Vol 8 Chapter 2: VOLUME 8 – THE VANISHED SPIRIT Shinrei Tantei Yakumo

Vol 8 Chapter 2: VOLUME 8 – THE VANISHED SPIRIT

Chapter 2

VOLUME 8 THE VANISHED SPIRIT

file 02: escape (TRANSLATION NOTES)

Where is this?

Haruka stood up on the wooden floor in her bare feet .

There were candleholders in the four corners of the room . The small flames of the candles flickered .

It appeared to be a temple .

Why am I here?

As if to answer Harukas question, a dark shadow walked in front of Haruka . It was somebody Haruka knew well .

Yakumo-kun, where did you go? I was worried .

Yakumo didnt reply .

The muscles in his face were flaccid and his eyes werent focussed . His fingers occasionally twitched .

He looked a bit strange .

'Hey . Yakumo-kun .

Haruka called out once more . Then, Yakumo suddenly started laughing aloud .

He clutched his stomach as he convulsed with laughter .

'Whats so funny? Haruka said at last, though she was confused .

Yakumo suddenly stopped .

'Whats so funny, you say?

Still smiling, Yakumo held up a knife in front of Harukas eyes .

The knife, coldly glinting, was dyed red . Blood dripped from its tip .

'Yakumo-kun right?

'Thats right . Ive finally realised my true nature .

'True nature?

Haruka stepped back .

Yakumo took a step closer as if to chase her .

'Thats right . Killing people is fun .

'Youre lying .

'Want to test me?

Yakumo licked his lips .

Before Haruka noticed, his two eyes were dyed a deep red .

'Stop!

Haruka sat straight up .

She opened her eyes not in a temple but her own room . It looked like shed fallen asleep on the table .

That was a dream .

'Thank goodness .

Haruka heaved a sigh of relief and looked at the clock .

It was just past four in the morning . This wasnt the time to sleep . She rubbed her eyes and looked back at her computer monitor when she felt somebodys presence .

Somebodys here .

When Haruka turned around, she saw somebody sitting against the wall .

'Aah!

Haruka leapt up .

The person sitting there with his head hung slowly lifted his head .

'Yakumo-kun! exclaimed Haruka, her eyes wide .

There was no doubt about it . It was Yakumo .

His skin was so pale and his lips so dry and purple that it made her doubt he was alive .

His white shirt was covered in dirt and the left leg of his jeans was stained with blood .

'Why are you here said Yakumo in a hoarse voice .

'Why

That was what Haruka wanted to ask .

But this wasnt the time for that . Anyway, she had to bring Yakumo to a hospital to fix his horrible condiition .

'I ran here from the limestone cavern

'Tell me later . Anyway, Ill call an ambulance .

Haruka took the mobile on the table in her hand .

'Then I went to the lake Red flowers bloomed

Yakumo was talking deliriously .

'Lake?

'I see Im already dead

'Dont say something so stupid!

'Its fine I got to see you in the end

As he spoke, Yakumos shadow became gradually fainter and finally disappeared, as if he had melted into the room .

'Yakumo-kun? Hey, where are you?

Haruka called out frantically, but Yakumo made no reply

So noisy .

Gotou woke up to the ringing of his mobile phone .

Hed gone round looking for Yakumo, but he couldnt find him . He hadnt thought itd be so easy, but he still felt tired and disappointed .

He had planned on taking a break by sitting in the cars driver seat, but then he had fallen asleep .

In the passengers seat, Eishin was sleeping while snoring loudly .

Unlike Gotou, who had searched for Yakumo frantically, Eishin had returned to the car soon after and fallen asleep after saying, 'Theres no way well find him when its this dark .

Gotou looked at his wristwatch . It was just past four in the morning .

Whos calling at this time?

'Gotou speaking .

Gotou answered the phone while rubbing his eyes .

<Yakumo-kun came!>

He heard Harukas hysterical voice on the other end of the phone .

The way she was so agitated wasnt normal .

'What about Yakumo?

'Calm down a bit . Explain what youre talking about .

Gotou sat up and tried to calm Haruka down by speaking slowly .

Finally, it seemed like Haruka had regained her calm . He heard her take deep breaths .

<Earlier, Yakumo-kun came to my room>

Haruka spoke in a hoarse voice .

'W-what?

He went back to Haruka?

It was possible . It irritated Gotou that Yakumo did that without contacting anyone, but he didnt care as long as he was fine .

'So Yakumos there now?

If possible, Gotou wanted to talk to him . There was a mountain of things he wanted to ask .

<;;He vanished>

'Vanished?

'Werent your eyes just playing tricks on you?

Haruka yelled loudly .

It was true that Haruka for one wouldnt mistake somebody for Yakumo, but

'He vanished, right?

Gotou could hear Haruka start to sob .

A heat close to anger started boiling up within Gotous stomach .

'Yakumo-kun wont die! he yelled, overcome by his emotion .

Dont screw with me . Yakumo died and went to see Haruka?

It wasnt that Gotou was angry at Haruka, but he didnt want to believe it . That guy wouldnt die so easily .

<But>

'Im saying he wont die! So he wont die!

Though it was in a tear-filled voice, Harukas reply was firm .

She had become panicked by the sudden event, but it looked like shed come back to her senses .

She had really become stronger . That was the woman in Yakumos heart for you .

'If you did see Yakumos spirit, Haruka-chan, did he say anything that could be a lead? Gotou said quickly .

'Anything else .

'Lake?

'Red flowers .

'Theres a lake nearby .

Eishin had woken up at some point and he spoke from the passenger seat .

He had probably heard their conversation .

'Really?

'Yeah . The red flowers are probably crape myrtle .

Eishin let out a big yawn as he leant back . It seemed like he didnt realise the importance of his words .

'Where?

'I said it at the beginning, right? Theres a lake near the temple where a womans screams

He had said that .

That was when Gotou had heard about the reincarnation of the girl called Hatsune . Hed completely forgotten because of everything that had happened .

But that was a place with spiritual connections .

'Can you go to that lake from the limestone cavern?

'Theres a path through the cavern . If you go along the river from there, youll get to the lake .

A path through the cavern that was the first Gotou had heard of it .

Maybe . Just maybe . But this old man was too laidback .

'You should say that from the beginning!

'You didnt ask, said Eishin without any shame .

Are you Yakumo!?

Gotou bit back the urge to retort and sighed .

< Gotou-san, did you realise something?>

Harukas anxious voice came from the phone .

'Ill go to the lake near the temple .

'No . Theres no time to go pick you up .

Haruka accepted it straightforwardly without fighting back .

'Ill call you later .

<Gotou-san . >

Just as Gotou was about to turn on the car engine, Haruka spoke .

'What?

Though Haruka spoke firmly, Gotou felt like there was a tremor there .

To be honest, he couldnt make that irresponsible promise . But

'I promise .

Gotou hung up and started the car .

Ishii turned around at the sound of the door opening .

Youko came into the room . She had a number of files in her arms .

'That was quick .

Youko didnt reply to Ishiis words .

She mechanically placed the files on Ishiis desk and then sighed, covering her face with her hands .

'If the higher-ups knew I was helping out with things like this, itd be quite a problem . Youko glared at Ishii while propping her chin up in her hand .

Last night, Ishii had told Youko about the cases Yakumo had been involved in in the past .

It had been a long conversation .

At first, Youko had laughed scornfully, thinking it was ridiculous, but as Ishii continued to talk with fervour, her expression changed .

Then, with this case as the background, Ishii talked about how Yakumo had received a request to investigate a spiritual phenomenon related to reincarnation .

Youko had said she didnt need Ishiis cooperation, but that thinking had turned one hundred and eighty degrees .

She probably thought that solving the mystery behind the reincarnation story would be necessary to solve the case .

However, Ishii felt divided .

It was because he wasnt confident that the method they had chosen was correct . And his suspicion about Yakumo was still smoking inside of him .

Perhaps Yakumo really did kill him .

'Im sorry .

Ishii bowed his head, feeling apologetic in a number of meanings .

It looked like Youko didnt like his attitude, because she waved her hand like she was swatting a fly and looked away .

'Then what are we doing next? said Youko, tapping the files on top of the desk with her finger .

Ishii had asked Youko to take the files about murders, accidents, suicides and disappearances that had the name Minami in them from the Nishitama precinct .

Minami was the name that Hatsune, who said she was a reincarnation, claimed she had in her previous life .

'Were going to look for something like it in these files .

'Something like it?

'Yes, something like it .

'Cant you explain more properly?

It looked like his explanation had been too vague . Youko tapped the desk loudly in her irritation .

When she acted like this, she was somewhat like Gotou .

'Thats right Lets say people who might be Hatsunes mother

'Well, all right . We just have to look for something like it, right? said Youko, sounding exasperated, but she took the files in hand and started flipping through them . Ishii started the same work, but his hands suddenly stopped .

'Excuse me

'What?

Youkos brows furrowed in irritation .

'Why do you feel like helping now?

'You said this, right? Though Saitou Yakumo is being chased by the police, he should be chasing the reincarnation mystery . If I chase that mystery as well, Ill reach him .

Just as Youko said, Ishii had said that last night . But

'Is that all?

Ishii leant forward .

Though Youko usually had good enunciation, she looked troubled .

I have a personal interest .

'Interest?

'He can see them, right Er, ghosts

It looked like it was difficult for Youko to say .

'Ah, yes .

'Ive seen them once too, said Youko in a low tone as she narrowed her eyes .

'I see

Ishii understood now .

Normally, even if he said that Yakumo could see ghosts, people wouldnt believe it, but Youko had seen ghosts herself, so she believed what Ishiis aid .

'What sort of ghost was it?

'What a strange question .

Youko smiled, seeming exasperated .

So she can make this sort of expression too it made Ishii a bit happy .

'Is it

'It is . Youre strange .

'Strange?

Ishii didnt think he was different from other people . He was just a regular old useless guy .

'Yes . How should I put it

Though Youko started to speak, she looked down awkwardly and shook her head .

'What is it?

'Its nothing .

'Why not tell me? Please do .

He couldnt help but be curious now that she had said that much . Ishii pressed further .

'I dont know how to say it, but I think youre unsuited for detective work .

'Unsuited?

'Yes . Youre too pure .

'Eh

Ishii made a vague reply .

Too pure .

He had been told the same thing countless times before, but Ishii didnt know what part of him was supposed to be pure .

'Anyway, the ghost story, said Youko, changing the subject .

'Ah, thats right . What sort of ghost did you see?

'The ghost of my dead lover .

'Eh?

Ishii swallowed .

The regret he felt about asking spread through his chest .

Though it was just his own imaginings, he had thought that the ghost Youko had seen would have been something like a scary story .

'Though it seemed like that person was appealing to me for something, I couldnt hear that voice

'Is that so

Ishii almost asked why that person had died, but he didnt have the courage .

Youko probably wanted to meet that lover of hers again and hear those words .

That was why she was helping to look for Yakumo .

Just as the atmosphere had gotten a bit solemn, Youkos mobile rang .

'Yes, Natsume speaking .

When Youko answered, she stood up and moved to the corner of the room .

Though Ishii couldnt hear the conversation, he saw her expression stiffen in a flash and knew how serious it was .

'Ill do the rest myself .

Youko said that quickly and hung up . Then, she tried to leave the room .

'Did something happen?

Ishii stood up immediately and followed Youko .

Youko put a hand on her chin and looked up at the ceiling . It looked like she wasnt sure whether she should talk about it .

'The information will come in soon enough, Ishii said, giving it a try .

'Another corpse was found .

'Eh?

'Its unknown yet whether its related to this case .

'Do you know the identity?

'I cant say anything else .

Youko said just that and then briskly left the room .

What on earth is happening?

Ishii wouldnt stand for being left behind in this situation .

He hurriedly ran after Youko .

He fell .

Gotou stepped down hard on the pedal as he drove .

Haruka said she saw Yakumo . Normally, hed have put it aside, thinking it was foolish, but he didnt feel like that right now .

He didnt have any other leads anyway, so all he could do was charge there now .

There was a sharp curve, but Gotou just turned the wheel at the same speed .

He went right out into the other lane and the tires let out white smoke .

'Youre going too quickly .

Eishin sounded displeased about being thrown around by centrifugal force, but Gotou didnt have the time for him right now .

'Hold on tight .

Gotou pressed down further on the accelerator .

Eishin grabbed the door handle so that he wouldnt be thrown about .

'Youre being rash .

'I have to be rash, or I wouldnt be able to keep up with Yakumo .

Eishin snorted at Gotous reply .

Though Eishin kept complaining, he looked like he was having fun .

'Here! yelled Eishin, like hed suddenly remembered something .

Gotou slammed on the brakes in response . His body slammed into the seatbelt from the impact .

'Cant you stop more quietly?

'Then tell me earlier .

'You were driving too quickly .

This old man never shuts up .

'So where is it?

'Just up this slope .

Eishin pointed at the weedy path that stretched along the side of the asphalt .

'Another trail?

With a click of his tongue, Gotou opened the door and got off .

The sky was starting to grow light .

He passed through the grass and practically had to crawl as he went up the slope .

After about ten minutes, he saw a lake .

Since it was called a lake, hed thought it would be bigger, but it was only a hundred metres at most to the opposite shore more of a pond .

'Yakumo!

He yelled from the bottom of his belly .

The voice just echoed back into his ears with no reply .

'Where are you!? Yakumo! Its me! Gotou!

Gotou kept yelling as he slowly walked around the lake .

'Oi! Yakumo!

Though he kept yelling, no reply came back to him .

Damn it! Where is he?

Gotou looked around frantically .

Red flowers came into his vision . That was probably the crape myrtle theyd talked about .

'Over there then?

Gotou rushed there on an impulse .

He stopped in front of the crape myrtle tree, out of breath, when he saw something moving in the grass .

A pit viper .

Gotou kicked a rock by his feet .

The viper slide away .

'Dont scare me .

He had just wiped the sweat off his neck when he saw somebodys foot sticking out from behind a rock .

Could it be?

Gotou ran over .

'Yakumo

There was no doubt about it . It was Yakumo .

He had his back against the rock and was sitting with both legs out . His arms hung at his side and his head hung limply as well .

'Oi! Yakumo! Hang in there!

Gotou took Yakumos face in his hands and pulled him up .

His skin was deathly pale . His body was considerably cold too .

Dont screw with me . Did he really die?

'Yakumo, wake up!

Gotou slapped Yakumo with an open hand .

However, he was as unresponsive as a doll .

'It looked like he was bitten by a pit viper .

Eishin came over and said that as he pointed at Yakumos left leg .

His jeans were rolled up to his thigh . The leg that stuck out was very swollen and there were two small injuries, asi f pricked by a needle, in his shin .

'Pit viper?

He shouldve bit off that pit viper earlier .

'He tightened his belt above the injury . As you can see, it looks like the bite isnt that deep .

'Can he be saved?

'I dont know . I cant tell how long its been since he was bit . Anyway, we need to get him to a hospital right away .

Gotou was about to reply when he remembered something .

'Yakumos a fugitive .

'So what?

Eishin stood up with eyes wide open . He looked just like a demon .

'Well, the police

'Right now, Yakumos life is the most important, said Eishin, interrupting Gotou .

That was right . Gotou had been so upset hed almost forgotten what was most crucial .

'Right . My bad .

'I know a doctor near here . If I ask, the doctor probably wont report him to the police .

Eishins eyes narrowed back to his usual expression .

Despite what he said, Eishin seemed to be worried about Yakumo from the bottom of his heart . Gotou might have misjudged him .

'Right . Anyway, lets carry Yakumo .

She left .

Ishii returned to his desk alone .

He had run out after Youko, but he fell partway and was left behind . He felt like things like this just kept on happening this time .

'No, this isnt the time to feel depressed .

Ishii hit both of his cheeks and took the files that Youko had brought into his hands for a change of pace .

Ill look for something like it from these documents .

Now that he thought about it, it was vague . Though that hadnt been the words Youko used, he didnt know where to start .

'Oh, youre here?

The door opened and in came Miyagawa .

He walked over with a bowlegged gait and sat down on the desk, but he didnt seem to have his usual pressure or rather, ambition .

Like an old soldier tired of war .

'Were you still here?

'Its been busy on my end of things too, replied Miyagawa with no energy in his neck . It looked like his exhaustion had really piled up .

'Is that so

'Anyway, theres something I want to talk to you about .

'Ah, yes .

'Wheres Gotou? said Miyagawa, looking around the room .

'Ah, er, he hasnt yet

Ishii thought that he would be yelled at and pulled up his shoulders, but all that came back was a resigned 'That so .

'Did something happen?

'Got a report from forensics earlier .

Miyagawa took a cigarette out of his pocket and lit up .

'Forensics?

Ishii took an ashtray from the desk drawer and placed it in front of Miyagawa .

Miyagawa took in a deep breath of smoke and waited a long while before beginning to speak .

'The fingerprints in the university clubroom that Yakumo lives in match the fingerprints on the knife left at the scene .

'Eh?

'Seems to be ninety-nine per cent accurate .

'Thats

Ishii felt like somebody had hit him in the head with a blunt object .

Even though he had suspected that Yakumo might have killed him in his heart, the shock was stronger than he had expected .

Ishii realised that he, like Gotou, had been certain that Yakumo would not kill somebody .

He might have just thought Yakumo could have been the culprit because of his feelings towards Haruka . That would have been better for him

Ishii also knew what sort of person Yakumo really was .

Ishii didnt know how many times Yakumo had saved him . But he had forgotten his debt of gratitude and couldnt throw away the doubt that Yakumo had committed a murder from the corners of his heart because of his own terrible jealousy .

Im such a lowly person .

Ishii gripped his fists tightly and bit down the urge to scream .

'Jurisdiction will change Saitou Yakumo from a person of interest to a suspect .

Saitou Yakumo, suspect .

Ishii had never thought that Yakumo would be described that way .

'But at this stage, its just that the fingerprints match, yes? Isnt it too early to make him a suspect? said Ishii with a hopeful perspective .

Miyagawa shook his head forcefully .

'Besides the physical evidence, theres also eyewitness testimony . Plus, he ran away from the police himself . Theres nothing that can be done now .

'But

'Thats all . I came to tell you guys to back off .

Miyagawa looked at Ishii seriously .

It was a somewhat sad gaze .

'Back off?

'Yeah . What happened so far is fine, but if you involve yourself with Yakumo any more, youll be suspected without cause . I wont be able to stick up for you .

What Miyagawa said made sense .

Now that Yakumo was a suspect, they would be suspected to be involved in the crime if they went in too deep . If they found out where Yakumo was and kept quiet, that would be aiding a fugitive .

Ishii knew that . But still, he couldnt reply with a 'Yes sir .

'With all due deference to you, Chief Miyagawa, the possibility that Yakumo-shi has been falsely accused

'Dont say any more! I know that myself!

Miyagawas angry yell from the bottom of his stomach shook the room .

Though they had been brief, various emotions had been condensed in those words .

It wasnt only Gotou and Ishii who had worked with Yakumo . Miyagawa had gotten to know Yakumo as well through various cases .

Miyagawa himself thought that Yakumo wouldnt kill anybody .

However, he couldnt protect Gotou and Ishii any further .

He had forced everything he wanted to say to the bottom of his stomach and made himself to be the bad guy so as to push Gotou and Ishii away from the case .

'You guys dont want to handcuff Yakumo either, right?

Miyagawa said just that and pressed his cigarette into the ashtray . Then, he left the room with slumped shoulders .

Ishii couldnt think of anything to say to that back .

What should I do?

Haruka held on to her mobile tightly as she paced around the room .

She was irritated with herself for being unable to do anything at a time like this .

Just thinking about Yakumos state made her chest hurt like it was being ripped apart .

Please . Be safe .

All she could do was wish for that .

She felt that she was terribly small and unreliable .

'Yakumo-kun

Just by saying that name aloud, a number of emotions welled up within her, bringing her close to panic .

She placed the mobile on the table . By gripping the red stone on her necklace, she was somehow able to calm her emotions, which had been threatening to explode .

The intercom rang .

Could it be?

With that thought, Haruka rushed to the monitor .

On the display was Gotous wife, Atsuko, and her adopted daughter, Nao .

'Ill open up now .

Haruka quickly unlocked the auto-lock at the entrance . After a while, the doorbell rang .

She opened the door immediately and welcomed Atsuko and Nao inside .

'Sorry for coming at this time, but I just couldnt sit still Atsuko said quietly .

'No . I dont want to be alone now either

'Thats right . Its really quite the matter, said Atsuko quietly .

'Yes .

'My heads a mess . Even though this is such a serious affair, that person wont tell me anything . When he called home yesterday to say he wouldnt be coming back, finally And he didnt explain the situation in detail either . He just told me to ask you, Haruka-chan Theres a limit to being irresponsible .

Atsuko said that all at once in her agitation .

Though Haruka understood how she felt, Gotou must have been frantic as well . Currently, Haruka was also doing her best to search for Yakumo she hadnt thought to contact Atsuko and Nao .

'Haruka-chan, are you all right?

Atsuko put her hand on Harukas shoulder .

Haruka felt like everything that she had been holding in came loose .

She wanted to just cling to Atsuko and cry, but then Nao jumped in front of Haruka .

She buried her face in Harukas chest and started to sob .

Haruka hugged Nao tightly .

'Its all right, Haruka said, rubbing Naos back gently .

It was mysterious . Though Haruka had been the one about to collapse just earlier, when she took in Naos sobs like this, she felt her heart naturally calm down .

I need to be more reliable .

It made her feel that way .

'Yakumo-kun hasnt? said Atsuko after things had calmed down .

'Gotou-san is going to search for him now .

'I see . If he doesnt find him, feel free to hit him . I give my permission, said Atsuko jokingly .

'Its fine . Gotou-san will definitely find him . Right, Nao-chan?

Haruka pat Naos glossy hair .

Nao, who couldnt hear, had no way to understand Harukas words . But it seemed like Harukas meaning had come across, as Nao nodded with her head still buried in Harukas chest .

Yakumo . Come back soon .

The hospital was about fifteen minutes from the lake .

It was a small one-storey town clinic .

Gotou parked at the front entrance . Gotou took Yakumos head and Eishin his feet . They went into the clinic and placed Yakumo on the bench in the waiting room .

Since Eishin had contacted ahead of time, the examination room was open, but it was still early, so there were no other patients .

After Eishin set Yakumo down, he went right into the examination room .

'Yakumo . Hang in there .

Gotou called out to him frantically .

But Yakumo didnt wake up .

Im begging you . Dont die .

Gotou prayed as he gripped Yakumos hand tightly .

Doing that wouldnt make Yakumo get better sooner . He knew that .

There are things people realise for the first time when they lose something .

Gotou had thought of him as a damn impudent brat who always said hateful things, but at some point, Yakumo had become like family to him .

It became natural for him to be there if he disappeared, Gotou would be troubled .

Like his wife Atsuko and his daughter Nao, Gotou would protect Yakumo even if he lost his own life in the process .

'The doctor will see him now . We have to carry him to the examination room .

When Eishin hit Gotous shoulder, he came back to reality .

'Right, responded Gotou immediately . Then, they carried Yakumo to the examination room .

After they placed Yakumo on the bed in the examination room, an old man with a hunched back and white hair hobbled over .

He was somewhat like the coroner, Hata .

'This is Nakamoto-san . My old friend .

Eishin gave a simple introduction .

Gotou was about to introduce himself, but Nakamoto started to examine Yakumo, saying 'Lets see like he wasnt interested in pleasantries .

'It looked like he was bit by a pit viper, said Eishin, crossing his arms .

'A pit viper when?

Nakamotos eyes went wide .

'We dont know exactly, but we think it was a while back .

'Bring me the serum immediately .

Nakamoto instructed the nearby middle-aged nurse .

She looked a bit surprised and stood there with a blank expression for a while, but when Nakamoto urged her 'Hurry she rushed out of the examination room .

Nakamoto looked at the injury with a penlight and checked Yakumos pupils, but then he sighed deeply .

'Can you save Yakumo? Gotou pressed .

'I dont know yet .

'What do you mean, you dont know! Youre going to save him!

Gotous emotions boiled over and he grabbed the collar of Nakamotos gown .

However, Nakamoto just looked up at Gotou like he had seen something unpleasant .

'Eishin . Take this idiot outside .

'W-what!? yelled Gotou .

Eishin held Gotou from behind .

Gotou tried to fight, but Eishin was stronger than he had been expected and so Gotou was dragged out of the examination room .

'Calm down, idiot, said Eishin, like he was rebuking a child .

'How could I calm down?

'Will your yelling make Yakumo get better?

Gotou gritted his back teeth .

He knew that even without hearing a lecture from a monk .

'Anyway, you wait there .

Eishin pushed Gotou to sit down on the bench in the waiting room and returned to the examination room .

All Gotou could do was glare at the door, which slammed shut .

'Damn it!

Gotous yell echoed through the waiting room .

He was so angry he wanted to punch somebody with all his might . Just as he put his fists down on his lap, his mobile phone rang .

When he checked the display, he saw that it was from Ishii .

'What do you want?

Gotou answered the phone with evident irritation .

<D-Detective Gotou, its t-terrible . >

Ishiis faltering voice made Gotou even angrier . If Ishii had been in front of him, he would have smacked his fist into his head .

'Talk already .

<Ah, yes sir . Actually, Chief Miyagawa told me this information earlier>

'Like I said, what?

<Yakumo-shis fingerprints match the ones on the knife . >

'What!?

Gotou stood up without thinking .

Matching fingerprints was positive evidence . It looked like Yakumo had definitely held the knife .

'Dont joke with me .

As Gotou muttered that, his eyes landed on the news on the television in the waiting room .

A horse-faced male reporter stood in front of the Nishitama precincts entrance and spoke in a rushed manner towards the cameras .

As if to interrupt the reporters words, a picture of Yakumo appeared on the screen .

It was probably the photo from his student ID or something like it . He had a white shirt on and a composed expression on his face .

It was probably from when he still wore his black contact lens . Gotou couldnt see Yakumos red left eye .

Gotou heard Ishii call out to him from the other end of the phone .

'I can hear you . Im looking at the news right now .

'What?

'Serial?

So it could be serial .

Not just one person but two had been killed a big case . The Nishitama precinct would probably chase Yakumo with all their strength .

Not all . Detectives from central government would be out soon .

If that happened, all of the police force would be chasing Yakumo .

Ishiis off-the-point question stopped Gotous thoughts .

'What?

That?

'How would I know?

<Eh?>

'Think about what you should do on your own!

After yelling that, Gotou hung up .

When he sat down on the bench, Gotou realised that hed forgotten to tell Ishii that hed found Yakumo . He thought about calling again, but decided against it . It would be better not to tell Ishii .

If he found out, he would have to report to the higher-ups . Itd bring about problems if he knew and kept quiet about it .

I cant get Ishii any more involved in this .

After smiling derisively, Gotou called Harukas number from his mobile phones contact list .

Hed call just to say they found him .

<Hello?>

She had probably been waiting for a call . Gotou heard Harukas cornered voice right away .

She had probably been in more pain than anyone . It felt like she might start crying at any moment .

'Its Gotou .

<Did you find Yakumo-kun?> Haruka said immediately .

So many things had happened up until now . To Haruka, Yakumo was irreplaceable, just like how he was to Gotou .

If Haruka lost Yakumo, she would probably carry that with her for her whole life .

When Gotou thought that, he couldnt speak .

Harukas voice sounded like it would fade off at any moment .

'Like I promised, I found him, said Gotou, before his heart was determined .

<Really?>

Harukas voice was so bright it sounded like a different persons .

Now, Gotou couldnt say the truth .

Its fine . Yakumo will be saved .

Gotou said that to himself and made his decision .

'Yeah, really .

'Of course .

'Ah, no, right nows no good . Hes got a bit of an injury . A doctors looking at him .

'Hes fine . Nothing big . Hes getting it looked at just in case .

Gotou was hit by a wave of regret after saying that .

What am I saying?

However, it was too late now that hed said it . If anything happened, hed make the same thing happen to that quack doctor .

Gotou could tell that Haruka was crying on the other side of the phone .

Im really counting on you .

Gotou glared at the door of the examination room .

Suddenly, Gotou heard Atsukos voice from the other side of the phone .

'W-why are you there?

Gotou became flustered in his confusion .

'Im sorry .

Gotous voice toned down under Atsukos pressure .

Hed know this, but she really had some guts .

'Dont want to think about it . Its the worst-case scenario .

'The fingerprints on the murder weapon match Yakumos .

<Yakumo-kun could never kill someone>

'I know that .

Eishins words came up in Gotous head .

Peoples hearts change moment by moment .

That might be true . There was probably a side of Yakumo that Gotou and the others didnt know . But still, he wanted to believe in Yakumo .

There was a line that people couldnt cross . No matter what, Yakumo wasnt the sort of person who would cross that line .

'Hey, Atsuko .

Gotou called his wife by his name .

He felt like itd been a while since hed done that . He didnt know why, but since they married, itd become natural for her to be by his side and hed just gotten by with things like 'Oi .

But he felt like calling her by her name right now .

There was something he had to say properly while facing her .

<What?>

'The police are chasing Yakumo as a suspect rather than a person of interest . But I cant believe it .

'Could I ask you one thing?

'If I end up quitting the police, what will you do?

The moment Gotou said that, he heard laughter from the other side of the phone .

Perhaps Atsuko wasnt taking what Gotou said seriously . Or she didnt understand the meaning of the question

But Gotous answer cleared away those feelings of Gotous .

'And if you had to say what you hated?

She hates me being a police officer?

It was the first time hed heard of it . It seemed like Atsuko had seen through all of Gotous worries .

Hed thought hed been flying around freely up until now, but it looked like hed actually just been dancing around in Atsukos palm .

Hed made an unbelievable woman into his wife .

'Got it . Ill try not to be hated .

Gotou hung up and stood .

There was no reason to hesitate any more . Gotou was determined .

Yakumo might not like it, but hed go with him to the ends of hell .

Im so glad .

Haruka gripped the red stone on her necklace tightly .

After seeing Yakumo in her room this morning, she recalled the time when her friend Shiori died and it had felt like her heart was in her mouth .

Nao was hopping around the room in happiness .

'Thats great .

Atsuko held Harukas shoulders tightly .

'Yes .

'My husbands quite the guy, isnt he?

Atsuko really looked proud .

Haruka had to thank Gotou . Not just this time he had stood on the front lines time and time again and protected thim with his body .

'Thank you very much .

Haruka knew her voice was trembling .

No good . Im going to cry again .

'Now, lets stop with the sentimentality . Theres something we have to do too, right? said Atsuko .

'Yes, replied Haruka, wiping away her tears with her finger .

Just as Atsuko said, they had something they had to do .

Yakumo had become a suspect . If they didnt prove his innocence, he couldnt return even if he was safe .

As if to reply to Harukas feelings, the mobile phone on the table rang .

The number on the display was Makotos .

'Hello .

Makotos clear voice came through the phone .

'Its fine .

'Interesting things?

Makoto lowered her tone .

'A mysterious story is it?

Haruka lowered her tone as well .

Though her voice was quiet, Makoto spoke quickly . It was evident that she was agitated .

'What sort of story was it?

Expectation welled up within Haruka too .

At this stage, Haruka didnt know what that really meant, but she couldnt ignore it .

'At the lake

Haruka recalled what Eishin had said .

Hatsune, who said she was her mothers reincarnation, shad said she was killed and sunk into the lake .

Hatsune was a girl of about ten years old . The time matched up . It could have something to do with it .

Makoto spoke, interrupting Harukas thoughts .

'Did you find something out?

'Different testimony?

Though Haruka didnt know the precise age of the person who had given the interview, she imagined that this was about fifty years ago .

The time was completely different, and a womans screams and a babys cries were completely different .

She had thought things might have been related, but she felt now that everything was falling apart .

'Isnt that a different story?

Makoto said that as if it were a matter of fact .

When Makoto said that so firmly, it made Haruka more confused . Why had Makoto talked about a different spiritual phenomenon?

Makoto continued to speak, sensing Harukas question .

Makotos voice changed . Harukas heart beat loudly .

Haruka held the mobile tightly and waited for Makoto to continue .

'A woman?

A woman with two red eyes .

Haruka couldnt speak in her surprise .

Haruka agreed with Makotos opinion .

Two spiritual phenomena that had occurred in the same place . Hatsune, who claimed to be her mothers reincarnation . If they found the thread that tied these three things together, they would solve the mystery of the case .

Think about what you should do on your own!

Gotous words kept circling his head like a round .

For a while, he had thought that Gotou had abandoned him and had been dazed in his shock .

But after some time, he had understood the true meaning behind those words, as if they had slowly spread within his heart .

Gotou hadnt abandoned him . Hed entrusted the matter to him .

When Ishii realised that, he had trembled from head to toe, like electricity was running through him .

No matter how much Miyagawa was against it, there was something he had to do .

Ishii was determined .

First, he needed to gather information . Youko had said that another corpse was found in the Nishitama jurisdiction . He would find out its identity .

The direction of his investigation would change depending on whether that corpse was related to Yakumos case .

Ishii took the phone from the desk but was troubled about his decision .

If he contacted Miyagawa through the internal line, the chief would probably be furious . That said, calling the Nishitama precinct without an official request would cause discord .

What should I do?

Just as he held his head in disappointment, somebodys face flashed through Ishiis mind .

'Thats right . Makoto-san might know .

Ishii quickly called Makotos number from his mobile phone contacts list .

<Hello, Hijikata speaking . >

After a number of rings, Makoto picked up .

Ishii felt like it had been a while since hed heard her voice . Since he had felt like hed been left behind on his own, this relaxed him a bit .

'Its Ishii . Its been a while .

<Actually, I was just about to contact you too, Ishii-san . >

'Eh? Is that so?

What could it be?

'I was investigating Yakumo-kuns case with Haruka-chan . >

Makoto answered Ishiis question .

'I see

'Of course, Im calling about Yakumo-shis case . Theres something I want to know, but

'It seems like a corpse was found in the Nishitama jurisdiction this morning .

Makoto seemed to sense the general situation just from Ishiis explanation and put the phone on hold after saying 'Please wait .

A melancholic melody started to play .

While listening to it, Ishii realised that his impression of Makoto had changed .

In the past, he would become nervous in front of Makoto, but now that wasnt the case .

I wonder why .

Makoto spoke breathlessly, interrupting Ishiis thoughts .

'What is it?

'Thats fine .

Ishii felt his feet shake when he heard what Makoto said .

Stabbed multiple times with a knife that was the exact same method that Seidou had been killed with . Though it was too early to say it was the same perpetrator just from that, it was worth looking into .

Makoto added to her explanation .

It wasnt that far . Ishiis suspicions grew stronger .

Makoto said that as if she had read Ishiis thoughts .

'I cant say anything at this stage

Ishii was about to hang up, but then Makoto stopped him, saying <Ishii-san> .

'What is it?

That was a welcome suggestion .

He had to explain the situation to Haruka as well, and it would be better to have more heads to think about it .

'That sounds good .

'Thank you .

Ishii hung up and looked at the mountain of files that Youko had left behind . It was possible that something that connected Seidou and Matsumoto Hiroshi was in there .

Ishii rolled up his shirt sleeves and picked up a file .

Still not done?

Gotou glared at the examination room door with his two hands in fists .

It had been more than two hours since .

He was irritated at himself for only being able to wait . At times like this, he longed for the cigarettes that he had stopped smoking .

'Damn it!

Just as Gotou spat that out, the door opened .

Eishin came out . His forehead was drenched with sweat . He looked like he had lost weight .

'How is he?

Gotou stood up immediately and approached Eishin .

Eishin let out a long breath and then his expression relaxed .

'Seems hell be fine if he gets some rest .

T-that so?

All the force in Gotous body left him it felt like hed fall right to the floor .

Gotou was surprised himself that Yakumos existence had had such an impact on him .

'So what do you plan to do now?

Eishin looked at the glass door at the entrance, like he had sensed something .

Gotou looked as well .

He saw two uniformed officers approaching the examination room .

The nurse had probably informed the police after seeing the news . This was bad .

'Take Yakumo out of here, Gotou said forcefully .

'Are you serious?

Eishins brow was furrowed .

Like Gotou had the time to tell jokes now .

'Ill stop the officers . You take Yakumo then, said Gotou, glaring at Eishin .

For a while, Eishin just looked back at Gotou silently, but he finally shook his head in resignation .

'My, my . To think that I would become a partner in crime

'You were the start of this . You should be prepared .

'Got it .

Eishin smiled wryly and headed to the examination room .

'Now, time to go .

Gotou walked over with wide strides to the officers that had come in and showed them his police ID .

'Im Gotou of the Setamachi precinct .

'Thank you for your hard work .

The uniformed officer immediately replied with a salute .

'Did something happen?

'Yes . There was a report that the escaped suspect Saitou Yakumo was here

So that really was it .

Gotou clicked his tongue looked at the examination room .

With bad timing, Eishin came out, carrying Yakumo .

One of the uniformed officers noticed and tried to approach Eishin, but Gotou grabbed the officers arm to stop him .

'Wait!

'No, but

'It was decided that Saitou Yakumo will be turned over to the Setamachi precinct .

Please . Believe me .

Gotou looked at the officer whose arm he was holding with that thought in his head .

'I will confirm that .

After the other officer said that, he took his wireless in his hand .

No good, eh?

Gotou turned around and kneed the officer with the wireless between the legs .

'Agh!

The officer put his two hands to his crotch and screeched .

'Dont think badly of me .

Gotou kicked the mans defenceless chin .

The officer fell down backwards and stopped moving, loving consciousness .

'W-what are you doing?

The other officer seemed in shock as he put his hand to the gun holster at his waist .

As if Id let you do that!

Gotou grabbed the officers arm as he tried to take out his gun and then rammed his head into his nose .

'Aaahhh!

The officer staggered backwards while gripping his nose .

Gotou took a big step forward to approach the officer and performed a lariat with his outstretched right arm .

The officer fell backwards and stopped moving .

Ive done it now .

Though it was to save Yakumo, he was interfering with a public servant in the execution of his duties by aiding a fugitive . And hed been violent on top of that . It wasnt something a police officer should do .

He wouldnt be able to be a police officer again with this .

Gotou had thought he would be disappointed, but strangely, his chest felt light . He had been bound by the organisation called the police up until now and had undergone many hardships, but now he was free .

'Shouldnt have done that, Eishin said, poking fun .

As usual, this guy had no sense of nervousness .

'Anyway, lets hurry .

Right after saying that, Gotou ran .

There was no time to be sentimental . Once the officers regained consciousness, help would probably come right away .

They had to get as far away as they could before that happened .

Gotou got in the cars driver seat and turned on the engine .

He waited until Eishin put Yakumo in the back and sat himself in the passenger seat before starting the car .

'There was a movie like this before . The one with a pair escaping after committing a train robbery, said Eishin, smiling like he was enjoying this .

Gotou knew that movie too, but he didnt want to compare themselves to it if he could .

'Do you know how that movie ended?

'No, how did it?

Eishin cocked his head .

Really, what a laidback old man .

'In the end, they were surrounded by the army and shot full of holes .

Whats this?

Ishii was looking through the files when he spotted the circumstances of a certain case and his hands stopped without thinking .

It was about a girls disappearance ten years ago .

Masuoka Minami, who lived in Nishitama City, was seventeen years old at the time . She went missing on the way home from school . Minami had still not been found .

From her friends testimony, Minami had seemed very depressed two or three days prior to the incident .

As well, on the day of her disappearance, she was spotted talking the train at the station in the direction of Shinjuku .

Her father had failed at work and lost his job and her mother was working part-time to support their family . Though she had wanted to go to university, but she was forced to give up .

It appeared that Minami had expressed her dissatisfaction with her family to her friends . The police had conjectured that she ran away from home because she hated her family .

After just looking at this much, it was a case that could happen often .

However, there was a reason Ishii had focussed on this case .

First was the name .

Furthermore, the person who had last seen Minami . That person was the victim of the case this time, Seidou .

There were other things that caught his interest . Matsumoto Hiroshi, the corpse that was found this morning, was the same age as Minami .

Was this just a coincidence no, it was too much for that .

Ishii felt agitated .

Calling Minamis family for information would be one method .

'Wheres Gotou!?

The door slammed open . Miyagawa ran in with a terribly angry expression .

His face was completely red it looked like he could explode at any moment .

'No, I

Ishii stood up reflexively, back pencil-straight .

'Wheres Gotou?

Miyagawa brought his face so close to Ishiis that their noses were almost touching .

His eyes were bloodshot . Ishii felt like Miyagawa might bite into his neck at any moment .

'No I

'I told you to back off already . What idiotic

Miyagawa covered his face with both hands and sat down right there .

Ishii had no idea what had happened, but when he saw Miyagawas unusual reaction, the feeling that something unbelievable was happening grew stronger .

'What on earth

When Ishii asked that, Miyagawa stood up there with a reproachful expression and clicked his tongue .

'Theres nothing else to say . This is the end

As if to interrupt Miyagawas explanation, the door opened .

Youko came in . Her expression was as wild as Miyagawas .

'Youve done it now!

'Yes?

'Did you know?

Youko said that hysterically as she approached Ishii .

What on earth is it?

Ishiis head felt like it would split in his confusion .

'What about?

'Your partner acted violently against two uniformed officers and escaped with Saitou Yakumo .

'Eh?

It was so unexpected that for a while, Ishii couldnt understand the meaning of the words .

It cant be .

'Do you understand what this means? Aiding a fugitive and interfering with a public servant in the execution of his duties . And violence, on top of that .

'Youre lying . Detective Gotou wouldnt do that .

Ishii looked at Miyagawa for help .

'Its true . He really did something stupid

Miyagawa spat that out .

'Thats

Ishii stood there, unable to believe it .

I see .

Now, Ishii finally understood . Gotou had already found Yakumo when they talked on the phone . He had been planning on escaping with Yakumo from the very beginning .

That was why he didnt tell Ishii about finding Yakumo so as to not cause trouble for Ishii .

Think about what you should do on your own!

Ishii understood the true meaning of Gotous words .

A bitter taste spread through his mouth .

'Even though I wanted to go with Detective Gotou murmured Ishii .

'What did you say?

Miyagawa pressed him for an answer, but Ishii didnt feel like replying .

He left me behind .

That feeling quickly spread through Ishiis chest, becoming so heavy it was hard to bear .

Ishii respected Gotou from the bottom of his heart .

Gotou had everything that Ishii didnt . Ishii wanted to become like him . He wished for that . That was why he had recklessly chased after that back .

And yet

'I need to go .

Ishiis mouth moved naturally .

'Go? You

'I have to go too .

Ishii took the file he had started reading and started running before hed noticed himself .

'Wait!

He didnt stop at Miyagawas yell .

He just ran down the corridor frantically, as if he was possessed by something .

Though his feet tangled, he somehow managed to fix his posture .

He didnt have the time to fall .

If he didnt continue running, Gotou would leave him behind . That was

'Not acceptable .

Ishii continued to run, as if he was being chased by something .

'Is this really OK? Eishin said to Gotou, who was driving .

'Is what OK? asked Gotou, confused by the question .

'You cant return to the police any more .

Eishins narrow eyes narrowed even further .

It seemed like even this laidback old man was unusually worried .

'You should ask things like that before I actually do the act .

Gotou snorted as he turned the wheel .

Even if Eishin said that now, Gotou couldnt take it back . And he had already known that he couldnt be a police officer any more .

Itd be much more frightening to be abandoned by Atsuko .

Gotou-san .

Gotou heard a faint voice that could disappear at any moment .

He turned around frantically .

It was Yakumo

It looked like hed finally regained consciousness .

Gotou pulled the car over to the cur b right away and leant over to check on Yakumo .

Yakumos shoulders heaved as he took painful breaths, but he slowly got up from the backseat . It looked like his swollen left leg was in pain, as his expression twisted like he was in agony .

'So youre alive?

Though Gotou said that with a cluck of his tongue, he naturally smiled broadly .

Im glad . Really glad .

It was worth running against the police . Now Haruka wouldnt have to call him a liar .

'Gotou-san, youre more of an idiot than I imagined said Yakumo, his expression twisting in pain .

'Thats the first thing you say? Cant you honestly say Thanks for saving me?

Though Gotou was grumbling, Gotou could see tears on Yakumos face through the rear-view mirror .

Well, Id probably hit him if he honestly thanked me because it would be so unpleasant .

Gotou murmured that in his heart .

I dont remember asking you to save me .

After saying that, Yakumo started to cough .

Gotou had to take off his hat to Yakumo, who would go to those lengths to say such hateful things .

'Its fine just go sleep for a bit .

'I cant do that

Though Yakumo looked pained as he breathed, he looked at Gotou with a sharp glance .

Even if his body was in shambles, his mind seemed clear .

'Theres something I want to ask you first .

Eishin was the one who interrupted .

'Yes, I understand .

Yakumo gave a small nod . It felt like he knew what Eishin was going to ask .

'Did you kill Seidou?

There was no waver in Eishins voice . He was just looking for the truth . That was how it seemed .

Eishin really was somewhat like Yakumo . No, would it be the other way around?

'Ill be honest

After saying that, Yakumo licked his dry lips .

His expression was stiff . It was the first time Gotou had seen Yakumo look this way .

It cant be .

An uneasy feeling spread through Gotous chest . The longer the silence, the more that thought spread . An unpleasant sweat drenched his forehead .

'I dont know .

Yakumo looked down .

'What do you mean, you dont know? interrupted Gotou .

For a while, Yakumo stayed silent, head looking down, but then he suddenly lifted his head .

'I was in that limestone cavern before I noticed . I remember up until I went to that limestone cavern with Seidou-san, but everything after that

'You dont remember?

'I dont .

Though Yakumo was good at speaking, he couldnt lie skilfully .

He probably really didnt remember . But if that was the case

'Why did you run?

Eishin spoke before Gotou could .

Yakumo stuck his hand into his jeans pocket and took out a crumpled piece of paper .

Eishin looked at it first . Then, it came around to Gotou .

There was a short message on the piece of paper .

Gotous brows furrowed .

What the hell is this?

'It was on the door to the cave, Yakumo said, as if to answer Gotous question .

Whod do this?

Gotou was about to ask, but then he suddenly realised . Gotou only knew one person who would do something as roundabout as this .

'Could it be Nanase Miyuki?

'Probably said Yakumo with a sigh, running a hand through his hair .

It was that women . Just as the note said, if the police caught Yakumo, she probably really would kill somebody close to Yakumo .

In the past, Isshin had lost his life like that to her scheme .

Is her next target Nao or Haruka a chill ran down Gotous spine just from thinking about it .

He was really glad hed taken Yakumo out of there .

'Whos that? Eishin asked, sounding interested .

'Ah . Theres a reason there . Shes the bitch who took Isshins life .

As Gotou said that, he leant back on his seat .

If Nanase Miyuki was involved, the situation was more annoying than hed thought . And the situation was awful .

While running from the police, they had to find out the truth of the case .

There was too much to think about it felt like his head would explode .

'What are you going to do? asked Gotou, though he knew .

'I will solve the mystery of the case .

Yakumos eyes narrowed . His red left eye seemed to be filled with force .

Just the answer Gotou had expected . No matter how battered he was, Yakumo probably planned on not giving up until the end . But

'How are you going to solve the mystery?

'First, I will meet once more with the girl called Hatsune who claims to be her mothers reincarnation .

'What are you going to do after meeting her?

'I want to fill the missing parts of my memory .

I see .

'Got it . Ill take you there .

Yakumos eyes went wide in surprise at Gotous words .

Whats so surprising?

'Ill do it myself . I cant cause you any more trouble .

After Yakumo said that, his mouth went into a thin line . He was trying to shoulder everything himself again .

When Gotou saw that, he felt anger start bubbling up in his chest .

'Trouble!? What are you saying now!? If we dont clear your name, I wont be able to return home, let alone to the police!

When Eishin heard Gotous yell, for some reason, he started to laugh .

'Its because you act without thinking ahead that this sort of thing happens, said Yakumo with a bitter expression while running a hand through his messy hair .

That caused Gotous anger to explode .

'You bastard! Thats enough! Ill kill you right here!

'Would you lay off?

Eishin grabbed Gotous hair and pulled him back .

In the backseat, Yakumo laughed .

Haruka was driven by Makoto to the police precinct so that they could meet with Ishii .

'Im really sorry about inconveniencing you again .

In the passenger seat, Haruka bowed her head towards Makoto .

Makoto hadnt just arranged the meeting with Ishii . She had also gone to Harukas flat to pick her up .

Haruka had an image of Makoto as a quiet person, but through these cases, that image grew much more active .

'Dont worry about it .

Makoto smiled .

'But

'Its fine . I dont believe Yakumo-kun would kill somebody either . And if this turns into a false accusation, thisll be a scoop for me . You dont have to feel sorry .

When Makoto said that, it made Haruka feel slightly better .

Haruka put a smile on her face and replied, 'All right .

'Ah, hes here .

Makoto pointed at the front entrance of the police precinct .

Haruka saw Ishii running with limbs flailing .

'He looks a bit odd .

'He does .

Makoto agreed with Harukas opinion .

When Haruka looked more carefully, she saw a man with an incredibly angry expression chasing Ishii .

'That person

Ive seen him somewhere before .

'Its Miyagawa-san, the chief of the police, Makoto said, as if to reply to Harukas question .

It looked somewhat like a detective chasing a criminal .

'Ah, please open the door!

Ishii hit the window right as the car arrived and said that in a voice near a scream .

He was like a zombie from a horror movie .

'Please sit in the back .

Makoto quickly gave the instructions .

Ishii was looking around in panic, but he opened the door, got in and immediately locked the door .

'Please drive right away!

There was a bead of sweat on Ishiis forehead and his glasses were askew as he yelled frantically .

He looked so strange that Haruka and Makoto exchanged blank looks .

'Aah! Hes here! Hurry!

Ishii looked out the window .

Miyagawa had got to the car . His expression wouldnt lose to Ishiis he looked like a demon .

'Ah, yes .

Though Makoto looked confused, she started the car .

'Stop! I said stop! howled Miyagawa .

'Is this OK? said Makoto, looking at Miyagawas figure growing smaller in the rear-view mirror .

'Its fine . There was a slight problem

Ishii heaved a sigh and wiped the sweat on his forehead with his shirt sleeve .

'Did something happen? asked Haruka, turning around .

Ishii had been odd, but Miyagawas appearance hadnt been normal either . She felt like something unbelievable was happening .

'Ah Its difficult for me to say, but actually, Detective Gotou er

Ishii started to speak after adjusting the position of his glasses with his finger, but then his voice trailed off and was drowned out by the car engine .

'Er

'Ah, sorry . Er, Detective Gotou is now also being chased by the police

'Eh?

Why Gotou too?

Haruka didnt understand at all .

'To put it simply, Detective Gotou acted violent against the uniformed officers who tried to arrest Yakumo-shi and then he fled .

'Thats

Haruka felt like shed been stabbed in the chest .

She had been the one who told Gotou where Yakumo was . She wanted Yakumo to be safe . But that had been all . That had brought about results that she hadnt even thought about .

'Thats just like Gotou-san .

Makoto was smiling, the complete opposite of Haruka, whose heart was in pain .

'It is .

Ishii agreed .

It was true that it was like Gotou to strike the people who got in his way, but that wasnt the problem .

'Its my fault

Just as Haruka said that, her mobile phone rang .

The number on the display was Gotous but the voice she heard from the phone wasnt .

'Yakumo-kun! exclaimed Haruka .

What does he mean, its been a while? Dont act so carefree when you dont even know how I feel . The anger flamed up in Harukas heart .

Yakumo said that in his usual voice .

That attitude just added oil to Harukas anger .

'What? You dont even know how I feel . You cant imagine what I thought

She didnt have the words to continue .

Harukas eyes welled with tears .

Though she had been anger, in the bottom of her heart, she was relieved by hearing Yakumos voice .

Yakumo was important to her . That feeling was stronger than any other in her chest .

Yakumo said that awkwardly .

If he did feel bad, at least a little, that was fine .

Haruka sniffled and rubbed at her eyes to clear her head .

'Where are you now?

I want to see him as soon as I can .

Yakumo replied immediately .

'Why not?

The words Yakumo said so smoothly were a heavy weight on Harukas heart .

'Hey . How can I clear your name, Yakumo-kun?

Yakumo laughed aloud at Harukas question .

Haruka didnt know why he was laughing . That was a serious question

'Whats so funny?

Yakumo said that in a voice that made it sound like he was smiling .

'What do you mean?

'Ask what?

Haruka hadnt even thought about asking that question . The reason being

'You didnt kill him, right, Yakumo-kun?

Yakumo said that after a pause .

Why Haruka was troubled when asked that .

However, no matter what happened, Yakumo wasnt the sort of person who would kill somebody . She knew that best .

'I dont have a reason .

'Are you praising me?

Yakumo stifled his laughter .

Haruka felt like the conversation wasnt meshing at all .

'So isnt there anything I can do?

Haruka returned to the heart of the matter .

'Im investigating the case with Ishii-san and Makoto-san .

'Why?

'What do you mean?

<Anyway, make sure youre never alone . >

Yakumo was speaking in an unusually grave tone . It made Haruka felt like she was being cross-examined .

She didnt know what had happened, but when he talked like that, it made her anxious . She had the feeling that something incredibly awful would happen

<Sorry, but could you hand the phone over to Ishii-san?>

'To Ishii-san?

'All right Ishii-san .

Haruka handed the mobile to Ishii in the backseat .

'Me?

'Yes .

Ishii looked confused, but he took the mobile phone .

'Hello

Ishii was confused as he took the phone from Haruka .

When he thought about how the person on the other end was a suspect in a murder case being chased by the police, it made him even more nervous than usual .

'Ah, yes, its Ishii .

Yakumo said that in a formal tone .

It appeared that he hadnt lost himself even at a time like this .

'No I havent Er, how is Detective Gotou?

Yakumo let out a dry laugh .

'I see Im glad .

Gotou had done something that he couldnt return from, but it was fine as long as he was well .

<Actually, theres something I want to ask of you, Ishii-san . >

'Me?

Ishiis voice cracked .

His heart was beating loudly . He had a bad feeling .

And he had no confidence . Gotou had tried to save Yakumo even though it meant abandoning his own life . Would Ishii be able to do that when it was necessary?

'Only of me

Yakumos words lifted Ishiis sunken heart .

There was something only he could do even in this situation .

'Protect her?

Yakumos words shook Ishiis core .

He probably meant Haruka .

Ishii looked at Haruka sitting in the passenger seat . Though she always smiled brightly, that expression was clouded right now .

'Is she in danger?

Ishii lowered his voice .

'Somebody important

An uneasy feeling came to Ishii .

Somebody important .

So Yakumo also thought of Haruka that way?

Ishii had thought so, but hearing it from the person himself made him feel like something had pierced his chest .

Yakumo said that in a trembling voice, which helped jog Ishiis memories .

Could it be?

'Is she Is Nanase Miyuki involved in this case?

Thats why Yakumo ran away from the scene it made sense to Ishii now .

Yakumo ran away from the police, knowing that he would be suspected as the culprit, so that he could protect Haruka .

Ishii couldnt do nothing while Yakumo had done so much .

'Please leave it to me!

In response to Ishiis loud voice, Haruka turned around from the passenger seat .

'What is it?

'Ah, no, its nothing .

Ishii forced himself to laugh and turned away .

'I will definitely protect her, he said in a quiet voice so that Haruka wouldnt hear .

Yakumo breathed out like he was relieved on the other side of the phone .

Protecting the person you yearned for . Though it made him feel proud like he had become a night the person who had asked him to do so was his rival in love .

Though Ishii felt conflicted, this wasnt the time to think about that .

Protecting Haruka was his highest priority . And if Nanase Miyuki were involved, the problem was even larger .

'As long as the case isnt solved, Haruka-chan will be in danger .

Ishii hunched over in the seat so that Haruka wouldnt hear him speak .

Yakumo couldnt keep running forever, and it would be realistically impossible for Ishii to spend his whole life watching Haruka too .

'Something must be done

'What is it?

'Yes .

Ishii took out his notebook immediately .

'What did you talk about? Gotou asked after Yakumo finished his call .

At first, it had seemed like he was talking to Haruka, but then it turned to Haruka and the call had gone on for a while .

It felt like Yakumo had been listening to something in detail .

'I asked Ishii-san to do something, replied Yakumo, fiddling with the mobile phone .

'Asked him to do what?

'I asked him to guard her .

Gotou understood now .

There was that message . Yakumo had asked Ishii to guard against any attack . But

'Is Ishii going to be enough?

'Is there anybody else who would believe the words of a suspect?

Yakumo responded with a question .

Gotou couldnt argue with that .

Yakumo was a fugitive he had enemies on all says . Though Ishii was a bit unreliable, he was the only one Yakumo could rely on .

'So Nanase Miyuki had planned even this situation

'Seems so .

Yakumo ran a hand through his hair in his irritation .

Gotou was astonished by Nanase Miyukis meticulousness .

She had stolen Yakumos freedom with just one slip of paper . But Gotou didnt understand .

'What does she want to do by doing this?

'I wonder She probably wanted to look into something regarding the girl who claims to have been reincarnated on top of making me alone, said Yakumo .

'Reincarnation, eh

GOtou had no way of knowing what truth waited for them if they chased that mystery .

'Gotou-san, shouldnt we get off of this car soon? said Yakumo .

'Why?

'Isnt it obvious? Because of the number . Moving in this car is the same as running around with a sticker that says Culprit on board . You should know that much as an ex-police officer, Yakumo said mockingly .

It was just as Yakumo said, but Gotou didnt like his tone .

Even though hed been practically dead earlier, he was like this now . And hed said ex-police officer .

'Thats your fault!

'If you are going to blame anything, please make it your own rashness .

'I shouldnt have saved you!

Gotou hit the wheel in his anger .

'Youre so noisy . I cant sleep, said Eishin as he rubbed his eyes in the passenger seat .

Was this old man sleeping in this awful mess?

'Ah, thats right . Everything was my fault .

'As long as you understand that .

Yakumos words made Gotou so angry he could have died, but if he responded, Yakumo would fight back exponentially . Gotou let out a long sigh .

'We can get off the car, but do you plan to go on foot?

'Please stop with the jokes, said Yakumo with a laugh .

'Then what are we going to do?

'Please buy a new one .

'Are you an idiot? Cars arent toys .

'You must be poor .

'You bastard!

'Cant you keep quiet? interrupted Eishin .

'Do you have any ideas?

Though Eishin hit his head like he was exasperated, he opened his mouth to speak .

'Theres a temple Im familiar with nearby . Lets borrow one there .

'I see . So wheres that temple?

'Near the station .

'Im asking where that station is .

'What should you say when asking people for something?

Eishin smirked .

He was just like Yakumo at times like this he was a malicious person deep down .

'Please be so kind as to tell me how to get there .

Gotou bowed his head, bearing with the mortification .

'As long as you understand . Turn right at the next light, said Eishin triumphantly .

He had to deal with these two malicious people . Gotou cursed his unluckiness as he turned on the right turn signal and stopped at the light .

Yakumo opened the car window completely and stuck his head out like hed thought of something .

'What are you doing?

Ignoring Gotous question, Yakumo threw Gotous mobile phone onto the back of the mini truck beside them .

'You bastard! What the hell are you doing!?

In the corner of Gotous eye, the light changed and the mini truck drove on .

'Its fine . I transferred your data to the SD card .

Yakumo seemed proud as he held up the memory card in his fingers .

Whats fine about that?

'That isnt the problem!

'Are you really an ex-police officer?

'What did you say?

'Mobile phones send out radio raves . The position can be located from that .

Yakumo smirked .

'Thats no reason to throw it away .

'Im not throwing it away . Its a trap . The police should follow that mini truck for a while .

Though Gotou understood Yakumos explanation, he was still irritated . Yakumo had consigned countless of Gotous mobile phones into oblivion .

He was just about to complain when people started honking .

Im going, Im going .

Gotou stepped on the accelerator and started the car .

'So the girls disappearance might be related somehow? said Haruka after listening to Ishiis explanation .

The girl who disappeared ten years ago, Minami the last who saw her was Seidou, and the name Hatsune claimed to have had before her reincarnation was Minami .

There were many points that matched up, but it still hadnt come together for Haruka .

'Though this is only my theory

Ishiis eyes narrowed behind his glasses .

Though Ishii said that, Haruka felt like he sounded confident .

'But how about the story that Makoto heard of the baby and the woman with red eyes that occurred fifty years ago? And reincarnation is

Haruka realised why she had thought the case was off .

The keywords of this case were all over the place she didnt know where to start .

'Thats right . Im curious about that too .

Ishiis brows lowered as he scratched his cheek, looking troubled .

'Why not stop thinking about that for now? said Makoto as she drove .

'What do you mean?

Ishii stuck out his neck like a chicken .

'We dont have any other leads, so lets just go with it . If were wrong, well go with the next one .

'Ah .

'That might have come off a bit forceful .

Makoto stuck out her tongue and smiled, seeming embarrassed .

'Right . The best plan might be to go through all of them one by one . Detective Gotou and Yakumo-shi are looking into the girl who reincarnated, so lets put that aside for now .

Ishii clapped his hands in agreement .

'How about it? said Makoto with a smile .

'That sounds good, agreed Haruka .

It was impossible to get to the conclusion right away . It might be fastest to clear the possibilities one by one . Haruka had so wanted to clear Yakumos name that she hadnt been thinking clearly .

Haruka also knew that worrying without acting was one of her bad habits . Because of that, she had her current relationship with Yakumo .

I havent said anything or approached him actively . But I wonder how he thinks of me she just worried about that .

If she had acted, there would have probably been a different result waiting for her .

Anyway, all she could do now was act .

'You were thinking about Yakumo-kun right now, werent you?

Makoto smiled .

T-that isnt true .

Haruka hurriedly denied it, but that just made her more embarrassed . She went red to her ears .

'Its written on your face . Right, Ishii-san?

'Eh, ah, yes .

Ishii was flustered when Makoto suddenly turned the conversation to him .

'So where should we go first? asked Haruka, changing the subject .

'I was thinking that we could meet up with Minami-sans mother first, suggested Ishii .

To be honest, Haruka felt a bit anxious about investigating without Gotou, but that had been needless worrying .

Shed thought that Ishii was always following Gotou, but he looked livelier without him here .

'Do you know the address? said Makoto, looking towards the backseat .

'Yes . Its near here Er in Setagaya ward replied Ishii, flipping through his notebook .

'Not in Nishitama? said Makoto, surprised .

'No . It appears that she moved a number of years ago when her father died .

'Was it illness?

Ishii awkwardly looked down at Makotos question .

'No . It appears to have been suicide .

That one word from Ishii made the mood in the car much darker .

Though making everything related would be a problem, Haruka couldnt help but think this way .

Does the fathers suicide have to do with his daughters disappearance?

Haruka couldnt give the answer to that question right now .

Gotou went to the temple gates and waited for Eishin to return .

In his boredom, it made him long for the cigarettes hed stopped smoking .

Smoking a cigarette wouldnt change anything, but he would be able to take his mind off things .

'Your irritation wont change anything, said Yakumo from beside him, as if hed sensed Gotous feelings .

'Dont want to hear that from you .

'Right .

Yakumo looked down with a bitter smile .

He was being unusually honest . Though he spoke hatefully, his heart probably hurt quite a lot .

'Hey, Yakumo .

'What is it?

'You accepted that damn monks request because of Isshin, right? said Gotou, recalling what Eishin had said yesterday .

'Well, something like it .

Yakumo ran a hand through his hair .

His narrowed eyes looked incredibly sad .

'What did you want to know about Isshin?

There was a silence

Rather than not wanting to talk about it, it felt like he was troubled about how to talk about it .

'Uncle decided to take me in at that temple, Yakumo said in a disinterested tone .

It wasnt that he wasnt interested, but more like he was consciously leaving out the emotion .

'And?

'At the time, Uncle took my hand and said something .

'What?

'Something incredibly important .

Yakumo lifted his head .

His gaze was on the brilliant summer sun . Gotou had no way of knowing what was reflected in his eyes, narrowed in that brightness .

'What was it?

'I dont remember .

Gotou understood everything from that sentence .

Yakumo wanted to know what Isshin said at that temple if he went there, he would remember . That was probably what hed thought .

'Can I ask one think as well?

Yakumo dragged his feet a few steps forward and said that, his back to Gotou .

Yakumos usual aloof tone was slightly perplexed .

'What?

'Why did you save me?

Without thinking, Gotou burst into laughter at Yakumos question .

He didnt think that Yakumo would ask 'Why? now .

'Whats so funny?

Yakumo turned around and glared at Gotou .

'Do I need a reason?

Gotou replied with a question after hed stopped laughing .

For a while, Yakumos eyes were wide in surprise, but then he finally looked down with an embarrassed smile .

'I guess not, he said .

Thats how it is, you contrary guy .

Gotou murmured that in his heart .

Yakumo thought that he was an unnecessary person because of the environment hed grown up in .

That was why, when people did something for him, he would become unnecessarily perplexed and try to determine the reason behind it . But that was in the past .

'Since bears move on instinct, said Yakumo with a smirk .

'Whatd you say!?

Ruining everything with just one sentence!

Gotou grabbed Yakumos collar in his anger .

However, Yakumo remained nonchalant, like he didnt care at all . Really, what a hateful brat .

'Theres no time to quarrel .

Gotou turned around at the voice and saw Eishin standing there with two large paper bags .

Eishin had gone to borrow a car .

'What are those?

'Change of clothes for you and Yakumo . I thought itd be better to change your appearance, said Eishin, sounding proud .

'Why do we have to change?

'Isnt it obviously because were fugitives? You really are an idiot, said Yakumo, looking exasperated . He always said too much .

'So wheres the car?

'We can use the one in the garage . You can also change there and have something to eat .

When Eishin stuck out his chin, as if to tell them to come with him, he started walking briskly .

'Yeah, yeah, grumbled Gotou, though he admired how well Eishin had thought things out .

Gotous head had been filled with the car he hadnt thought about clothes or food at all . Come to think of it, he hadnt eaten anything since last night what with all that had happened .

When they got to the temples garage, the car that was there was actually a black BMW .

'Is the wheel on the left[1]?

Though Gotou wasnt proud of it, hed only ever driven cars manufactured in Japan .

'If youve got complaints, Ill get us a bicycle instead, Eishin said without a moments delay .

'Ill just drive then .

'As long as you understand . And for the clothes, these are Yakumos and these are yours .

Eishin put the paper bags down in front of them .

Yakumo fished through his .

Inside were a monks working clothes in navy and a towel .

'Sorry . This is a temple, so this is all they have .

'Its fine .

Yakumo started changing immediately . It suited him quite well . Unexpected, it might fit Yakumo well if he became a monk .

Gotou looked inside his own paper bag .

Inside was a brilliant purple shirt and skinny enamel pants .

'Sorry . This is a temple, so this is all they have .

Eishins shoulders shook with laughter as he said the same thing to Gotou that hed said to Yakumo .

These were clearly clothes for some hooligan . There were even sunglasses .

'You making fun of me?

'If you dont like it, go naked .

The old man really never shut his mouth .

'Ill just change then .

Gotou said that brusquely and put on the shirt and pants .

'Doesnt it suit you well? said Yakumo, cackling after Gotou put on the sunglasses .

Gotou didnt even feel like retorting any more . He just snorted and looked away .

'Wheres the food? Gotou asked Eishin .

'This is Yakumos and this is yours .

Eishin gave a sweet roll to Yakumo and a can to Gotou .

When Gotou saw that can, he couldnt put up with it any more .

'This is cat food! he yelled, throwing the can of cat food with all his strength .

Clunk!

The can of cat food hit the BMWs bonnet, leaving a huge dent before rolling to the floor .

'Youre paying for repairs, Eishin said nonchalantly .

Ishii stood in front of the door to the apartment and cleared his throat .

Though this was for the investigation of the case, he felt uncomfortable .

It would have been different if they had found the missing daughter, but they had no new information and were just trying to dig up the past .

He couldnt imagine what awful things would be said to him .

'Are you all right?

From beside him, Makoto peered at his face in concern .

'Ah, yes . Im fine .

If they came in a large group, it would put the other party on guard, so Ishii had left Haruka in the care and come with only Makoto .

Haruka had said, 'Ill go too . I want to do something for Yakumo that feeling ran ahead of her .

Ishii understood, but Haruka looked like a student . If the other party became suspicious, they would need to make up an explanation . The other party might also keep their mouth shut . Somehow, he managed to make Haruka understand and had her stay behind .

Ishii pressed the intercom button .

After a while, a woman with hair streaked with white opened the door .

'Excuse me Are you Masuoka-san?

'Yes, the woman replied in a hoarse voice .

It appeared that she was Minamis mother, Masuoka Tamae .

From the documents, Minamis mother should have been in her early fifties, but she looked ten years older .

'My name is Ishii . I was the one who called . This is Hijikata, said Ishii while showing his police ID .

Theyd be out if she asked who Makoto was, but Tamae just replied 'Ah, yes in a faint voice and opened the door to let them in .

'Excuse me .

Ishii went inside after exchanging glances with Makoto .

It was an old one-room flat with a kitchen, probably near thirty years old .

Ishii and Makoto sat next to each other, while Tamae sat opposite them .

'Why now

Tamaes wrinkled face looked at Ishii .

Her eyes were so lifeless it made Ishii suspect she might actually be dead .

Her daughter had disappeared and her husband had committed suicide . Tamae had lost far too much .

That feeling of loss had stolen all her strength .

Swallowed up by that air, the excuse Ishii had come up with got caught in his throat .

'Actually, through the investigation of another case, it seems that we may be able to attain information related to your daughters location . Accordingly

Makoto responded for Ishii, who had been at a loss for words .

Ishii felt like she was more accustomed to the situation than himself, though he was a detective .

'I see

Tamae looked down .

'A-anything is fine . Would you please tell us what you remember?

Ishii finally said just that .

'I know .

'Eh?

'She isnt alive any more, said Tamae in a voice that sounded like it would fade away at any moment .

'Isnt alive

'She was killed .

Ishii was shocked .

Partially it was because of the weight of those words, but it was also because hed felt like there had been a black flame smouldering in Tamaes lifeless eyes for a moment .

'What is your evidence for thinking that? said Ishii while wiping his forehead .

'I know . Im a parent

Tamae looked to the corner of the room .

There was a small altar there with the images of a smiling girl and a middle-aged man . The girl was probably Minami .

She had black eyes and seemed like a refreshing girl, somewhat like Haruka .

'I understand how you feel, but

Makoto stopped in the middle of her sentence .

Tamae wasnt listening .

She slowly stood up and opened the sliding door to the closet, taking a cardboard box out of it and placing it on the table .

'All of her things are in here .

Tamaes shoulders drooped like all the air had come out of her .

'Would you allow us to borrow this?

Tamae just gave a small nod to Ishiis question .

Tamae wants to die .

That was what Ishii thought .

Rather than living with their memories, she wanted to go to where her daughter and husband were .

The sun set between the mountains, dyeing the mountain range red .

Gotou hid in the thicket behind Seidous temple and looked at the empty sky .

It had been over two hours . Mosquitoes had bitten him all over it itched like hell .

And he could never be sure if he might get bitten by a pit viper like Yakumo in a place like this .

'But its late, said Gotou, hitting the mosquito on his arm .

Did he run off?

At Eishins instructions, Gotou had parked the car near the temple and walked through the thicket .

There were probably still police at the temple . Since they knew what Gotou and Yakumo looked like, they couldnt just walk up .

That was why Eishin had gone himself .

Hed given his mobile to Gotou and said something unreliable 'Ill call you if it goes well before leaving .

'You can go back if you dont like it, said Yakumo from beside him, yawning as he did so .

Easy for him to say . Unfortunately, Gotou didnt have anywhere to return to, so he was waiting for Eishin here . That came to his head, but he was too tired to even retort .

When he turned his eyes, he saw another mosquito on his arm .

'Damn it!

Gotou brought his palm down, but the mosquito got away .

'Are you having fun? said Yakumo, looking at Gotou like he was something dirty .

'Of course Im not . Theres a hell of a lot of mosquitoes here .

'Its because youre wearing a tasteless shirt .

Yakumo pointed at Gotous purple shirt .

This guy never shuts up .

'This isnt my shirt!

'Please dont speak so loudly . Theyll find us .

Yakumo stuck his fingers in his ears to complain .

Gotou restrained his anger by balling his hands into fists . This guy could just get bitten by a pit viper again .

Just as Gotou had spit out, the mobile phone rang .

'Youre late! said Gotou with all his pent-up dissatisfaction .

EIshin said that with a sigh .

'Of course you were suspected . It was you .

'Yeah, my bad .

Gotou quickly apologised . Since it was Eishin, he might really do it .

Gotou bit back the urge to scream .

'So hows the situation?

Because the temple itself wasnt the scene of the murder, the police had two guards just in case, but they hadnt gone inside . However

'How do we get in?

Even if the police werent on the premises, they would notice if there were noises from the thicket .

After Eishin said that, Gotou looked to the back of the thicket .

There it is .

A large rock covered in green moss . It was the height of a persons waist .

'I see it .

'Whys there a secret path?

Gotou cocked his head .

This wasnt some ninja house . He didnt understand why on earth somebody had made that .

'So monks in training that couldnt do it any longer dug a secret path?

<Well, something like it . It used to be a well, but since it was no longer in use, there was a tunnel there . >

Eishin said that proudly .

From that tone, Eishin had probably played a part in the creation of that secret path . So he was a depraved monk, just like he looked .

Though Gotou felt half-astonished, he said 'Got it and hung up .

When he looked up, the sun had set and night had fallen .

This is a good chance .

'Yakumo . Lets go .

Gotou went ahead and started to walk towards the rock .

'Please go ahead .

At Makotos urging, Haruka went through the entrance .

After leaving Tamaes house, they went talk in Makotos flat to organise their thoughts .

Makoto led her through the corridor to a room of ten tatami in size .

'What a lovely room, said Haruka, looking around .

The furniture and curtains were chic and calming .

'It makes me happy to hear that . Please sit down .

'Ah, yes .

Haruka sat on the dining room chair near the kitchen counter .

Makoto went into the kitchen and started preparations, boiling water and taking out cups .

'Ill help .

'Dont worry about it, replied Makoto with a smile .

Just as Haruka was feeling like she had nothing to do, Ishii came into the room with a cardboard box . It contained Minamis belongings, which they had received from Tamae .

It looked like Ishii didnt have a good grip and might trip and drop it at any moment .

'Ill hold this .

'Ah, sorry about that .

Haruka helped Ishii place the cardboard box on the dining room table .

'Thank you for the help .

'No, its nothing .

Haruka sat across from Ishii at the table .

With perfect timing, Makoto took a tray out with a number of coffee cups . After placing a cup in front of each of them, she sat next to Ishii .

'You look a bit like a newly married couple, said Haruka as she looked at Ishii and Makoto sitting next to each other .

Both Ishiis and Makotos eyes went wide in surprise . Then, they both went red up to their ears .

'More importantly, lets investigate .

Makoto quickly opened the cardboard box and started laying its contents out on the table .

There were things like notebooks, textbooks, albums and essays .

'Where should we start

Haruka looked at Ishii .

'Ah, thats right Something that looks like it might be useful?

Ishii cocked his head .

'Lets just look at all of it first .

Makoto took a notebook near her and started flipping through it .

Just as she said, rather than thinking so much, just looking at it might be quicker . Haruka took an essay near her and started flipping the pages .

After that, they continued looking through the contents of the cardboard box without talking .

When Haruka looked at the papers and photos that came out of the cardboard box, the blurry image she had had of Minami became clearer .

Minami had pale skin and well-defined features she was quite a beauty . She was in the drama club and seemed o have wanted to become an actress in the future .

Her grades werent bad either . Though she wasnt good at maths, she was strong with the classics and world history .

Doing this made Haruka feel like Minami had been one of her own classmates .

However, Minamis life, which should have been smooth sailing, had broken off right before her graduation . Like everything before it had been an illusion

Haruka suddenly stopped and looked up at the ceiling .

Will doing this really clear Yakumos name?

That question came to her head .

In the first place, they had no clear proof that Minami was related to the case . They just had the theory that she might be related to a spiritual phenomenon that occurred at the scene of the crime .

After drinking some cold coffee, Haruka spotted a white envelope .

<To Minamie> was written on it in strong, angular letters .

There was a letter inside .

<And as my love is sized, my fear is so:

Where love is great, the littlest doubts are fear .

Where little fears grow great, great love grows there . >

It looked like a quotation from a poem .

Though it was roundabout, it was easy to tell it was a love letter . At the end, there were initials .

It looked like Minami had had a lover .

Haruka was going to mention the love letter, but Ishii stood up before then with a loud noise .

'Aaahhh!

Ishiis mouth was so wide that it felt like his chin might come off .

'What is it?

Makoto grabbed Ishiis arm .

'Ah, no, I mean

Ishii pointed at the graduation album he had been looking at .

It was from a high school graduation . Ishii had it open to a page with the names and faces of the students in each class .

'Minami-sans photo is in here, said Haruka as she looked at the page .

'Since she disappeared right around graduation, maybe she was put in the album anyway?

T-that isnt it .

Ishii shook his head at Makotos explanation .

'Is there another reason?

'No, that isnt it . This person .

Ishii pointed at a man on the page .

Matsumoto Hiroshi .

He was thin and had angled eyes . Though he looked like a sensitive person, that was all .

'What about this person? asked Haruka .

'No, I mean, its this person .

'Eh?

'The person who was found dead in Nishitama this morning .

Ishii was agitated, continually pointing at the photo as he said that .

Haruka was shocked by that fact and looked towards the album again .

'Hey, wait a second

Makoto put her chin in her hand as she murmured .

'What is it? asked Ishii .

'The family name of the dead Seidou-san was, if I remember correctly

'Er It was Todayama, replied Ishii after looking at his notebook .

'I wonder if this could be

Makoto pointed at a young man in the middle of the page .

The young man was short and stout and had eyes as narrow as string, fat eyebrows that didnt match and fleshy lips .

Todayama Takahiro .

Todayama was a rare family name . It would be difficult to think of it as a coincidence .

'This is troubling . Ill go back to the precinct to confirm .

In a hurry, Ishii attempted to leave the room .

'Please wait .

Haruka called out to stop Ishii .

There had been such an amount of information that Haruka had almost forgotten .

'What is it?

'I also found something interesting .

Haruka held out the letter . Ishii and Makoto took turns reading it .

'So she had a lover, said Ishii .

'And as my love is sized This is Shakespeare . A line from Hamlet, said Makoto .

At that, Haruka had an idea .

'Minami-san was in the drama club, right? Somebody whod send a love letter like this might have been in the drama club

'Thats possible . Somebody in the drama club with the initials Y . N, agreed Makoto .

'Yes .

'I see .

Ishii nodded with his arms crossed, seeming impressed .

'Lets split up the work . Ishii-san, please head back to confirm . Haruka-chan and I will look for the person with these initials .

Makoto briskly split up the roles .

'Right . That would be more effective . Please do so .

After Ishii replied, he quickly ran off .

'Now, lets start too .

Makoto clapped her hands together .

'Yes, replied Haruka .

Though they had been jumping at shadows, Haruka felt like they were now much closer to the truth .

Gotou was stooped over as he proceeded down the dark tunnel .

It was so narrow they had to go one at a time, and if he lifted his head even slightly, he would hit the ceiling .

The uncomfortable moistness made it hard to breathe . His back was drenched with sweat, making his shirt stick to him .

Can we really get to the temple through here?

His anxiety grew the further he advanced .

'Gotou-san .

Yakumo spoke up from right behind him .

'What?

'Please illuminate this .

In this situation, Gotou had no idea where Yakumo was talking about .

Gotou painfully turned himself around .

'Here .

Yakumo said that again and pointed at his feet .

Gotou did as he was told and pointed the light of his torch towards his feet .

Though it was faint, there was a footprint there .

The toes were pointing in the opposite direction from them . It was clear that it wasnt their footprint .

'Whats this?

'A footprint, Yakumo replied immediately .

'I know that . What I was asking is

'Please hurry up and turn towards the front again, said Yakumo, interrupting Gotou .

'What?

'It is difficult to look at our face at such a close distance, Gotou-san .

'Thats unnecessary .

Gotou clicked his tongue and then turned around again in the narrow tunnel before starting to walk once more .

Sweat was rolling down his forehead . After advancing about fifty metres, the path ended and he exited into a round space .

It looked like theyd reached the old well . Finally he could stretch out his waist .

Gotou stretched and looked up . It was about five metres tall . There was a wooden cover on the well .

'Theres no staircase . How are we supposed to get up?

'You can just climb, right? said Yakumo with a yawn .

It looked like Yakumo had no intention of climbing himself . Though it irritated Gotou, for Yakumo, whose left leg was still swollen, it was true that he wouldnt be able to climb .

Gotou rolled up his sleeves, put his fingers in the cracks between the rocks in the wells walls, and dragged himself up, placing his feet in another crack . It was like rock climbing .

Looks like itll be all right .

Gotou gritted his teeth and climbed up the wells walls .

Though the first metre went well, it suddenly became more difficult after that .

His fingers were numb and his arms were shaking .

His legs were strained, making it difficult for him to plant his feet .

'Are you already tired?

Yakumo was looking up in a carefree manner from the bottom of the well .

'Shut up! Im completely fine!

Gotou was acting strong as he reached for the next stone, but perhaps because of the loss in concentration, he couldnt grab on properly and slipped .

Crap .

It was too late when he thought that .

Pulled down by gravity, Gotou fell to the bottom of the well .

There was a dull thump as he hit the floor .

For a moment, he stopped breathing and coughed a number of times .

'You fell because of your excess flesh, said Yakumo, running his fingers through his hair .

This guy is really annoying .

Gotou wanted to hit Yakumos head, but the pain from his back made him unable to even stand up .

'You go next, said Gotou .

'I will .

Just as Yakumo said that, the lid to the well opened and Eishin peered in from the round hole .

'Ill lower a rope now .

Eishin swiftly let the rope down .

Why didnt you come earlier?

Gotou finally got up while bearing with his pain .

'Well, Ill go on ahead then, said Yakumo triumphantly, grabbing the rope .

After leaving Makotos room, Ishii went to the road and waved over a taxi .

'To the Setamachi precinct .

He told the driver his destination and called Youkos mobile phone immediately .

To be honest, he felt awkward calling her when Gotou was running away .

However, it would be worse to call Miyagawa . He felt like Youko might cooperate .

'Its Ishii .

Youko spoke with a pointed tone .

'Even if you ask me where

'Im in a taxi, heading to the precinct .

'He isnt .

Im not lying, Ishii told himself . Hed talked with Yakumo on the phone, but he didnt dare to say that aloud .

'Actually, I was investigating a number of things

<Investigating?>

Ishii explained everything hed found out so far to Youko .

Starting with the spiritual phenomenon near the limestone cavern, he investigated the missing woman named Minami and met her mother, Tamae .

Then, he spotted the name Matsumoto Hiroshi, the person who was found dead this morning, in Minamis classmates . And a name with the same family name as Seidou

Ishii held his breath as he waited for Youko to speak .

Youko said that with a sigh .

'Yes . And

Youko interrupted Ishiis agitated words .

'Yes!

Contrary to Ishiis agitation, Youkos tone was cold .

If Youko didnt believe him, he wouldnt be able to get any information . Gotou wouldnt have a place to return to he would remain a fugitive .

Ishii was determined to absolutely not back down .

'You may believe it is unrelated, but dont you think its too much to be a coincidence?

<Thats>

Though Youko was always firm, she was lost for words .

Shes undecided .

That was how Ishii felt .

'This isnt a coincidence .

'However, that is how we have done things before . From seemingly unrelated spiritual phenomena, we investigate a number of things and reach the truth .

Ishiis speaking was unusually erratic from his agitation . He knew that .

'In order to confirm that, we need to investigate .

'Thats wrong!

Ishii had yelled before hed noticed it .

Youko said that after a pause .

Ishii didnt know either . What was he saying was wrong

However, there was one thing Ishii did know .

'I want to save Detective Gotou .

By saying it aloud, the anxiety in Ishiis heart grew larger and he was moved to tears .

Gotou had always walked together with Ishii without abandoning him .

'If Detective Gotou is gone, Ill just be an empty shell . I want to make a place for Detective Gotou, no matter what I have to do .

Even though he hadnt meant to say it, those words naturally fell out from his mouth .

He knew it was inappropriate for him to say that as a detective, but those were his true feelings .

Youko laughed, sounding exasperated .

'I look up to him .

'Eh?

Ishii recalled the story of Youkos dead lovers ghost .

That was probably the person Youko looked up to .

She hung up after saying that .

The strength left Ishiis body and he sank into the backseat .

'Did you make up?

The taxi driver smirked while looking at the rear-view mirror .

It seemed like he had misunderstood something, but Ishii didnt have the energy to correct him .

'Yes, somehow, replied Ishii with a smile .

Haruka was looking at the list of drama club members for somebody with the initials Y . N .

There werent many male members . Even if she switched the family name and given name, the only boy that fit was Naitou Yousuke .

'Lets try calling him .

Right after saying that, Makoto called the number in the register .

Haruka was astonished by Makotos quick decision-making .

While Makoto was calling, Haruka sipped her lukewarm coffee and looked at the love letter from earlier .

In Harukas head, Yakumos face came to mind .

When Minami became missing, the person who sent the love letter must have been like her worried about the safety of the person he thought so dearly of, believing she would return .

When Haruka thought about that, her chest hurt .

'Thinking about Yakumo-kun again? said Makoto mischievously . She had finished her call .

'No, that isnt it . Just

'What?

'It must have been tough . For his lover to have been missing for over ten years I cant think about it

Haruka said exactly what she had been thinking .

'So you really were thinking about Yakumo-kun .

Makoto laughed with shaking shoulders .

'More importantly, how was it? asked Haruka to change the subject .

'Ah, right, right . After calling the number, I was told he was living by himself in an apartment now, so I lied and said I was a classmate from high school and got his address and mobile phone number .

Makoto flipped open her memo pad while sticking out her tongue like a child who had played a prank .

'Ill call him now .

'Ill do it .

Haruka felt awkward leaving everything to Makoto .

Haruka leant forward and took the memo Makoto was holding .

'Will you be all right?

'Yes .

'All right . Thank you .

Makoto seemed to have sensed how Haruka felt, as she smiled and slowly drank her coffee .

Haruka took her mobile from her bag and input the number on the memo right away . The call connected and rang .

One, two, three .

She counted in her heart .

However, no matter how she waited, nobody picked up .

Thinking that she might have mistaken the number, she checked the memo, but she hadnt been wrong .

'Wont answer? said Makoto .

'Yes . Perhaps its because its a number he doesnt recognise?

'Perhaps

Haruka placed her mobile on the table and lay her head on it .

She had worked herself up and was disappointed for it . It might be better to leave some time before calling again .

'Right .

Makoto seemed to have thought of something and snapped her fingers .

'What is it?

'Anyway, shall we go take a look?

'Eh?

'At this time, I think it wont even take an hour if we drive quickly .

Makoto stood up while looking at the clock .

Thats right .

Haruka stood up as well .

Gotou stood in the temple with Yakumo .

The wide wooden space had a statue of Buddha in the front .

The air was tense .

There was a heavy atmosphere it felt like it was a different world .

Yakumo, standing next to Gotou, was looking down while facing the Buddha statue . It was like they were talking .

'Anyway, lets sit .

Gotou sat down cross-legged on the wooden floor, but Yakumo didnt even budge .

Perhaps because he was wearing monks working robes, he looked like a real monk .

'Sorry for the wait .

Eishin walked in through the corridor .

Behind him, there was the trainee monk named Shuuei that Gotou had met yesterday along with a girl about ten years old .

She was Hatsune, the girl who claimed to have been reincarnated

With pale, almost translucent skin, her lips alone were a vivid red, which seemed ridiculously coquettish .

Perhaps Eishin had changed along with the temples atmosphere, because his joking attitude from before had completely disappeared . He walked into the temple, pulling Hatsune along until they stood in front of Yakumo .

'I brought her, like you wanted, said Eishin monotonously .

Yakumo nodded silently .

Gotou cleared his throat loudly and swallowed .

AFter Yakumo took a deep breath, he walked up to Hatsune and knelt, as if he were about to pray .

Hatsune just stood there without even a tremor .

'Weve met before . Do you remember? said Yakumo in a murmur .

Hatsune nodded .

'I have something I want to ask you today, Hatsune-chan .

'Im not Hatsune . Im called Minami .

Hatsune spoke in a pleasant, ringing voice, like the bells that monks used .

What are you going to do, Yakumo?

Gotou watched carefully to see what would happen .

'Then, Minami-san . Could I ask you one thing?

Yakumo ran a hand through his messy hair .

'What?

'Have you met Minami-san that is, your mother before?

Gotou cocked his head . He didnt understand the point of Yakumos question .

If Hatsune was Minamis reincarnation, there would be no way for her to meet Minami . Since she was Minami herself .

However, unlike what Gotou thought, Minami nodded with a smile .

'Yup . Mothers always with me .

'She talks to you .

'Yes, she does .

'I see . So you really can hear her .

What does he mean?

Without saying anything, Eishin held his elbows horizontally and placed his hands together in front of his chest, standing still .

Just like Buddha .

From behind him, Shuuei was looking down, seeming troubled .

'Oi, Yakumo .

Gotou spoke up, unable to keep quiet .

'Please be quiet .

When Yakumo turned around, his eyes were menacing .

M-my bad

Gotou shut up under that pressure .

Yakumo ran his hands through his hair in his exasperation and turned towards Hatsune again .

'Your mother said it, right? That you were her reincarnation

'She did . Mother told me, Hatsune replied cheerfully .

'So that really is how it is

After Yakumo murmured that, he narrowed his eyes and put the index finger of his left hand to his brow .

'Did you find something out? Gotou asked, but Yakumo glared at him right away .

'Not yet!

When Yakumo said that, he looked incredibly sad .

'Is this kid really a reincarnation? asked Eishin .

'You should know that she isnt, Eishin-san, replied Yakumo with a frown .

Eishin laughed pleasantly when he heard that .

Though the two of them were on the same page, Gotou didnt understand .

'What are you talking about?

'The one thing that is clear is that she isnt a reincarnation, said Yakumo .

She isnt a reincarnation .

Then what was she? She had taken Minamis name from nowhere . And why did she know the location of the limestone cavern and the lake? Whered she hear about being murdered and sunken into the lake?

Questions kept coming up in Gotous head, burying him as he couldnt solve them .

'Where are Seidou-sans things?

'The police took them .

Eishin responded to Yakumos question .

That was natural . The police must have been frantically searching for a link to Yakumo in Seidous things .

'I see Does this temple have another place like an archive?

'Does it?

Eishin turned his head and looked at Shuuei .

'At a little distance, yes

Shuuei seemed to have sensed their intentions, as he responded while looking down .

'Would you show me the way? Yakumo said quietly .

His expression was filled with confidence as if he had solved all the mysteries .

Ishii waited for Youko in a family restaurant by the highway .

To be honest, he hand wanted to return to the precinct .

Since hed run out of there, he had just left documents on his desk . However, he had changed his mind after going close to the precinct .

The police precinct had been surrounded by an amazing number of people from the press . It was natural, now that he thought about it . A current police officer had escapes with the suspect in a murder . This was a huge incident that was yet unheard of .

Ishii didnt want to think about what the other members not just Miyagawa would say if he returned there so carelessly .

He wouldnt even be able to investigation .

He contacted Youko immediately and they decided to meet up at this family restaurant . Ishii used his free time to try to call Gotous mobile, but there was no response .

He had spent nearly an hour drinking coffee while whiling away the time .

If he had known this was going to happen, he would have helped Haruka and Makoto more with the investigation, but it was too late now .

'It seems like Ive made you wait .

Youko hurried over and sat across from Ishii .

'Ah!

Ishiis spine went as straight as a rod as he greeted Youko .

Her face seemed a bit flushed .

Did she rush here, or

Youko called a server over with deliberately slow actions . After ordering a drink, she took a file from her bag .

'How was it? asked Ishii, like a dog badgering for treats .

'Amazing .

Youko breathed out and brushed back her hair . She looked satisfied .

'Er

'Calm down .

After Youko reprimanded him, Ishiis shoulders slumped .

'First, Matsumoto Hiroshi, the corpse found this morning, is the same Matsumoto Hiroshi in the album .

'A-as I thought!

Ishii was so excited that he shouted . He hurriedly covered his mouth with both hands .

Youko looked exasperated as she put her chin in her hand .

'I dont know if youre really tired or just a scatterbrain .

'I-Im sorry .

Ishiis shoulders slumped again as he lost his energy .

He knew he was clumsy . He always did something wrong . That was why he tried not to mess up, but that just made things worse .

'You feel like the type people cant leave alone .

'Its true . Im unreliable .

'That isnt it more like Well, its fine . Lets return to the topic at hand, said Youko with a sigh .

'So How about Todayama-san? asked Ishii, regaining his spirits .

'It was as you thought on this point too . The person in the album is Seidous dead son .

'So it was just as I thought .

Ishii gripped his hands into fists .

Now, it couldnt be a coincidence . Minami, who disappeared ten years ago . The murdered Matsumoto Hiroshi . And Seidous son, Takahiro . They were in the same grade at the same school .

'Come to think of it, Seidou-sans son, Todayama Takahiro-san

'Committed suicide, finished Youko .

'Do you know the reason?

'I was curious as well and caught the person in charge before coming here to ask

Youko had a complicated expression on her face .

'How was it?

Ishii brought his face closer to Youkos and held his breath .

'It seems like there was no note . It seems like theres no doubt it was a suicide from the situation . From the testimony of people around him, he had been rather depressed before the suicide .

'I see

'But

'What is it?

'It seems like the first to find him was his father, Seidou .

Youkos words echoed in Ishiis chest .

The father found his childs corpse . Just thinking about it hurt . How must he have felt then?

Ishii had no way of imagining it .

Suddenly, the mobile phone on the table rang .

Ishiis shoulders jolted . He just watched the mobile phone vibrate .

He had a very bad feeling .

If he answered the phone, it would become a big problem . That vague anxiety went through Ishiis whole body .

'Arent you going to answer?

'Ah, yes

Urged on by Youko, Ishii picked up the mobile .

'Hello

Haruka was in front of an apartment outside of Nishitama Stations shopping street .

She was looking around from the passenger seat of the car parked at the side of the road .

It was dark . On the street devoid of people, there was a three-storey building .

Naitou Yousukes room was Room 203 . In the middle of the second storey .

'The lights are on, said Makoto from the drivers seat .

Just as she said, there was light coming from what was probably the frosted glass window of the kitchen .

'Were lucky .

Harukas expression softened .

Though the owner might have just forgotten to turn the lights off, it was likely that he was in his room . It would be a waste if they came without meeting him .

'Shall we go then?

Makoto got off the car . Haruka followed her .

They went up to the second storey using the metal stairs outside and stood in front of the door .

When Haruka put her ear near the door, she could faintly hear people talking . Haruka nodded . Makoto pressed the intercom button .

There was a noise outside the room ding dong .

However, the door didnt open .

Makoto pressed the button a number of times, but still nobody came out .

'Good evening .

Haruka spoke as she knocked on the door .

However, the result was the same .

Something was strange . Haruka had a bad feeling .

'Is he out

Makoto tried the doorknob . There was a click the door opened slightly .

Harukas heart started beating more quickly .

You cant go inside .

She felt like somebody had whispered that in her ear . Haruka knew immediately who it was . It was the cry of her own heart .

While Haruka was troubled, Makoto opened the door more widely .

There was a corridor with a kitchen in front of the entrance, and on the right, there was a washroom . Ahead of the corridor was a room with a wooden floor .

The television was on .

A talk show with a comedian was playing .

The voices Haruka had heard earlier must have been from the television .

'Excuse me, Naitou-san .

Makoto called out from the entrance .

However, there was no reply .

'Please excuse me .

Makoto took off her pumps at the entrance and went inside .

Haruka followed her .

'It seems like he really isnt here, said Makoto with slumped shoulders as she peered around the room .

Leaving the television and lights on when going out it was a bit hard to believe .

'I see

Though Haruka said that, the anxiety in her heart didnt clear .

What is this feeling?

'Shall we go?

Makoto went back to the entrance to leave .

Haruka was about to follow her when her eyes fell on the frosted glass of the bathroom .

Her forehead was covered with a cold sweat .

'Whats wrong?

Without replying to Makotos question, Haruka stood in front of the door to the bathroom .

Here .

She had no evidence . She just felt it instinctively .

Haruka opened the bathroom door with a sweaty hand .

When she saw the scene in front of her, she couldnt even make a sound . The strength in her body left her and she collapsed right there .

Inside the bathtub, a man, covered in blood, lay with his limbs dangling out .

Gotou opened the sliding door to the temple .

It was quiet

All he could hear was the sound of the pouring rain .

Eishin was sitting in the middle of the temple with his hand in some sort of religious gesture .

He had his spine straight and was looking straight forward he was as still as if he had become Buddha .

Though his half-open eyes seemed hollow, there was a strong light in them .

Gotou didnt understand the heart of Zen, but as Eishin sat there, it looked like he was emitting some mysterious aura .

'Oi .

Though Gotou called out, Eishin didnt move .

Did he not hear me?

'Oi, you damn monk .

Gotou called out again while walking up to Eishin .

'I know youre there even without all that noise, said Eishin .

When he spoke, only his lips moved it was creepy, like he was a talking mechanical doll .

'f you know, then reply .

Gotou sat cross-legged in front of Eishin .

'What do you want?

'Thats quite a tone . I cant think of you as Isshins teacher, said Gotou, expressing his dissatisfaction .

Suddenly, the days Gotou had spent with Isshin came to mind .

Isshin was a broadminded man . He was always gentle and kind to everyone . Just seeing that smile would make Gotou feel better for some reason .

Why did Isshin have to die?

Gotou still thought that sometimes now .

'You say that because you dont know what Isshin was like before .

Eishin breathed out, relaxing his body . His face became more human, like he had taken off a mask .

'What do you mean?

'Isshin is very similar to Yakumo .

Gotou didnt understand what Eishin said .

'What part of him?

'Before Isshin took Yakumo in, he had been terribly troubled . At one point, he denied his own existence .

'Denied?

'He was filled with anger that had no outlet he always had a grim expression on his face .

'That guy did?

Gotou really didnt understand .

No matter how Gotou searched his memories, Isshin was always smiling in them .

'Because he found out the truth .

'The truth?

Gotou didnt understand .

He felt like they were talking about somebody else entirely .

'Its not like Isshin was at fault, but because of his personality, he tried to shoulder all the blame .

'What are you talking about?

'You could call it fate

Eishin stared into nothingness .

Fate?

'You talking about Yakumo?

'Yakumo is only one part of a larger flow . Im talking about a fate that continued from much before then . Everything started in this temple, when a man and woman met .

'Explain in a way Ill understand .

Gotou pressed Eishin for an answer in his irritation .

However, Eishin continued, still staring into nothingness .

'Isshin compared that fate with his own existence . At that time, he had forgotten heart of ensou, which is the basis of Zen .

'Ensou?

'Thats right . If the heart is not in order, one cannot see clearly . Isshins fate had shaken his heart .

Gotou really didnt understand what Eishin was talking about .

He didnt understand, but for some reason, he was curious .

'So then what happened?

'The one who changed Isshins heart was Yakumo .

Eishins lips relaxed into a small smile .

He alone held all the cards . That was how it looked like to Gotou .

'What part of Yakumo changed Isshin?

'His existence . By walking with Yakumo, Isshin was able to face his fate . He became his original self .

'Whats that fate youre talking about?

'You know as well . Its that man .

Eishins mouth shut tightly .

Gotou knew who that man was .

'The man with two red eyes?

'Thats right . Isshin has a connection with that man that cannot be cut .

'Isshin was just wrapped up in the incident, right? said Gotou offhandedly .

'Wrong .

Eishin shook his head .

'What do you mean?

Without responding to Gotous question, Eishin stood up .

'Answer me .

Gotou continued to hound Eishin .

'Youll understand soon enough . More importantly, what did you come here for?

Eishin sudden changed the subject .

Stopping the conversation right before the crucial point he really was just like Yakumo . Eishin probably wouldnt say anything no matter what Gotou asked . Gotou gave in and stood up .

'I want to ask a favour .

'Do you want me to introduce you to a woman?

There was a lascivious smirk on Eishins face .

Even though he was so solemn when meditating, there was not even a fragment of that now .

'Ive got a wife .

'So youre more proper than you look .

It really didnt sound like something a monk should say .

'That isnt the problem . Anyway, I came to borrow your mobile .

'What do you say when asking for a favour? said Eishin with a laugh .

He really was like Yakumo .

'Please lend me your mobile . I would greatly appreciate it .

Gotou buried his anger in the pit of his stomach as he lowered his head .

'You should have been honest like that from the start, said Eishin while taking his mobile out for Gotou .

Meditating with his mobile there what an awful monk .

Gotou said abusive words in his heart while taking the mobile .

'Excuse me .

After saying that to Youko, Ishii stepped away from the door .

The number on his mobile was unfamiliar to him . Who could it be

Though confused, Ishii answered the phone .

'Hello .

Detective Gotou!

Ishii was about to yell that, but he hurriedly stopped himself .

'P-please wait .

There were police officers everywhere . If they found out he was talking with Gotou, it would be a seroius problem .

Ishii looked around for a place he could talk without being watched .

The first and second floors were filled with people, but there were practically none on the third .

'I apologise for the wait, said Ishii after walking to the outside corridor of the third floor .

Gotou sounded displeased .

'Ah, actually

Ishii explained in detail everything they had investigated up until now, including how Haruka and Makoto had found a corpse .

Though it was quite the complicated story, Ishii focussed on explaining chronologically, as Yakumo always tolod him to .

Gotou didnt interrupt, which was unusual .

Gotou said just that after Ishii finished his explanation .

'It is a bit confusing .

Ishii had run about frantically up until now, but once he heard Gotous voice, he relaxed a bit and became weak .

His eyes were becoming wet with tears .

Gotou said that .

Why is he apologising?

Ishii was confused . Though Gotou always got angry at him, he never apologised . Rather, Ishii was the one who wanted to apologise .

He had planned on investigating frantically to make a place for Gotou to return to, but there had been no developments at all .

He was completely useless like this .

'Im the one who must apologise . If I had been more reliable

'Eh?

Gotous voice was quiet and weak .

Dont talk like that .

Ishii murmured that in his heart .

'Please dont worry about someone like me . Detective Gotou, I believe in you and Yakumo-shi . Thats why Im working . Thats all .

Ishii wasnt lying .

It was true that he had been a bit troubled earlier, but that had gone away completely .

Gotou snorted .

Was that praise? Or was it a reprimand? Ishii didnt know .

He just felt that Gotous voice sounded a bit stronger .

'Detective Gotou .

<What?>

'If theres anything I can do, please tell me . If you want to flee overseas, I will help prepare .

'Thats right .

'Of course, Ishii replied immediately .

He would do anything if it would allow Gotou to come back, no matter what sacrifices he had to make .

'Please consider it done! declared Ishii .

'Yes sir!

NOTES:

[1] In Japan, people drive on the left side of the road and the steering wheel is on the right side of the car .

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