Life Will Change Book 2

Chapter 35: From Okinawa to Kyoto

Begin!

~Normal POV

They departed on the ferry right away the first chance they got. The plan was for Zenkichi to head back to Kyoto to work over the list, while the gang stopped in Kyushu instead. (Mainly so that the boat ride wouldn't take as long.) This meant the gang were able to do whatever they pleased for a while. Zenkichi felt they earned it. That experience on Okinawa was something he'd never forget either. He was alone at the moment on the ferry, and decided to make another call to his boss before they got too far out.

"Hello, Commissioner? It's Hasegawa; I've just boarded the ferry back to the mainland. I'll lose signal soon, so this will have to be brief."

"Well done." Kaburagi complimented. "I've read reports from the local precinct- so there's a body in play, is there? And what of the research facility?"

"Inside, I found a list of the individuals who are believed to be victims of changes of heart. Not only was the document-tampering vice minister on there, but both of the Sapporo Central councilmen, too."

"So their hearts were changed by Madicce..."

"Most likely. At the very least, Madicce is benefiting from whoever has the power to change hearts. If we keep digging into the people from the list and their connections to Madicce, the mystery ought to solve itself. I'll bring everything I have to HQ once I'm ashore. I also plan to send it all to the local precinct back on the island."

"Good work, Hasegawa. You've brought us that much closer to solving this case."

"Thank you, Commissioner. It sure is a good thing we didn't bust the Phantom Thieves." Zenkichi said, happily. "Thanks to their help, we might actually be able to blow this case wide open."

"You seem pleased." Kaburagi said, curiously.

"Oh- well- It's just that-"

"Leave it. From now on be ready for things to swing into high gear at a moment's notice. And keep your eyes open. At this point, there's no telling between friend and foe."

"I understand. I'll report when I've arrived." Zenkichi hung up and pocketed his phone.

He sighed a little thinking about Kaburagi's grim warning.

~...

8/20 - Sunday

Due to Makoto complaining of back pain from all the driving, the gang paused from their trip to Kyushu and went to Fukuoka for the night. They even splurged on getting a hotel for the occasion so that she could rest easier. Zenkichi hadn't reported in for the last couple days so it really felt like they were on vacation again. And better than that, there were no Jails on the way either.

It wasn't until that evening when they were having dinner at a restaurant near their hotel that Zenkichi finally called Akira again.

"Hey, where are you guys?"

"We're in Fukuoka for the night," Akira answered.

"Alright, sounds like you're going at a decent pace. Anyway, I'm calling to let you know I think I found our guy."

"Seriously, that fast?" Akira asked.

"Don't give me that, Kurusu! It might surprise you to know that I'm actually good at my profession! I'll give more details in person. Saves us time and energy. Sorry it's so sudden but how soon can you guys get back to Kyoto?"

Akira winced. "Not very. Makoto hurt her back from all the driving. We were planning to stay at the hotel another night to let her rest. I don't like my people working under that kinda stress, inspector."