Innocent Hand

8/8/2019 Innocent Hand

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Innocent hand

One blind detective, Saya.

Mysterious affairs occuring one after another.

A small hand print left on the dead body.

A bomb in the Police Department event.

The mysterious girl behind.Mystery calls mystery, amplifying fear.

Finally, the surprising and sorrowful truth will be closed with a shiver.

Publingual Edition

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Story by

Kou Shin Ryou

English translation by

Yasuyo Kondo (Chief)

Ryuhei Hagiwara

Ryuta Ohkochi

Toshihiro Hirata

Naoki Yamada

English translation rights arranged and published by

Publingual Inc.

7-1-14 Roppongi

Minato-ku, TOKYO 106-0032

Japan

http://www.publingual.com/

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Contents

Central Characters

1. Prologue

---2 days ago

2. Girl in grief

--A few days later

--One week after since the incident

3. Blind detective

--17 years later

--Shinjuku Metro station

--In police station4. Psychological Investigator

5. Small hand

-- Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Head Quarters

6. Kidnap

7. Target

8. Camouflage

9. Revealed truth

10. Fate of vengeance

11. Epilogue

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Central Characters

Saya Himeshiro : 24 years old, nonsighted psychological investigator

Masaaki Himeshiro : Chief Inspector

Tomoyo : Masaaki's wife

Beat : Himeshiro family's dog, miniature dachshund

Kyosuke Fujimoto : 42 years old, Chief

Junichi Miyamoto : 25 years old, Young detective, Nickname - Jun

Saki Horai : 30 years old, the most beautiful detective in the

department

Furuyama : Kyosuke's superior, Detective, Nickname - Yama-san

Toyokawa : Coroner

Shirasawa : Detective investigating sniper of Commissioner

Hidemasa Kazai : Commissioner

Ryoma Kazai : 35 years old, super elite Commissary

Washizaki : Prime minister

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1. Prologue

It was a chilly winter Tokyo, rain lightly falling.

In the large room, people crowd around small tables in groups here and there.

We feel sincere condolences to our loss. Let us pray for the deceased to rest in

peace. Please, by your hands, pick and store the remains to the urn.

The black outfit man says courteously.

Dad, Hime become so small, in pieces

Yes.Rinka, lets bring her back home together.

Yes.

Tears shed slowly down the cheeks.

It was hot, isnt it? Im so sorry. Thank you so much for everything. Ill stay with

you all night. Lets go home.

Hime was the beloved cat in this family and had just ended her happy life, died

of old age. Slowly, one by one, small bones were stored into the urn. In the

distance next door to this, and on the other side as well, the same scene was

proceeding.

This place, located in the outskirts of Tokyo, is a cremation facility exclusively

for pets.

It happened on the farthest side. A girl embraced by her father, watching her

mother standing with large chopsticks, meant for picking up the remains. The

door opened in front of their eyes and the rack, still warm, was pulled out.

And now, ladies and gentlemen.(Huh?)

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The mortician looked unsettled. Normally, in a case of small size dogs and cats,

big part of the bones remains such as head, chest, hip portion. On the rack

should remain this familys beloved dogs bones finely in orderbut

WhWhat the? What is this!! Where did he go! (Mother)

Mothers shout echoed throughout the silent hall.

IuhIm sorry. It shouldnt be like this

The mortician flustered. On the rack remain only the small pieces of the skull,

the others nearly turned into ashes.

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---2 days ago

Six oclock in the evening. Masaaki Himeshiro opened the door of his apartment.

Im home.

Welcome back daddy.

Seven year old Saya welcome her loving daddys return.

Oh, Masaaki. You are early today.

Tomoyo, his wifes voice sounded from the kitchen.

Yup, today was a peaceful day with no trouble at all.

Thats very nice. I havent taken Beat out for his walk today. Can you take

him?

Beat is a miniature dachshund which Tomoyo dote on.

Ok, no prob. Saya, you wanna come along?

Yes, daddy.

The two start for a walk in the falling night. There was a large park nearby their

apartment and it was the usual course for their walk.

Hey, Beat, youre walking too fast.

Having Saya on his shoulders, Masaaki had already started to become

exhausted from lack of daily exercise.

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How can you walk so fast with your pitiful short legs

.

With a sulky look, Beat stopped walking for a moment.

Beat is fast because he has 4 legs instead of 2.

Huh? No, its not the number of .Oh, I see. Saya, youre smart.

Saya was fully satisfied being praised by her loving father.

On the way home after the walk, when they had just come around the parks

garbage space, a stray dog there sensed Beat and started to bark harshly. Beat

also barked back harshly using his small body to its fullest strength, their

intensity grew louder and louder until finally...

Hush!! Stop.

After putting Saya down on the ground, Masaaki tried to calm Beat down.

Suddenly Beat, in an extremely excited condition, bit Masaakis arm with full

strength.

Urgh!!!...Stupid, let go!

Masaaki finally calmed Beat down, quickly pulling his arm free from the harsh

bite. A middle-aged man just passing by the scene drove away the stray dog

with his bag.

Are you alright?

Blood dripped down from Masaakis right arm.

Yes, thank you. What a shame being bitten by my pet dog. Hes had his shots

already, so its not a problem. Thank you very much.

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Anyway, you should get medical assistance immediately. Youre living here,

right? Ive seen you before. Im Uchiyama, new manager for this apartment.

Is that so. Im Himeshiro on the 18th floor.

I cant take your daughter, so let me bring that doggie.

Uchiyama takes a glance and smiles kindly towards the shivering Saya.

Shivering and biting her lips tightly, Saya stares at Beat.

The two went back to their apartment. Ex-hospital nurse Tomoyo, without any

hesitation, sterilized and treated her husbands wound.

I think its OK but, just in case, lets go to the hospital tomorrow.

Yes, Ill will. For now, lets keep Beat in the cage in the other room. Its gonna

be more serious if he bites Saya.

Yes, I feel bad, but I agree.

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2. Girl in grief

--A few days later

It was Sayas birthday. Masaaki was sticking candles on the cake he bought for

her. She was gazing at it happily.

What?

Whats wrong, daddy?

One is missing. What should I do?

Sayas face had turned gloomy a little, as Msaaki cast a sideways look.

Hey Tomoyo, have you seen any candles?

He called his wife into the backroom.

There are none here.

Her cold voice sounds silently...

Masaaki and Tomoyo had lost their biological daughter to disease 2 years ago.

To avoid falling into depression, Masaaki decided to keep Beat. In order to keep

the pet, they had moved to this apartment, which allowed pets. After losing her

dog that she treated like her daughter, since the date of the funeral she had

changedas she had disliked Saya from the beginning, she came to be more

stern with Saya.

They are not Sayas real parents.

Masaakis job was a police officer. As a chief inspector, he had handled a case

half a year ago: members of a family had murdered brutally. In a house where

an ordinary family had been living, the father, mother and eldest son were

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murdered. The father and mothers heads had been totally crushed, and the

brother, who was an extreme case, was thrown through a window on 11 th floor.

Saya was the only person who survived that horrible scene.

The girl was totally frightened.

She had lost memory of the affair and even her family. The first thing she saw

after being back to sanity was Masaakis smile. He could not leave her alone,

she was the same age as his daughter was, and finally decided to take care of

her since she did not have any relatives. He had believed his wife would also

agree with his idea.

Despite his expectations, feeling eerie about Saya, Tomoyo had never took her

under her wing as her daughter. While Masaaki was away for his job, Tomoyo

was stern to Saya and often hit her. Even though, for the sake of Saya s loving

daddy who loved Tomoyo, she had never talked about it to him.

What should we do

Masaaki watched out for Sayas face.

Dont care Saya doesnt need candles as long as her daddy is here.

She gave a very lovely and noble smile.

Al-right! Buy some at the convenience store.

Really !?

The girls eyes were twinkling.

Tomoyo, we are going to the convenience store.

-Tomoyo ignored Masaakis words.

Ill follow you!

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Sounds nice. Lets take a night walk together.

This way, they went out to the convenience store near their house.

Yipes, how cold. Itll probably snow, wont it? Dont you feel cold, Saya?

No, your hands are warm.

Really? Your hands are warm too, Saya. Ha ha ha.

The convenient store appeared.

Whats that?

3 youngsters were puffing cigarettes alongside motorbikes in front of the store.

They were obviously underage.

Saya, can you look for candles in the store first?

Sure.

After confirming Sayas entering the store,, Masaaki had started to talk to them.

Hey, you are still under age, arent you? Give me the cigarettes.

Huh? What did you say old man?

Piercing guy looked up with a sharp glance.

Tatchan, who does this guy think he is?

The girl pointed out Masaaki. He screwed up his eyes when they landed on a

skull tattoo on back of her hand.

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Get away, if you dont wanna die, old man.

The guy called Tatchan stood up.

You, you are !

Masaaki had remembered his face.

Why you are with such rotten guys ?

The girl didnt ignore the phrase.

What did you say, old geezer!

Masaaki took the arm of hers clutching at him then rolled her over the ground.

Ouch!

Oh, are you al-right?

Masaaki upset a little, since the girl had rolled over more than expected, which

brought his conditioned response.

Motherfucker!

When Masaaki had bent down to care the girl, the piercing man kicked Masaaki

in the stomach

Urgh!

Holding the kicking leg, Masaaki stepped forward towards the man,.

The guy fell backward losing his balance. Masaaki lied on the man.

Shit! Move out away.

He was struggling under Masaaki.

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The other man behind him wielded a helmet.

Whack !

The helmet banged down in full swing whacked on the back of Masaakis head.

Ugh

Masaakis consciousness faded and his body was slowly falling on the man. On

that head, the helmet was banged down a few more times.

bam! bam! bam! !

Tatchan! Stop it. Hes gonna die.

The girl tried to stop the man with frightened voice.

The man under Masaaki was colored in crimson by Masaakis blood. When he

tried hard to get himself up, Masaaki grabbed his ears and tried to straighten

up.

On that face, the last hit thudded him.

Eeeeek!

The man under Masaaki screamed. Masaaki flew aside. In his hand, and the

piercing and the mans ear were left in his hand.

Daddy!!

Saya was standing in front of opened door. She caught their eyes, a girl and guy

holding a helmet.

Shiiiit! Motherfucker.

The man holding his ear and lost his temper was thumping his foot down on

Masaakis face.

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The store keeper had felt something wrong and came out.

Very bad, get out!

They rode off on their motorbike in a hurry.

Tart! Get on!

The girl lost in abstraction recovered her senses, and rode on the tandem sheet.

2 motorbikes had gone off into night town with a lot of noises.

Saya was coming closer to Masaaki slowly.

Daddy

Sa.yaa.

Daddy!

He was lying on his back and the face looked miserable.

Saya..

Masaaki was whispering something.

Saya bent her ears to him.

Sa...ya, you havent seen anything, good girl, nothing

No, nooooo!! Daddy, dad, daddy!

His eyes never opened again after those words.

A girls grievous cry was echoing.

The candles were crumbing up in the clenched small fists. Her brunet hair was

trembling; the first snow of this year was flapping on it.

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Since that night, Sayas heart had given up the will to open her eyes. According

to the doctors diagnosis, her brain refused to see because of the deep shock.

It was treated as a case of police officer killing and a thorough investigation was

conducted all through the night. 2 days later, 3 suspects were caught, and they

were convicted with unprecedented speed.

--One week after since the incident

In Himeshiros apartment, Saya was gazing at the crumbled candles with blind

eyes.

Eat hurry!

2 slices of burnt toast had been thrown out on the plate. Sayas body bounced

Tomoyo stepping on her hands as Saya trying to pick up dropped candles.

Ouch! Mom, dont do this, its painful.

She murmured in a frightened voice

How long will you keep such things! Daddy is not here anymore!

Since Masaakis death, Tomoyo had been mentally deranged and she had come

out a different person. She picked up the candle sack.

Please, return it to me. Mom, please, you can hit me, but please return them.

The girls body was already covered with scars at this time. Saya opened and

stretched out her hands.

Tomoyo whacks her palm by long chopsticks on the table.

Ai!!

Your daddy has died! You, you killed him!

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Tomoyo whacked Saya again and again.

She burst into tears.

Take him back! Take back my dear Masaaki!

Soon after, she dissolved into tears. Saya kept gazing at her mother, clenching

up her hands in which blood was running here and there.

Tomoyos muddle had been seriously getting worse and worse.

It happened in one night.

My name is Fujimoto. I have just arrived on the scene.

It was crowded with people there. He asked an ambulance crew.

I am working in the Criminal Affairs Division. What is the situation?

This is really horrible. She looks to have jumped from balcony that brought

instantaneous death, I think.

Tomoyos body was covered by sheet and laying down in front of the apartment.

How is the daughter?

Ah, she is on the ambulance. She is lucky as she is blind. Poor girl, she was

very frightened with shook when I found her, though now she looks to be calm.

I see.

What can we do for her

The ambulance crewman with a troubled face gave a look at the car.

Ill take care for her now. Since her father took care of me a lot.

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He opened the ambulances door.

You dont have to worry, come on

3. Blind detective

--17 years later

--Shinjuku Metro station

At 7:47 morning in December, it was commuter rush hour. Moreover, the

platform was much more crowded than usual because of an accident in another

track. In the corner of the platform, a little girl was crying behind a post. A

woman wearing black sunglasses had stopped in front of her.

Whats wrong with you?

She crouched and put her stick on the platform.

You are alright. Dont cry anymore

The girl was looking at her face on the sunglasses in wonder.

Is there anything wrong?

A station attendant talked to them doubtfully.

She seems to be a stray child. Can you call a juvenile custody agent to this

station? I am

She took out a police handbook then showed it to him.

O, OK, I see.

He embarrassed.

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Good girl, you are alright. Ill find your mother or father soon.

The girl drew back by his words. Saya felt something wrong about the girls

behavior.

Oh, you put your socks inside out. Please wait here for a moment. Ill call an

agent soon.

And he had run off.

Come here, I can correct your socks.

She offered her arms.

The girl stretched her little hands slowly to Sayas fingertips covered with black

gloves.

Here, grab my shoulders.

She led the little hands to her shoulders, and then pulled off the girls shoe and

high-socks.

!

She froze in a heartbeat when she had touched the girls leg.

What wrong?

She gazed at the girl via sunglasses.

H-E-L-P

Her heart twinged.

Im feeling cold.

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She had come back to herself by the girls voice.

Oh sorry. OK, its finished.

Soon after putting the socks on her legs, a loud voice was shouted from behind.

Chika!!

A woman shouted so, and was running toward them.

Chika! I told you dont go away alone!!

The girls hands grabbing Sayas shoulders were shivering.

Are you her mother? Dont speak so loud.

The mother scanned her from top to toe doubtfully.

Since she was crying here alone, Ive asked the station worker to call a juvenile

custody agent.

Cant your eyes ?

Saya nodded without any words.

I see. Anyway, thank you very much for taking care of my daughter. We are

alright and in a hurry. Good bye.

She became upset when she saw the station agent coming closer to them.

Hey, hurry up! Come on!

No, Maam wait a moment.

And then, the voice sounded in her head.

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H-E-L-P

Who are you?

Wait Maam!

She stretched her hand to stop the mother, but it hit a running young man.

Ouch!

She had fallen down. And when she looked up, the girls hint had alreadydisappeared.

A, Are you all right? Is that her mother?

The station attendant helped her to stand up and asked.

Yeah, it looks like.

Well, recent young lady is helpless. Oops, sorry you you are different.

He became embarrassed when he remembered she was also a young woman.

No problem. I agree with you. Im sorry causing you trouble. Im also in a hurry,

good bye.

Where are you heading? May I help you?

He asked in a low voice so that such a kindness would not sound

discriminatively.

You are very gentle, thank you so much. Im used to be blind, no problem.

After nodding to him, she disappeared into crowded ticket gate with her stick in

one hand.

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An announcement was echoing in the crowded platform.

A passing train is coming to the track No. 4. Please step back inside the white

line to avoid an accident.

The girl and mother were waiting for the train in the front of queue. The train

light was coming closer. The mother was looking down the daughters head.

Smile with full of ecstasy was on her face.

Hyaa !" .

Someone had grabbed her hand. Her body disappeared into the railway as if

she had pulled by the hand.

Thud.

Oh, no!! Someone has fallen down!

People in the platform hurriedly peered into the dark railway

Hehelp!!

The mother sat up. She stretched her arms to climb up to the platform. But in

the way, her face was distorted in terror.

Ooh! Who are you? Get away! You

The mother stepped back despite the peoples intention to help her.

Idiot!! Come here, hurry!!

Gyaa

Screech ! !

The trains break sounded very loudly.

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Eeeeeek !!

The train passed through uncountable screams and stopped. The girl was

gazing at the scene silently.

--In police station

A morning announcement was being broadcasted in the Tokyo Metropolitan

Police Department (TMPD). On the floor where the Criminal Affairs Division

(CAD) is located, all members unusually gathered, and morning assembly was

also unusually starting. The Chief Kyosuke Fujimoto (42) was standing in front ofthem impatiently.

Ah Good morning!!

No one could respond to the loud voice spoken by the Chief who never had said

good morning, and all got turned off.

Hey, say something. Cant you even say good morning?

He cursed to cover his embarrassment.

Boss, what will happen today?

Finally, you were this?

A young Junichi Miyamoto (25) made a cutting motion to his neck with his hand

that evoked laughter.

Shut it, Jun. If so, Im not already here. What a pain!

He was recognized as a sense of justice and smart boss even though he was

boorish a little.

Chief, it seems she has come.

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Saki Horai (30), the most beautiful detective in TMPD announced that, looking

at the floor monitor on PC.

The door in front of CAD opened, everyone looked at a woman wearing

sunglasses. She noticed their attention on her by everyone.

Good morning. Im sorry for the delay.

She bowed her head deeply.

No problem, no worries, come here. Saki, guide her.

Before Saki offered guidance, she walked forward quickly to the front, dragging

her underfoot. All embarrassed and rippled

Be quiet! Ah, this is Saya Himeshiro assigned here starting today.

Rippling became louder. This was the debut of the 24 years old blind

Psychological Investigator, Saya.

4. Psychological Investigator

After morning assembly, all had returned to their own jobs.

Fujimoto-san, a long time has past since the last time we met

Even it 6 years had past since last time, she saluted with a deadpan face.

Oh, you have totally grown up. Ive heard about your success there.

Looking at the beautiful face wearing sunglasses, there wasnt the same

atmosphere she used to have in her childhood.

Thanks to your help, I have learnt a lot of things there.

It was very sudden that you had told me that you want to work in Japan,

especially here.

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Im sorry to be selfish. I would like to return a favor for all that you have done,

and come back home.

Fujimoto never had seen her smiling. Sometime after she had become blind, she

started to show a supernatural power since she was 10 years old. She could

sense peoples behavior or auras, and by which she could read their deep

psyches. Fujimoto was the first person who noticed her power.

It happened when Fujimoto with Saya were coming back from their holiday

using a car rental from police station. Fujimoto dropped by the police station totake his mobile phone left next to an interrogation room. Through the magic

mirror, a homeless man was under investigation.

We have all evidence! Dont play dumb. Spill it now!!

The man was fully intimidated by the detectives loud voice, shivering with his

head down. He also looked mentally ill.

Yama-san, what did the feeble man do?

Fujimoto asked the detective who was a great senior for Fujimoto.

Its the case where a man was killed in the park tonight. He had the victims

wallet. Moreover, the blood on his cloths was identical with the victims.

Its a robbery-murder, isnt it? Generally, people living as homeless never go to

such extremes.

I know that. But, since all evidence is here, its unavoidable.

Was he arrested at the scene?

No, as someone called the police about a voice screaming die, a police officer

patrolling the nearby rushed to the spot, and the officer incidentally came

across this guy who was running away from the spot.

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Oh dear, good life and luck, all of them have left him What? Whats wrong,

Saya?

Before he noticed, Saya had been gazed at the man, putting her hands on the

mirror glass. Waves of tears were splashing down her face.

Whats wrong? Why are you crying, Saya?

At that time, the man over the mirror and Saya who was blind locked in each

others gaze. Saya muttered

Why are you teasing him?

What?

Fujimoto was embarrassed by her sudden question.

He is very kind. He just wanted a medicine for his sick friend.

Saya.. How did you know? Yama-san?

Yeah, I know that a sick old man was next to his tent.

Furuyama was also embarrassed.

How did you know that, Saya-chan?

Because he told me.

She pointed out the man through the magic mirror.

Really? It couldnt possibly...

Fujimoto remembered he had heard a theory that some blinds have different

sense of hearing and aesthesia.

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Uncle, you must not tease that man! Please forgive him! Please! !

Furuyama taken back by her anxious asking.

O,Ok, I see, I understood what you are talking about. Then, please stop

crying.

While managing her to calm down, Furuyama ordered his subordinate staff to

stop the interrogation.

Saya, you really hear him, dont you?

Yes.

I see. But, even you want to rescue your friend, it is not just cause to injure or

fight and threaten others. You know what I mean.

Yes, I know. But, he CANT speak.

What?

Surely, Fujimoto had thought there was something strange about the mans

attitude from the beginning.

He is similar to me. As I cant see, he cant talk. Its a pity.

Hey!

Furuyama ordered his subordinate officer to confirm.

The subordinate officer asked the man if he can talk or not. The man was

nodding again and again with tears.

If so, he was in the scene of a murder by accident and just stole the wallet!

Holy shit!

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Yama-san, he is not able to see us, is he?

They gave a look on interrogation room. In that room, the man was putting his

palms together toward invisible Saya.

Uncle, that man knows about the criminal.

Oh, that is good to hear!!

Furuyama got out from the room in a hurry. At this moment, the murderer had

changed to the thief to the witness.

Well, hey Miyamoto, come on.

Fujimoto called the white hope into the CAD.

May I help you, boss?

She is your partner from now on. Get along with her.

Really?

He must be kidding! She is cute but not my taste

Stop simpering, why dont you shake hands?

Oops, hi, Im Junichi Miyamoto. They call me as Jun. Nice to meet you.

Miyamoto offered his right hand. Saya, after short hesitation, put off the black

glove from her left hand.

What? Ah, gotcha! She cant see. But normally it should be a right hand

Im sorry.

No!! It's indifferent to me whether Whats that?

What do you mean it's indifferent? Dont speak in tongues, Jun.

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head quarters day after day with the anniversary event coming closer on the

schedule. This year is the 150th year since the foundation of TMPD. To celebrate

this occasion, a massive event was to be held at the New Tokyo Dome.

Now, youve only got a week left to go, commissioner Kazai.

Yes indeed, Minister. This will be my last piece of work. I am actually planning

on retiring and relinquish my title to the young one next year.

Police Commissioner Hidemasa Kazai replies with a smile to Prime Minister

Washizaki. He had become the man to occupy the seat of Police Commissionerfor the longest period ever since the foundation of TMPD, which granted him

with a solid authority. In truth, Prime Minister Washizaki did not have great

feelings towards Kazai. In fact, there had been many shady rumors, but his

records and patinas accumulated over the long years were undeniable.

Ive heard your son is successful as a commissary as well. What a fortunate

thing. I wont be able to attend todays ceremony because of the parliament,

but I sure will be hoping it to become a remarkable event.

I strongly appreciate your solicitude, Minister. Well, please look forward to the

day as we will promise to prepare some highly entertaining events.

Oh no, I am not the one to be concerned about. For the sake of our nation and

all the police officers who are risking their lives to protect this country, please

make it a great ceremony.

The two shook their hands for farewell with a smile on their faces. They

certainly would not have known that shocking news was to take TMPD by storm

in two hours from this moment.

As Miyamoto waited at stoplights, his focus of interest was at Saya.

She sure is cute, but a deadpan with sunglasses is not quite the way to go

Just as he thought of this, Saya took off her sunglasses. Miyamoto was flustered

by the beautiful face appeared from underneath that was beyond his

expectations.

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Do you like this better now, Jun-san?

Am what? How did you guess what I was thinking?

Jun-san, have you ever heard of a psychological investigator?

Oh, yeah I heard there are agents like that overseas. A job that support

investigations by analysing peoples thoughts from their behaviours, right? But,

I thought that was only in movies though.

That was his honest opinion.

Say, from the way you breathe, your gestures and the slightest clumsiness in

the way you handle the brake and accelerator pedal, I could sense the thought

specific to man.

Really!? Well, I didnt mean to

I can sometimes hear peoples thoughts. In the States, Ive resolved many

cases like that.

Saya sought the path of becoming a police officer at her own will, and Fujimoto

supported her way through. With her awoken supernatural power and

unmatched talent, she had graduated the police academy with distinct records,

and moved to the United States where psychological investigators are actively

being involved in criminal cases.

It must be very handy to be able to do something like that. I wish if I could

too.

No. Its not as good as you may imagine, as there are voices that I dont want

to hear as well.

Miyamoto was flustered by the awkward atmosphere that surrounded them.

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Im terribly sorry! I was thoughtless of what you might have gone through.

Oh, you dont have to be sorry. I believe you surely are a nice guy.

N No, Im barely like that!!

Miyamoto was now flustered by embarrassment.

Anyway, right-turning cars seem to have become impatient. Isnt it about time

for the lights to go green? Please face forwards while you are driving.

The lights had actually turned green already.

Y Yes! Excuse me for that!!

With all that, the two have arrived at the Shinjuku station. The body was already

moved to a room within the station building, and the station itself was already

functioning as usual. Nowadays, one-under has become a fairly ordinary event,

and was not to be a major disturbance.

We are from the Criminal Affairs Division.

Miyamoto showed his police handbook to a station attendant.

Oh yes. Thank you for coming. Hmm? You must be the detective from the

morning.

He was the station attendant who went to call a juvenile custody agent this

morning.

What a great coincidence. We were struggling as that girl doesnt speak.

I appreciate your support this morning. So, it was actually her as I expected.

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Coroner Toyokawa came over and interrupted the conversation.

I want you two to see something. Come this way.

Saya-san, were you actually here this morning? Anyway, lets get this over and

done with and head back.

What do you mean by as expected?

The two left the puzzled station attendant behind and walked into the room. On

the table, there laid a black body bag.

So what is it that you want us to see?

Miyamoto asked Toyokawa in a bothered tone.

The damages on the body are less than expected. She was hit in the face from

an upright position. The main cause of death was the blow to her head.

And?

Miyamoto prodded him to continue.

Check this out

Toyokawa opened the bag.

Ugh!

Miyamoto unintentionally groaned. It was not his first time to see a frightful

corpse. However, he had never seen such a frightful face on a corpse.

Whats the matter?

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Saya, who cannot see, asked.

Ah no, nothing.

Even I was surprised too. But this is what I actually want you to see.

Toyokawa lifted up the females left hand.

Wha what a heck is this?

?

Sayas expression was requesting an explanation.

This bruise seems to be a bruise from being grabbed by a human hand.

Furthermore, it hasnt been long since she got it.

On the females wrist, there was a clear handprint.

It must be of a child by the looks of it.

By the way, coroner Toyokawa, is the girl alright?

Huh? How do you know about her daughter? Well, she is alright but she

doesnt talk, probably from the shock of witnessing own mothers death.

Was her daughter there with her? Then this mark must be from the girl

Miyamoto regretted the stupidity of his own words as he spoke it out.

A little girl wont have a grip that strong.

I guess she wouldnt, huh.

Creepy feeling filled the air.

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Oh, come off it! Is this like a mid-winter horror scene?

Miyamoto shivered.

If you take a closer look, you can even see palm lines. What kind of strength

could it have been?

Toyokawa flustered at Miyamotos sharp observation and unintentionally leaned

his face over to the corpses wrist, but choppily stopped his move as he realized

himself.

Th thats a good observation. The few lines you see there is just as you

suspected, I believe.

The door opened and a juvenile custody agent lady showed up.

Im going to take the girl. It wouldnt be the best to keep her here."

Yeah, I think you may as well take her to a hospital. Detective, would that be

okay?

Certainly. I believe we wont be able to hear anything from her anyway, plus

we can check the scene with whats recorded on the stations security

cameras.

From the way Saya responded, Toyokawa finally realized that she is blind. While

thinking how unusual it is, Toyokawa waved at the juvenile custody agent.

Well, I'll excuse myself.

Through the closing door, on its other side, Saya sensed the girl watching her.

T-h-a-n-k y-o-u

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Something whispered to Saya, which was then cut off by shutting sound of the

door, leaving a faint voice still echoing in her head.

Well then, please send the data from security cameras and this picture to the

police station.

After seeing that frightful face of the corpse, Miyamoto wanted to leave the

place as soon as possible.

Did no one try to help?

Saya, that would have been impossible as its too dangerous. Besides, this is a

town where people ignore others even if someone fell right beside you.

Saya felt the swirl of Toyokawas mind.

Actually the woman did yell for help at first, and people reached their hands

to offer a help.

Huh? She yelled for a help after trying to suicide? In the last moment?

And, then what happened?

Saya interrupted Miyamoto.

Although, the woman started going backwards as so she was frightened of

something. Then she apparently screamed out things like get awayand who

are you.

A silence filled the air.

Either way

Which was then broken by Saya.

It doesnt make sense to take a little daughter around when trying to commit

suicide alone, and to do so in front of her. Lets investigate it further.

This was how the first mystery became their homework.

Miyamotos cell phone rang when they got outside the station.

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Hello, this is Miyamoto. Oh chief, it so got me! Weve just eh? What? That

cant be! Okay, well be over in no time.

What happened Jun?

There was a bomb explosion at the preview venue for the TMPDs 150 th

anniversary.

-- Night

Miyamoto and Saya came back to the police station, totally exhausted.

Saya, thanks for such a hard work on your very first day. You can go home

now.Chief! Is there no word of reward for me?

Miyamoto grouched.

Well said. I shall give you a reward.

Fujimoto handed over a cardboard box with writing on the front, reading To

Detective Miyamoto. From Toyokawa.

Oh no! You got to be kidding. Theres so much in here! Furthermore, he spelled

my names kanji wrong too. Its not [(moto)] but [(moto)].

It arrived at lunch. Whats in the tape?

Oh Jun, its not one of those dirty things again is it?

Saki joked around.

No, it isnt! By the way, what you mean by again? Dont say things that make

me look bad!

Miyamoto made a nervous glance at Sayas face. Though, she was still

expressionless.

Chief, whats going on out there?

Miyamoto looked down through a window and murmured.

Seems like they have already arrived.

Around ten or so black-colored vehicles came into the car park outside.

Luckily, there was no one injured from todays incident, but things dont seem

to be that easy.

I do believe that the explosion targeted the event, but the bomb was set up on

the sets where no one was around. I think it was not meant to harm people?

Saya questioned.

But, a handgun was stolen from the police waiting room which was left

unattended due to the incident.

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What!

And, TMPD received a bomb threat for the next weeks anniversary event right

after that. Furthermore, the blackmail was written for the Police Commissioner.

Saki explained boringly.

So now, this mess aye

Saya, go home before the investigation headquarters get set up.

Fujimoto originally planned to have a dinner with his daughter (at least, thats

what he thought) for the first time in a while, but it happened not to be the case

tonight.

Saki-san, you drove right? Her home is towards Shinjuku as well so would it be

okay for you to give her a lift?Oh is that so? Thats fine with me. Lets eat something on the way. Its my

treat.

Ah, no. Shinjuku is not actually on my way home. Besides, thats too trouble.

Ack?

Miyamoto was puzzled by her statement.

But you mentioned that you were at the Shinjuku station this morning...

Wherever it is, dont worry. I will give you a lift. Come on, lets get going.

Ignoring Miyamotos question, Saki was happy that she got someone to enjoy a

dinner with tonight.

6. Kidnap

The first week flew by. Streets after the Christmas filled up with people and cars

even after noon, creating a lively year-end atmosphere. It was an afternoon on

her day off, Saya was waiting for Miyamoto at the entrance of a new shopping

mall in Ginza, the town which transformed itself from a place of adults to a

place of youngsters.

H-e-l-p

The voice suddenly came into her head. Saya, who had been waiting around

blankly, turned around to the girl's voice. A girl rushed out from the mall, and to

where, she almost ran into a bicycle passing by. The bicycle made a sudden

stop with a loud screech of the brakes, which made the girl to lose her balance

in surprise, sent her falling down in front of Saya.

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-- Inside the mall

"I'm at the toy department now. It's all going according to plan, so make the call

to the police after an hour."

Spoke a man in his mid-thirties. The long hair covering his ears was bit of a

mismatch.

"Hmmm? Yuka, where are you?"

He looked around but could not see her anywhere.

"Damn it!"As he spit out a curse, the girl's head popped out from behind a back shelf.

"Daddy, I'm here."

"Yuka! I thought you were lost!"

-- In front of the mall

"Are you alright?"

Miyamoto, who just showed up, helped up the girl who fell on front of Saya.

"Oh, Jun-san."

"I'm so sorry for being late. By the way, do you know this girl?"

"No, I don't."

"I see, though, it seemed as so she was running towards you... Could she be

lost?"

The girl, who had just got up, grabbed Saya's coat with her face down.

H-e-l-p

Was that you?

Saya kneeled down. Her sunglasses and the girl's eyes met.

"Hey Saya-san, you've dropped this. You've got a unique cell phone."

Miyamoto picked up and handed over a cell phone-looking device.

"Ah, thanks. Though, this is actually a GPS transmitter I was using back in the

States. Being blind, it's impossible to tell my own location during investigations

without it."

"Uh-huh. Ow, she seem to have bruised her knee. Hm? She's got another one

over here too. You must fall over a lot, tomboy."

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was a proficient Chief Inspector as well."

"Is that so? Though, the event is to happen tomorrow. I believe the first priority

is to concentrate on the security at this stage."

"Ah, good point."

"Well, I have to go make the final checkup on the venue now. I'll excuse myself."

Commissary Kazai bowed once and left the room. The disturbed expression the

Commissary showed bugged Fujimoto. But while he tried to put his thoughts

around it, Saki came to notify him of a new case.

"Chief, there was a kidnapping."

Miyamoto and Saya's taxi drove into the police station's car park as Kazai's car

left, passing by each other."I'm sorry to spoil our plans today, Jun-san."

Miyamoto was becoming attracted to Saya, thus he had asked her out for a

Sunday's date.

"Please don't be sorry. There's nothing to worry about. I like kids too."

Even though he denied it, his date plan had surely been spoiled.

"But, I was just wondering, why did you chose Ginza? I guess it's a bit far from

where you live, right?"

"Yeah... true. I wonder why myself. I just felt like it for no particular reason."

They walked into the station as they talked.

"Oh, what good timing. Saya, we could use your help."

"Is there a case?"

"We just got a call from a mother, saying that an eight year old girl with a

yellow jumper... was kidnapped.... in a shopping mall... Huh?"

Fujimoto was puzzled when he saw the girl that came with the two.

"Who is that girl?"

"Am, she is a..."

As Miyamoto was at a loss for an answer, Saya cut off.

"So, the mother was the one who reported it right? Am I able to talk to the

father?"

"Yes... you may. Saki!"

Saki handed over the cell phone number she got of the mother to Saya.

-- Outskirt of Tokyo

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Azuma Azuma was driving his car.

"Now, let's see.

He checked the back seat with the mirror, and took off long-haired wig,

sunglasses and a false beard.

"She sure is sleeping well."

As he spoke to himself, his cell phone rang.

"Hello, this is Azuma."

"Are you Mr. Azuma Azuma?"

"Yes, that's right..."

"I am a police agent.""Ah! My daughter, you've found her!?"

Saya took a deep breath. The call was being heard by the whole office.

"Yes we have."

"Oh god. So, how is my daughter?"

"We've got her under custody."

"What...?"

Azuma turns around to check the back seat again. The girl was definitely there

asleep.

"Mr. Azuma, please relax. Your daughter is now safe."

"That... can't be..."

As he spoke, Azuma's emotions rushed into Saya's head all of the sudden.

What!? This is

The girl grabbed Sayas hand, and Saya looked down at the girl. Fujimoto

observed the scene, and narrowed his eyes. At the same time, Azuma was in

panic. If the police had secured his daughter, then who could the girl in the

backseat be? Although, before he got to sort out his thoughts, something

suddenly grabbed his hand.

Ah!

Azuma timidly looked into the rear-view mirror as he felt something through it.

Oh! No!

In the rear-view mirror, there was a girl who is not his daughter with horrifying

expression. Her bloodshot eyes were staring right into his.

H help me!

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The vehicle approached a curve fast, although, Azumas hands were held down

by something and he could not turn the steering wheel. He screamed in terror.

The next moment, the vehicle, which had strayed into the oncoming lane

smashed into pieces by a trailer truck that was coming from the opposite

direction. The death throes from the telephone echoed through the station.

Mr Azuma! Hello? Mr Azuma?

O-n-e m-o-r-e t-o g-o

Saya shrieked when she heard the horrifying heart-freezing voice.

What happened Saya!Fujimoto held up Saya who just passed out. The voice was actually only heard

by Saya. Even though it was just a shriek, it was Fujimotos first time to hear

Saya voice out her emotions.

-- In the evening

At the police station where the counter-terrorism headquarters had moved for

the ceremony were setup; everyone was snowed under their work. The New

Tokyo Dome where the ceremony was to be held was not far from this station.

After the crime notice, it was not possible for the criminal affairs division to stay

out of the matter either.

Saya, do you know Commissary Kazai?

Fujimoto asked Saya who was checking through the video from the train

stations security camera with Miyamoto.

No I dont. Why do you ask?

If you dont, then dont worry.

Oh yeah, youve only moved here recently. In the Japanese police force, there

is not a single person who doesnt know him. He is good looking, talented and a

cool guy. The smile of such a hot guy is irresistible.

Whatever, Saki. We have given up our day off to work. Could you please not

disturb us?

A call came in for Miyamoto as he spoke.

Its me.

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What? Who is it?

Its Toyokawa-san.

Saya came beside him and whispered.

What kind of hearing have you got? Cant I even have a private talk!?

Huh? Are you interested in my ears? Ew dont be creepy.

Toyokawa blushed at other side of the phone.

Ah, no! That was nothing. Anyway, what is it?

Its about the accident you asked me to investigate. The mans vehicle strayed

onto the oncoming lane and crashed head on. It would have been an

instantaneous death. However, there was one strange thing. Ive emailed you a

photo so please check it out.Miyamoto opened his inbox.

Oh! Whats this!?

See? Its the same as the case at subway. I wonder whats going on.

Its the hand again.

Saya mumbled. On Azumas left hand, there was a clear mark of a small hand.

Whats this? Looks like a handprint of a child. Thats creepy.

Fujimoto who was walking back towards his desk turned around by Sakis voice.

You got to be kidding

Saya, it is exactly the same as what was on the corpse of the female who died

at the subway.

Anyway, I will send you all the data later so I will leave all the hard bits to you.

Good luck.

Toyokawa hung up.

A silence filled the atmosphere around the computer for a while.

Chief, whats wrong?

Sayas sensed Fujimotos anxiety.

Ah nothing.

Oh god. Feels like weve seen something we werent meant to. Chief, lets have

a drink before we head home.

Saki, arent you driving!?

Oh, you wont get a taxi for me? Then if you like, we could spend a night

together at

Saki winked at Fujimoto.

Shut it!

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Ha ha ha. Im just kidding. Well, Im off now.

7. Target

--December 27th

It was the day of the TMPDs 150th anniversary event. Very strict security had

been deployed around the Dome.

Ive never thought of this many policemen existed in Tokyo. The budget must

be huge.

Thats true. Feels like a bit weird, doesnt it?

We are one of them.

Sayas bleak words for Miyamoto and Sakis complaints shut them up.Well.yeah. This girl is really picky.

Im sorry.

What? No, dont worry about it...Buthow could you know what I was thinking

about..?

At the same time Saki questioned herself, The TMPDs number 1 nice looking

guy (chosen by Saki) broke in on the conversation

Hows everything going? You guys are Fujimotos department, right?

YeaYes! Saki Horai, Single and!!!

Excuse me?

Why you are introducing yourself like a marriage meeting,

now, Saki?

Ryoma Kazai glanced at silent Saya.

What should we do, sir?

Miyamoto asked.

Yeah, we have lots of guests. Please check the waiting rooms to see if they are

alright.

Yes, sir.

Then, move it.

Ryoma Kazai was leaving.

All right! Lets just do it.

Miyamoto was motivated more than ever before.

Hey, Jun. Why are you energized all the sudden after complaining about the

event being held at the end of the year?

You know, Saki. Many celebrities are here as a guests. Oh, shootshould have

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brought a notebook for autographs. Police handbook wont work, will it?

What a lucky bustard you are. Hey, what happened, Saya?

Standstill and holding her hands tightly with black globe, Sayas lips were

shivering

Are you okay?

Miyamoto anxiously looked in her sunglasses.

Sorry. Im alright. I suddenly felt cold.

Caught a cold? Lets get inside.

They went inside of the dome through the tight security.

--Floor of waiting rooms

Here! Here is the room. Yeah, Im glad that I became a policeman.

They were checking waiting rooms of invited celebrities one by one.

She is the one who sings events theme song.

Miyamoto knocked the door.

Yeah! Please come in. The doors opened.

A clear beautiful voice from inside.

Excuse us. We are the security.

They went inside.

Welcome. Is there a problem?

Miyamoto got stiff with her beautiful smile.

No! Ms. Love. Nice to see you. Im a detective Junichi Miyamoto, 25 years old, 3

years experience as a detective and Im SINGLE!!

Jun!! You are introducing yourself more than I did.

Ha Ha Ha. Good work. You came because of the bomb threat, right?

Oh, you know it.

Toy Love; World-class Super Idle who runs an entertainment company and

actively leading parts in United Nations and peace operations as a singer. She

has large connections in the political arena, including the Prime Minister

Washizaki.

Oh, no. Its a secret to the public. Im sorry.

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You dont worry anything about it, Ms. Love. I, Miyamoto, 25 years old single,

will protect you even if it costs me my life. One or two handguns means nothing

to me.

(hey, dude) Saki was disagreeably surprised

A handgun? Isnt it a bomb?

Oh, damn!

Miyamoto was flustered.

A handgun was stolen at the time of bomb disturbance on the other day.

Hey, Saya. Thats a secret.

Saki, this lady is Okay. She is on to us.

Love smiled at Saya.

You.can read peoples mind.

Yes. You too.right?

No one else could hear their conversation.

At that time, the high-pitched sound of heels appeared from the end of the

room.

You are not called police for nothing. Your highness hide the blunder of your

family.

Veronica!! Thats insulting.

Veronica was Loves manager.

Im sorry, but to control the confusionI never meant to

Im just joking. Excuse my persiflage.

Your civil-spoken way of talking cant become a joke, Veronica. Ha ha.

One hour away from when the event was to start, the dome was already fully

packed.

What do you think of the purpose of the perpetrator is?

Love suddenly asked.

We dont know yet. Tons of people carry grudges against the police. It might be

a crazy terrorist.

In all honesty, no one knew anything about the perpetrator or his/her purpose.

The criminal notice was sent to the police Commissioner in the TMPD.

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Saya mumbled to herself as if she was confirming it.

Saya. Like you are thinking, you should take this case as a private grudge

towards the police commissioner, not to the police department itself.

Loves smile disappeared from her face.

The Police Commissioner is the target? What an idiot perpetrator he is. He

purposely announced his crime previously and enhanced security. I would do it

secretly if I were him.

Shut up, Jun. Bite your tongue.

The bomb is probably just a fake to call away the attention from the real

purpose. You gathered these many policemen with handguns. This made it easy

to bring handguns in.Veronica with worlds highest brain put a word in.

That makes sense! If the perpetrator did the bomb thing purposely, then

Saki showed a hopeless mood on her face. Miyamoto got boost from the other

hand.

The perpetrator is disguised like a policeman, right? Alright!! Hey, Saki. We

have to tell this to everybody.

Jun. 5000 police people are here. I dont think we can make it on time.

Love, we should prepare for the open ceremony now.

Veronica informed Love.

Right. The perpetrator may not shoot people randomly, anyways. So, you

dont have to worry about the bomb. Please concentrate on the surroundings of

Police Commissioner Kazai. AndI dont need any security guards, Mr. 25 years-

old single. Thanks.

Love stood up and softly kissed Miyamotos cheek.

.!!!!

Rosy Bachelor.

Saya, you can stop this. Believe in yourself!

Love tapped Sakis shoulder and left the room.

Love, you are the kissing bandit as I thought.

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Well, Im beginning to like it. Do you want one, Madam Veronica?

No, I have a person to care for

The three officers mulled over the previous conversation.

She is a prodigious person as I heard from rumors, even women can fall in love

with her.

Okay! Ill do what I can do.

With Sayas sudden shout, Miyamoto got back to the real world.

What are you gonna do?

The event started with a gorgeous fanfare. A decorative big ball that was

positioned under the ceiling broke open and Love came down from it slowly. On

the top of the ball, Teak, Loves right hand, stayed. No one could capture his

shape because of the lights. Love sang the events theme song. Leading figures

from various fields walked down the red carpet to the main stage at the end of

the song.

At the end, the Police Commissioner Hidemasa Kazai appeared, the hero

responsible for the peace of this country for 20 years.

Huge applause covered the dome. The applause had one more trigger, a

beautiful lady was escorting him. It was Saya in white clear dress. As a matter

of fact, the Police Commissioner was escorting her.

Oh, well. Butwhat a dangerous idea.

Love mumbled. Saya was thinking to detect the malice aforethought towards

him by standing next to the Police Commissioner. In the middle of the audience,

they arrived at the stage.

Complimentary speeches continued.

Saya concentrated all her nerves on the aura of the perpetrator.

There, we welcome Mr. Police Commissioner Kazai to the stage to give us a

speech as a thanking message to the complimentary speeches at the end.

The moderator led him. After the big applause, the dome went all quiet.

Tensions of security increased.

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First of all, I have to say that this beautiful lady next to me is not my lady.

The Police Commissioner laughed. Big laughs and applauses came up from the

quiet floor. This stupid joke was not what Saya had been expecting. She thought

it was going to be easy to read the ore of perpetrator in the quiet place. While

she tried to concentrate; Saya got the feeling of frustration on the other side.

Fuckin elderly lech!

Watch your mouth, Jun!!

Saki glared at Miyamoto who had talked without thinking.

The Police Commissioner proudly waved his hand to the crowd he entertained.

Saya was still concentrating. A cold sweat was running her cheeks. At amoment, one sharp feeling attacked Sayas heart. By the time Sayas

consciousness focused on the policeman located diagonally forward, the

handgun muzzle was already pointed toward the Police Commissioner.

No!!

Mr. Commissioner.!

Shouted Saya tackled to Kazai who was waving his hand.

Teak!!

Love cued him in at the same time.

Bashoo!!

Ouu!

Pow, pow!!

The dome became seething. Policemen around the perpetrator overpowered

him concurrently. Security built up a barricade around the Police Commissioner

on the stage. Kazai started moving after a little while. Saya was still holding his

body.

Its ok now. Saya. Thank you.

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Saya came back to herself with the voice. It was a movement she did feverishly.

The perpetrator was shot by Teak before he fired and misfired two shots away

from the target. The Police Commissioner slowly stood up and held up the

microphone.

Im perfectly safe because of your work. Thank you everyone. AndIts good

to be in the presence by such a beautiful lady even when Im old.

The applause and the roar got louder again.

No kidding. He doesnt know anything. He is such an elderly lech!!

Saki!! Shhhh!!

After all, the event finished steadily with despite the one interruption.

8. Camouflage

--That night

The bullet that shot the perpetrator was rapid-acting tranquilizer gun.

Therefore, interrogation started in the evening after his recovery.

Nooo, youve already got changed? You dressed so beautifully.

Saya had come back to the police station in her usual outfit.

Hows the other case going, Jun?

She didnt touch on that topic at all.

I finally found it. Do you wanna watch? But you cant .

I do. But I cantPlease explain the image.

The computer streamed the movie of Shinjuku Station.

From this point. Here, this person. Ou(She cant watch it)

On the edge of the line on the platform, a woman stood still where Miyamoto

pointed at.

Are you still investigating that suicide case?

Fujimoto and Saki came back.

You should watch this, chief. It is really weird.

--The arrival of the train was announced on the platform. At that moment,

probably about several tenths of a second before the arrival of the train, the

woman fell down on the train track. She stood up and tried to get back up onto

the platform while yelling.

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The shape of her mouth says H-E-L-P, right?

Miyamoto mentioned, zooming her face. The other passengers extended their

arms to help her.

From here. Please watch carefully.

Zoomed womans face was overcome with terror. Her eyes were opened as

eyeballs were almost falling out, then she screamed something.

Who theget away. Thats what she seems to be saying. Oh, wait a minute.

Miyamoto played it again in slow-motion..

You are? She might say at the end.

Did you check with the people on the platform?

Fujimoto asked.Yes. Though I checked all the people, no one has connections with that

woman. And then, this.

Miyamoto showed the image from different angle. The view was looking

diagonally down at the train from the front. It showed the girls figure.

At this moment, her mothers left hand, which is the point, was wrapped

around the girls chest.

With her hand on her chest, the mother was watching the way where train

comes. As the light of the train appeared distantly, her line of sight moved down

to her daughter.

Please watch the next scene carefully.

The image was zooming.

Oh, no!

Saki and Fujimoto voiced concurrently. In the slow motion image, the mothers

left hand went down.

See, this hand seems to move down to her daughters back.

Miyamoto stopped the movie.

No, shes her own daughter, right?

Its juvenile abuse.

Saya mumbled.

That morning, I corrected her socks which were inside out, and found out that

there are many scars on her legs. Those were marks from abuse for sure.

Come to think of it, the girl from the kidnapping case had scars too

Yes, she was abused as well.

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Saya doubled her right hand in a black glove.

That mother! She looked so happy when she found her daughter.

Miyamoto showed his anger.

That was a camouflaged kidnapping.

What do you mean Saki?

Ive inquired further because I felt suspicious, and found out that the couple

was crazy with gambling and they were in huge debts. Azumas father is a

president of big business firm and he devotes a lot attention to that girl as a

granddaughter. Maybe, it was a plan to steal money from his father by

demanding a ransom. See, this is the scene of kidnapping caught by security

camera in the mall.The picture captured the scene of ill-fitting long-haired man getting out of the

mall taking a girl in yellow jumper.

Bad disguise, isnt it?

Miyamoto questioned when he looked at the time printed on the lower right of

the picture.

Butits impossible, Saki. Saya and I were already with that girl at that time.

Yeah? Are you sure?...Well, there is still another weird thing. No one saw those

distinguished two people, but this camera.

Fretting, with their arms folded. However, only one person, Saya, was not acting

like others.

What happened after that, Mr. Miyamoto?

Oh, right, moving on.

Miyamoto pushed play button.

Mothers hand is going down to the girls back once, but

Eh? What the heck is that?

Saki raised her voice.

Right? The mothers hand is suddenly pulled by something invisible and she

falls down to the train track and .bump.

That small hand print came up to their mind.

Thats ridiculous. You mean the criminal is the ghost?

The common things are the child abuse and the handprint. An abused kids

ghost might be helping those children, huh. HaHaHa.

Nobody denied Miyamotos joke-like words. The mystery was thickening as time

went on.

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That woman saw someone anyways Jun. Someone she knows. Please check

carefully to see if the camera captured something.

OK. Hey, Chief? Whats going on?

Miyamoto was talking to Fujimoto, who had not opened his mouth for a while.

Fujimoto was worrying about the image of the girl captured by a camera in the

mall.

Detective Shirasawa, who had been interrogating the sniper of Commissioner,

came in.

Chief and Ms. Saya. Can you follow me to the grillroom?

Now what? Did he confess everything?Noplease just come with me.

They moved to the next room of interrogation.

In the interrogation room, a man in his mid 30s was crying and slumped over

the table.

We didnt do itWe didnt.

Hey, hey. Its impossible to say he didnt do it in that dead to rights situation.

And We? Does he have an accomplice?

Fujimoto questioned Shirasawa. Saya was gazing at him.

Its true. He is telling the truth.

Saya conveyed emphatically.

Saya! You believe him?

Nothing seemed to make sense to Fujimoto.

There, Saki came.

Your ride is here, Saya. Commissary Kazai came personally. His car is right in

front of the entrance.

Oh, thats right. Youre done for tonight. Hurry up.

It is the invitation from the Police Commissioner to his lifesaver.

Yes.

Since she obeyed straightforward, Fujimoto was surprised.

Saya left.

Hey Saki, help her to correct her makeup. Its not a good idea to make him

wait.

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OK. I understand.

Saki left as well.

Now, what are we gonna do with him. Who is he by the way?

His name is Tsutomu Yamagishi.

Fujimoto surprisingly turned his head to that man.

He had been in jail until this past spring. He was charged with a homicide.

Thenthe thing he is denying may be.

Certainly, he is denying the case of cop killing 17 years ago.

Fujimoto was shocked beyond words and about to faint.

Saki came in when Saya was washing her hands in the powder room.

Chief asked me to help with your makeup.

No, thank you. I can do it by myself.

She grabbed Sayas right hand, but when she broke free of Sakis hand Saki

looked in the palm of Sayas hand.

Sayayour hand.

Get off me.

Saya looked for the glove and put it on her right hand in hurry.

Youmaybe.

Its just nothing. Im going now. I dont want to keep him waiting.

Saya opened the door and left the floor at a quick pace. Saki was staggered.

Ohyou forgot this.

Sayas cellular phone was left behind on the edge of the washstand.

--Criminal Affairs Division

Whats this?

Miyamoto mumbled after a long movie checking. Then, pale Fujimoto and Saki

with snowy white face came back.

Wow, its a nice timing. I found something. Please look at this.

They sat in front of the monitor as they had been told. The screen showed the

train that hit the mother.

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This is right after the accident.

Jun, the problem is the image before the accident, right?

I thought so too. But, I wondered and checked right after that. And then, here.

Miyamoto pointed the window of the train.

Kyaaaaa!!

Saki screamed. One girl was shown on the window of the stopped train. With

bloodshot eyes, ultimate grudge was overflowing from her face. Miyamoto

zoomed in on the girl.

That can be possible!

Fujimoto screamed next.

What happened, chief? Are you alright?

Fujimoto took a shaky backward and shivers.

Thats

Chief, you know something, huh. Please tell us.

Miyamoto approached.

Saya heard a voice from the phone call when Azuma died, she told me that.

Saya had explained to Miyamoto why the investigation had to be continued.

The voice said one more person. One more person has to be dead if we dont

act right now.

Fujimoto came to attention by Miyamotos voice.

Saki, please check what subway the mother and kidnapping father had in

common. Especially, check their history about 17 years ago.

Yes

At that same time, Detective Shirasawa, who had been interrogating Yamagishi,

came back.

Chief, here is the result.

Just tell me.

Tsutomu Yamagishi has been charged with murder. The victim was

Masaaki Himeshiro.

Fujimoto mumbled.

Yes.

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Himeshiro?

Miyamoto and Saki turned around.

He was Ms.Sayas father.

Miyamoto and Saki lost their voices.

Well, he was her foster parent and it lasted only half a year.

Please keep going.

Fujimoto rushed Shirasawa.

Yamagishi was arrested with Ryo Hirase and Shizuko Kainuma on suspicion of

killing Detective Himeshiro.

I remember three of them all admitted to the charges.

Yes, they certainly admitted according to the record. But now he confesses thatit was a ruse.

What does that mean?

Miyamoto broke in eventually.

Yamagishi said that Hirase and Kainuma are also victims. They didnt even

know each other.

What are Hirase and Kainuma doing now?

Shizuko Kainuma was released from jail after one year for good behavior. She

died ten years ago taking too many drugs which she had been using.

Oh my goodness

Saki mumbled, checking on PC while listening the story. Shirasawa continued

the explanation.

Ryo Hirase died in jail about one and a half years ago. The cause of the death

is recorded as natural, but there was a rumor of suspicious circumstances.

Only Yamagishi remained. What about their families?

Fujimoto reminded by looking at him.

They all dont have close relatives, but

But what?

The record shows Yamagishi had one visitor.

Who was it?

It was Ms. Saya.

What?

Right before his release from jail, she met him. Howeverthere is no record of

conversation.

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That means they didnt even talk, huh?

Yes. I asked Yamagishi and he said a woman he didnt know came and just

looked at his face and left. And

Shirasawa hesitated.

And?

Fujimoto asked.

Andhe said he met a girl on the night of visitation.

No way! You mean in the jail?

Miyamoto breezed in.

YeaYes. The girl told him the truth, he said.

They waited for the next words.It was not you who killed Detective Himeshiro. She said you were put up to it

by the police.

At that time, the police commissioner led the department by himself and the

three of them were arrested within a matter of seconds. I wondered how the

court could have returned a verdict of guilty with such exceptional speed, but

that cant be.

The real culprit is someone related to the TMPD. The police commissioner

used his power to fix it. Do you mean thatthe perpetrator should be the same

age as Yamagishi then?

Miyamotos voice shivered.

Please show this to Yamagishi.

Fujimoto took out a picture from his wallet. Miyamoto gazed in.

This is the girl on reflected on the window! Why do you have this chief?

This is the picture of Saya when she was 7 years old.

No one could speak with their astonishment. Shirasawa headed to the

interrogation room holding that picture.

Chief, I found something in common for two of them.

Saki informed.

The mother of the subway is Emi Kitajima. She had an arrest record. The father

of the accident is Shingo Azuma. They were both going to Shumei High School

in Tokyo 17 years ago.

She showed the picture of Emi Kitajima when she had been taken into custody.

She raised a stiff middle finger and showed the skull tattoo on the back of her

hand.

Jun, give me the pictures of Azumas accident.

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Yes.

Miyamoto showed several pictures to him on the monitor screen.

This is it. There it is

Azuma in the picture didnt have his left ear.

When Detective Himeshiro was killed, he was holding perpetrators ear. Thats

him.

9. Revealed truth

"Saya is not police inspector Himeshiro's daughter."

Fujimoto started explaining."When she was 7 years old, her real mother, father, and elder brother were

murdered brutally, which ended up with no arrests. Then police inspector

Himeshiro adopted her, who survived the murder solely, as his daughter. When

she was adopted, she was tattered."

"She also... had been the victim of child abuse, hadn't she?"

"Had Saya-san?"

"Yes. A while ago, I watched her badly-scarred palm in the washroom."

"I see.... she had said her blind eyes could cause her to touch the evidences

carelessly, but that was the reason she wore her gloves."

Miyamoto had wondered about that since he shook hands with her on her first

day in the police.

"I was taught various things from police inspector Himeshiro. To me as such, he

also confessed his troubles."

Fujimoto told while harking back.

"Police inspector Himeshiro's wife also, in fact, had abused Saya. And the wife

also died soon after his death. "

Fujimoto was stuck for the next words.

"Tell me please."

Saki said gently.

"The wife's death was disposed as suicide from the apartment balcony. But... on

her arm, the very handprint was left clearly."

!?...

"Jun ! Show me the picture of the handprint."

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Miyamoto showed the enlarged picture on the screen.

"I thought so......."

"What's, Saki ?"

"You have mentioned this is lines of the palm (of woman died in Shinjuku

station), and, well, which is identical to the scar on Saya's palm."

"So... this handprint means..."

Then, Shirasawa came back from the interrogation room.

"When I verified the picture with Yamagishi, he said the girl on the picture is

identical to the girl who appeared in the prison to meet him."

Unbelievable facts became revealed. But, the three were hesitant to speak outthe facts. And, Miyamoto dared to.

"The murder in the subway and the car accident, all due to this girl, and the girl

is... Saya-san herself."

"These actions are not for the sake of protecting abused children, but of

vengeance for the murder of Police Inspector Himeshiro, aren't they?"

"Inside of her..., the grudge-crazed girl is there. She had been maneuvered by

the girl. Into Shinjuku station, and also into the shopping mall in Ginza, she has

been brought unconsciously. Probably the girl cannot approach the targets by

herself alone unless making a certain contact point."

"I've forgotten to mention it, but..."

Shirawasa put a word in.

"Ryo Hirase died in the prison soon after her visit to him."

"Hirase probably didn't accept the girl's invitation. By any chance..."

Fujimoto noticed.

"The reason why she came to this police station was probably to make a contact

with someone...."

"Huh? "

Shiraswa looked at the document of Emi Kitajima put on the table.

"As for Shumei high school, if I'm correct, it is the high school that Ryoma

graduated, isn't it?"

"Say what ! ?"

"I and Ryoma, and well, Commissary Kazai, both joined the police in the same

year, though he has quickly moved up the ladder to the top levels."

"Chief!"

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power."

Although having said that, he was relieved a little.

"What prompted you to become a detective?"

"Nothing really... no reasons in particular."

"Was it the influence of your father?"

!-His guess was right.

Saya's body bounced a little.

"About my father... I don't remember well, because Fujimoto-san is like my

father.""Now I remember. I'm sorry for saying such an unpleasant thing."

Afterwards, he drove away while explaining the illuminations and scenery of the

streets which Saya cannot see.


"Chief, Saya's mobile is... here."

Saki held up Saya's mobile.

"Tut ! Saki, locate the place theyre having dinner tonight."

"OK."

And, then.

"Eek! ! Somebody! Come ! !"

Echoed in the corridor. Fujimoto, Miyamoto, and Shirasawa dashed In front of

the next room from the interrogation room, a petrified policewoman was

kneeling down.

"Help ! He is !"

The three who entered the room watched an unbelievable scene.

"What is this, what happened?"

Yamagishi's face was being pounded against the tempered glass of the magic

mirror, and was being pushed by something.

"Hey ! !"

On Fujimoto's cue, Shirasawa rushed out into the corridor and put his hand on

the doorknob of the interrogation room.

"It's no go. I can't open the door!"

"Darn it ! "

"Chack !"Yamagishis bone-jarring sound

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Yamagishi's skull and the tempered glass groaned as his blood dripped from his

destroyed face. And... from behind him, it emerged slowly.

"Hii...! "

Miyamoto took a few steps backward before he knew it. Bloodshot eyes.

Bristling hair. Even Fujimoto and Miyamoto's bodies were shaken by the awful

sense filled with grudge.

G-O A-W-A-Y.

It increased its power.

"Clash ! !"

"Wow ! !"

The tempered glass broke, and Yamagishi's body rolled into the next room.

"Darn it ! "

Miyamoto pulled out his gun and held it.

"Stop ! Jun."

Fujimoto stopped him.

At that time, even while hearing the sound and cries, Saki was making a phone

call to the police commissioners secretary. On the phone, she heard it.

G-O A-W-A-Y.

"Eek !!"

Responding to the chilling voice, Saki threw the telephone receiver in the air

before she knew it.

"Whump ! !"

With ripping big sound, the all lights went out.

About 40 minutes had past in the car. Kazei was still continuing his explanation

about gorgeous stores and houses on streets and scenery. Saya had taken off

her sunglasses in the middle, and had noticed something strange. Her well-

honed hearing, the lights impression on her almost blind eyes, and intervals of

the signals, told her they were different from the scenery Kazai explained. His

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car was on the way to an old factory site floating in Tokyo Bay.

The car went into an old building, and stopped.

At that moment.

Urk jump !

Saya's body bounced so high. Saya felt something inside herself, and that

feeling had always given her strength.


The blackout had already been restored.

"Is it...gone?"

Miyamoto mumbled."You dummy! It went back to her. Anyway, spread the word on the dragnet for

the commissarys car."

"Cheif, I heard from the police commissioners secretary, that there was no set

schedule for the dinner tonight... "

Upon hearing Saki's report, Miyamoto responded.

"Please wait a little. They have noticed the capability Saya has, haven't they?

That means, they should have become very uneasy."

"Shoot ! Sayas life is in danger. They are going to get rid of her ! !"

"Oh !? I don't know which one is in danger, but aren't there any methods to find

them?"

Oh !

The scene in the shopping mall came into Miyamoto's head.

"Saya-san has her GPS transmitter. I heard she used it in the U.S. "

"Saki, call the U.S. immediately to let detect Saya's present whereabouts.

Miyamoto, let's go."

"Y, yes."

The two dashed out of the police station.

"Now, here we are."

Kazai smiled at Saya.

"Commissary Kazai, this can't possibly be nice place, what are you going to do

with me in such a place?"

"What?"

A look of surprise passed over Kazai's face for a moment.

"You already know, it's quite something, even though you are blind."

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Kazai, who got out of the car, opened the passenger side door.

"Now, here is a nice place, as there is nobody to interrupt us."

Saya got out of his car slowly.

"Nobody... so, why the Commissioner is there?"

From the shadow, Hidemasa Kazai appeared.

"I must say, you are amazing. Ryoma, what about her gun?"

"She doesn't have one."

When he put Saya into his car, he had checked Saya's waist and chest.

"You are black-hearted gentlemen."

They led Saya to the place where his car headlights focused on, and the two

stepped away from her a little."And now, have you known what happened already? "

Hidemasa asked.

Saya took off the black glove on her right hand. And, from the glove, she took

out an object to put on her palm covered with scars.

"Here."

She threw it to Ryoma.

Catch. -It slapped in his hand.

Ryoma's face distorted as he looked at the object he received.

"I shall never forget, Tatchan (Tatchan is Ryoma's nickname)."

Saya mumbled and... changed.

"Hyaa !"

Kazai threw the pierced earring, which Higashi had worn in his ear 17 years ago,

in the air.

"I knew it. How did you kill the two?"

"Hehe..."

The girl giggled a bit in Saya.

"Want me to teach you?"

Saya directed her right hand to Hidemasa.

"Guah ! !"

Something sank into Hidemasa's neck, and his body floated in the air.

"S...Stop it! Ryo...ma."

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Hidemasa pled to his son for help. However, at that time, Ryoma faced

unimaginable horror.

W-H-Y Y-O-U K-I-L-L-E-D?

In front of Ryoma, the girl whose distorted face with grudge was there.

"S...Stop it! Don't come any closer!!"

Ryoma stepped back. With the horror, his legs became entangled, and he fell

over backwards.

"S...Stop it... Help me. I didn't intend to kill him."The girl straddled Ryoma. Ryoma was pinned underneath the girl. The girl's face

got closer to his face.

"D-I-E."

Then she wrapped her hands around Ryoma's neck.

"Bang !"

"Ack !"

Hidemasa's handgun, which he held despite, shot out from Saya. Saya fell over.

"Dyayaaaah ! !"

The girl shouted. The handgun in his hand bounced off, and Hidemasa's body

slammed into the wall.

"Gwah !"

Ryoma tried to escape, gaining control of his body for a moment, but the girl

grabbed at his ankle.

"Whoa ! !"

Ryoma fell forward.

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"Ahhhhhhhhh ! !"

The raging roar howled

"Gugya ! !"

"Gya !"

His ankle was crushed in her hand. The girl straddled on his back with his face

down. The girl looked into Ryoma's face filled with pain and horror, as if she was

licking it.

"N-E-V-E-R E-S-C-A-P-E"

He was no longer able speak, and was prepared for death.

"S... Sor... ry"

Hidemasa, in a half-dazed state as he hit on his head, crawled towards Ryoma.

"I'm to blame for it. I beg you... Don't kill my son."

For Hidemasa, his son was more important to him than his own life.

"If you want my life, take it if you want. But please have mercy on my son...I

beg you."

Such words had little meaning to the girl who was consumed with her

vengeance.

"D-I-E"

"Guahhhhh"

Ryoma screamed in pain. The girl's hand pressed against his back,

increasing its weight. Ryoma heard a bone jarring sound.

" I don't want.... to die Help me...Im sorry... "

At that time, the tears spilled from fallen Saya's eyes,

In Saya's consciousness, something was born.

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"Sa... Ya"

Saya raised her upper body slowly, putting her hand to the shoulder wounded

by gunshot.

"Saya."

"Da... ddy ?"

Masaaki Himeshiro's tender face popped into Saya's consciousness.

"Open... your eyes."

"Daddy...Is that you?"

"You have done enough."

"Chack"

"Gwahh ! !"

The girl's hands didn't stop.

"Im sorry, Saya. To protect you, I blocked up your eyes. Now open your eyes."

"Daddy...."

Her overflowed tears rolled down her cheek.

"Open your eyes to stop her"

Saya's heart opened gradually, and into her pupils, light started to stream.

"... I beg you.... Help... my... son.... "

Saya's eyes caught sight of an outstretched hand by a wounded old man.

"I can see. Daddy, I can see."

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"Stop her, Saya."

Saya looked at the girl.

The girl's power stopped, and she looked back at Saya.

"Stop it. Don't kill anymore."

The girl put a bemused look on her face.

"I H-A-T-E."

"I also hate them! I hate enough to kill them! !"Saya stood up. Her tears were scattered.

"But, don't kill them. Even if you kill them, daddy won't come back....even if you

kill them, your mother, father and elder brother won't come back!! "

Feeling the girl's power ease, Ryoma tried to escape.

"Dyaaah ! !"

"Gahah !"

The girl drew her power into her hand again.

Saya ran to the fallen handgun.

"W- O-N'- T. F-O-R-G-I-V- E."

"W- O-N'- T. F-O-R-G-I-V- E."

"W- O-N'- T. F-O-R-G-I-V- E."

While repeating, the girl's power increased.

"Stop it!"

The girl turned around..

Saya stood while holding the handgun in her left hand. She applied the muzzle,

slowly, to her right palm covered with scars.

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"It is over."

"S-T-O-P. !"

The girl's eyes were frightened.

"Sorry."

"Bang ! !"

Saya shot the gun through her own right hand.

"GiGyayaaaa !"

The dreadful and sorrowful scream echoed.

"Ah...."

Saya grasped her own right wrist and got down on her knees. She lifted her face

and looked at the girl. Saya's eyes and the girl's eyes met. The girl restored her

own color to her ow

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Innocent Hand