Mahori Koudai and Kashima Toranosuke watch as a woman sobs.

Woman: DETECTIVES LIKE YOU WOULDN'T UNDERSTAND THE FEELINGS OF A BROKEN-HEARTED PERSON LIKE MYSELF----~

Kashima: Hey there, Tanaka-san. How many times is this that you've called to tell us you're gonna commit suicide? Pull yourself together. Give up and live life positively.

Mahori: Right, right, use your power to find yourself a new love. How about him?

Kashima: Not at all. Senpai's the cool, masculine one.

Tanaka: ......... .........

Tanaka turns around to reveal a rather manly cross-dresser.

Tanaka: I HATE HORSE-FACES AND STUPID-LOOKING BRATS!! YOU FELLOWS THINK THAT JUST BECAUSE I'M GAY, ANY MAN WILL DO~! THAT'S PERSECUTION AGAINST GAYS~! I'LL SUE~~~~!!

Kashima: [twitching] Oh, you wanna try suing, old man.

Mahori: I told you he's a comedian type, so don't sulk, Tora.

::page::

::page::

::page::

::page::

Tanaka: You'll introduce me to a really cute boy, won't you~~~~ If he's not a cute boy like Tackey, my heart won't be healed~~~~~

[Takizawa "Tackey" Hideaki is a young performer from Johnny's Entertainment, the people who produced hit male idol groups like SMAP, V6, Kinki Kids, Tokio, & Arashi. Tackey is extremely good-looking and immensely popular.]

Kashima: I got it, so get offa me!! Senpai~ Could you please question Tanaka-san~

Mahori: You're the one who persuaded him to come down, so do it yourself.

Kashima: IF I QUESTION HIM, I'LL BE ATTACKED AND MOLESTED~! SHOULDN'T YOU SAVE ME!!

Tanaka: How rude. Who's attacking who?

Mahori: I'll save you right before you're violated. Ah, Tora, shouldn't you stop calling me "Senpai"?

Kashima: Why?

Mahori: Everyone around you is your "senpai", so call me "Dai-san".

Kashima: ...Dai-san.

Mahori: Right, that's more partner-like.

::page::

Kashima: ...... Dai-san.

Mahori: Yeah.

{sound f/x howan: Kashima getting touched}

Kashima: Dai-san.

Mahori: I got it.

Kashima: DA~~~I-SAN~~!

Kitayama: It's almost like watching the same vision of happiness when a newlywed wife calls her husband "Darling~" for the first time.

Mahori: What is it. You're so strange.

{sound f/x hiso: whispering}

Kawai: It's looking good. Don't forget, Kitayama-san. If I win, you owe me a "tendon no ue"!

Tanaka: OH NO WAY THOSE TWO ARE DOING IT?

::page::

Kawai: We're betting on who's gonna go all the way. Oh, Betsy Tanaka, you faked suicide again?

Tanaka: Just "Tanaka" is fine!

Kashima: Okay, Tanaka-san, I'll be taking your statement in that room over there...

{sound f/x zawa: excitement of a crowd}

Kashima: What's this, looks the folks from headquarters came by again.

Mahori: Hm?

Kashima: Sagara-sa---n.

::page::

Kashima: Sagara-san, nice to see you again-!

Man: How rude. Who are you!

Sagara: It's not a problem. And you must be...

{sound f/x pi: snap to salute}

Kashima: I'm Officer Kashima Toranosuke!

{sound f/x chira: quick glance}

Mahori: Hey there.

Sagara: .........

Kashima: What kind of case brings you here today?

::page::

Sagara: It doesn't concern you. This is headquarters business. Detective Mahori. That's how it is, so please don't be rushing ahead like you always do.

Mahori: I gotcha, Sir Kanrikan!

Man: My goodness! How are these people being tought anyway!

Man: I'm so terribly sorry~~~ Now, now, we're bring your cars around, this way~~~

Chief: Kashima-kun! Hurry up and go back to work, work! (Shoo, shoo)

Kashima: Why're they mad at me?

Kawai: The chiefs are trying to kiss up to headquarters, so they're really stressed out.

::page::

Kashima: More than that, Dai-san! Do you know something about the case that headquarters is after?

Mahori: It happened two days ago. A college student was killed in Shibuya.

[Shibuya is a popular spot for young people in the north-west part of Tokyo.]

Kashima: The suspect got away?

Mahori: There's been some information that he's been spotted in some local businesses, so headquarters is moving. These places are pretty suspicious, and there's rumors that they're secret members-only underground casinos. Well, it's not like they're publicly advertising, so even if we watch them, we won't be able to find these places. I've been looking out for a few tips, too.

Kashima: You're talking about tips, why's that!? This is a case for headquarters, right? You were just told that, don't be rushing ahead.

Mahori: Mm~well, I was consulted, so I started to get interested.

Kashima: Sagara-san consulted you...?

Mahori: Yeah... well, y'know.

::page::

Kawai: Okay, spit it out. Have you done it with Sagara-kanrikan at least once? How about it?

Mahori: Huh?

Kitayama: If that's right, say "Right" Mahori-kun. I've got a Hirekatsu Meal hanging on this.

Tsuchiya: Hey, hey, don't skip out on your work. We got a tip about the people selling drugs out in Shinjuku.

[Shinjuku is west Tokyo, a main area for both business and nightlife. It's also where the goverment offices and headquarters would be located.]

Kashima: Huh~ Really, Gen-san!

Tanaka: Hold on, when are you going to take my statement? Can I go now?

Kashima: Sorry, just wait a second. What's up?

Tsuchiya: This is the list of shops that the dealers are hanging around.

Kashima: Uwwa- take a look at all the Shinjuku gay bars.

Tanaka: Oh, no way, my shop's on there.

::page::

Kashima: Huh~ Which!?

Tanaka: Look, it's called, "Betsy's Flower Garden."

Mahori: Could I ask you something, Tanaka-san?

Tanaka: Stop with the "Tanaka-san".

Mahori: Would it be too unbelievable for Tora-chan here to check out some places on the list?

{sound f/x puni: poke}

Tanaka: Well, he wouldn't get in the S&M or hard-core gay places, but if he pretended to be a boy straight from the country, wouldn't that work?

Mahori: Well then, work hard and pick up some men, Tora-chan.

Kashima: HUH...?

Tanaka: Looking like that, no way. No matter what you do, he looks like a Daddy boy.

That night.

Kashima: I've got no self-confidence for this. They'll somehow figure out that I'm a detective, looking like this.

::page::

Mahori: No matter what, you don't look like a detective.

Kashima: Do you think I'll really pick up someone like this?

Mahori: You're fine. Cute, cute. (Like a middle schooler.)

Kashima: Don't say it like you're reading from a script.

Mahori: The only thing that calls out to the dealer is young men, so I can't do it.

Kashima: That's true, but... make sure you follow me, Dai-san. I'm unarmed, y'know.

Mahori: I know that. I'll protect you.

Kashima: Really?

::page::

Kashima: You'll protect me?

Mahori: Mm~~~... You should probably protect your own ass yourself.. OW~

{sound f/x ga: kick}

Mahori: Hey, don't kick your superiors, even as a joke. (Owowow)

Kashima: I may have kicked a sexually harrassing old man, but he isn't a superior or a partner!!

Mahori: Taking away guys who want to be looked at like that, wonder which one's the crime...

(Betsy's Flower Garden)

::page::

{sound f/x kararan: ringing bell}

Tanaka: WELCOME~~~~ YOU'RE ALONE? WOULD YOU LIKE TO SIT AT THE COUNTER~~~~?

Kashima: Uh... okay... Uhh, I can feel their eyes on me.

{sound f/x ji: stares of customers}

Tanaka: You're new around here, aren't you.

Kashima: Yeah... That's right. I just came from the countryside...

Tanaka: You really disguised yourself well! You want to quit the police and work here!?

Kashima: Shh----~! Stick to the script! Don't say "police" and stuff!

Man: Oh my, a new boy? Do you mind if I get a look at your face?

Kashima: !

::page::

Kashima: The dealer's characteristics... a long-faced, kind seeming salaryman type.

Mitarai: .........

Kashima: ...Su... Superintendent Mitarai...~

{sound f/x bafu: Mitarai clapping his hand over Kashima's mouth}

Tanaka: What? Papaya, you know him?

Mitarai: OH-HO-HO-HO!! JU~~~~ST A BIT~!!

{sound f/x mugu: Kashima's muffled noises}

Mitarai: Hold on a second, what're you doing here~? You're pretending to be straight, but really you're actively gay!?

{sound f/x hiso: whispering}

Kashima: That's not it. It's a sting... no, I mean we're doing an investigation. Mitarai-san, too, are you on work now?

Mitarai: I'm on leave.

::page::

Kashima: Leave, so did you do something wrong?

Mitarai: It's an autonomic imbalance. For someone with sensitive nerves like me, it's really rough. To be part of that group of dirty all men. Hey, an investigation, so are you secretly investigating this place?

[A stress-related disorder.]

Kashima: That's a secret.

Tanaka: Stop that. You're so rude.

Kashima: I'm awfully sorry, Mitarai-san, but I have to be alone, so could you leave me?

Mitarai: Right, right, sorry about that. I have nothing to do with you. Wait a second. You aren't investigating alone, are you?

Kashima: Of course not. Dai-san is waiting outside.

Mitarai: MAHORI-KUU~~~~N~ WHERE~~~~!?

{sound f/x shitata: Mitarai prancing off}

Kashima: He's super energetic, ain't he.

::page::

Tanaka: Papaya, is he maybe your superior? (I knew he was a detective, but.)

Kashima: Um, above me, huh. Well, you should ask him for the details.

{sound f/x kararan: ringing bell}

Tanaka: Welcome~~~~

Kashima: Ah--ah. Maybe he won't come today. Did he move on to another place...

Man: Anyway, I'll have a beer.

Tanaka: Yessir.

Man: I haven't seen you around here before. Are you...alone?

::page::

Man: I'm alone, too, so do you mind if we were alone together?

Kashima: He fits the image from the report exactly... If you buy me a drink... then it's okay. Maybe this is it...?

{sound f/x poto: cigarette dropping}

{sound f/x gyu: cigaretting getting ground out}

Voice: Don't throw your butts away on the street.

{sound f/x giku: Mahori jumping in surprise}

Mahori: Sa...Sagara-san?

::page::

Mahori: Why're you here...

{sound f/x ka: clicking footsteps}

Sagara: That's my line.

Mahori: No, I'm on a stakeout...

{sound f/x su: Sagara dropping smoothly}

Mahori: Ah, sorry, I'll do it myself! You'll get your hands dirty!

Sagara: If that's what you think, then you should bring a portable ashtray with you.

Mahori: I'm really sorry. That I made even you get your hands dirty.

Sagara: ----~

Mahori: Ah! That's the one I just put out... It's dangerous, so throw it away!

::page::

{sound f/x fu: blowing}

Mahori: Did you burn yourself? It isn't... turning red... Does it hurt?

Sagara: I'm fine...

Mahori: Sagara-san, are you out looking for some tips by yourself?

Sagara: No... There's an underground casino that's supposed to open at 12 midnight, so I'm investigating the neighborhood until midnight.

Mahori: ...so that means, right now, this neighborhood is filled with people from headquarters...?

Sagara: ...... Mahori...are you doing something again!? Where's Officer Kashima?

Mahori: Ah~~~~~no, Tora and I are taking turns on the stakeout.

Tanaka: Got a second, Uma-niisan! This okay? The boy was taken away!

[To understand Tanaka-san's nickname, remember that the first character of Mahori's name is "Uma." "Niisan" is a term for "older brother", but can also be used for any young man.]

::page::

Sagara: !?

Mahori: This's bad~~~

Tanaka: Hurry! This way, this way!

{sound f/x bata: Mahori and Tanaka fluttering off}

Mitarai: Wh...why is Sagara-kanrikan here~~~~ Don't tell me that the whole division came out for the investigation~~~

Man: WHAT, THE KANRIKAN ISN'T HERE!? SEARCH FOR HIM, IDIOTS!

{sound f/x do: government folks running past}

Man: THAT INCREDIBLY ANNOYING MAN~!!

Mitarai: ...Today's a bad day... I should go home and sleep...

{sound f/x koso: Mitarai sneaking around}

Man: Now then, don't be so stiff.

::page::

Man: Or have you not been in a love hotel with a man before?

Kashima: Th...this is my first time. It was my first time in a gay bar, too.

Man: First time, huh... Is it okay, having your first time with a man like me?

{sound f/x zowa: Kashima fidgeting}

Kashima: Ye...yeah, it's fine. Dammit, hurry up and bring out the drugs. You've got them, don't you, old man!!

Man: Ohh, I've got something good that can relax you. It'll make you feel good even your first time. Ah, it's not dangerous. Around here, they're used all the time, just like condoms. Leave it on your tongue and let it melt, like candy.

Kashima: Here it comes, here it comes.

Man: Open your mouth for me. Don't be afraid. I'm taking some, too.

::page::

Kashima: What should I do... So that he wouldn't suspect me, I left my handcuffs with Dai-san, too. I could pretend to swallow it, and then hold him down until he's subdued...

Mahori: Definitely don't think you can subdue him by youself. It's dangerous.

Kashima: But then at the most important time, Dai-san isn't around. If I don't swallow it, I'll be fine... probably... ----!?

{sound f/x gu: finger shoving into Kashima's mouth}

{sound f/x ga: hand thrust over Kashima's mouth}

Kashima: Mmm~

Man: Don't worry, you'll feel good pretty soon.

::page::

Man: I'll give you greatest first time.

Kashima: Ah...no go----od!! I can't wai---t~!!

{sound f/x ba: bang, Mahori knocking the door in}

Mahori: You okay~ Tora!?

::page::

Kashima: I've already subdued him! Dai-san, you're too late... Ugh~

{sound f/x do: running noise}

Mahori: What is it, Tora, morning sickness!? Not that, you swallowed the drug!?

Sagara: Drug......

{sound f/x ba: the suspect jumping}

::page::

Mahori: You swallowed it!? Vomit, vomit~!!

Kashima: Uweh~~~~~...

Mahori: Ah! Sagara-san~ Could you please subhue hi...

Sagara: What?

Mahori: Ah... no, thank you for dealing with that so quickly.

Sagara: Hm...? Drugs... A membership card to the underground casino... You've got some good things here.

::page::

Man: Kanrikan! What in the world is going on here? You shouldn't move on your own...

Sagara: Take this man in. He's guilty of drug possession and being a member of the underground casino. He'll show us the way there.

{sound f/x gui: grab}

Man: Huh!?

Mahori: Are you okay? Can you walk?

Kashima: Yes...

Sagara: ......

{sound f/x pi: beep}

Sagara: ...Ah, is this Aizu? It's Sagara. I know this is sudden, but I'll be leaving one patient with you, so please look after him. Right... thank you.

Mahori: Thanks about that. For doing that and this and everything between.

Sagara: I don't want for this sting operation to be in the gossip columns.

{sound f/x pi}

::page::

Sagara: If you go to the hospital, it'll be trouble for me. Hurry up and take him to Aizu's place. I'll be seizing the casino.

Mahori: Gotcha.

(Forensic Science Laboratory)

Voice: This is a place to study dead people. I'm always telling Sagara, this isn't a hospital.

Mahori: Sorry about this, Aizu-san. So, how is it?

Aizu: His reaction to the drug was nada! He vomited it up right away and flushed himself right out, so that was a good thing. There's only a teeny bit left, but once it's washed out he'll be perfectly clean.

Mahori: Aw man, thank god~~~ Tora~~~ That was something that coulda gotten you fired from the force.

Kashima: And who's fault do you think that is~?

::page::

Kashima: IF DAI-SAN FOLLWED ME AND CAME RIGHT AWAY LIKE HE SHOULD HAVE, I WOULDN'T HAVE PUT SOMETHING LIKE THAT IN MY MOUTH~!

Mahori: Yeah, right right, sorry.

Kashima: WHAT'S THAT ABOUT! I WAS FACING GREAT DANGER, AND YOU'RE OFF HAVING A FUN LITTLE DATE WITH SAGARA-SAN!! (ugh~ ugh~ ugh~)

Mahori: I told you, that's not it. We really met by accident.

Aizu: Oh, this is the first I've heard of this. What's that? You started seeing Sagara again?

Mahori: Please don't say things in a way that leads to misunderstandings.

Kashima: WHAT DO YOU MEAN, STARTED SEEING AGAIN!!

Aizu: Ah-ah, poor Sagara.

Mahori: Don't just make me into the bad one here.

Kashima: What!? You mean, something really happened!?

Aizu: Actually, long ago...

Mahori: Aizu-san.

Aizu: Just kidding. Actually, I don't know either.

::page::

Aizu: Sagara and I started working at the same time, so we have that much of a relationship, but he really knows Sagara well. Don't you, Mahori.

Mahori: ......

Kashima: I knew it... Something happened...

Mahori: [puffing on a cigarette] What do you mean, something. That's impolite. Are you and Maki and Toshi-san betting on me!?

[Kawai's first name is Maki, so we can assume that Kitayama's first name is Toshi-something-or-another.]

Kashima: But...

{sound f/x kun: sniffing}

Kashima: Dai-san smells like Sagara-san~~~~

::page::

Kashima: I'm Dai-san's partner, right? The partner who you'd rely upon most if something happened, right? There's that, but... Dai-san's all lovey-dovey with Sagara-san~~~~~~ [sobbing sobbing]

Mahori: Aizu-san, he really had no reaction to the drug...?

Aizu: (How hysterical.) But he had a reaction to the alcohol. (He~y hey hey.)

Mahori: So he's just drunk? (That's real surprising.)

Kashima: [sob sob]

Aizu: Guess so. Well, take your time.

::page::

Mahori: C'mon, act your age. Men don't cry like a baby.

Kashima: Dai-san...

Mahori: What.

Kashima: If I fail as your partner or whatever, when it comes, tell me the reason.

Mahori: Huh?

Kashima: That I'm not considerate enough or I'm useless... or just looking at me makes you feel sick. Whatever's fine, just give me a reason. Don't say anything to me and just be vague, but please just go easy on me when you throw me away.

Mahori: .........

::page::

Mahori: ...Tora. I don't lend my shoulder for men who cry alligator tears. Remember that.

{sound f/x guki: crack}

Kashima: Uh. That hurt, geez~ My neck went, "CRACK!"

Mahori: That's because you're talking about failing as a partner and other stuff I don't understand. I don't need a partner who doesn't have confidence in the things he does. You worked hard and subdued the suspect all by yourself, and really distinguished yourself in the kanrikan's eyes. How's that, this guy here. You should be proud. Now then, should we go back to the station for a bit? Maybe they'll give you a Superindendent's Award or something.

Kashima: .........

::page::

Kashima: Have confidence in the things that I do...huh...

Mahori: Tora.

Kashima: (It's big.)

Mahori: Can you walk by yourself?

Kashima: That's right. I can't complain.

Mahori: Let's go home.

Kashima: Yessir! I'm a newbie, but I'm still a detective like Dai-san! Dai-san, your coat smells like cigarettes.

Mahori: Whaat!? You got a problem, then take it off!!

::page::

Hiyodori Police Station.

Chief: YOU IDIO----TS!! How many times do I have to tell you about moving by yourself without permission, you stupid Baka Duo!! Even if it's in your own jurisdiction, report to those above you, first!! Mahori-kun, you should know that!!

Mahori: Yeah, but in the end, it was the kanrikan who subdued the suspect.

Kashima: Right, but I subdued him first, so maybe a Superindendent's Award or something...

Chief: If we had one, I'd be deducting it from your salary, you idiot!!

Kashima: Deducting, hold on! There wouldn't be anything left!!

Chief: You think you're in a position to complain~!

Sagara: I'm sorry for interrupting while you are so busy.

Chief: It~it's the kanrikan. I'm terribly sorry for such an unsightly~

Sagara: I would like to speak with Detective Mahori and Officer Kashima.

Chief: Ah! No, they've already heard rather strict words from myself~

::page::

Sagara: .........

Chief: Please, treat them gently...

Sagara: ...Your actions were careless and your independent investigation ignored the intentions of headquarters. But as a result, we secured two suspects, arrested those involved with the underground casino, and also obtained the key to an illegal drug route. Taking into account those admirable services, this time we will overlook your actions.

Chief: [sigh]

Kashima: Really!? When you say admirable, does that mean the Superintendent's Award?

Mahori: A cash award or something?

Sagara: In short! It will not be you two who investigated, but myself, alone.

::page::

Kashima: So that means, Sagara-san is getting all the credit by himself?

Mahori: He also gets the bonus of being reamed by upstairs. [whisper whisper]

Sagara: Detective Mahori. There are limits to my followup. So please refrain repeatedly choosing suspicious actions that endanger puslic safety.

Mahori: I won't do anything dangerous.

Sagara: A sting operation.

{sound f/x boso: muttering}

Chief: Hm?

Mahori: AH--~ SO SORRY, TODAY YOU REALLY TOOK CARE OF HIM! NOW THEN, TORA-CHAN, SAY THANK YOU TO THE KANRIKAN!!

Kashima: ...Ah...

::page::

Kashima: Thank you... very much.

Sagara: ...in the future, take responsibility for your own actions.

Kashima: ...... Sagara-san!

{sound f/x bata: Kashima fluttering after}

Kashima: Um... I'm sorry, but there's something I wanted to ask you...

::page::

Kashima: Your father is a cop, isn't he? And then, right now, is he an instructor at a police academy... His name's Sagara Kazutoshi, isn't that right?

Sagara: That is... surely my father...

{sound f/x furu: Kashima shaking in excitement}

Kashima: WOW--~ I KNEW IT. For me, old man Sagara... ah, I mean, I really admired Detective Sagara and became a police officer!! I know you're really in a hurry and don't have any time, but how is Detective Sagara!

Sagara: He's doing well, probably...

Kashima: Huh?

Sagara: I haven't seen him in years. I'm sorry to have let you down... I am in a hurry, so if you would excuse me.

::page::

Kashima: Haven't seen him.. that mean he hasn't called...? Gramps told me... that he had a really proud son, but...

Mahori: Hey, Tora, give me back my coat. This place is really air-conditioned. Freezing! Here, have your coat. What, you talked to him?

Kashima: Detective Sagara in Kobe is definitely Sagara-san's father, but when I asked how he was, Sagara-san said that he hadn't seen him... in years.

Mahori: ...Might be. He hasn't been home since he started college, isn't that it?

Kashima: Huh!? It's been that long!?

::page::

Mahori: Everyone's got different family situations. I'm sure you've got them, too. You wanna spill them all to me now?

Kashima: Ah...uh... well...

Mahori: Don't be greedy and say you want to know all about that sort of stuff.

Kashima: I didn't think about all of that, but......

{sound f/x koki: Mahori cracking his neck}

Mahori: Ah- so tired. I'm gonna hurry home and sleep.

Kashima: I just thought that we could talk about the old man together. Dai-san, you know everything about Sagara-san, don't you.

Mahori: It's an unhappy marriage. Don't be jealous, partner.

Kashima: .........

{sound f/x suta: Kashima walking quickly after}

::page::

Kashima: Let's go drinking! And then tell each other about everything!

{sound f/x gyu: Kashima grabbing Mahori's arm}

Mahori: I want to go home and sleep.

Tanaka: Ah~ there you are! Hold on~ didn't you tell me that you were going to introduce me to a guy~

Kashima: GEH~

Voice: I'm sorry, Yuuichi...!

{sound f/x piku: Sagara jumping in shock}

Voice: I'm not trying to be your enemy. I'm the worst father...!!

Sagara: .........

::page::

Sagara: ...That's right... But isn't that why I entered the Tokyo Police Department...

[Sagara and his father are from Kobe, just like Kashima. Kashima and Sagara's father speak in a Kansai dialect. It's interesting to note that while Sagara speaks standard Japanese, he thinks in Kansai.]

Back at the police department.

Kashima: As his partner, I'm pretty interested in the relationship between Dai-san and Sagara-san, but

Tanaka: Where's my Tackey~

Mahori: See ya, Tora, I'm leaving.

Kashima: AH---~ WAIT, DAI-SAN, I'M COMING, TOO~! I want to build a trusting relationship between Dai-san and myself. There's definitely no time to worry.

Later, Kashima introduces a skinny, geeky young man to Tanaka-san.

Kashima: This is the security guard, Takezawa-kun a.k.a. Tackey----~ (How about him?)

Takezawa "Tackey": ?

Tanaka: YOU WANT ME TO REALLY SUE FOR PERSECUTING AGAINST GAYS.

Kashima: My life as a detective will keep going on.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3