A highrise apartment complex, late at night.

{sound f/x gacha: clattering}

{sound f/x piku: perking up}

{sound f/x gachan: door slamming}

Cat: (Meow)

{sound f/x to: cat's quick footsteps}

Cat: (Meow)

::page::

{sound f/x dosa: thud}

Cat: (Meow)

{sound f/x basa: fluttering of cloth}

Cat: (Mrow)

{sound f/x batan: door shutting}

{sound f/x zaaa: water running}

::page::

{sound f/x zaaa}

{sound f/x kari: scratching}

{sound f/x gachan: door slamming}

Sagara: You're here.

Man: You're starving your cat.

Sagara: ............

{sound f/x katsu: chewing}

Man: The poor thing. At least feed him first.

Sagara: ...I was planning to.

{sound f/x goto: shifting sound}

Man: You can never take care of him... why did you pick him up?

::page::

Sagara: I didn't "pick him up". He just followed me home.

Man: Same thing.

Sagara: You're trying to pick a fight.

Man: I just didn't know you liked cats so much.

Sagara: If you'd like, take him home with you.

Man: Maybe I'll take this big kitty instead. It's a little early for a night cap. Are you planning to make me just lie down with you?

Sagara: .........

::page::

Man: I can only stay until morning, you know that, right? Let me use our short time together wisely. We can only be lovers at times like this.

Sagara: You say that often. Without taking off the ring on your left hand...

Man: The same goes for you. You entrust your body to me like this, but your heart is somewhere else... I wonder whose hands mine are taking the place of. Who's making love to you, Yuuichi...?

::page::

Mahori: O~ha----

[In the year 2000, Katori Shingo (member of the hugely famous idol group SMAP) changed the Japanese language. Instead of saying "Ohayo Gozaimasu", he began using the phrase "O~ha--" alongside the requisite hand gestures. On "O~", you form both hands into an "OK" sign, and on "ha--", you open up your hands and spread your fingers out (which is what Dai-san is doing). The full story is a bit more complicated, involving a morning kids show, a variety show, and a hit single, but that's the gist of things.]

Kashima: Ah~ Dai-san, good morning!

{sound f/x pi: salute}

Mahori: Lately, you've stopped being so late. Good for you.

Kashima: Yes, that's because I got three alarm clocks! Who~a, we're finally returning to the Detective Division from the Traffic Division! I'm so happy, I'M SO HAPPY!!

{sound f/x ku: Tora's noise of excitement}

Mahori: No kidding. Really, the Mini Patrol is for the Mini Skirt Police~ That's just too horrible for us.

[The many incarnations of the Mini Skirt Police are basically to fulfill men's uniform-fantasy dreams. It's basically just a group of sexy women who dress up in "police" uniforms that have obscenely short skirts. They're really popular, for the obvious reasons. You too can learn more about them at http://www.minisukapolice.net/]

Mahori: It looked pretty good on you, though.

Kashima: (Hya~~~)

Police: (Kya--- You look too cute, Tora-chan!)

(At the Traffic Division office party)

{sound f/x ngya: Tora's noise of humiliation}

::page::

Kashima: Don't make me remember that, okay!!

Mahori: [giggling]

Old Man: Excuse me~~~~. Is there a detective named Kashima Toranosuke in this Detective Division?

Woman #1: Officer Kashima?

Old Man: Right, right. If he's here, could you call him? Ah, or if he's out, I could come back later...

Woman #2: Nice timing! Kashima-sa--n!

Kashima: Hm?

Woman #2: It seems this man has some business with you. How perfect-- you were just coming in.

Kashima: With me?

Old Man: Yeah, that's really good timing. How've you been, Tora?

Kashima: G...

::page::

Kashima: Gramps!?

Gramps: [chuckling] Suits don't fit you at all. It's like you're at your Shichi-Go-San.

["Shichi-Go-San" translates to "7-5-3", and is a "coming-of-age" celebration for kids. Girls celebrate when they turn 3 and 7; boys celebrate when they turn 5. Boys are dressed in formal suits and girls are dressed in full kimono and they head to the shrine to celebrate. Also, Gramps talks in heavy Kansai-ben, just like Tora.]

Kashima: G...

{sound f/x furu: shaking}

Kashima: GRAAAMPS!!

{sound f/x doshi: giant hug}

Gramps: Whoa~ Hold on, Tora! My back~ you'll throw out my back~ stop it~

Kashima: Gramps~ Gramps~

{sound f/x kuru: spinning}

Gramps: Here, here, my head is spinning~

Mahori: .........

Woman #1: Who's that?

Woman #2: Who knows...

Mahori: To...Tora...

::page::

Mahori: Is he, by any chance...

Kashima: Ah. It's Gramps Sagara~ He's Sagara-kanrikan's father---~!

Gramps: Nice to meet you.

Police Officers: WHAA----------T~!?

Mahori: I knew it...

Gramps: Huh?

::page::

Gramps: Heey, Tora... Is my son always treated like this over here...?

Chief #1: Sir~ May I offer you some tea? Please rest a bit!

{sound f/x wara: the chiefs bubbling with excitement}

Chief #2: How would you like something sweet to go with your tea!

Kashima: (Wow, the department chiefs are all gathered) Weell, they're usually not so obvious, but kinda like this?

Gramps: Everyone, I appreciate your kindness, but please go back to your work. Today, I just came in to visit with him, and so please don't let me bother you.

Chief #1: Is... Is that right?

Chief #2: If you need anything at all, please let us know!

Gramps: Ha-ha... Thank you.

::page::

Kashima: Man, but I was really surprised.

{sound f/x gakon: clang}

Kashima: If you'd warned me beforehand, I coulda picked you up.

Gramps: Yeah, sorry about that, just suddenly dropping in on you.

Kashima: Naw, I'm really happy. I wanted to see you too, Gramps. So? Have you seen Sagara-san, too?

Gramps: Ah, no I came here straight from Tokyo Station.

Kashima: Well then, I'll take you over to the headquarters. Let's go!

Gramps: Ahh, no it's fine, I'm sure he's really busy, so don't worry about it.

Kashima: Huh... but you came here to see Sagara-san, didn't you?

Gramps: Naw, he wouldn't be all that happy to see my face around. If I went, I'd just be in the way.

::page::

Kashima: ......... I've heard you haven't seen him for years... is that really true?

Gramps: Ha-ha... That's what what they said. I think he doesn't like me. No... more than dislike... He even hates me. Maybe...

Kashima: Hate... I'm sure he doesn't...

{sound f/x bi: loud alarm}

Voice: "An incoming message from headquarters."

::page::

Voice: "Within the jurisdiction of Hiyodori block 5, it seems there was a beating of a young man. He was found collapsed in the street. As far as suspects, several young men were seen running from the scene of the crime..."

Kashima: Sorry, Gramps, I've got to go!

Gramps: Okay. Be careful!

Kashima: Right! Oh, Gramps, will you be here? I'll be right back. If you don't have anything else to do, will you wait for me?

Mahori: Tora---~ We're leaving---~

{sound f/x ho~: Tora panting with excitment}

Gramps: Yeah, I'll wait for you, so hurry up and go!

Kashima: Well then, I'm off!

::page::

Gramps: The instant he heard about the case he changed completely. [chuckling]

{sound f/x bata: Tora fluttering off}

Mahori: Tora!

Kashima: I'm running as fast as I can!!

{sound f/x kako: clink}

Gramps: ......... ...If that hadn't happened... If I wasn't a detective... Right now, there wouldn't be any problems between us and we'd maybe even be living together... Yuuichi...

::page::

Detective: Huuh~~~? The Hiyodori Station~~~? We don't need you. We've got enough people so go on home! This place is under the juridiction of the Washimiya Station!

Kashima: The Washimiya Station... But this case happened in Hiyodori block 5, didn't it!!

Mahori: Now now.

Detective: Now look over there. That telephone pole over there says "Washimiya block 1".

Kashima: Hm? So well then the victim crawled along and managed to move himself into Washimiya block 1. Do you think that coulda happened, Katayama-san!!

Mahori: Well, those guys seem to be on top of things, so maybe we should just leave it up to them?

Kashima: WHY ARE YOU SAYING SUCH WIMPY THINGS!! WE'VE GOT TO FIGHT IT OUT AND TAKE BACK OUR TURF!!

{sound f/x gooo: flaming menace}

Katayama: No, Kashima-kun, this isn't the Sengoku era, you know.

Mahori: In his case, isn't it more like tribal times? There in his head.

[The Sengoku or "warring states" era lasted from 1467 to 1615. As you might guess by the name, it was a time of civil war. You can read more about this time here: http://www.japan-101.com/history/history_period_sengoku.htm]

::page::

Mahori: Well, let's leave investigation of the crime scene up to them, but what about the victim?

Katayama: He was taken to the Hiyodori Hospital.

Kashima: ...So that means...! IT'S OUR TURF---~ WE'LL PRESS HIM FOR A HOT TIP--~!!

{sound f/x DASH!}

Katayama: How do you say it, he's really enthusiastic, isn't he.

Mahori: Yeah, well it seems he's really happy to be back in the Detective Division.

Nurse: Ah, the young man that they just brought in. He's receiving medical treatment right now. Once he's done, you can visit with the doctor.

Kashima: Yes, ma'am.

::page::

Mahori: Are you planning on waiting until he's done getting treated?

Kashima: Let's wait it out! Huh?

Mahori: (Thank you.)

Kashima: Sagara-san! Sagara-san, you've come here, too.

Police: Who are you. Ah, you're those Hiyodori folks.

Kashima: What good timing, Sagara-san. Your father just came to the station.

Sagara: My father...?

::page::

Kashima: Would you mind taking a little time and coming to the station? Ah, or I could take Gramps down to the headquarters for you...

Sagara: ...That's not necessary.

Kashima: Huh...?

Sagara: Work is really piling up. I'm sorry, but I'll have to ask you to keep my father company. If he gets in your way, tell him to go home.

{sound f/x gyuu: making fist}

Kashima: Get in my way... what do you mean? Your father came all the way from Kobe to meet you.

::page::

Kashima: With all that, how could you say "get in my way"!!

Mahori: Tora!

Kashima: At least see him and talk for a bit...!!

Mahori: Tora, stop it! I'm sorry.

Kashima: Dai-san!

Mahori: Everybody's situation is different. It's not something for someone else like you to butt in.

{sound f/x kara: clattering of wheels}

Kashima: !

::page::

Kashima: Whoa...

Doctor: Are you the police?

Sagara: Yes. What is his condition?

Doctor: Not too good. He was beaten over his entire body by some sort of metal stick or bat.

Sagara: Does it seem like he can talk?

Doctor: Once he awakens from the anesthesia, yes. But when you consider the state of the patient's mind...

Police: I'm sure he's more than a little confused, but we really must listen to his story.

Doctor: It wasn't just that he was beaten.

Police: What do you mean?

Doctor: He was just beaten, but perhaps the previous night, he was... well... it seems he was raped.

Kashima: Huh!?

::page::

Doctor: There was blood on his underwear and so I confirmed my suspicions... it was pretty bad. It's a new type of lynch. If it were a woman, than in the very least...

Sagara: ......... .........

Police: Do you still have the victim's clothing? And... that underwear, too.

Doctor: Yes, of course. They're right this way.

Kashima: It's really... just too horrible, isn't it... Sagara-san? Are you okay? You're looking kinda pale...

Sagara: Don't touch me!!

::page::

Sagara: Ah... no, I'm sorry... I'm fine... ......~

Kashima: Sagara-san!?

{sound f/x gashi: grab}

Mahori: Just sit down slowly. I'll call the doctor.

Sagara: I'm...fine...~ I'm just a tad anemic...

::page::

Kashima: Ah... I'll...~ call someone!

{sound f/x ta: dashing off}

Mahori: Please. Why don't you lay down over here.

Sagara: I'm fine... I've been cured...

Mahori: You have not been cured... Have you always been like this?

Sagara: ...I'm recovering... I've even been to counseling... So much so that I'm fine been touched by people other than you... I'm recovering. This is just normal anemia...

::page::

Kashima: I called a doctor!

{sound f/x bata: Tora fluttering off}

Mahori: Great.

Kashima: Are you all right, Sagara-san!

Sagara: I'm sorry that I've caused so much trouble. However I'm fine now. I can stand by myself.

Kashima: You can't do that!! You need to have someone take a good look at you!!

Sagara: I don't have time for that. I have to get back and...

Kashima: You can't do that!! At least let them inject something nutritious into your system. Otherwise, I won't move from here!!

[I'm really not sure how to translate this... Essentially, it's a injection of a nutritious fluid, I'm assuming similar to whatever's in an IV. Unfortunately, I have no idea what that word is in English, so I'm rather stuck.]

Sagara: .........

::page::

Nurse: Okay, so why don't you just relax a bit, that's right--

Mahori: You ran some pretty good interference back there, Tora.

Kashima: ...I'm definitely interfering then, aren't I...

Mahori: Hm?

Kashima: I just want... Sagara-san and Gramps to meet. I don't know if anything would happen, but... Even if they fight, I want them to meet face to face and talk. For me, right? Ever since my mom got another man and left the house, I stopped being able to talk to my dad. I started messing around and hanging with the wrong crowd... My dad just ignored me and threw himself into work. When my dad eventually collapsed and worked himself to death, I didn't really think anything of it...

::page::

Kashima: When I was going threw his things, I found his pocketbook, and there was a picture of me inside. And then I found a bank pass book with my name on it... and for the first time I had some regrets.

Nurse: (I hope you feel better.)

Kashima: Like... maybe I should have talked to my dad a little more. Once he's dead, you can't say "Sorry" or "Thank you", can you? I don't want Sagara-san to have those kinds of regrets... and besides I love Gramps. It'd just be nice if they'd meet...

::page::

Sagara: Thank you.

Kashima: ! Ah...um...

Sagara: There are enough people to cover things here. You two should go back to the station. If you need anything, don't be afraid to contact me. Okay?

{sound f/x bi: Kashima sticking his tongue out}

Man: I'm sorry, but I'm Yamada. Yamada Satoru was brought here. Where is our son now!?

::page::

Yamada: Is Satoru all right!?

Kashima: .........

Sagara: Are you the parents of Yamada Satoru-kun? I'm Sagara, from the First Division Metropolitan Investigation Unit.

Kashima: ...Sagara-san is really rare in the bureaucratic, career types. Even beyond this case. He really sympathizes with the victims and their families. So why can that type of person... Why can't he be nice to his own father... I just don't get it...

::page::

Kashima: Ah~~~~~ah. Even though I actually met up with Sagara-san... What am I gonna do with Gramps...

Mahori: You can only do what you can, so don't worry about it. Oh.

{sound f/x chacharara: cell phone ring}

Mahori: Mahori here! Yeah, we're coming back from the hospital right now... ...Huh? You've got a guy who you think is the suspect in custody......? Seriously!?

Katayama: He threw away a wallet close to the scene of the crime. When we checked the contents, we found the victim's student ID card inside. He says that he just found it and took the money. But a dangerous metal bat was also thrown away; we're investigating it right now. The Washimiya Station also just took in a young man who they think is an accomplice.

::page::

Kashima: That's wicked! Katayama-san, you really settled this with some speed!!

Katayama: No, I was just wandering around the neighborhood about to head back. It was just an accident.

Mahori: And so, Toshi-san, does he seem like the principal offender?

Katayama: Well, we've been keeping an eye on him, but it doesn't look like he's going to spill anything. I was thinking about showing him the evidence, so I'm waiting for some contact.

Suspect: Don't know what the hell you brought me in for... [big yawn]

Kashima: I've got to make him pay up for hurting someone so badly... I've got help him turn over a new leaf, for Satoru-kun's sake, too...!

Police: Kanrikan, if I could have a moment.

::page::

{sound f/x boso: whispering}

Sagara: ! Is that right!?

Police: Yes.

Officer: The youth who we believe to be the main culprit is being held at the Hiyodori Station, while the accomplice is at the Washimiya Station. We have just determined that there was a third offender involved in this crime. A metal bat believed to have been used as the weapon was seized close to the scene of the crime, and is currently undergoing investigation.

Sagara: Very good. Bring around the car and let's head over to the Hiyodori Station.

Police: Yes, sir!

Yamada: ...... ......

::page::

Gramps: You've already secured a suspect.

Kashima: Ah, Gramps! Sorry, I've really been running around. You still got time?

Gramps: It's no problem, don't worry about it. I'm having fun getting to watch so closely as you do your job. What, it's like when I breathe in this air, I'm filled with power. It's just like I've got back to when I was a detective.

Kashima: Ah...um, Gramps...

Gramps: Hm?

Kashima: I, just a while ago, Sagara-san...

Chief #1: Sagara-kanrikan from the First Division Investigation Unit is here!

Kashima: !

Chief #1: Excellent work, sir!

Sagara: I've come to take the suspect down to Headquarters. Would that be acceptable with you?

Chief #2: Yes, sir~! He-y, Katayama-kun! Could I have a minute!

::page::

Sagara: .........

Chief #1: Kanrikan, please, right this way!

Kashima: Huh!?

{sound f/x sui: sweeping past}

::page::

Kashima: Hey... You can't be serious~! At least one word...

Gramps: Tora! It's okay.

Kashima: Gra~~~~mps.

Takezawa: Excuse me-- This is the father of the victim. He says that he's come to thank the detective who arrested the perpetrator.

[You remember security guard Takezawa, right? Check the very end of part 2 again if you've forgotten.]

{sound f/x peko: short bow}

Kashima: Hm? Ah... Yamada Satoru-kun's?

Yamada: Yes, I'm his father. Um, who exactly...

Kashima: Ah, hold on just a second. Katayama-sa---n!

Katayama: Yes-?

Kashima: Katayama-san, this is Yamada Satoru-kun's father.

Katayama: Eh, ah, nice to meet you.

Yamada: I really... don't know how I can thank you for your help...

::page::

Katayama: No, it was nothing at all~ really!

Suspect: Hey, no pushing. That's dangerous, y'know. Ain't that right, Mr. Detective. Hey, hate to ask, but is that Yamada guy dead?

Police: ...He's in critical condition. Keep walking!

Suspect: What~ aw, you mean he's not dead? Everybody was making such a big deal outta everything, thought he was dead. Man, I feel like an idiot. Hey, all you guys think I did something bad, right? Ain't Yamada the one who's bad!? He's all stuck up just cause he's the teacher's pet. He looked at me like I was a worm. Ain't that discrimination? Ain't that horrible?

Police: Shut up and walk!

::page::

Suspect: So that's why, on behalf of all the classe, I thought I'd give him a little payback.

{sound f/x suru: slow slide}

Takezawa: Eh? Huh~?

Suspect: You should never discriminate, ain't that the law? How about it, police officers~~~~? Huh?

Yamada: ...Why don't you try saying that one more time...

::page::

Police Officers: (WAAAAH~)

Chief: Hey~ What the hell are you doing!! Stop this idiocy at once!

Katayama: (C...Chief, you're being unfair.)

Kashima: Yamada-san!!

Officer: Kanrikan, it's dangerous~ Please step back!!

Yamada: SHUT UP!! DON'T COME ANY CLOSER!!

::page::

Yamada: You...why don't you try saying that one more time... You did... all of that to Satoru as payback...? Give me a break!!

Suspect: Eeek~

Kashima: Yamada-san! Please stop! If you do that, then...

Yamada: Satoru is... my precious... only son... a sweet child... my treasure...~ There's no excuse for hurting him like that for no good reason...~ What's wrong with a father like myself shooting the enemy of his son!? Thanks to him, Satoru...!!

::page::

Voice: No... You're wrong, Yamada-san.

Kashima: Gramps!? When did you~ It's dangerous, so get back, Gramps!!

Gramps: I'm fine. This man won't shoot.

Sagara: What are you trying to do! Those who aren't involved should step back!!

Officer: Kanrikan!

Gramps: GIVE ME A BREAK. YOU BE QUIET, YUUICHI!!

Sagara: ......

Gramps: Now then... Yamada-san. Your feelings right now... I understand them very well.

Yamada: What do you mean you understand! Don't get any closer!!

Gramps: No, I really do understand very well.

::page::

Gramps: I have an only son, as well.

Yamada: !?

Gramps: I'm retired now, but I used to be a detective for the juvenile division. It was a job where I was able to take mislead and mistaken children who had comitted a crime and lead them on the right path. I believed that all of them would turn over a new leaf and become good kids...... but there were those who resented me, too... The focus of their resentment was me... but they turned it on my son. Just like what happened to your son... he was hurt for no good reason. You want to punish him... kill him... I understand completely. For me, I wouldn't be bothered if you shot him right now.

Kashima: .........

::page::

Gramps: But you know, before you shoot, try and remember your son first. Your wounded son, he'll need your help now, won't he? If you shoot him now and get put in jail, what can you do for your son? "Dad killed someone just to make himself feel better"... if that's what your son thinks, then what'll happen? Your son'll never forget this his whole life, you know. There'll always be gaping wound left in his heart. The thing you can do right now as a father is not shoot his enemy. It's to be by your son's side, helping him heal the wounds in his body and soul. Am I wrong?

Yamada: Ugh...

::page::

Yamada: Ugh-ugh-ugh~~~~~

{sound f/x gasha: clatter}

Gramps: You persevered through that very well.

Suspect: !

{sound f/x cha: clutch}

Suspect: Heh~ Thank you very much! That stupid sermon of yours really saved me, you old fart!! I'll give you one just for thanks!

Sagara: Dad!!

::page::

Kashima: You...

{sound f/x doka: giant thwacking sound}

Kashima: BIG MORON!!

::page::

{sound f/x do: thud}

{sound f/x kyu: squeak of shoes}

{sound f/x pata: thud}

Kashima: If I was the judge, y'know...

{sound f/x bishi: Tora posing dramatically}

Kashima: I'd lock you up for the rest of your scummy life!!

Mahori: Ha-ha... He really goes way too far...

Sagara: ......

Gramps: ...I'm sorry.

::page::

Gramps: I brought up that old story here. I won't keep you long...

Sagara: What're you doing, secure him!!

Police: [gasp] Y...yes sir~!

Mahori: Tora~~~~ you may not be afraid of anything... but you really go too far~~~ [sigh]

Kashima: Ugh... U-UH~~~~

{sound f/x poru: shaking badly}

Kashima: UWAAAAN~~~~

Mahori: If you're scared enough to cry, then don't rush people! Are you an idiot or what~

::page::

Kashima: Gramps, you really going home today? You don't have to rush. You could relax a bit and...

Gramps: Naw, it was just really exciting to see you today. Made me think about finding another lost pup and making Toranosuke #2. But you know, Tora, you shouldn't be so reckless like you were today. No matter how many lives you've got, there won't always be enough.

Kashima: Huh-? I thought Gramps was the one who was the daredevil?

Gramps: What're you talking about!

Kashima: Ah......

Mahori: (Here he comes)

Gramps: Hm?

::page::

{sound f/x ka ko: footsteps}

Kashima: Sagara-san...

Sagara: I wanted to erase your misunderstanding.

{sound f/x chira: sideways glance}

Kashima: Huh?

Sagara: I... I never had a grudge against my dad or his job.

[At this point in the story, Sagara switches the term he uses for the word "I". He usually speaks with the formal "watashi", but starts using the very masculine, informal term "ore". He also begins speaking in his native Kansai-ben, rather than a standard Tokyo dialect.]

::page::

Sagara: The reason I've been avoiding my dad... is that he can't look me in the eye. You think that it's all your fault that I was involved in that, or that somehow you did something bad. Ever since that day... you've lowered your gaze around me, like you were some kind of criminal. Nothing's changed since that day in the hospital room, when you prostrated yourself on the floor and apologized to me...

Young Gramps: I'm sorry...! Yuuichi!!

Sagara: The ones who I dated... were the perpetrators who made my dad look like that.

Young Gramps: I'm sorry...!! Please forgive me...!!

Sagara: And it wasn't your fault that the principal offender was never caught, either. There was a cover-up engineered within the police system to hush it up.

::page::

Gramps: Did you... investigate that yourself?

Sagara: It doesn't matter. It's too late to do anything about that now. But it was kinda hard to swallow... thinking that they couldn't bring in anyone for the victim. I thought, wasn't that what the police were all about? Dad's right... that's what I believed. That's why I became a police officer.

Gramps: ......Is that right......

::page::

Gramps: Oh, that's right! Sorry I came empty-handed. Next time, want me to buy something for you? What do you want? Any requests?

Kashima: Um----

Sagara: I have one. A pork manjuu from Nankin Street.

[The word used is "butaman", which is the same as "nikuman". Basically, it's a sweat, meat filled bun of Chinese origin. They're absolutely delicious, although I personally prefer Pizaman (Pizza Manjuu).]

Mahori: Pork Manjuu?

Kashima: Oh, those are great, huh--~

Gramps: No problem!

{sound f/x buroro: roar of the bus engine}

Gramps: BYE BYE GRAMPS! BE CAREFUL!

Mahori: Huh? You leaving?

Sagara: Yes, for headquarters.

::page::

Sagara: I still have to interview that idiotic punk.

{sound f/x ta: Tora dashing forward}

Kashima: Ah~ Sagara-san! I'm really sorry that I said such rude things to you earlier~!

{sound f/x peko: quick bow}

Sagara: No, don't worry about it.

Kashima: But you know, Sagara-san can actually speak Kansai-ben, too! I feel like we have a bond now~~ (Ehe~) You always speak like such a robot, I was thinking maybe you couldn't speak it at all... (Your eyes are like this)

Sagara: Officer Kashima. I would caution you to restrain yourself from such dangerously impertinent actions. Unless you would like to quickly find yourself killed in the line of duty.

Kashima: ............

Mahori: [muffling a chuckle]

Sagara: If you would excuse me.

::page::

Kashima: WHAT'RE YOU TALKING ABOUT----~ YOU'RE SO MEAN~ YOU STUCK UP SUIT----~!!

Mahori: [chuckling] Just stop it. You're not going to win with that guy. [giggling]

Kashima: What do you mean. Like if it was Dai-san, then you'd win!?

Mahori: Well, in the past, maybe once? When we ran a coffee shop for the school festival, and I made him dress up like Goemon. Then, maybe I won. (Of course, I was Jigen.)

[Goemon and Jigen are both characters from the "Lupin the 3rd" anime series. Way back in Part 1, Dai-san told Tora that one of his inspirations to become a cop was Jigen Daisuke.]

Kashima: Noo~~way~~ the old men are so s-t-r-a-n-g-e~~~

Kashima: He can be kinda mean, but for Sagara-san to have such a grand goal for his work, I thought that was really amazing, and really respected him for that.

Mahori: Hey, who's an old man!

Kashima: You're the one looked down on me for my cosplay---~

Mahori: That's cause you were in a female cop's uniform!

Kashima: I'm just a newbie in our district and can't do huge things like Sagara-san.

::page::

Gramps: [si---gh~] I'm glad I came, Tora... Thank you.

Kashima: But to make everyone smile.

Sagara: In just one day he filled a 20 year gulf... Kashima... Toranosuke, huh... That's why Mahori likes him so much.

Kashima: To fill them with warm feelings. To protect everyone's little piece of happiness, I want to be that kind of detective.

::page::

Kashima: So, no matter how small the case, I'll take it seriously.

Chief: Mahori-kun, Kashima-kun, there's a thief in block 3!

Mahori: Hey! Let's go, Tora!

Kashima: Even if there's an investigation that everyone says is worthless and they all laugh at me, I'll try to do it.

Kashima: Right~!

Kashima: Officer Kashima Toranosuke. Today, like always, I'm off and running!!

Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5