[color=A9A9A9][h2]Northern District[/h2][/color][indent]

The half-smile widened reflexively, even if nothing else changed about her expression.

This girl really was a strange one, wasn’t she? Energetic and honest despite her derelict appearance. A weirdo within Tenoroshi. Her friends probably weren’t reputable folk. But to ask for help was more than she deserved.

[b]“What to do, what to do...” [/b]she mused aloud, her gaze shifting back towards the edge, towards the people below, blind and ignorant to what happened above their heads. [b]“If I were responsible for the deaths of several, and will be responsible for the deaths of several more, regardless of my own intent, would you still be holding on so tightly?”[/b]

The smile disappeared, allowing the true gravity of her expression to sink in.

[b]“It’s funny, even. The world’d be happier without me.”[/b]

[/indent]
[color=A9A9A9][h2]Central District[/h2][/color][indent]

[b]“The plaza, hm?”[/b] Ohta echoed, eyebrows raised. [b]“Hopefully it’s resolved.”[/b]

He paused slightly, his lips quirking up in a cat-like smile.

[b]“Though I wouldn’t mind it all too much if it gives me an excuse to hold off on answering some calls from middle management.”[/b]

Right as he said that, the distinctive rumbling of muted phone sounded through the serene lobby. [b]“Speak of the Devil,”[/b] Ohta chuckled, shaking his head at his own folly. [b]“Suppose I’ll better take my leave now. Wish you all the best, Miyane-san.”[/b]

Soon enough, he left the building, a driverless Model 3 rolling up by the curb for the tycoon. Ohta waved at Miyane one last time, and sped off.

It was uncanny, how effortlessly he left others in his wake.

But then again, that’s what she once was, wasn’t it?

[hr]

Officer Tomoe smiled as Marc recounted his story. [b]“That’s remarkably courageous of you, sir, but also remarkably dangerous. Next time around, it’s better to report the incident. We’ve generally have a [i]koban[/i] within 150 meters, so leave it to the professionals, ne?”[/b]

It was clear enough, though, that the scolding the teenager received was more perfunctory than anything else, and while they spoke, the joyfully mute man was placed in the back seat, before the van doors were slammed shut.

Tomoe turned at that sound, and nodded once more at Marc.

[b]“Thanks again. We already have another unit working on the assaulter, sir, so don’t worry about it. You’ve done good work again, but, once again,” [/b]the officer winked, even if the expression was lost due to his sunglasses, [b]“Not recommended.”[/b]

He entered the van, closed the door, and soon, Marc was alone, swallowed up by the gray of the city.

[/indent]
[color=A9A9A9][h2]Southwestern District[/h2][/color][indent]

Business only, hm? An investigator-type, this woman. A shame she wasn’t going to be a frivolous goldmine, but at least she liked her drinks hard and with no specific brand.

[b]“Only the best for you then, darling,”[/b] Kenshin spoke, flicking a strand of hair out of his eyes that made his regulars squeal. [b]“Sake call~~~!”[/b]

One of the newer hosts, still doing only server duties to get accustomed to the unique environment, strode over to the bar immediately, fumbling for the right-sized cups and the ceramic bottles, before rushing over. The raven-haired man placed them down, before bowing twice and disappearing in a flash. Kenshin didn’t mind that frenetic energy and clumsiness, but it was always a bit pathetic to see that in a man older than himself.

Pouring two cups of warm sake, he wait a bit for the singular sakura petals in each cup to float up to the top, before offering one to Marina.

And then, like a snake shedding its skin, Kenshin dropped all pretense.

Leaning forward, he slid the photo closer, squinting slightly. Then, he leaned back, and took a sip from his own cup, letting the burning liquid searing his insides.

[b]“I’ve seen him around, sure,”[/b] Kenshin said, catching Marina’s eyes, [b]“What’s that to you?”[/b]

[/indent]
[color=A9A9A9][h2]Southern District[/h2][/color][indent]

[b]“Geh.”[/b] was Tamiko’s immediate response when Tsurushi abandoned her duo of very pissed off thugs and headed back over. Glaring at the woman, the kid put her hands over her new bandana, clutching onto it as if to protect it from the grabby hands of her nefariously nosy teacher.

[b]“Eh?”[/b] was Yasuo’s own response, his muscles tensing slightly as his eyes flicked over to the stungun in the woman’s hand. Not a good look, approaching two kids with a weapon. But she didn’t look particularly [i]hard[/i] either, and he relaxed after that. Pulling down his bandana with one finger to reveal a round face and a disarming smile, he said, [b]“Dunno how you know her either, lady, but dun worry, she’s like a kid sister to me.”[/b]

His grin showed his teeth, but there was nothing clearly malicious about it. [b]“What, Miko’s a total brat to y- geh.”[/b]

That was Yasuo’s response to Tamiko kicking him in the shin, before the precocious 5th grader pulled one of her eyelids down at Tsurushi, her stuck-out tongue hidden by her bandana. [b]“It’s fine now, right? Got my big bro with me, so go shoo, granny! [i]Painu vittuun![/i]”[/b]

Yasuo’s fist knocked lightly on Tamiko’s head. [b]“Now, now, no need for that sort of language, but yeah...don’t worry ‘bout her, lady. S’all good in the hood.”[/b]

[/indent]