now.”

Nagisa let out another chuckle as she walked away, her smile widened.

“Well then, see ya~”

Mako could only stand there as the girl left, her both fists tightly clenched to stop her trembling. She's too dangerous right now, stay away from her. Her instinct was screaming loudly to her, prompting her to focus her attention back to the other two.

“Meru. How many bombs are there?”

The said girl blinked, glancing at Mako.

“Oh, right. There's around 20 in total but might be more. Hm? Where's Nagi-chan?”

“Aaaah!”

Kimotama let out another yell, dragging her metal bat with her as she looked around.

“Frickin' Seigi—she ditched me again!”

Mako sighed as she heard the yankee let out another curse, turning back to Meru.

“We only have another twelve hours before the explosion. Can you defuse them all?”

“Hmm, given the number and unknown type I don't think we'll make it in time even with all of us.”

“...all of us?”

“You, Nana, Miki, Mio and me; all of Joshikou Keisatsu. We just got here last night by the way.”

Mako nudged her temple. Really. She couldn't be surprised by anything else now. Meru snickered as she saw the troubled expression.

“Oh, and Nana is negotiating with the local police now. I'm not sure it'll work knowing how classified the existence of our squad is. Plus, we don't bring any official permit.”

“Even if we do explaining will be too much of a hassle. They'll dismiss us as some kids doing pranks before that...”

“Whoa, I sensed some deep grudge there.”

Mako only huffed, burying her hands to her jacket.

“Kimotama, we're going.”

“What? Where?”

“To stop the bombs of course.”

The yankee gave her a perplexed look.

“We gonna kill the bomb one by one!?”

“Of course not. We won't be the one doing that.”

Mako held out her hand to Meru, who gave her the map in exchange.

“Time to force that bunch of lazy good-for-nothing spineless scums to work.”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“I'm bored...”

A lone voice echoed inside the empty room, the distant sound of machineries buzzing in the background.

“I'm bored... I'm bored...”

The voice grew louder, mixing with the sizzling voice of steel burning in the furnace.

“I'm bored, I'm bored, I'm bored, AARGH I'M FUCKIN' BORED!!!

The owner of the voice shouted loudly, swaying on her seat made off tons of scrap metals. She tilted her head, opening her eyes as she heard footsteps approaching from the darkness.

“So I was... But ya finally came, eh?”

She smirked, her crazed eyes locked on the red figure before her.

“Seigiiii?”

“Long time no see, Henteko-senpai. Nice choice of decoration as always, ha ha~”

Henteko cackled, before her laugh suddenly stopped and she raised her right arm high to air, looking at the many watches looped around it.

“2.30 pm. Why? I expect you to come like a minute before the bomb explodes to create more effect~ Or at least right after I made the announcement last night. This half-assed timing is just boring...”

“Sorry for being boring.”

SWISH--


Henteko smirked, dodging a blow as she saw the girl's fist flew just pass her face.

“Heard that ya found someone to take care of my bombs, but leaking the info to the net and make it a mass panic? Wheew, even the police couldn't help stepping in by then. What's it called? Stand alone complex? Was it Gakushu's idea?”

“I don't understand complicated stuff like that.”

“Right, I forgot~ Yer brain capacity is only enough to bash someone's skull.”

The yankee pulled back right leg, giving the girl a kick on the side.

“But ya don't even have that power now. Still caught up with yer injury?”

Nagisa growled and charged again, throwing punch after punches at the yankee. Henteko kept on dodging, the bored expression on her face didn't change as she stepped way and way back, until a steel wall stopped her. She sighed.

“Meh, this is just too boring.”

SMACK--

Nagisa stumbled back as Henteko parried her blow and punched her on the gut. The Gekioko general grabbed her hair, throwing her face against the wall.

“Pathetic... Gekioko's berserker... The loyal pet dog of Yoshimoto-gumi who have killed countless people... Is this sorry state of a brat?”

Henteko let out a loud whine and pulled the girl back, before slamming her again to the wall.


“Boring...” SLAM-- “Boring...” SLAM-- “Boring, boring, boring...”

     
   SLAM!


“I thought I'll have so much fun torturing ya but this is just boring... ”

Henteko sighed as she saw the girl's battered face, blood pouring down her nose and forehead.

“Shit, a whole factory and 20+ explosives for this girl? Zero should pay me for wasting that much assets—”

CRACK--

Henteko gritted her teeth, feeling a sharp pain coursing through her forearm as the girl clenched and broke her right wrist. The yankee smirked and threw her away.

“So yer finally fighting back?”

The girl didn't answer, blowing some blood off her nose as she staggered back up.

“That's good~! I won't accept if Coby-sama's favorite toy is a weakling!”

“...”

“I don't care a shit about the principal. I'll torture ya, kill ya, and present yer dead body back to her! Maybe Coby-sama will finally return to find another toy, he he~”

“So you really have nothing to do with them?”

Nagisa whispered as she brought her bloodied face up, letting out a loud sigh.

“Ha ha, I'm glad. I'm really glad...”

Henteko twitched as she saw the smile on the girl's face.

“Bastard, yer looking down on me?”

“No, no. Like I said, I'm glad—“

SMACK!

The girl stopped abruptly as another punch hit her right cheek, but she didn't waver this time. She silently pulled back her left hand, swinging it at the yankee's face in return. The fist hit her nose in a painful crunch and Henteko grunted, her body flying a good few feet away before skidding on the cold floor. The strong force was humanely impossible and the yankee gagged, gasping for air.

“I'm glad this is just another yankee fight. I kinda afraid I'll remember something and kill ya out of rage before asking my question, but that doesn't seem to be a problem now. Ha ha~”

Henteko growled and pushed herself up, trying to see through her blurry vision.

“I'm even in a better mood since Gakushu's not here screaming by my ears. Oh, and here's my question; where's Ryouha?

“...”

“Y'know, the girl you guys kidnapped to lure me out? She's with ya, correct?”

“Heh, so yer really live-up to yer reputation... You monster...”

Nagisa sighed and scratched her cheek.

“Err, what kind of reputation did I have? I lost some of my memories so...”

She stepped forward, slowly approaching the fallen yankee.

“Whatever, don't change the subject. If ya keep pressing my temper ya might die.”

“Yer the one who gonna die.”

“Huh?”

    BOOM--


Henteko cakled loudly as she saw the huge explosion in front of her.

“Argh, shit that was hilarious! Acting so cool but stepping on a landmine right afterwards? This is too much~ Too much—“

“Too much, indeed.”

The yankee stopped her laugh, her eyes widened as she saw the red figure standing among the clearing dust.

“That was my favorite shoes too. I gonna need to buy a new one...”

“What... what kind of sick joke is this? Why are you still intact!?”

“Still intact, my ass! Ya blew up one of my shoes!”

Henteko could only stare blankly as the girl screamed bloody hell at her. This is ridiculous, how much of a monster is she? Human body won't be able to withstand that explosion! Did she step aside right before the mine blew up? The yankee gritted her teeth.

“Hah... Ha ha, whatever. This is still my win.”

“Huuh?”

“Ya idiot, this is my territory! Any wrong move and I'll blow you up!”

“Then I won't move and ask ya from here. Where's Ryouha?”

“Ya cocky—

        CRASH--

“Aah, I missed.”

Henteko froze as a huge metal pole flew passed her and hit the steel wall in a huge clank, sending more dust and rubble to the air. She stared at the girl before her.

“There's still a lot of 'em falling down the ceiling thanks to yer explosion, so let me try again.”

Nagisa shrugged, holding up the pillar with one hand as if it was nothing. She tilted her head at Henteko, a huge smile on her face.

“Where is Ryouha?”

CLACK—

Nagisa blinked, hearing the sound coming from her side. She glanced to her left slowly.

“Yer really good at sneaking. I didn't sense ya at all.”

She plainly said, staring at the helmed figure that was pointing a gun to her head on point blank.

“Sure wanna pull the trigger? You might've a chance from afar but in this distance I'll kill ya first.”

The figure didn't answer. She stared at her target for a while, before slowly switched her aim to Henteko.

“What the—bastard, ya betrayed me!?”

“Oh, so that's how it is.”

Nagisa exclaimed, dropping down the metal pole she was carrying.

“Zero must've deemed you useless now so she threw ya away. Typical yakuza, ha ha~”

The yankee switched her eyes to the ground, gritting her teeth.

“So? Will ya answer my question now? If you do I'll beat down this helmed freak for ya.”

The helmed figure flinched. Even though she couldn't see her face Nagisa knew that the girl was glaring at her, and she shrugged.

“Damn it... all of you... looking down on me...”

Nagisa switched her attention back to Henteko, seeing the yankee trembling in anger. She tilted her head.

“This isn't time for pride, y'know?”
 

“DON'T LOOK DOWN ON ME, DAMMIT!!”


The girl tensed as she saw Henteko pulled out a detonator from her pocket, snapping her head toward the helmed figure.

“Shit, get down—

    BOOM!

A huge explosion echoed, followed by a chain of explosions that sent the whole factory crumbling down into a mess of destruction. The sounds of metals hitting each other resounded over and over, creating a strange bizzare symphony, before everything faded out into a pure silence.







“I get it now. It's not that you don't choose to shoot from afar, you just can't. ”

The helmed figure flinched on the ground, shaking her head as she seemed to finally regain consciousness. A patched of red dripped down her eye shield and she froze, staring up to see someone towering above her.

“Because you have to make sure that there won't be another millimeters err. Ain't that right? Gakushu...”

“...”

“Aah, it's all make sense now. Why you avoided all of my vital points before and why you never there when I called. I'm just so stupid...”

Nagisa growled and pushed the wreckage away, sending them hitting the cold floor in a huge clank. She lost her balance right after, falling to her back from the blood loss and a huge wound on her head. She clicked her tongue, seeing the girl approached her.

“We're trapped, huh? What about Henteko?”

The girl shook her head.

“Dead? Or ya have no idea?”

“...”

“Fine. Let's get out of here first—ggh!”

Nagisa winced in pain as she tried to stand, and the girl put her right arm around her shoulder, helping her. She raised a brow at that. She sure is being quiet and strangely nice today. She mulled to herself as pushed herself away, staggering to the wreckage.

“I can still manage a single punch. Guess I'll make a hole somewhere—huh?”

Nagisa blinked as the girl tugged her jacket, seeing her pointing on a certain part of the ruin.

“Right, I'll punch one out over there. All good?”

The girl nodded, and Nagisa felt a shiver ran down her spine from the sight.

“Would cha knock it off with the silent treatment? It's creeping me out...”

No answer. Nagisa sighed and walked toward the wreckage, knocking it lightly.

“Here I go. And ya better carry me all the way to Coby-senpai's place after this.”

CRASH--


The force of that one punch was enough to make a little hollow and the girl ran outside, dragging Nagisa with her before the building crumbling down again. Nagisa let out her breath in relief.

“That was close... Time to call chief and Kimotama and ask how's things on their end before I pass out, hm?”

She blinked, seeing the row of unanswered call from her phone. It was from Enoki. She tapped the number.


   --“Seigi, ya finally pick up!”


      “Sorry, I was kinda busy. Can ya make it quick?”


   --“This is bad. Kango-ka found out about Gakushu's betrayal; they've captured her!”



Huh...?

Nagisa froze, turning her gaze slowly to her side.


   “What're ya talking about, Gakushu is—gah!”


   --”Seigi?”


She stumbled a few steps back, holding her stomach as the helmed figure gave her a painful kick on her old wound. She stared up at the black-clad figure in shock, her consciousness starting to fade slowly. Who... are... She saw the girl raising her gun high above her head, before a strong blow hit the back of her neck and everything turned black.


   --”Seigi? Can ya hear me?”


      …


   --“Oi, Sei—“   


       BEEP--

   
          …


       …


     …


   ..


 .



__________________________________________________________
The Epitome of Justice : Chapter 12 // END
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[CH.13]
Post by: jubethehare on December 13, 2016, 04:32:11 AM
Hello and nice to see you again, everyone! Here's chapter 13.  8)

Oh yeah, the next three chapters will mark the end of the current 'yankee war' arc, and serve as a bridge to the last arc of this story.
There will be a lot of flashback and revelations. And I have to say NMB upcoming song 'Boku Igai no Dareka' gave me a lot of inspirations for these chapters. But more than that... The dance, the PV, the outfits... They're all so amazing... The BII version with Nagisa center is also amazing... Why am I even ranting here

Well, enough about that. Let's get on with the story.
Enjoy~~



The Epitome of Justice
Chapter 13: Theory of A Monster - Questions

__________________________________________________________


The philosopher Nietzsche once said,

“Beware when you are fighting monsters lest you become a monster yourself.

'For when you gaze long into the abyss, the abyss gaze back into you.”

Those words bear no meaning to me, as I was born a monster from the start...


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“Here. A present.”

Gakushu paused from her meal as she saw a brown paper being tossed to the table, watching Nagisa took a seat adjacent to her and grabbed her own bowl of rice. She blinked.

“What is this?”

“The location of Henteko's bombs. With this ya can bake up a new plan, right?”

The yankee stared at the paper in silence, before she averted her eyes and continued eating.

“I see. Leak that info wherever you want, we're staying out of it.”

“Coward.”

“It's called 'strategy', Seigi-san.”

She quickly cut in, silencing the girl. Nagisa growled and dug her chopstick to the grilled fish between them, before pulling the meat and stuffed them to her mouth. Miyuki sighed as she saw the two girls from the corner of her eyes. It's better to let them be for a while, she thought, letting them continued their dinner in silence.

“...”

“...”

Gakushu clapped her hands together as she finished her share of food, putting down her chopstick above her empty bowl before standing up. Nagisa growled, lowering her own bowl.

“Where are ya going now?”

“Recon.” Gakushu plainly answered, taking her black coat by the hanger.

“I started this war but I never thought that Gekioko will retaliate this much; I'll need to pull some more strings to change the tide.”

“Right~ Such a busybody, ain't cha?”

Nagisa snorted in mockery, stuffing another rice to her mouth, and Gakushu shrugged.

“It's crucial to win this war. And I advise you not to do anything reckless this time.”

“...”

“If things turn for the worse, I can't even ensure what will happen anymore...”

The girl didn't said anything this time. Gakushu took it that Nagisa wouldn't stop her anymore so she put on her coat and gave Miyuki a quick bow, before leaving through the front door.

“Just say it up right, that ya just wanna leave me cleaning up the dishes for Coby-senpai...”

She heard Nagisa whispered right before she closed the door, and the yankee couldn't help smiling a bit. You will fight Henteko anyway, regarding what I say. She thought to herself, walking toward the cold night of Osaka. The road was merry as usual, with its usual blinding streetlight and noisy chatters, though the sense of ignorance still thickly wafting in the air. Like it's always been. Of course, a person could seem as friendly as they could be, but when it came down to it everyone always fend for themselves. That's the nature of human being. And there's nothing wrong about it.

So then, what is the nature of a monster?

Gakushu mulled to herself as she continued her walk silently. She did that a lot, arguing and tossing around questions among herself, just to sate her vigorous mind. It's a gift that made her capable of thinking severals steps ahead of other people, but also a curse that rendered her numb to basic emotions. Every time it was just like standing in a trial; speaking with her as the defendant, the plaintiff, the judge, and the persecutor herself. Voices she knew belonged to herself arguing against each other with a speed enough to drive a normal person crazy. And now, another session had started.


   [Monster], according to dictionary;
   A horrible creature. A threatening force. One who deviates from normal or acceptable behavior.


And so everything that derailed from what society called 'normal' would be enough to be called a 'monster'. So following that logic, a person who sacrifices themselves for other while forgetting about their need is also a 'monster'. So is a person like her, and that person too. That person who is so strong, so innocently just, that her abnormal sense of justice clashed with her kind heart. That person, no, that monster. If she ever came to realize her real self that was torn between judgement and forgiveness, will she ever be able to—

  “Gakushu.”

The yankee blinked as she heard the rough broken voice, a voice that wasn't her own. She switched her gaze to her right, seeing a black-clad figure standing there, a helmet fully concealing her face.

“What are you mulling about now?”

“Nothing much. Just my daily pondering.”

She plainly answered, her face still show her usual emotionless expression. The figure sighed as she heard that, leaning her weight on her motorcycle. Gakushu gave her another blink.

“So, did you take a liking to the outfit? I could see that the device I ask Enoki to retrieve change your voice perfectly.”

“...”

It didn't seem like the figure would answer so Gakushu decided to change the topic.

“Good job luring her to the park; I have confirmed that she received the package.”

“That's only one part of the plan, isn't it?”

“Of course.”

She pulled out another piece of paper from her pocket, burning it to ashes with the lighter she brought. The yankee stepped on the grayish leftover of the paper, putting out the fire with her boots.

“There is only two possible actions the girl could take; leaking the info to public or giving the map to Kamisori. Either way will trigger a stand alone complex and force the police to take part. Yoshimoto-gumi won't be able to move by then and they will choose to let Henteko take the blame.”

“What do you propose me to do?”

“Let Seigi face Henteko.”

She could see the figure flinched a bit from the statement.

“I am now sure that Henteko have nothing to do with Yoshimoto-gumi, so facing her won't trigger anything in Seigi's memories. Even with the current her I can assure you that she won't lose in one-on-one fight with Henteko.”

“...aren't you over-estimating her?”

“Perhaps. Perhaps not. You can see for yourself, since you'll be observing their fight and kill Henteko before her.”

“To put the blame back to Yoshimoto-gumi?”

Gakushu nodded before walking toward the figure.

“Yankee or not, the death of a single high schooler will create an uproar in mass media. And with you being part of Yoshimoto-gumi is enough to pressure their standing. What I am concerned is the probability of Henteko doing suicide bombing before you manage to shoot her.”

“Then Yoshimoto-gumi will be able to cover everything up as accident.”

“Yes. If that were to happen you may use Seigi as your body shield. She's durable enough for a building or two crumbling down on her.”

“...”

“Don't worry. I've done enough experiments to back that statement.”

The figure clenched her left fist tightly, and even without seeing her face Gakushu knew that she was glaring at her. The yankee didn't care a slightest. She simply bent over the bike, taking the spare helmet dangling on the other side of the vehicle.

“I'll give you the detail of our back-up plan later. Right now I need you to give me a little lift.”

The figure sighed and pushed away from the bike, turning to the rider seat.

“...where?”

“Osaka Prefectural Police.”


Gakushu answered shortly as she clicked her helmet.

“Even with the stand alone complex successfully executed it will take too much time to convince the law enforcement. I need someone from the inside to speed things up.”

“And this someone is?”

The yankee paused, hesitating. She simply stood there for a while, watching the white headlight turning on among the low growl of the motorcycle engine. She let out a long breath, before finally climbing up the passenger seat.

Another mentor of Seigi-san and mine. Someone who I actually rather not to meet...”   


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“Is it better to out-monster the monster or to be quietly devoured?”

For years I believe only of those words, of those two available choices

But seeing you struggling with everything you have, I suddenly thought,

Maybe it was nothing but a fallacy? A false dichotomy of black-and-white thinking



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“It's time.”

Gakushu quietly mulled to herself as she looked at the clock on her phone.

03:00 pm

Nagisa was probably fighting with Henteko by now, or the fight might have already been concluded. Whatever the result she'd know once she walked inside this place; this school by the name of Gekioko High. The yankees sitting and loitering about the school ground instantly snapped their heads toward her as she stepped through the main gate, and she could see some of them stared at her with dark eyes. Gakushu narrowed her eyes. They didn't seem glad to see her; she didn't expect them to be, but their seemingly hostile reactions only further her suspicions. Seems like my guise has been known. The yankee thought to herself as one of her fellow Gekioko stepped forward.

“I see that yer safe and sound, Gakushu.”

Ibukuro. She quietly thought as she observed the yankee.

“Not completely.” She raised her broken arm a little. “But I managed to get away from her at least.”

“Of course.” Ibukuro turned away.

“Come. Kurobara is looking for ya.”

So it seems, huh? Gakushu looked away, trying to find Enoki among the crowd. The informant seemed to catch her gaze and she nodded, slipping away from the scene quietly. Gakushu blinked and returned her attention to Ibukuro.

“May I ask for her to wait? I need some time to recover myself. You know how much Seigi hated me; this arm wasn't the only thing she broke.”

Ibukuro stopped and glanced above her shoulder, giving the yankee a cold look. Gakushu didn't waver a bit. She continued.

“Come to think of it, where is Otona? It's rare to see you without—“

“Kurobara is looking for ya.”

“...”

“Now...”

She's taken hostage. Gakushu quietly concluded as she silently followed the older yankee, watching the crowd dispersed as the two walked toward the main building. She let her eyes wandered around her. The whole Gekioko seemed to almost reach their breaking point, their faces twisted with anger, frustration, and worn-out fatigue. Kurobara must had pushed everyone to fight ceaselessly for the past few days, and losing their three generals at the same time only fueled their anxiety. This war had reached the critical stage she expected; right now, one single action could either make her win the whole thing or lose her life. She had to move carefully.

The Gekioko general stepped through the familiar corridor in silence, the voices in her head already started with their countless arguments as they resounded with the sound of her boots hitting the concrete floor. She could see the door leading to Kango-ka special ward drawing near.

“Hmmm? Ooh, yer finally heree~~”

Gakushu stopped as she heard the sweet voice, watching the owner of the voice smiling widely as she sat on the leather chair in the middle of the room. Her almost ghastly white skin that struck in constrast with her jet black hair and eyes was the same as Gakushu remembered them, her tattered black-and-white jacket drooped messily down her shoulders. She knew this girl. No. Everyone in this room knew her.

[ Kurobara ]. Gekioko biggest lunatic and the very top of the current Kango-ka.

The said girl seemed to catch the little hostility in her eyes and she tilted her head, her smile stretched even wider.

“I've been sooo worried about ya, Gakushu~”

A lie. Gakushu thought silently as she heard the girl laughed, her eyes wandering down to the floor. She finally realized another figure slumping under the girl's feet, her shoes stepping on the battered body as if it was her personal footrest. The figure she realized to be Otona. That's why Ibukuro couldn't help bowing to her order... Gakushu continued her thought as she saw Kurobara kicked away the poor yankee, standing up to approach her. She could see Ibukuro gritting her teeth from the corner of her eyes, trying to hold in her anger.

“Heeey, did Seigi take a good care of ya?”

Kurobara cooed as she ran her fingers along Gakushu's cast, nudging her broken arm slightly. The yankee tried to ignore the pain, until the hand traveled to her head to pat her.

“Seems so. What a relief, what a relief~”

SMACK--

Gakushu gagged as Kurobara suddenly drove her knee to her gut, feeling the air being knocked out of her. The girl grabbed her hair and pulled her face up, sighing as she saw the usual blank expression.

“Aww, yer always no fun... Won't cha at least scream a bit for me~?”

“Is there... something you need...from me? Kurobara-san...”

Gakushu managed to speak among her gasps and Kurobara spat in disgust, throwing the yankee away to the floor.

“Haaah~ Still trying to lick my boot even when I know ya betray me?”

“...”

Gakushu didn't answer. She only pushed herself back up, fixing her breath.

“Did Zero...told you about that?”

“Hmm? That's right miss smartypants~ Yer amazing as always, ha ha ha!”

The high-pitched laugh rung among the small room and Gakushu felt her own smile stretched a bit. Time to play her cards.

“Why do you believe her so much? Is Kango-ka nothing but the principal lap dog now?”

She saw the look on the girl's eyes change in an instant, and she quickly continued.

“No, I'm sorry. There's nothing wrong with listening to her. Besides, ever since that incident one year ago Kango-ka have always been regulated by the student council, correct? If not you would never be our leader—

SMACK!

Gakushu grunted as Kurobara's fist connected with her face, sending her crashing to the floor. She rolled her eyes as she lied on the ground, taking the time to observe her surrounding. She could see some of the yankee started to flinch in hesitation, backing away and clenching their fists.

“Oi, all of ya.” Kurobara spat as she glared at the rest of Kango-ka.

“Beat 'er up good.”

The yankee looked at each other silently, but nobody moved. Their feet being glued to the ground. Kurobara growled.

“Ya listening to me!? I said—“

“No.”

Ibukuro sternly said as she stepped forward, stepping in between Gakushu and her.

“There's no need to spill another unnecessary blood, Kurobara.”

“What did you say...?”

Kurobara stared at her with eyes wide, her head hanging crookedly like a broken puppet. Ibukuro clenched her fists; she might not be able to win if the crazed yankee go all out, but perhaps she could at least saved Otona and get her away from here. She flinched as she felt a soft tap on her shoulder, glancing to see Gakushu resting her hand there, spitting out the blood from her mouth. Kurobara gritted her teeth as she saw the two, her eyes twitching as if she's ready to explode, but suddenly a certain sound rang.

  RRRR--

     RRRR--

The three girls flinched, and Kurobara sighed, pulling out her cellphone with two fingers from her pocket and tapped the screen. She dangled it by her ear.

“Yees, Shirogikuu~? I'm a little busy right now~”

Ibukuro let out her breath for a while, her eyes wandered to the fallen Otona sprawling beside Kurobara's feet. She bit her lip.

“Hm, hm, oh that's wonderful!! You've caught, Seigi~?

The whole room froze as they heard that, and Ibukuro fell a step back. Her courage suddenly plummeting back down. Gakushu ran her gaze around the room once again, seeing fear and hesitation emerging from that simple statement. Did Seigi-san lose? No, that's not the case. Shirogiku was the one who find her, so that girl must have failed to kill Henteko before the suicide bombing. I have to resort to the back-up plan. She thought silently before she watched Kurobara grinned and turned off the call, twisting her smiling face back to her.   

“Well, well, lookie here~ Looks like yer only hope for a so-called revolution fell short! Aha ha ha ha!!!”

Some of the yankee fell to their knees in disbelief, while other clenched their fists to stop their shivering, unable to retort back. Kurobara was pleased with the look of despair in their eyes and she snickered, pointing her finger to some random yankee.

“You. Tie these two and bring 'em with me. No wait. Leave the chain-girl and beat 'er all ya want. I'm only taking miss smartypants.”

She locked her eyes on Gakushu as she walked pass her, smiling widely.

“Let's meet up with that pitiful monster of yours, shall we~?”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


Where is it? What are the other possible choices?

I kept on searching and searching and searching

Through all trial and errors, through all risk and possibilties

Perhaps no other route has ever existed?



=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


SPLASH!

“Gah--!”

Nagisa gasped as she felt cold water mercilessly hit her face, forcing her consciousness to return. She coughed and panted for air, shaking her head as she tried to look at the blurry figures in front of her.

“Hellooo~~ Long time no see, Seigi~ We're never really that close so should I say 'nice to meet ya', instead~?”

A cute playful voice. A voice she somehow knew but never really familiar with. She growled and tried to pull her arms, feeling both of them unable to move. The girl blinked.

“Whoops. Sorry for the inconvenience but we gotta chain ya to the wall~ Can't have a wild animal ran free, can we? Aha ha ha!”

That broken laugh... Nagisa froze as she finally realized who she was staring eye to eye with.

“Kurobara...”

She whispered the word in disbelief and she saw the girl smiled widely in reply, putting one arm around another girl standing beside her.

“And my beloved partner Shirogiku! Ya finally recognized us~ Good girl, good girl~~”

Nagisa switched her gaze to the other figure, seeing the murderous glare on the said yankee's face as she crossed both arms above her chest.

“Y'know, Shirogiku is reaaally pissed off right now 'cuz ya got captured too easily~ Why're ya even sleeping down the road so thoughtlessly like that?”

Huh? Nagisa shook her head, trying to remember what happened. Yes. She was fighting with Henteko when suddenly the yankee blew out the whole building. She helped that helmed girl she thought to be Gakushu but then—











“...aah, so I was completely fooled.”

“Hmmm? Ya say something~?”

Kurobara put one hand to her ear and leaned closer to the girl. No response. She sighed loudly before pulling away.

“Well, whatever. Anyways, I got something for ya~”

Nagisa blinked as she heard that, seeing Kurobara waving her right arm lazily to her underlings, her other arm still looped around Shirogiku's neck. The yankees threw a beaten-up Gakushu to the floor roughly, her arms tied behind her back as she looked up to Nagisa with her usual blank expression. Shirogiku snarled as she saw the figure.

“The heck, you've caught the other traitor as well!?”

The yankee sharply remarked as she stared at Gakushu with disgust, and Kurobara tapped her head lightly.

“Of course. Ya think yer the only one working hard?”

“Grrh, ya gotta be kidding me...”

She growled and pushed Kurobara's hand, walking away from her partner. Kurobara pouted.

“Ooi, Shirogikuuuu~”

“I'm out! Just breathing the same air with these weakling makes me wanna puke.”

“Aww~ She's totally pissed, ha ha ha!”

Shirogiku simply ignored her and kept walking, the other yankee clearing the way for her as she walked out the abandoned warehouse and slammed the door shut behind her. Kurobara laughed, turning her face toward Nagisa.

“Ain't she just so childish sometimes~? How cuuute~~”

The girl laughed even louder, stepping one foot on Gakushu's head.

“Now then. Since we've found the traitors the only thing left is to give them to the principal. Hmm, but that'll kill all the fun... What should I do...”

Kurobara closed her eyes and hung her head as she think, before she felt Gakushu shifted a little under her footing.

“Handing us to him won't change anything. You're already a sacrifical pawn to them.”

“Huuh? Did the rug just talk~?”

Kurobara stomped down on the head once again and Nagisa gritted her teeth as she saw that, the chains around her arms rattling as she pulled them slightly. Kurobara blinked and switched her attention to the girl, tilting her head. Her crazed smile returned.

“Oh, riiight~ I remember ya were called Gekioko's berserker back in the days. Will it be interesting to make ya angry—”

“Yoshimoto-gumi!”

Gakushu suddenly shouted, making Kurobara glanced at her again with a bored look.

“What now?”

“One of the biggest yakuza organization in Osaka. They're the one who plan this war in the first place.”

“Uh-huh. And theen~?”

With the disguise of simple fight between delinquent schools, they will arm the yankees and let us kill each other in confusion. Just to create another riot and show their power among the underground world once again...”

“Hooo~ So they'll use us as pawns to flaunt out their superiority toward the now so cocky police force... Without dirtying their own hands. Nice theory, ha ha ha!”

Kurobara dismissed her with a laugh, but her words seemed to shake some of the other yankee. Gakushu saw her chance and continued.

“That is not all. The member of Gekioko's student council, as well as the principal, are actually part of Yoshimoto-gumi.

“Hee...”

“We've been played by them all this time. All of us.”

Whispers and chatters started to rise among the crowds, but Kurobara only scratched her ear with little to no interest. The girl sighed loudly, walking over to the wooden crate on the other end of the warehouse.

“Gosh, you lot are so noisy! If it's about arming the yankee,” Kurobara plainly said.

“Ya mean this, right?”

She smiled widely, holding out a hand gun and pointing the muzzle toward Gakushu. The previously so raucous voices died down in the instant.

“K-kurobara-neesan!? T-that's—“

“A gun, duh.”

She turned the muzzle toward that other yankee, earning a terrified yelp from her.

“If ya guys want one there's still a lot in that box. Feel free to take 'em~”
 
Some of the yankee shook and scrambled away in fear, while other were frozen in place, still unable to cope with the situation. Kurobara approached Gakushu once again, crouching down to tap the end of the gun to her head.

“I've seen them in movies but never really use one. Ya pull this lever to shoot, right?”

“Have you really fallen that low? Kurobara-san...”

“Hmm? Things had been pretty boring lately so as long as it's fun I don't caree~”

There's no point talking to this lunatic. Gakushu mulled to herself, seeing the yankee fiddling with the gun like a child who just find a new toy. She switched her gaze around her. Doesn't seem like the other Kango-ka members will interfere; I just have to find the right chance to unarm her and steal the gun. She finished for herself, seeing Kurobara standing up as her attention steered away to Nagisa again.

“Since Gakushu has brought up about Yoshimoto-gumi let's talk about you again, Seigi! I've heard a rumor that ya used to be one of them~”

Gakushu flinched a bit as she heard that, snapping her eyes toward Nagisa.

“Hey, how does it feel to work with a real bunch of killers? Do ya know how to use a gun? Is it fun~?”

Nagisa simply snorted, trying to hold her own laugh.

“Heh, sorry. I don't remember.”

“Ya kidding.”

“Nope, not at all.” She shrugged. “Miss smartypants over there said I got some post traumatic—something, so I don't remember a thing.”

Kurobara threw another annoyed look to Gakushu, before searching inside her jacket with her free hand.

“Fine then. I think Zero also said something along that line and left me... Aha! Here it is~”

The yankee pulled out a black notebook, swishing it in front of Nagisa's face before opening the pages. She cleared her throat.

“Ahem. The history of Shibuya Nagisa—wait. That's not yer real name, isn't it?


Nagisa stared at her with wide eyes; Kurobara smiled from ear to ear as she saw the expression, before she slowly mouthed out the name.


Kawakami Nagisa, was it?”












No...

Nagisa froze as she heard the name.

“The oldest daughter of Kawakami family. Your father was a police, stationed on the Nishinari ward just by the slum of Kamagasaki. Oh it's that biggest slum in the country, right? The one you'd find if you go way waaaay south from Namba. And your mother was a volunteer, giving out free rations and helping out people around the slum. Man, what a great role model of a family~”

She gasped, feeling her breath stuck in her throat as that painful headache returned, way stronger than it ever been. Image after images flashing in her mind.

“Oh, what's this? Ya have a younger sister~ A sweet little sister called Kawakami Chihiro. Heck, ya even have more 'sisters' since yer mother ran an orphanage! Aww, must be nice~ Surrounded by all those kids calling you 'onee-chan~ onee-chan~' ”

   --nee, let's go—mom and dad—waiting—

“Too bad all of them have died~ ”

   --what are we—play—? today—

“And guess what? It's all because of you! Aha ha ha ha!”

    --together—we'll—promise me?—Nagisa onee-cha——


    “AAAAAAAAAAAA----AAAHHH!!!!!!”



The girl screamed on top her lungs. Her head felt like splitting apart as memories started flooding her.


“That's right, scream!! Scream in agony!!! Aah, it's been a while since I heard such delightful tune~!”


Kurobara laughed in pure excitement. The strangled scream sounded just like music to her.



  --Heheh, that’s for——wait——THIS field you idiot!


   --stop callin me——didn’t put my power 'cause Chi**’s the one catching—


   --***hi

         —C**hi

    —Chi**--


  -- [Chihi]





“Stop it!”

Kurobara stopped her laugh as she heard another voice from behind her.

“Don't speak any further, Kurobara-san!”

The yankee twirled on her heel, giving Gakushu a wide crazed smile.

“Aww, Gakushu~ How sweeeet~!! Even though you've been using her, yer actually trying hard to protect her from her own memories?"

“Don't—

“Oh but I'm just getting started~”

Kurobara loudly laughed and flipped through the next page, turning back to Nagisa.


First, a homeless killed yer mother in front of yer face. How old was you again back then? Five? Eight? Ten?? Anyways, the guy was never caught since law never work its way in Kamagasaki. How sad~”


Enough...

Gakushu whispered under her breath, staring at Nagisa with horror as the girl writhed in pain.


“Next, yer father. The poor guy was caught in the middle of a case with Yoshimoto-gumi and eventually killed by them. That's the problem with a pure guy with too much sense of justice; they died too fast~ Oh, and did the other police even care? Nah~ It's too much of a risk fighting the yakuza.”


That's enough...

She gritted her teeth, trying desperately to tell herself to stay calm, to stay with the plan.


“Desperate, ya decided to be Yoshimoto's pet dog without knowing that they're actually the one killing yer father. You need money, right? Yes, money! Money to run the orphanage and feed yer dear 'sisters'! Money will solve everything! But what happened later? Ya fell too deep into 'that world' and get everyone killed instead~


Enough already...


“Whoa, this is a masterpiece! The perfect epitome of tragedy!! Aha ha ha ha!”

    “I SAID ENOUGH!!”


Gakushu yelled as she pushed herself up and ran toward Kurobara, her body moving before her thought for the first time. Kurobara smirked, pointing her gun toward the girl. She ducked away from the trajectory, pulling out the knife she hid in her boots to cut the rope around her wrists. The quick sloppy movement cut the skin of her arms and she swung her left, throwing off the blood to blind Kurobara's vision.

“Tch—you little--!!”

Nagisa stared at the whole scene with wide eyes. The only thing left was the sound of her own heartbeat drumming in her ears, and the sight of those two yankees charging at each other slowly before her, as if she was locked in a trance. She could see Gakushu thrusting her knife toward Kurobara, the gun rose to her head at the same time.

And then, nothing left but red.


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


Hey, Seigi-san

Tell me...

Do you ever feel happy?

...

...

...


A monster like us, will we ever be happy?





__________________________________________________________
The Epitome of Justice : Chapter 13 // END
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[CH.14]
Post by: jubethehare on January 06, 2017, 07:02:49 AM
Hello, here's chapter 14.  8)

Okay, so now we're starting to understand what Gakushu have been doing behind the curtain. But what is her reason? And when does it all start?
To find that out, let's turn back time a few years before these events. Before the girls caught up in the messiness of 'that world'.

Enjoy~~



The Epitome of Justice
Chapter 14: Theory of A Monster - Searching

__________________________________________________________



If I could bring you back to that time

Will you ever forgive me?


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“...and for first-years, I hope you can give your best starting this semester. Thank you.”

The room erupted into a series clappings, a monotone sound that kept echoing until the middle-aged man stepped away from the podium and another man stepped up.

“Thank you for your kind words, principal. With that the opening ceremony had ended. All students please return to your respective class and wait for your homeroom.”

“Stand!”

The row students stood up, whining as they did, both hands beside them as their eyes locked on the man standing on the podium.

“Bow.”

“Thank you very much.”

All of them said in unison, bowing their head deeply for a few seconds before rising back up. The lines of people dispersed into smaller groups as they left the hall, friends joining up with each other as they chatted and walked toward their classroom. Only one person remained rooted on her feet. Her eyes scanned the group of people in silence.

“...”

Nothing interesting. She thought, before she started walking out of the hall herself. The school wasn't that big and there's only two classes on each grade, so it wasn't hard for her to find hers. First grade class B, or class 1-B in short. She found the room not long after and walked toward the back-most desk without a word, sitting and putting down her bag as if she had occupied the place for a long time.

“Come on, all of ya! Sit down. First, welcome to Nishinari Junior High. Hope you guys ready to beat some shit in this hell of a school.”

What a vulgar choice of words. She silently thought as the homeroom teacher slammed the attendance book to her desk and started the roll call. The girl stared at her classmates one by one as they did their introduction, noting who to meet and who to avoid.

Kawakami Nagisa. Call me Nagi. If you guys need anything I'm always ready to help! No need to be shy~”

An over friendly goody-two-shoes. Can be used, but careful not to get her too clingy.

She mentally noted as the girl laughed and gave everyone a good bow.

“Hey, Nagisa! Do my homework!” One of the student snickered as he said that, making her scratching her head.

“Except for school-related stuff. Unless ya wanna get a big zero mark, ha ha.”

The class bursted into a mix of whines and laughters, before the homeroom teacher hit her palm to the blackboard in a huge slam to silence them. The roll call continued.

Yabushita Shu. I'll play it nice as long as ya don't stand in my way.”

A gutsy rebel with her own set of rules. Stay clear at all cost. 

She gave herself another note as the girl smiled smugly to the rest of the class, resting her baseball bat to her shoulder.

“What's with the bat, Yabushita? Put it away.”

“Sorry, teach; baseball is my life. Oh, and one more thing.” She pointed her bat to the other girl sitting in front of her.

“You dare mess around with Nagisa, I swear I'll beat ya to pulp. The end.”

Scratch that. Stay clear from those two at all cost.

The girl corrected herself as the roll call continued. Nothing much worthy of mention from the rest of the students, until she finally heard her name being called and she stood.

“Sutou Ririka.”

She plainly said before sitting back down. The rest of the class looked at her with a weird look.

“Uh, right. Nothing else ya wanna say, Sutou?”

“No.” She swiftly answered as she pulled out her notebook from her bag. Her expressionless face didn't change as if devoid of emotion.

“Please start with the lesson, teach.”

The homeroom teacher mulled to herself before decided to do just that, putting away the attendance book to fetch a math one. The girl could hear a few snickers circulating around. Already decided on their target of bullying, I see. As expected of delinquents school. She thought to herself as she clicked her pen and wrote down the current date on the first page of her notebook.

Ririka had never planned to study at Nishinari Junior High. She never liked yankee, and perhaps rather than saying that she 'despised' them it's more accurate to say that she's disgusted by them. A bunch of no-brainers thinking that they could solve everything with violences, hiding their vulnerability by acting rude. It was almost laughable. And her studying in this same school with them was even more laughable. But she just had to bear it due to her family circumstances. It wouldn't matter anymore once I finish Junior High and get my working permit, though it's still a good three years from now. She thought to herself as she solved the equation on her question sheet with ease.

It's not like she came from a family of yakuza or criminals, even though she couldn't say her family was anywhere near perfect. She lived with her mother after her father left them, and just like any single parent living in this harsh society money had always been an issue. So both she and her mother just had to move to a cheaper neighborhood and she had to settle with a half-baked public school with no tuition fee near there to cut on expenses. Perhaps it wouldn't be that bad, she thought. Maybe she could find something to sate her brain in this chaotic environment. But in the end, it was just the same.

She could already predict everything. Up to the end of her year here.

For example, the recap for today's event. 1.) By the time the bell ring for lunchbreak the bullying will start, 2.) The goody-two-shoes will help her which will make her rebel friend help as well and drive the bully away, 3.) She'll say her thanks and hang on until the end of school, 4.) Once she head home, she'll start looking for all of the students' background to use for her advantages.

I had done a quick background research of every students here though, so maybe I could skip step 2-4 go straight to blackmailing phase?

She hummed to herself as she tapped her chin with her pen. Her eyes wandered to the two girls mentioned in her pre-made scenario.

Kawakami Nagisa. Daughter of the head of Nishinari Ward Security Section. Her father is known to have stopped several riots and lowering its numbers greatly since his placement, but his righteous personality seemed to gain him some enemies in the underground society. She's probably a perfect replica of him. How troublesome. She averted her eyes to the other girl.

Yabushita Shu. Abandoned by her parents when she was younger, she's now living in an orphanage ran by the Kawakami family. Her brash personality was probably her way to show people around her that she could fend for herself. How pitiful.

Ririka let out a sigh as she closed her book, hearing the bell rang. It's lunch break. She could already saw a few students approaching her desk from the corner of her eyes, a smirk on each of  their faces.

“Hello there, miss mysterious girl. How're ya doing?”

She blinked and stared at the boy, watching him planting one foot on her desk. She glanced past his shoulder slightly, catching a glimpse of the two girls looking her way. As she expected. Ririka sighed again. Time to skip this cliche scenario.

“Ishizuka Junichi.”

“Oh, ya already know my name? I must be popular.”   

She ignored the stupid response and stood, whispering something to his ear.

   “Shall I tell your parents where you hide all those drugs? Or perhaps the cops?”

The boy stumbled a few steps back, his eyes wide as he saw the girl simply sat and pulled out her lunch from her bag.

“Tch, let's go.”

“H-huh? But boss—“

“I said let's go!”

The boy growled and walked out of the class, kicking the door as he left with his goons following behind him. The whole class didn't seem to care about the commotion, as if they're already used to it even though it's only been the first day. Ririka gulped down her meal. It won't end well if I let him go just like that. I better dig for more information to perfectly shut him up. She thought to herself as she took another bite of her bread.

“Hey, you okay?”

The voice brought her back from her thought and she blinked, raising her face to meet a pair of jet black eyes. She mentally cursed as she recognized who it was. Kawakami... She's more meddlesome than I thought. Her face didn't change, but her mind was trying to find something to drive her away.

“I'm fine. Ishizuka-kun was just asking about an equation he missed on the previous lesson.”

“Eeh~ That's nice, can ya help me out too?”

Ririka blinked as she heard the response. How much of a moron is she to believe that? She quietly thought as Nagisa pulled a chair over and put down her math notebook. Wait, maybe I could gain something from winning her trust. She glanced to the other half of the duo, who had approached them with a suspicious look on her face. Something like a bodyguard. Shu felt a shiver ran down her spine from the look, and she furrowed her brows.

“Let's go, Nagi. I don't like this girl; she smells fishy.”

“What're ya saying, Shu~?”

Nagisa whined, hitting her friend lightly on her shoulder.

“We're gonna be classmate this year so don't be rude to, err... what's yer name again?”

“...”

“It's Sutou Ririka, you dolt.” Shu sighed as she said that.

“Befriending her my ass, ya don't even remember her name...”

“Shut up, Shu... Sorry about that, Ririka-san. My head's just kinda whacky, ha ha~”

Ririka only stared at the two in silence, mulling on what to do with them. Should she start by threatening a bit?

“Can I ask you to leave? I don't plan on being friends with any of you yankees.”

“Aah, don't worry about that. This school might have a good deal of them but me and Shu are not one.”

“...”

“Besides my mom always said to be kind to everyone, so I won't leave.”

The girl smiled widely, seemingly not offended at all. Ririka blinked, feeling the atmosphere changed as Shu took another chair and obediently sat down. As if that single statement had perfectly closed the deal. Her mother. I see. The record I found stated that she died five years ago in an accident. She thought to herself, splitting her  other attention to listen to Nagisa's whining about math problem. So that woman is a big key person for these two; I just found myself a good piece of information. She could almost feel herself smirking, but her expressionless face stayed the same throughout the lunch break, and finally the bell for the next lesson rang. Nothing else caught her attention that day and before she realized she had walked the barren street of Nishinari ward, her school bag on her shoulder and a bag of food she bought from the nearby convenience store on her hand. She remembered the two girls saying goodbye to her as she left the school gate, Nagisa waving energetically while Shu half-heartedly scoffed. She let out a sigh. Three more years, she thought, as she pulled out the key of the small apartment she shared with her mother, pushing the door open right after.

“I'm home.”

She said out of habit, before she removed her shoes and put them on the shelf beside the entrance, clearing the cans of beers from the spot. She blinked. The amount of trash will overcome the cleaning at this rate. Ririka mulled to herself as she carefully navigated herself through the mountain of plastic bags, trying not to make any sound as she walk.

“Ririka?”

Perfect. She mentally sighed as she turned her face toward the source of the voice, seeing her mother poking her head out of the main room.

“I'm home.”

She repeated the greeting with the same flat tone, walking a bit faster inside before the woman could say anything.

“I bought dinner.”

“Yes, good girl. Good girl.”

Her mother smiled and patted her head, before opening the plastic bag to get the ready-made bento. Ririka watched the woman cleared the messy table a little, just enough to put down the box, before she started chomping down the meal ravishly. The girl only sat on the other end of the table silently, hugging her knees as she watched her with blank eyes.

“What's wrong, Ririka? Eat up.”

“It's alright, mom. I'll eat after you. There's no space left on the table and it's easier to clean up that way.”

The woman froze, her chopsticks hanging in front of her mouth as she stared at the girl with wide eyes. She smiled and put down her meal.

“Silly child, what are you talking about?”

Her hand traveled to pet her daughter again, before she suddenly grabbed her hair and slammed the girl's head to the table.

Eat, I said! Eat! A family should always eat their dinner together!!”

“...”

“No space left, you said? Easier to clean up, you said!? All those 'logical' excuses; you sound just like him!

Ririka kept her face planted on the wooden surface, listening to the woman dry laughter, before the laugh turned into quiet sobs. The grip on her hair disappeared.

“Ooh, Ririka... I'm sorry... Mom didn't mean to, but if I see that face—“

“It's okay, mom. It's not your fault that you're reminded of dad when you see me.”

You're right, I'm not at fault! It's that man—that heartless monster of a man, thinking that he can solve everything with logic! Your possessive behaviors have gotten out of hand, he said... Why wouldn't he understand how much I love him? That everything is a proof of how much love I have—

Ririka tried to block away the voice as the woman started her usual tantrum, taking her own share of bento as she silently ate. She could never understand her mother. She might even say that her father did a right choice to leave the crazy woman. The only thing she regretted was how the man failed to take her with him. But it didn't matter anymore.

“But you will never leave me, right Ririka?”

The voice brought her back to reality and she blinked, feeling her mother suddenly pulled her into a hug.

“You're not a monster like him... You love mom with all your heart, right?”

“Yes.” She answered.

She just answered, even though she didn't feel anything. Her face never changed.

And she closed her eyes.

“I love you, mom.”











...just three more years.


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


If she had to choose one thing worthy to live for, Ririka would undoubtedly say philosophy. With the dull predictable life around her, it was the only thing capable to satisfy her mind. But...

“Err, so this person Nietzsche then say 'Is it better to out-monster the monster or to be quietly devoured?' What does he mean by that?”

Nagisa said as she raised the thick book upward and tilted her head. Shu snorted as heard that.

“It's easy; if yer weak you'll only be stepped on, so ya have to be stronger than everyone else.”

“Oh, so that's it! But why 'monster'?”

“Because monster is strong?”

The two girls looked at each other and shrugged. Ririka sighed as she heard their exchange. At this rate I'll hate even philosophy...

“Is there something you need? Kawakami-san, Yabushita-san.”

“Nah, nothing much. I just thought ya might be lonely.”

Nagisa quickly answered with a big smile, while Shu only gave her a bored look.

“I'm only here 'cause of Nagisa. Don't worry, I'll leave and drag her with me once she fall asleep.”

“Hey!”

Ririka only stared at the two in silence, before switching her eyes back to her book.

“Be quiet in the library.”

She sternly said before hearing a quick 'okay' from the two. But the silence only last for a few seconds.

“What about you, Ririka-san? Why do you think this Nietzsche said 'out-monster the monster'? Can't he just say 'beating the stronger person'?”

“Because it's about beating monster, not person.”

“Eeh, there's still monsters on that era? Like godzilla an' stuff?”

The girl switched her gaze away from the book she was reading, turning her full attention to Nagisa.

“The term 'monster' apply to those who's not appliable to what society considered 'normal'. Something like a tyrant, or an outcast—“

Or my mother, or me... She trailed off a little.

“Or a bad guy?”

“Yes. But not necessarily.”

“I see.”

The girl nodded, while Shu simply yawned beside her.

“So ya have to be a bigger bad guy to defeat bad guys?”

“You can put it that way.” Ririka promptly replied.

“For example, the term 'death sentence'. Since your father is a policeman you've probably heard about it. In Japan it is legal to take the life of criminals who had committed murders according to their degree of crime and balance of justice seen from a nine-point criteria. Since 80% of general public agreed to this method they probably said it's carried out to maintain peace, but if you see it from another way they have to become a murderer themselves to justify that mean.”

“To justify their mean and maintain peace... they have to become a monster themselves...”

Nagisa mumbled the words, tightening her grip on the book.

“Does it mean that they'll never be happy?”

“...”

Ririka stared at her, sensing a slight change in her tone, but the girl suddenly let out a long sigh and slid down her chair.

“Aah, if only there's no bad guys in the first place~”

“There she goes. Being irrational again.”

Shu rolled her eyes as she heard her friend whined.

“The world ain't just; deal with it.”

“No, Shu. I mustn't give up. My aim is world's peace!”

“Yer still on about that?”

This is tiring. Ririka secretly grumbled to herself as she tried to block out their usual banter. In fact, what's wrong with these two? They've been sticking around her like glue in the past one month she spent her school here. She didn't mind at first since nobody dare to bug now her thanks to their presence, but hearing them bickering everyday is getting tiring. I have to drive them away before they start calling me 'friends' or sort. No, they probably did already but I have to make a clear line here. She closed her book and stood.

“I'm going. You two are too noisy, I can't stand it.”

“Hm? Okay then, see ya in class.”

No effect. How dense can this girl be? She mulled to herself, seeing Nagisa gave her a quick wave.

“Oh, one more thing. Me and Shu just found a nice baseball field. We're planning to play there after school, wanna come?”

“I don't like sports.”

“Ya can always cheer on us~ My lil' sis will come as well and I gotta say she's been wanting to meet you. Sounds like an interesting person, she said.”

“...”

Ririka put one hand to her chin. Wait, this might be a good opportunity to curry some favors. Nagisa is still the daughter of Nishinari Police's top brass, so if she do it right she might be able to convince the chief officer that she was being a victim of child abuse. She probably wouldn't even need to wait three years to leave that hellhole. The girl lowered her hand.

“I'll think about it.”

“Great! Let's meet up in front of the school gate at 7pm. I still hafta fetch my sister and our baseball equipments.”

“You mean my baseball equipments.” Shu cut in.

“Same ol', same ol'~ What's yours is mine, Shu. But what's mine is mine, bwa ha ha ha!”

“What are you, Doraemon's Big G?”

More like, what are you two? A pair of comedians? Ririka silently commented as she let out a sigh, sliding the library's door shut. 7pm, huh? She still had enough time to get some dinner and planning for the night. Should she act nice to the little sister? Hmm, but Nagisa said her sister thought that she's interesting so it's better to act like she usually is. She just had to make sure not to come out as rude. The girl spent the rest of the class mulling about it, sparing only enough attention to note anything she deemed important. She quickly scrambled out of the school's building as the bell rang, her brain jolting in excitement as she refined the scenario. Now, to get her mother's permission. The possessive woman wouldn't let her go if she asked normally, so maybe she'll get her drunk enough before asking. It's easy to get alcohols in this part of the city anyway. She could already spot the vending machine which do just that on the corner of the street. 

“This is a great plan, if I must say myself.”

She whispered to no one in particular, dropping one can of beer after another to the plastic bag that carried their usual dinner. The girl heaved the bag up with both hands as she finished. Alright, time to—

“STOP RIGHT THERE—!”

Ririka flinched as she heard the loud yell, snapping her head toward the source of the voice. Did some patrolling officer caught her? No, didn't see them anywhere. A fight? Or robbery? She didn't have time to worry about that now, but still, the voice sounded too familiar.

“The heck are ya doing!? Trampling around people’s hardwork fer nothing!!”

...Kawakami Nagisa.

Her curiosity got the better of her and she dashed to the direction the voice was coming. She quickly halted as she caught a glimpse of the familiar figure, taking a cover behind a nearby wall to observe the situation from a safe distance. Three boys, probably high school age or older. Their faces didn't look pleased. What is she thinking? Ririka thought as she saw Nagisa confronted them with her arms crossed. She could only see her back from this angle, but the girl sounded more than furious.

“Got a problem, brat? She's yer grandma or something?”

“No, but it doesn't mean ya can destroy her garden as ya please! Apologize to her this instant!”

Unbelievable. Ririka shook her head, trying hard to decide whether the girl was too righteous or just plain stupid. At least she's sure there won't be any baseball match tonight, since the girl would take a good load of beating.

SMACK!

Speak of the devil. Ririka sighed as she saw one of the boy sent Nagisa to the asphalt with his fist, hearing them cackling.

“Did ya say something~?”

“Apologize...”

“Huuh?”

The other boy kicked her on the gut.

SMACK--

“Can't hear ya~”

“Apologi—agh!

Another kick. Ririka let out another sigh. She wasn't a fan of streetfight so there's no point in watching. Maybe she should call the police to stop the fight; she still needed her father so she couldn't get the girl killed here. She pulled out her phone and dialled the emergency number.

 
    RRRR--

       RRRR-- 

            CLICK

      “Yes, Nishinari Police Department.”


“Please help, there's a school girl being assaulted on—

      “GYAAAAAA—AHH!!!”

Ririka paused as she heard the loud scream, switching her attention back to the scene. That didn't sound like a girl voice. More like...

“My leg! My leg—!!”

The girl froze, finding one of the boy falling to his butt as he clutched his right leg. The limb was twisted in a weird direction, his broken bone protruding out of his skin. What just happened? That was the only thing remained in her head as she lowered her phone, watching the fallen girl stood slowly.   

“You won't apologize...”

“Hiee—“

  CRACK--

Another breaking sound. Another body fell to the ground clutching their chest, gasping for air as if they had forgotten how to breath. The girl retracted her fist, switching her eyes to the only remaining figure. The boy seeemed to have frozen in place, his whole body visible shaking as the way smaller girl approached him slowly.

“Nee, niichan. Are you a bad guy?”

“N-no, we're sorr—“

   CREAK-- CRACK--

The boy didn't manage to finish his sentence as his lower jaw shifted out of place.


“Bad guys should all just disappear from this world...”


Ririka felt a shiver crept up her spine as she heard the cold voice. More and more cracking sound filled the empty street as blood splattered all over the place. What is this? What is she seeing right now? A fight? No. A one-sided slaughter? How? Why? The girl, with her bare hands? How is that even possible? N-no, rather than that she should call the cops. Wait, she already did. The line should've still connected on her phone. She should tell them and put a stop to this. But even thinking that way her hand wouldn't move. Her thumb slowly hovered toward the red mark instead, cutting off the call with a single tap.

“Look, mom... I get rid of another bad guys today, isn't that great?”

She saw the girl raised her face toward the darknened sky, a smile on her face as she spoke. Three figures lying on the ground just beside her, covered in pool of red.       

“I'm getting one step closer to that world's peace you dream so much about... I'll get rid the rest of them soon, so... please, don't worry... uuh...”

The girl suddenly fell to her knees, tears falling down her face as she raised her bloody hands to claw on her hair.

“I'm sorry, I did it again... I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry--”

She kept repeating the words like a broken record. Ririka only stood there, watching the girl cried among all the destruction she created.


  "Why can't I stop hurting people...? I just want to make everyone happy...”


The words muffled into silent cry, and Ririka finally turned away, leaving the scene as if nothing had happened. She went straight home without a word, putting away her shoes and calling her mother for dinner like she had always been, before sitting down and ate her share.

“Ririka?”

She heard her mother said in a trembling voice. She raised her face to look at the woman, only to find that her vision had turned blurry.

“You...cried? You cried?”

She cried? She cried. So she could show emotion. That's a new finding. But why? What is she feeling right now? The girl raised one hand to her face, wiping off the tears.

“What happened, dear?”

“I'm okay, mom. It's just...”

Her thought suddenly returned to that scene she saw a few moments ago. A scene so absurd and unreal even in the most illogical place in this country. And for the first time in forever, the girl felt a smile tugged on her lips.

“I think I just found something. Something interesting that's worth living for.


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“Like I said, what humanity called 'monster' are those who deviate from the norm. But Nietzsche has another theory called 'Over-human', which also have independent values different from society, or should I say, the herds. They are those whose superior power managed them to carve their own path and affect people at large. So if these monsters can reach a stage where they could control their power at ease, they might evolve into 'Over-human'.”

“Hmmm... And that's what you've been mulling about?”

“Research, mind you. But actually I'm more interested in the psychological aspect of these 'Over-human' rather than their physical prowess. Let's say, for instances, a 'monster' have done whatever it deem necessary to achieve their ideal and finally become an 'Over-human'. Will it be happy? Or will it look back in grief? Or perhaps, there's even another ending available for them?”

“I see...”

Nagisa nodded, staring at Ririka blankly as the girl finished her speech.

“No, you don't see anything. It's too complicated for you.”

“Wha, grrh... I understand everything, 'kay? I was just... thinking a little!”

“Yes. Of course.”

“Why am I even listening to yer philosophical rant?”

“Because you said you need something to pass time with as we walk.”

Nagisa groaned as she fixed her grip on the cardboard box in her hands, watching Ririka carried the smaller one with her. The two walked down the corridors in silence.

“I'm more concerned about what happened to yer mother...”

“Nothing you should feel sorry about.”

Ririka quickly cut her. Yes. It was nothing to feel sorry about. It's the woman's own fault. There was nobody to blame. In fact she already knew this would happen one day, getting desperate about her 'love' her crazy mother would either kill herself or track down her father for a double suicide. She was just relieved that the woman didn't 'love' her enough to be included in the list.

“Anyways, ya sure had turned a lot more talkative in this past two years. Though yer face still stay expressionless most of the time.”

“Perhaps your noisiness is rubbing on me. Oh, and do you like it more if I show more expressions, 'Seigi'-san?”

“And a lot more annoying! Gaah, what's up with the creepy fake smile and codename thingy?”

“It's something that yankees use to call each other.”

“Look. How many times do I have to say; I'm not a yankee.”

“Two years ago perhaps, but how about now?”

“...”

Nagisa didn't answer and keep on walking, before she stopped on one of the door. The girl pushed the knob down with her elbow and pushed the door open, showing the small empty room with a single bed and drawer.

“Okay. This will be yer room. Nice and comfy, ain't it?”

“I expected much. And since I'll be living in your family's orphanage, shall I call you 'sister'?”

“No, thanks.”

“Why are you getting colder to me each day, Nagisa-oneechan?”

The girl felt her face crunched in disgust as she heard that, edging away from Ririka.

“Whoa, that frickin' philosopher wannabe's really here.”

The two girls switched their attention to the source of the voice, seeing Shu peeking out from the room three doors away from them.

“I'm glad her room's not next to mine.”

“Good day to you to, Yabushita-san.”

Ririka plainly answered, while Nagisa threw away the box in her hand and ran toward her.

“Shuu~~” She whined loudly, tackling the smaller girl.

“Why~? Why did I have to befriend this person back in first year?”

“See? Told cha she's bad news—Oi! Where're ya touching ya perv!?”

“Guuh, thank you for growing yer asset in these two years~! They're the only things cheering me up now~”

“Want me to bash yer skull off, shithead?”

Ririka only stared as the duo started their comedic moment, before she felt someone tackling her as well.

“Ririka-oneechan~!”

Ririka blinked, switching her gaze to the small girl hugging her waist. The girl smiled sweetly at her.

“Hello, Chihiro.”

“Is it true that you're staying with us from now on?”

“That's right.”

“Yaay! I can't wait to tell you all of big sis Nagisa embarrassing moments~”

“Ya heard that, Shu? Ya heard that!?”

Nagisa finally released her grip and threw her arms in frustration.

“It's not even five minutes yet and she's already corrupting Chihi!”

“Sorry to break it to ya, but I think that 'corruption' had started way longer.”

“No way...”

The girl fell to her knees in dramatic manners, and Chihiro gave her a sigh.

“Oneechan, are you done with yer skits?”

“This is not a skit, Chihi, I really am desperate...”

“Well, dad is desperate when he heard you got into another fight.”

Nagisa flinched as she heard that and she looked away.

“I didn't start it.”

“That's exactly why he's worried.”

“...”

“You always jump without thinking. You'll hurt yourself one of these days.”

“Ain't he actually just afraid that I'll end up like Miru-nee?”

“Oneechan!”

“Aah, geez~ I get it, I get it~”

The girl jumped to her feet, walking toward Chihiro and patting her head.

“I won't fight again 'kay?”

“Liar.”

Nagisa sighed as her sister crossed her arms, and she glanced at Shu and Ririka with a pleading look. The two looked at each other.

“Don't worry, Chihiro. Just leave your good for nothing sister to us.”

Ririka said in assurance, and Shu nodded, approaching the girl.

“Yup. Ain't gonna let that idiot going rampant again. Now how about you play with the other outside? We'll be right with ya in a while.”

“Eeh~”

Chihiro whined as Shu put both hands on her shoulders, pushing her toward the front door. Nagisa smiled and gave her sister a quick wave.

“This 'Miru-nee' you were talking about.”

Ririka suddenly said, seeing Nagisa flinched from it.

“Are you referring to Shiroma Miru of Gekioko High?”

“...”

“Also known as the yankee 'Shirogiku', I didn't know she lives in this orphanage.”

“She left.”

The girl lowered her hand slowly, her smile disappeared.

“Miru-nee was very strong, but she always use that power to pick a fight with everyone. One day she came home with a very bad mood and when I saw her hurting Chihi, I just...”

She clenched trembling fists.

“...ha ha. I guess you know what happen next.”

“You got so angry and nearly killed her.”

“Well... kind of. Since then Miru-nee stop coming home, but even now I'm still hearing a lot of bad rumors about her.”

Nagisa gave her a dry laugh, scratching her head.

“No wonder dad's worried; I might end up a worse yankee than her.”

“But you won't stop fighting.”

“...”

Nagisa sighed, watching Shu waved her goodbye to Chihi and closed the front door.

“I'm no longer a naive little girl. If it's for the sake of justice, I won't hesitate to do anything. I'm sure he'll understand one day.”

“Perhaps he will.”

Ririka plainly said as she saw Shu joined up with them.

“Now. Since I'll be living here, I guess it'll be easier for us to plan our move from now on.”

“What, ya have a new 'mission' already?”

Shu snickered, seeing the girl nodded.

“I got a request from a student of our school. She was harassed and got her money stolen by some yankees from another school. We just have to get those money back.”

“One against many? That's a pretty coward move, where're they from?”

Ririka paused, switching her gaze to Nagisa.

“Gekioko High School.”


The girl flinched a bit, but then, she smiled.

“Heh, no problem. I don't care who they are—“ She cracked her fist.

“I'll make them pay for what they did.”

“I'm with ya, pal.”

Shu smirked, elbowing her friend. Ririka felt her own smile stretched from their reply.

“Good. There's something else I need to remind you; our actions have attracted quite a nosy bunch lately, so I think it's better if we start addressing ourselves with our codenames as we work.”

She crouched and opened the cardboard box beside her.

[ Kimotama ] ” She plainly said, tossing a yellow sweater and white mask to Shu.

[ Seigi ]

She gave a red army jacket and a pair of black leather gloves to Nagisa.

“And [ Gakushu ] for you, right?”

Ririka simply nodded, taking a black coat for herself from the box. She stood, putting on the fabric as she walked toward the two girls.

“Alright, let's go.”

Nagisa smirked, clicking her gloves on.


“Time to bring up some justice.”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


perhaps I was too cocky, thinking that I could solve everything

that I could bring happiness even for monsters like us

it was the first mistake I made, for not realizing that

the choice will end up destroying our happiness instead...

 

__________________________________________________________
The Epitome of Justice : Chapter 14 // END
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[CH.15]
Post by: jubethehare on March 04, 2017, 10:28:42 AM
Hello, everyone! I'm back with chapter 15.  8)

This is the end of 'yankee war' arc and will cover the remaining of Nagisa's flashback until the event of 'that day'. Yep, 'that day' that everyone's been talking about. Finally. The whole chapter happens in a long time span though, so there'll be jumping here and there. I hope you won't lose track of what's happening. Anyways, here it goes~       
 

Enjoy~~



The Epitome of Justice
Chapter 15: Theory of A Monster - Answer

__________________________________________________________



The room was dark. Several syringes and vials were lined up on a long table in the middle of the room, giving off a strong smell of antiseptics, and on the far end, parted by tattered white curtains, was a black leather chair. Its dark color, together with the blue flag hung behind it to cover a part of the window, stood in contrast among the white walls.

Gekioko High.

So it was written on the flag.

On the leather chair sat a girl wearing a matching black jacket, her eyes closed as she seemed to have fallen into a deep slumber, yet her stern face stayed like it's always been. Another girl stared at her silently, her gaze devoid of any emotion as she saw the girl's chest rising and falling slowly. She drew closer, climbing up the girl's lap as she slowly raised her hands to her neck.

“What do you think are you doing, Coby?”

Coby smiled. Her cold hands pressed against the girl's throat, firmly, but not enough to choke her.

“Good morning, Antonio.”

Antonio opened her eyes. Her sharp gaze pierced through her partner.

“Are you trying to start a coup?”

“Hm~? Maybe?”

Coby let out a small giggle and pressed her hands tighter.

Antonio calmly yanked them away.

“I'm just kidding. But if it's really the case, aren't you being too careless? Someone will take your neck one of these days~”

The girl didn't answer. She sat upright, observing as the other girl walked toward the table in the middle.

“Are you taking me for granted? The proud members of Kango-ka I've raised wouldn't let a sneaky pest stealing the top so easily.”

“Those proud members you're talking about are now being beaten up on the school's field though.”

Antonio narrowed her eyes, watching Coby's mischievous smile stretched as the girl leaned her hands on the edge of the table.

“Majisuka? Or is it Yabakune?”

“Neither of them; it's just two little girls.”

“So the shiro-kuro duo decided to wreak another havoc.”

“Pfft, oh silly Antonio... Didn't I tell you?”

Coby giggled, enjoying the confused look on the Kango-ka leader's face.


“It's just two little girls.


'Two nameless little girls who you normally won't even consider a pest~”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


(https://s23.postimg.org/dsk2bq89n/origin.jpg)


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“Aah, this is the worst~ This is the worst, I'm telling ya!”

Nagisa whined loudly as she swatted her gloved hands a few times, shaking off the blood on her knuckles. Her eyes wandered around the fallen figures of Gekioko yankee.

“Why are all yankees like this? Oi, Riri—I mean, Gakushu.”

She switched her gaze to the girl standing behind her.

“I've beat all of 'em but which one taking the money?”

Ririka took out her notebook in response, flipping through some of the pages, before closing it again in an instant.

“Frankly. The client didn't give me that information.”

“Wha—that's the most important part! And don't tell me she also didn't tell you how much was stolen!?”

Ririka gave her an obvious look, and Nagisa slapped her face, groaning.

“Chihi will chew me out if she knew about this...”

“She won't; that's why Kimotama is staying behind, to distract her.”

“Well, at least Shu—Kimotama WILL chew me out for doing that.”

“Front. A punch to the face.”

The girl swung her head back as a fist nearly hit her nose. She planted her both hands to the ground to stop her fall, twisting her body to hit her attacker with a roundhouse kick to the head, sending them sprawling on the ground. She sighed and stood back to her full height.

“Would ya stop attacking? I don't like hurting innocent people. Unless yer the culprit then that's fine.”

“Ya damn brats!”

The yankee yelled at her furiously.

“We won't let ya take the top!”

“What's that girl babbling about?”

Nagisa pointed at the yankee with her thumb and Ririka opened her notebook again.

The top. The strongest person in the hierarchy of yankees. Once you pick a fight with their underlings it's already common sense for them that you won't stop until you fight this 'top'.”

Nagisa gave her a blank stare.

“Oi. You knew this all along, don't cha?”

“Does it matter? You've said that you'll uphold justice whatever the case so I'm only providing the assistance you need. Besides, once we meet the top we'll know who's the culprit for sure. Speaking of which...”

Nagisa blinked, switching her gaze to follow Ririka's line of sight. She saw two other girls appeared from inside the school building, walking toward the scene.

“C-coby-san! Antonio-san!”

One of the yankees shouted, and the one in black jacket raised her hand, telling them not to interfere. She stepped forward, while the one in pink nurse outfit only stood there among the crowd, smiling as she crossed her arms. Nagisa narrowed her eyes. The girl before her was quite small, a bit shorter than her she noted, but she could feel her strong presence engulfing the whole field.


My name is [Antonio], the leader of Kango-ka and the current top of Gekioko.

'Who are you and what business ya girls have in my territory, hm?”



A question. A simple question with no rushing tone whatsoever, but once it came out of the girl's mouth it felt as if it's an absolute order. Nagisa growled, ready to snap at her, but Ririka held her back.

“We're Seigi and Gakushu from Nishinari Junior High. And as for what we need, I believe some of underlings have the answer.”

“Argh, let me make it simple,” Nagisa cut in. “One of yer people beat up my friend and stole her money. I just need 'em to give it back.”

“Is that so?”

Antonio glanced at her underlings for a while, watching some of them hung their head in shame, before returning her gaze to the two girls.

“Hurting the weak had never been our principle so let me apologize in their stead. My underlings' fault is partly my own fault; I'll give you what you need.”

“Finally~!” Nagisa dropped her shoulders in relief.

“Someone who can be reasoned with—

“If you can take it from me of course.”

She paused mid-sentence, staring at the yankee in disbelief.

“Can't we do this peacefully?”

“When you're in Rome do as the Romans do. And I believe yer not powerless enough to need our pity.”

Antonio said in response, taking out her wallet and waving it on the air slightly.

“Come.”

SWISH--

Nagisa gritted her teeth, her right hand met the empty air as Antonio pulled the wallet away. She clicked her tongue.

“Then don't blame me if I hurt ya!”

She clenched the hand and swung her arm to her side, aiming for the girl's head.

“Seigi-san, don't—“

Nagisa blinked. She could hear Ririka's voice for a second before the ground slipped from under her feet. The sense of gravity left her, and before she knew it her forehead already hit the cold ground with a painful thud.

“Gah, what the hell!?"

The girl growled, feeling someone locking her right arm behind her.

“Your fighting pattern is very simple.”

Antonio calmly said, pulling the arm with her left hand and stepping on the girl's back.

“The one in black is the brain and you're the brawn. If I separate you two you'll be nothing but a foolish brat who can't even control her power.”

Nagisa planted her left hand to the ground and pushed herself up, feeling her blood boiled from the statement.

“Don't struggle. You'll only break yer arm.”

“Ha ha...”

The girl quietly laughed, her smile stretched from ear to ear.

“Ya just gave me a good idea~”

CREAK-- BAM!

“Tch.”

Antonio pushed the girl away, raising one hand to her face as the girl gave her a painful headbutt to the nose. She swished the blood away with her thumb.

She sacrifices her own arm to attack me, huh?


“Raaaah!”

The Gekioko's top smirked, watching the girl charged at her in pure rage, ignoring her right arm that was hanging limply on her shoulder.

“You have a remarkable determination.”

She threw her wallet to the air, pulling her right fist.

“But that by itself is not enough.”

Antonio turned her head slightly, dodging and countering the girl with an uppercut to her jaw.

“No matter how strong you are there's no point if yer fist doesn't reach yer opponent. And a blind charge will only make it easier to read.”

The simple blow effectively shut the enraged girl, knocking her unconscious, and Antonio caught her wallet once again. She retracted her right hand, feeling the numbness it received from the recoil, before she switched her gaze to the remaining girl.

“What now? I have nullified your main offense so what will you do?”

Ririka observed the situation intently, before she raised her both hands.

“I give up.”

“Huuuh!? Ya frickin kidding with us!?”

The yankees around them shouted in rage but Antonio kept her calm, waiting for the girl to continue.

“True that I no longer have any mean to defeat you but you also have no choice but to let me go. I believe beating a powerless little girl like me will only taint your reputation.”

“You have quite a silver tongue. Very well; take yer friend and leave.”

Ririka lowered her hands in response. She switched her gaze to the unconscious Nagisa near Antonio's feet, keeping her head down as she slowly walked toward the fallen figure.

“Alright, stop right there.”

The girl halted, raising her head to see Coby smiling at her from behind Antonio.

“Geez, Antonio~ That's why I said you'll lose yer head one of these days.”

Coby stepped forward, leaning her weight on Antonio's shoulder.

“Don't ya realize? That girl is hiding a knife somewhere.”

Ririka froze, her left hand twitching slightly above the cold metal hidden under her blue skirt. Her expression turned a bit rigid.

“Interesting.”

Antonio smirked, throwing her wallet to the ground.

“You two have potentials but yer still unripe. Come challenge me again once you're stronger.”

Ririka didn't answer, keeping her expresionless gaze as the older girl walked away.

“KY, get some ice-packs and treat her wound. Can't have the other school seeing us as shameless bully, can we? And those who trampled over the junior high students, come see me in my room.”

“Y-yes, Antonio-san!”

The crowd of yankees dispersed from the simple order, some walked away in fear and some with relief. Ririka only stared at them silently, taking the wallet and flinging Nagisa's left arm over her shoulder. Little that she knew, another person was watching them from the second floor of the school building, smiling widely.

“Looks like another raucous duo have appeared.”

“And what kind of twisted plan are ya making now, Zero?”

Zero snickered, glancing at her fellow council member beside her.

“Oh no, I'm not planning anything bad~ You know that I'm just a loyal servant of the school, Baba.”

“Who're ya calling an old lady!? It's Yamada! YA.MA.DA.NA.NA. OKAY!?”

“Doesn't everyone always call you Kusobaba? I thought it's your yankee name.”

“IT'S NOT!”

The girl snickered once again from the outburst.

“Hmph, I still don't like it but it's the principal's decision. For you to be the next head of student council...”

“Don't worry, I'll work hard. Just give your position and retire to the senior daycare centre already.”

“I'm still 19 and I'm just GRADUATING from high school.”

“Again with that joke~”

“Zero.”

The atmosphere suddenly grew heavy, but Zero kept her smile.

“Don't touch those girls or Kango-ka. They got nothing to do with them.”

“What are you talking about, of course I won't~”

She waved her fellow council member away, ignoring the glare the older girl was giving her. She looked out the window once again, whispering under her breath.

“Not if that's what they desire...”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


“Ugh—ouch, ouch, ouch...”

Nagisa cringed, feeling a sharp pain coursed through her body. She groggily opened her eyes.

“Damn that pointy chin woman, it hurts like hell... Wait, where am I?”

“A hotel room near Namba that I use as a hideout.”

She blinked, hearing Ririka voice coming from somewhere near. She tilted her gaze upward.

“Good morning, Seigi-san. You've been out for roughly five hours.”

Nagisa paused, finding her head resting on Ririka's lap as the girl held an ice pack to her sore shoulder. She blinked once again.

“What are ya doing?”

“I'm treating your wound. Fortunately you only dislocated your shoulder so nothing is broken. I've put it back and is now stopping it from getting swollen.”

“Right, thanks for the information. Now go away.”

“How cold. And you used to be such a cute innocent goody two shoes who's full of smiles.”

“Ha. Ha. Ha. How about fixing yer personality first before complaining about mine?”

Nagisa gave her a sarcastic look, taking the ice pack from Ririka and sat up on the bed. The other girl shrugged.

“Let's get back to topic. I think I've miscalculated the abilities of Gekioko's top. You probably won't lose to her in term of raw power but the gap between your experiences is too wide.”

“Because I am NOT a yankee. Tch, enough complaint; let's head back. I won't stop until I deliver their justice.”

“About that,” Ririka said as she stood and walked toward the nearby table.

“That woman gave us her wallet will all her money. And I believe she's done punishing our culprit.”

“...”

“She's also the one giving that ice-pack and helping me fix your shoulder.”

She took the said wallet and inspected its content.

“That being said, this is way too much. I believe we can give half to the client and take the rest for ourselves.”

“...cool.”

“Did you say something, Seigi-san?”

    “SO COOOL----!!!!”

Ririka could only stare at Nagisa as the girl shouted in awe, her eyes shining as she grinned like an idiot.

“Strong but considerate, and also give everyone their rightful share! That's how the ally of justice should be!”

“I see that you've found a great role model...”

“Alright, I've decided. I'm going to be a cool person like her!”

“Sorry to interrupt your delusion Seigi-san, but I think we better get going now.”

“Hm?”

Nagisa blinked, shaking herself back to reality.

“Kimotama has been calling us for the hundredth of times.”

She saw Ririka took her phone from the table, showing the call history to her. She growled.

“How can ya have a cellphone already while I don't?”

“Because I bought it myself. And one more thing.”

Ririka plainly said as she pulled the phone back.

“Your father will come home tonight.”

“Probably.”

Nagisa finished the sentence for her.

“He's been dealing with some dangerous bunch, he said. So I won't be so hopeful.”

“I see.”

She didn't blame him at all. She knew that her father had been busy, with him getting promoted as the district head of Nishinari police and the rising number of crimes she saw in the news lately, and of course the reason he didn't go home so often was to avoid those bad people who's targeting him and his family. She knew. Because her father had been a bit overprotective since her mother's death. A part of him broke since then, just like her. So Nagisa had decided not to complain and that she would protect everyone else in his stead. She understood the situation very well, but as a child she couldn't deny her longing to a parental figure, to have someone to depend at times and tell her that everything would be alright.

No. I mustn't be selfish.


She sighed, seeing Ririka raised her phone to her ear as it rang once again.

“Yes Kimotama, we're on our way—“

The girl suddenly paused, and Nagisa blinked as she saw that.

“What is it? What did Shu say?”

“Change of plan, Seigi-san.”

Ririka sternly said as she walked toward the cupboard, throwing away the knife she hid and tossing a clean change of shirt to Nagisa.

“We'll take a detour to Uragami Hospital on northern Nishinari first.”

“What's wrong? Is someone hurt?”

She didn't answer. Nagisa clicked her tongue and jumped off the bed, pulling the girl's collar.


“Spill it out, dammit! Who got hurt while we're away!?

    “Your father.”


Nagisa froze as she heard that, her grip faltered.

“He was shot by someone in his office. His colleagues have brought him to hospital but he's in critical condition now. We better hurry.”

She didn't know what to say. Her mind went blank. She wasn't even sure how she managed to get to the hospital, staring blankly at the white floor as she rested her back on the wall, listening to the cries and sobs of her siblings.

What is this? What just happened? Her father had always been working hard to keep the town peaceful so why was he being punished for it? She shifted her gaze upward, seeing several police officers, her father's colleagues, standing there and tending to her younger siblings. She clenched her fists. Where were they? How could they let this happen? Her father was attacked in his office so shouldn't they know? She glared at them, feeling her anger started to bubble up and ready to burst.

“Stop it, Nagisa-san.”

She flinched, feeling a light tap on her left shoulder. Ririka was standing beside her, shaking her head.

“There's no point in lashing at them. You'll only make matter worse.”

She held her breath, hitting her fist lightly to the wall in attempt to control herself. Shu, who was standing on her other side, moved her hand above the girl's trembling fist, clenching it.

“C'mon, we're talking about dad here. I'm sure the old man's just gonna pop out of the operating room laughing like a goof he is.”

“...”

“And he'll say 'What's with that stupid gloomy look yer wearing, Nagi? Got a stomachache?'”

Nagisa snorted as she heard that, opening her palm and clenched the hand back.

“Yeah... Yeah, you're right... I'm sure that's what he gonna say...”

She softly smiled, trying to assure herself.

The wait was painfully exhausting. Hours passed until the girls finally saw the operating sign went off and a person walked out of the double panelled door, presumably the doctor.

“Is a family of mr. Kawakami here?”

He looked around the crowd of people, finding only children among them, until his eyes stopped on the police officers. One of them stepped up.

“I'm sorry but chief Kawakami had no other relatives but his children. I'm his assistant at work and their guardian for now.”

“Then I will talk to you about the patient's condition. Please leave the children here.”

The man nodded and instructed his men to look after them, leaving with the doctor through another door. Nagisa pushed herself from the wall and quietly followed them, peeking through the small gap on the door. Shu and Ririka tagging along with her.


   --”Doctor, how was the operation?”

   --”We managed to remove the bullet from the patient's wound and stop the infection from spreading, but it seems like the patient had suffered a severe blood loss. Had his bleeding been left for a second longer the patient would probably not survive.”

   --”I see.”

   --”The sudden loss of blood cause a hypovolemic shock in the patient's body and damage some of his organs. We had already lost his kidneys and there's still implications of damage on his brain tissue.”


The words were too difficult for her to understand but the girl knew at least one thing, that her father was still in a dangerous condition.


   --”We will try to find a matching donor and conduct the surgery as fast as we can, but...”

   --”I understand what you mean. It can't be helped, I'll talk to the children—“

“Can't be helped?”


Nagisa quietly said, startling the two men as she appeared from behind the door.

“Why do you mean? Why can't ya help dad right now?”

“Nagisa,” The police officer crouched to her height, holding her shoulders.

“It might be hard for you to understand but there's a strict law in our country about finding and doing organ transplant. And the cost for doing it—

“So it's money, huh?”

Ririka cut in, approaching the man. She switched her gaze to the doctor.

“Are you also thinking of discharging him in case we don't have the necessary fund to continue his treatment?”

“Listen, miss. We will do our best according to the proper regulations.“

“Regulations? So what?”

Shu joined in, glaring at the doctor.

“Ya admit that you'll let him die like that!?”

Nagisa gritted her teeth as she heard that, yanking the officer's grip off her shoulders.

“Nagisa, listen to me—

“I've heard enough.”

She averted her gaze and walked away, trying her best not to slam the door behind her so that she wouldn't wake her siblings that had fallen asleep in the other room. Chihiro opened her eyes from the small disturbance, waking up just in time to see her older sister leaving toward the stairs.

“Oneechan?”

“It's alright, Chihiro.”

Ririka said in assurance.

“Nagisa-san just need some time alone.”

“...why? What happened?”

She switched her gaze to Shu, a slight fear in her eyes. 

"Hey, Shu-neechan, say something..."

Shu looked away. She could only watch as Nagisa's figure disappeared up the stairs.

The girl continued to climb until the rooftop, hearing the constant sound of her own footsteps hitting the floor as she walked toward the edge of the building. The city below was still in its same merry atmosphere that night, mockingly oblivious, as if laughing at her misery, and she planted her hands on the railing.


“AAAAAHHH!!!!”


Nagisa shouted, her tears freely pouring down her cheeks as she yelled her heart out, cursing the rotten world before her. She didn't understand. She didn't understand this at all. Why did her father have to suffer like that? What wrong had he made to deserve it?

“Hah... Ha ha ha~”

She slid down to her knees, laughing among her sobs. No. That's not right. Her father didn't do anything wrong. He's always fighting for justice so the one hurting him are the bad guys. His colleagues who left him to die, and the doctor who chose money above his patient's life, them too. The girl laughed even louder.














“Should I get rid of them all?”

“My, how scary.”


Nagisa flinched, hearing an unfamiliar voice coming from behind her. She turned around, seeing a girl she never knew appeared from the stairs.

“If children saw their hero of justice laughing so evilly like that they'll undoubtedly cry in their seat."

She hastily wiped her tears, giving the girl a cold look.

“Who are you?”

“Right, silly me. I forgot to introduce myself.”

The girl gave her a quick bow.


My name is Fujie Reina, second year of Gekioko High, also the head of its student council.

You can call me [Zero] for short. I believe you're miss Kawakami Nagisa, correct?”


Gekioko. Nagisa loosened her guard a bit as she heard that.

“I knew about you from your...'brief visit' to our school this afternoon. I'm just curious what kind of person you are since Antonio and Coby seem to have taken quite a liking on you.”

“Sorry. But I'm in no mood for a talk right now.”

“I know. I've heard about what happened to your father, and I believe I can help you.”

Zero approached her slowly, careful as not to provoke the unstable girl.

“We from the student council are obliged to scout potential students that may receive special scholarship from the school. Do you know what scholarship means?”

“That you'll give me a huge load of money?”

“Yes, even more. Gekioko High School is focused in medical study and our parent company owns a private hospital as well as several medicine factories. If you agree to enter the scholarship program we will cover all of your father's treatments along with your school tuitions.”

“Heh, then go approach Gakushu. I have no brain for studying.”

“Now now, Kawakami-san. Have you forgotten?”

Nagisa blinked, hearing the older girl snickered at her response.

“Gekioko is not just some private medical school. We're also known as one of the strongest yankee school in Osaka.

“You mean...”

The girl clenched her fist in realization, and Zero smiled wider.

“Precisely. We won't give your scholarship based on your academic ability, but from your performance as the school's special security unit. You can say it's like an elite force who serve our justice.”

Zero swished a name card from her pocket, handing it to the girl.

“This is the address of our off-school office. Come whenever you're ready, we will give your 'scholarship' in advance and fill you in with some basic trainings. But,”

She raised her index finger to her mouth.

“Kept quiet about it from your other siblings. The 'special security' of a yankee school isn't a peaceful job and I'm sure you don't want them to worry.”

“...don't need it.”

Nagisa blandly said, ripping the card in her hands and letting the remains fluttered toward the bustling city. She turned her empty gaze to the girl.

Take me to yer office right now. I will take this 'scholarship' of yours this instant.”

Zero chuckled as she heard that.

“Then welcome onboard. But first thing first, we can't have you running around with your real name. Another bad guys might come to target you like your father. Hmm, I think Antonio called you with another name. What was it...”

The girl tapped her chin.

[Seigi], was it?”

“...”

“I see. That's a perfect name for you; an embodiment of justice. Well then,”

She offered her right hand.

“I'm looking forward to work with you, Seigi-chan~”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


At first it was hell.

She remembered her first job; catching a man who's been secretly dealing drugs to students in Gekioko territory. It was nothing like those mock 'missions' she used to do with Ririka and Shu, the way her heart throbbed against her ribcage, adrenaline pumping through her veins as she fought between life and death. It's kill or be killed; so her instinct told her as she saw the man pulled out a knife and aimed for her neck. The cold metal grazed her skin lightly and she pummelled the man's face as hard as she could, feeling really afraid for the first time. She raised one hand to her neck. If it wasn't for that black choker Zero gave her she would've already lost it.

“Well done.”

She held her breath as she saw Zero walking past her. Two loud sounds and a familiar smell of gunpowder. The next moment she saw the man already whimpering on the ground, clutching his bleeding legs.

“Hello, small fry. Thank you for trespassing on our territory while I'm training a new recruit. I was just looking for a good target practice. Now Seigi-chan, c'mere~”

The girl snickered and stepped on the man's head, tossing the gun to her.

“Kill him.”

She froze. The blood inside her ran cold as she shakily held the killing device.

“This is how you pass down a true justice. By getting rid of all bad guys in this world~”

Yes. She knew. She'd also been yearning to do that for years.

Mercy. Kindness. Hesitation.

She had no need for them anymore.

She stepped forward, slowly pointing the gun to the man's head, and she saw the man smiled.

“...f*ck ya.”

BANG!

She remembered throwing up and falling to her knees right then, relieving that same nightmare for the next countless nights. Chihiro would come and climb to her bed those times, hugging her and whispering words of comforts to her ear until she fell asleep. Eventually she started to grow numb to them all, both to the smell of blood and the helpless plea of her target. She just raised the device to their head.

BANG. BANG. BANG.

And everything would return to a peaceful silence.

Sometimes her target would struggle and she'd lose her gun. By then she didn't have any choice but to turn to her rage, ripping their throat with her bare hands. Her actions seemed to satisfy Zero even more, as she tested and prompted her to get better use of that power.

That same routine continued every night.

A never ending nightmare.













“Hey, Seigi.”

Nagisa blinked, hearing someone calling and pulling her out of her thought. She raised her head.

It was Shu.

Ah, yes.

She was playing baseball with her, on that field behind Gekioko High like they used to.

“Hm? What is it?”

She gave her a generic answer, putting on a huge smile. A huge fake smile.

Half a year had passed since she first met Zero. Her father had been moved to Gekioko's private hospital and she'd been doing her part of the deal to ensure his continued treatments, leaving whenever school ended and coming home late at night or early the next day. It's just a part-time job, she told her siblings with a smile, and somehow they decided to not ask any further. Probably since everyone had their hands full themselves; Shu earning her own share to feed their younger siblings, Chihiro taking care of them and their daily necessities, while Ririka pulling some strings with the officials to keep the orphanage running. But when she found Shu asking her to skip school today and head to the baseball court, she knew the silence had reached its breaking point.

“Say...”, the girl hesitantly asked, “Yer entering Gekioko next year, right? Why there?”

“Hmmmm.”

Nagisa hummed to herself, catching the ball that Shu threw at her. Seemed like the girl decided to mention a different topic. She threw the ball back, lightly, only lightly, as she's afraid of putting too much power and hurting her friend.

“For world’s peace.”

“Pfft, wait what!?“

Shu snorted, trying to hold back her laugh.

“How the heck you come to that, ya blockhead?”

“Eeeh, well… They’re one of the strongest schools ‘round here, ain’t they? So if I take their top I’ll be the strongest in Osaka.”

She let the lies flowed naturally, seeing Shu catching the ball with her baseball mitt.

“From there I’ll take the top of the top, then the higher top, all and all until the highest top. If people only listen to the strongest, then I’ll be the strongest and make ‘em listen to what I say.”

“Then you’ll tell ‘em to make peace with each other.”

“Exactly!”

Shu sighed and threw the ball back.

“…geez, why do I hafta to stuck with a delusional idiot like you.”

“What’s that ya stinkin’ brat!?”

She playfully yelled, throwing the ball with a bit more power. Just a bit.

“Nah, nothing. But Gekioko, huh? They have a low passing grade so I’m sure we’ll pass.”

“Whaddya mean ‘we’?”

Shu shrugged.

“Well, thanks to YOU we’re stuck together now. So I’ll follow ya even to the depth of hell.”

“Why? And why yer blaming me for that!?”

“Because… Heh, I’m sure a super-dense blockhead like you will never understand—!”

“Wai—hey!”

Nagisa clicked her tongue, feeling the ball slipped from her glove as Shu threw it a bit too high. She sent an annoyed look to her friend, who only scratched her head halfheartedly in apologize, before she ran after the ball that was rolling on the field.

“So the information I got from Basset was right. You do play on this field once in a while.”

The ball stopped, a black boot blocking its trail. Nagisa blinked and raised her head, seeing the owner took the ball with their right hand.

“Still as lively as ever, don't cha? Little girl.”

“Shit, Na—Seigi! Run!”

Shu shouted in panic, running toward her frozen friend.

“It's a Gekioko yankee—“

“Oh, it's Antonio-san. Hello~”

—the heck? Shu skidded into a sudden stop, almost tripping on her own shoes as she heard the light reply. She shook her head and stared at the two in disbelief, seeing Antonio passing the white leather ball back to Nagisa with a smirk.

“Oi wait, Seigi!”

Shu growled, tugging the girl's right sleeves.

“Ya know that person!?”

“Hm? Yeah, this is Antonio-san. The top of Gekioko and also my mentor.”

Your mentor in WHAT? Shu tried to convey the words through her glare but Nagisa only tilted her head, oblivious of the look. Antonio chuckled.

“Though the only thing she does is challenging me once in a while and getting her butt kicked. A friend of yours, Seigi?"

“Yeah, this is Kimotama. My best friend."

“Your best friend? I thought yer partner was that poker-faced girl from the other day.”

Nagisa crunched her face in disgust as she heard that, finally showing some real emotion.

“No. She's just a shameless manipulator who always push me into troubles. Bet she saw me as nothing but meat shield.”

Antonio chuckled again from the response.

“I see. But let's put that aside for now, I come here to warn you.”

“Warn me?”

“Yes. Soon enough a big war between yankees will happen. I advise you and yer friends to stop coming here for a while.”"

Nagisa narrowed her eyes as she heard that, staring at the older girl in silence. She knew about that war from Zero. But she didn't say anything. She only stole a glance at Shu and seeing the smaller girl nodded in reply.

“Okay. We won't cause you any trouble.”

“That's a huge relief. Pass the information to yer other friends; we don't want anyone unrelated getting caught in the cross-fire.”

“Gotcha~”

Nagisa gave her a playful reply, faking off another huge smile. She's getting better at doing it, locking off her feelings and lying with her facial expressions. The act made her feel guilty at first, but eventually it became a habit that she ended up fooling everyone around her without thinking. She's even confident enough to fool both Chihi and Shu by now, though she's not sure if it's really effective with Ririka. She could never guess what lies inside her philosopher friend's head. Perhaps the girl had suspected something, perhaps she had even known everything already. She wouldn't care as long as the girl stayed out of her way, so she thought as she waved Antonio her goodbye, feeling Shu's glare still boring at her from her side.

“Is THAT person the real reason yer aiming for Gekioko?”

“Ain't she so cool?”

“Cool, my ass.”

Shu growled in frustration, hitting her friend's head with her baseball mitt.

“Dad will cry if he woke up and find you've become a yankee!”

“C'mon, he won't~ Even as a yankee I'll still be the protector of justice~”

Nagisa laughed, patting her grumpy friend on her head.

'If'. That word struck her a bit.

They said it's a miracle her father still alive until now, though he had yet regained his consciousness and his condition hadn't get any better. She tried to believe that it's only a matter of time until he recovered, so she would visit him at every possible chance, sitting by his bed to talk to him, reminiscing the time when both he and her mother were still smiling beside her. She would tell him about those happy old times, like when they went to watch the light festival together one christmas, with the small Chihiro sleeping in her mother's arms. And she would do it too without fail today.

“Hey, dad. Are yer pillows comfortable today, too? Ha ha~”

She sat on her usual spot, smiling at his sleeping figure.

“It's already a year and I've become a high school student now. Ah, Chihi's fine. She's thinking of taking over the orphanage once she graduates junior high though, which worry me a bit. Anyways,”

She showed him the white Gekioko uniform under her red jacket, tapping the two stars badge on her collar.

“I've grown so strong that I sweep the floor with those yankees and earn the title of a Gekioko's general from them. Bet ya can't believe it~”

“I surely can't.”

Nagisa paused, glancing at the door to see Ririka standing there. Her eyes turned cold.

“Whaddya want, Gakushu? Bragging to dad as well for joining the yankee school ya hate so much?”

“I have my reason.”

The girl sighed and walked inside, locking the door behind her. Nagisa stood as she saw that, watching the girl approached her in quick steps.

“Time to move him from this rotten facility, Seigi-san.”

Ririka whispered to her ear, yanking her red jacket and pulling her closer.

“You've been deceived long enough.”

Nagisa growled in answer, her eyes locked on the surveillance camera above the door.

“What do you mean...”

“Are you really that blind? The owner of this place and Gekioko; the Yoshimoto-gumi. They've been using you as their personal hitman.”

“I'm only getting rid of bad people.”

“Those bad people you're talking about are those who meddle with their own filthy business. Or innocent people dragged into their traps.”

She clicked her tongue and brought her own hand to the girl's neck, clenching it threateningly.

“Ya always have a big mouth for someone who do the least.”

“I didn't just spend this one year doing nothing. I've searched about them and the ruthless things they do; they had no intention to help your father.”

“And why should I trust you?”

“This is not the time to be stubborn!”

Nagisa flinched. It was the first time she heard Ririka raised her voice.

“Listen, you fool. They're only keeping your father as a hostage and will kill him in case you betray them. If that's not enough they'll get their hands on Chihi and the rest of your siblings. And if that's still not enough...”

Her grip trembled.

“They'll get rid of you... for good...”

The voice died out almost pleadingly, but still, Nagisa didn't say anything. She just stood there in silence, until she heard Shu yelling and banging the door from outside. She sighed.

“To defeat monsters you have to become a bigger monster; yer currently looking for a different alternative to that phrase, ain't cha?”

Ririka froze, feeling Nagisa yanked her grip and pushed her away.

“If ya can't find the answer, then stop getting in my way.”


The voice was as cold as ice, almost ruthless, and Nagisa walked past her, unlocking the door. Shu was standing on the other side, a confused look on her face.

“What, yer inside? What're you doing locking the door and being so quiet? And why's Gakushu in there as well!?” 

“Nothing important. Well, I gotta go. See ya~”

“Wait, Sei—and there she goes. Geez, the heck is wrong with her lately?”

“...I almost find it.” 

“Huh?”

Shu switched her gaze to Ririka, catching the girl's almost inaudible mumble.

“The answer; if you just believe me and give me some more time, I'm sure I'll eventually find it.”

“Answer? What're talking—whoa, the heck!? Yer crying!”

Shu darted eyes around in panic, didn't know what to do with her friend who rarely showed any emotion.

“H-hang on. What did Seigi do to ya? Wait, ya realize yer crying right now, right?”

Ririka didn't answer. She just whispered under her breath, clenching her fists.

“A way for monsters like us... like you, to be happy...”


=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=0=


   “High school police?”

   --“That's right. Do you remember the great yankee war a few months ago?”

   “What about it?”


Nagisa shrugged, speaking to Zero through her phone. Of course she remembered. It was caused deliberately by Yoshimoto-gumi to find another potential recruits like her by provoking Antonio to attack Salt, the current top Majisuka that time and her long time rival. The war ended prematurely though, when a transfer student came to Majisuka and defeated both schools into submission, or so she heard.


   --“Would it surprise you if I say someone too deliberately stopped the war to hinder us?”

   “Heh, is this where the high school police come in?”

   --“Yes.”


Nagisa opened the locker before her, taking out the papers in it. There's no gun for this job again, huh?


   --“Kojima Mako. The first specimen of project Joshikou Keisatsu created by the national police agency. She was sent to infiltrate Majisuka and put an end to that war.”

   “So this is the true identity of the transfer student?”

   --“Now that's a no. She was sent months before the transfer student came and had blended in perfectly without us knowing.”

   “Well, whatever. Ya want me get rid of her, right? At least give me a photo.”

   --“That won't be necessary. I've tricked her to come to the designated address I left for you. She's under the yankee name Kamisori if that'll help.” 


Oh. She knew that name. It's one of the transfer student's loyal underlings. Guess she had probably seen the girl one time. But using civilians to do their work without dirtying their hands, the police force sure had grown more rotten in her father's absence.

“What a joke.”

She closed the locker and cover her head with her hood.


   --“Good luck, Seigi. I'll give you a present after finishing this job so do your best~” 


Really, what a joke. She thought to herself as she turned off the call, putting her phone to her pocket. Just how did Zero trick the girl, by masquerading as a senior officer and call her out? Not that she care though. At least she knew that a young girl standing alone inside this abandoned building would undoubtedly be her target.

“Kamisori of Majisuka, or should I say, Kojima Mako from Tokyo special police department?”

The girl in red jacket flinched and turned around, glaring at her.

“And you are?”

“Aah, it's too troublesome to explain. I'll just have you die right now, 'kay?”

SLAM--

Nagisa sighed, taking the girl's head and slamming her skull to the concrete wall in the next second. She swatted away the blood in her hand.

“Job's done. Time to go home—” 

SMACK!

She paused, finding the girl standing back from the wreck and swung a punch to her face. She didn't budge from the blow, raising her both hands to catch the girl's head.

“Whoa, scary... Yer a zombie or something? Please be a good girl and stay dead.”

SNAP--

She twist the girl's head, breaking her neck so easily, like snapping a toothpick. The body limply fell to the floor right afterwards, and she sighed once again, staring down at it.

“In the end... still know nothing...”

She heard the girl spoke between her shallow breath. Her blank eyes staring at something, or someone, beyond the concrete walls. And she smiled.

“...but I'm glad you'll be safe this way... onee...chan...”

Nagisa clicked her tongue in annoyance. She hated seeing the moment before her target's death, hearing their last words that's filled either with compassion or hatred, laying bare their true self. That way she knew that some people she killed weren't completely evil. That they also had a reason to do what they did. Their own justice to believe in. The thought left a bad aftertaste in her mouth and she walked away, leaving the scene with impatient steps. That's it for today. She had enough. She'd wash off this sickening stench of blood and head home, back to meet the smiling faces of her siblings and their innocent laughters. Back to where Chihi was.

It's currently 7pm. Her little sister probably just got home after fetching their youngest siblings from the daycare and is preparing for dinner. She needed to see her right now, as soon as possible, before a troublesome feeling called 'guilt' started eating up on her. The sight of their house seen on the distance made her let out her breath in relief and Nagisa quickened her steps, planting her hand on the doorknob.


...


...


...


The door was not locked.

"Huh?"

She blinked and carefully stepped inside, looking around the dark empty hallway.

"Chihi, ya forgot to lock the front door."

She said it a bit louder, hearing her own voice echoed among the silence.

"Oi~ Chihi? Everyone? Are we playing hide and seek?"

She closed the door behind her, catching a familiar nauseating smell. Was there still some blood left on her clothes? No, the stench didn't come from her. Where was it from? She walked deeper toward the living room, feeling the smell growing stronger and stronger.

"Chihi?"

An arm was lying on the floor, expanding from the kitchen door. She approached and nudged it lightly.

"What are ya doing? If ya sleep here yer gonna catch a cold."

SQUELCH--

Nagisa froze. There was nothing on the other end of the arm. Only blood oozing from the hollow part. She yelped and fell to her butt.

"H-hey, this is not funny! Y'know that oneechan is such a sucker for horrors. Hey, Chihi—"

SPLAT. SPLAT. SPLAT.

Another bizarre sounds, like the sound of a child jabbing and playing with their meal. She stood and walked into the kitchen, trying to find the source.

"Oh, you're here~"

A voice. A sweet playful voice.

She knew this voice. She knew this voice so well. It's not supposed to be here but there it was.

Its owner standing among the bodies of her siblings scattered on the floor, smiling as she held a short japanese sword on her hand. The sight simply failed to register in her mind.

"Zero?"

"Welcome home, Seigi. I was just about finished preparing your present."

The girl stabbed her sword to one of the body.

"I was thinking of making it a surprise and leave before you get home. But it seems like you catch me mid-preparation. My bad~"

"What... are you doing?"

"What do you think?"

She teasingly asked, before she answered it herself.

"I'm getting rid of your emotional attachment~ You see, Seigi, you can't be righteous if you're doing it for your family. Because if you do, that means you're only selling other people's life for your own desire while passing it off as 'justice'. You understand what I mean, don't you?"

Nagisa didn't know what to say anymore. Didn't know what to think. She fell to her knees, her gaze fell on the still body of her little sister, seeing her dull eyes staring right to hers, the robust light that used to be there had disappeared.


"Yes. This is it!"



Zero laughed and spread her both arms to her side, splattering blood to the already red scenery.


"Your true form of [Justice]."



AAAAAAAAA----------AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



She screamed.

She screamed on top of her lungs.

She screamed and charged at the smiling girl before her, rage coursing through her whole being and fuelling her murderous intent. Her reason completely left her. She thought she saw Zero pulling her sword and thrust it toward her but she couldn't feel anything. Only pure rage. And the frustrated feeling of her fists hitting empty air.

The sense of time left her. And before long she no longer knew what's happening.

The only thing left was darkness.

And a curse, burning the event of 'that day' in the back of her mind.



...



...



...



"I'll kill you. Zero."



__________________________________________________________
The Epitome of Justice : Chapter 15 // END
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[CH.15]
Post by: Ruka Kikuchi on March 04, 2017, 12:12:16 PM
So that's how it all began.

Now with the yankee war arc over, what's next? I can't wait to find out~

Also, happy 100th post! :D
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[CH.15]
Post by: jubethehare on March 04, 2017, 01:08:58 PM
So that's how it all began.

Now with the yankee war arc over, what's next? I can't wait to find out~

Also, happy 100th post! :D

Thanks for reading~~

Yep, that's how it is~ We'll get back to the present time in next chapter. And now that you mention it... it is the 100th...
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[bonus art]
Post by: jubethehare on March 14, 2017, 09:49:22 AM
I suddenly got the urge to draw this...

Once Nagisa regained her memories she must've at least think that way.
But if it really happens won't that mean she'll never meet Ryouha in the first plsce?
In the end, what will she choose?


(https://s21.postimg.org/gf87j1th3/Sketch142162643.jpg)
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[Bonus]
Post by: jubethehare on March 18, 2017, 05:38:05 AM
Just wanna put this here, the stupidly overpowered Nagisa. Have a nice day.

https://youtu.be/zO-ZHLadz7o

 
Title: Re: [MJSK4XJoshiKei] The Epitome of Justice (NagiUha+VariousPairs)[Bonus]
Post by: Ruka Kikuchi on March 18, 2017, 11:00:24 AM
Just wanna put this here, the stupidly overpowered Nagisa. Have a nice day.

https://youtu.be/zO-ZHLadz7o

Woah... O_O