Remnants in smouldered ashes

Chapter 8

There was nothing to expect from the outcome of this case initially. The information broker had provided them an intimidating amount of evidence to write about in their report, which would have allowed them to close the case almost immediately. But, as new evidence were found in the terrorists' possession, it became apparent that they were entering into an unknown territory that involved Japan's jurisdiction. Their findings of first-rate technology that were manufactured within Japan's industries had already begun to stir the enforcer's mind.

He assumed Tsunemori would be sharp enough to question the same thing as he had done. However, upon the sight of the worn-out paperback, it threw out all rational thoughts out the window. The sight of her pensive face was evident enough to bring out remnants of her old, apprehensive nature.

"We've apprehended the criminals," Ginoza said coolly in an attempt to bring her back to reality.

Initially, she remained still for a moment, her eyes fixated on the direction of the white, crinkled book on the gravel floor.

"... Gather everyone."

She spoke in a firm manner that he was familiar with. Her gaze plastered to the floor as she continued.

"We're going back."

On their journey back to the MWSB tower, Ginoza's brows furrowed, his thoughts fixated on the novel that laid adjacent to the criminal. His flesh hand curled into a light fist on his lap at the fact that it would take one shabby artefact to remind them of the ghost.

She was recovering. She was getting the hang of it. Within the times when Kougami was away, Ginoza had seen everything through. He saw how much she had struggled to stand tall in the chaos of the conflict. How much she had fought for the ideals she believed in. He then acknowledged that he wasn't the only one in the MWSB who had helped her through those trying times. Karanomori was able to even out some of the inspector's troubles. Kunizuka as well, he would assume. Not to mention Saiga Joji's council who helped them throughout the incident with Kamui. With that in mind, Ginoza felt that he had been arrogant to think that he was the only one who cared.

When did I become this greedy? He wasn't usually like this. Being intimidated by the ghost of the past. Not that he necessarily had a grudge against anyone, or that he was the sort to hold a grudge towards anyone in the first place.

Perhaps, from the very beginning, Kougami had always been someone who could stir the order of the world around him. A man who never gave up once he made up his mind at the cost of his own freedom. Kougami was admirable in that sense. It was something Ginoza acknowledged as someone who knew him for a long time.

Which was exactly why it troubled him even further. Kougami made his choice and was well prepared for the consequences. Given the notion that Tsunemori had been in awe of his unprecedented ways of thinking since the beginning, somehow Ginoza wouldn't be surprised if they were to meet again, and that the next time they would, she would follow his shadow...

The image of his dream came to mind. Her back turned towards the unknown.

"Ginoza-san," the sound of Sugo's voice interrupted his thoughts abruptly, "We have arrived."

"Hmm," the enforcer wordlessly nodded and stood up.

Upon their return, Tsunemori reported back to the chief, as the rest of the enforcers await for further orders. By the time she came back, she announced that the entire division is dismissed for now. She didn't hesitate to leave the office first, leaving the rest of the team (aside from Ginoza) puzzled as to what it was that was eating her.

Instinctively, all eyes turned to Hound 1, who wasn't aware of the unwanted attention. Kunizuka flickered her gaze at him briefly, only to turn away as she excused herself out of the office. The fact that he too had worn the same expression that inspector Tsunemori had was enough for the rest of them to put aside their questions and mind their own business.