A Second Lie in April

Chapter 7.1: Going Home

Shakujii Park was usually a peaceful green oasis in the middle of the Nerima district. But on this day, the Teruhime Matsuri -Nerima's premier festival- was in full swing. Thousands were milling about, watching the parades, the historical recreations, or visiting the food stalls. Mr. Miyazono stood on a walkway as a procession dressed in brightly colored traditional garb paraded by the main thoroughfare. They swung their ceremonial spears in expertly choreographed moves, keeping time with the beating drums. A loudspeaker retold the tragic story of a local feudal lord, Toshima Yasutsume, and his daughter, Teruhime, who took their lives before surrendering to a conquering foe.

"Death before defeat, or dishonor," mused Mr. Miyazono. It was a difficult, yet admirable proposition. Never stop fighting. Be victorious, or die trying. He glanced at the sky. Evening was settling in. He looked at his watch. "Time to go." He was up for guard duty at the food stalls. With so many people around, the food vendors had asked the Yakuza to keep an eye out for shoplifters. Although initially hesitant, Mr. Miyazono had grown comfortable in his role as Yakuza. Keeping order among the stalls, he felt himself doing the community a service. Heh, I even got my first tattoo! He thought.

The smell of fried noodles and seafood wafted through the air as he approached the stalls. Each stall carried a brightly colored awning, emblazoned with large lettering, along with photos of noodles, or cartoons of smiling potatoes or octopuses. Patrons walked by, enjoying their Takoyaki, or Jaga bata potatoes. Suddenly Mr. Miyazono spotted a pair of youths swiping some chocolate-covered bananas. He surprised them as they turned to leave. "You can pay for them now," he menaced them, pounding his fist into his hand. "...or you *will* pay for them later!" The boys sheepishly backtracked, and slipped the vendor a thousand yen. "That's better," he added gruffly, eyeing them as they walked away.

"Miyazono!" he heard a familiar voice call him. He turned around to see Mr. Takagi, a fellow Yakuza approaching him. "Come with me!"

"What's up?"

"I have a job to do. Mr. Shimano said you should come with me."

"What about the stalls?"

"This shouldn't take long." They crossed the street to a drab apartment block across from the park.

"What's this about?" asked Mr. Miyazono as they stepped onto the elevator.

"The building's owner is having trouble with some of his tenants. Seems they don't want to pay. And we've been asked to solve the problem ...or remove them from the building."

Mr. Miyazono felt uneasy. "Since when do we do evictions?"

"Since Mr. Shimano said so," replied Takagi, as they stepped out of the elevator. Takagi knocked on an apartment door.

The door cracked open slightly. A middle-aged man's face shone through the open sliver. "Yes?"

"Mr. Higuchi?"

"Uh, yes?" Takagi pushed open the door, throwing the man back into the apartment. "Who the hell do you think you are?" the man stammered.

"Your landlord got tired of calling for his rent. So he sent us instead!" Mr. Miyazono was in shock, unsure of what to do.

"What?" the man stammered, confused.

"You're four months late. Time to pay up, or leave!" yelled Takagi.

A woman ran into the room. "Honey, what's going on? Who are these men?" she said as she stood, in shock.

"I'll get you the money! I promise!" pleaded the man. "I just..." A child cried from the bedroom. The woman glanced to her left, then back at Takagi, then darted off. "My child... he's sick! We're going through a rough spot, covering expenses! But we'll-"