MHA: Jigsaw Reborn

Chapter 18: A Lighthearted Conversation

(A/N: When planning out the chapter, I wanted to create an almost Light vs L type of dynamic between Tsukauchi and Kramer that I hopefully deliver to you guys!)

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[1 Day Later]

[Narrator's POV]

The early morning sunlight filtered through the glass windows of the small convenience store, casting a soft golden hue over the shelves. It was quiet, with only the low hum of the refrigerator units in the back breaking the stillness. The smell of recently stocked vanilla ice cream mixed with the faint aroma of freshly mopped floors, and the occasional rustling of pages echoed softly as Kramer flipped through his novel.

He sat comfortably behind the cashier, engrossed in the novel as one hand was lazily dangling a television remote. The store had been open for just under half an hour, and he hadn't seen a single customer yet. But such a sight was understandable given how early in the morning it was.

The world outside seemed to be waking up slowly, much like himself.

"In other news, police and Pro Heroes alike are now on the lookout for a woman named Naito Izumi for the murder of Yoshimoto Seiji, the CEO of the Seiji Fishing Corporation. He was found dead in his office this morning, impaled by a harpoon gun. Though information is currently limited, sources suggest that the murder was premeditated, with Izumi being terminated from the company only days prior. We will continue to upd-"

With the press of a button, Kramer switched the morning news broadcast to something less distracting, turning a page as he did before continuing to read in silence.

'A woman willing to murder for revenge... perhaps there's a lesson to be taught here...' Kramer thought to himself as it sparked ideas for future plans.

Suddenly, the faint chime of the entrance bell rang out, interrupting the peaceful ambiance. Kramer's eyes briefly flashed up from his book, his expression neutral as he noted the familiar face that had just entered.

Detective Tsukauchi, dressed in his usual brown coat and tie, strolled in with an air of casual ease, though his sharp eyes were alert.

"Morning," Tsukauchi greeted, a friendly smile touching his lips as he picked up a basket from near the entrance and started to browse the shelves.

"Good morning," Kramer responded with a nod, his voice calm as he closed the book with deliberate slowness. "Can I help you find something?"

"Just doing a bit of early shopping," Tsukauchi replied, his tone light and nonchalant. He moved toward the snack aisle, glancing at a few items before selecting a can of Pringles. "Got to stock up before the day gets busy, you know?"

Kramer chuckled lightly, his eyes watching the detective with a practiced calm. "I suppose even people in the morning need their snacks," he said, standing up from behind the counter, stretching his legs as he casually tucked his novel away.

The atmosphere felt light, but there was an unspoken tension that lingered beneath the surface. Tsukauchi's eyes subtly scanned the store, taking in every detail as if he were piecing together a puzzle.

"You run this place all by yourself?" he asked, putting another bag of chips in the basket before moving to a different aisle. "Pretty much," Kramer replied, his eyes following the detective's every move. "It's manageable, but I enjoy the work. Keeps me busy."

'True.'

"I can imagine it does," Tsukauchi said with a chuckle, his legs guiding him toward the back of the convenience store where the cold beverages were stored. "Must get some interesting characters coming through here."