I’m ready. I tell myself. After all those weird dreams of fighting with Ojii-san (as a literal wolf!) and meeting Hide several times (and hearing the news of another child on the way)… None of those things are true. After all they’re merely dreams. I’m not a wolf trying to take off Ueda’s head and as for another child with Hide, that in itself is -impossible- now.
Wake up Gorou. You have a -job- to do. I take one last look at the mirror. My trusty unnamed sword to my side. I slept but my eyes are blood shot. But that doesn’t matter so I head downstairs and find Takikawa-san standing by the door. Was he waiting for me?
He nods and tells me, “I heard from Muriyama that the raid is to go down close to midnight tonight. It’s almost that time.”
“It is.” I say. I woke up in just enough time to try to get Sugiyama at the Onsen while the police raid is happening at the precinct. But I’m a little aghast that the Chief actually told Takikawa the time of the raid.
“Don’t look too surprised Fujita-san.” He continues, “Muriyama and I go way back. I’m sure he told you himself the only people left in Ito are those who can’t leave and the people like us, who’s lived here their whole lives and refuse to leave.”
“He did.” I nod and wonder why is he not stepping aside so I can leave. I still have to get Sugiyama out. She’s an important witness, in fact likely the -only- witness that can clear Hide’s name and keep her away from any scandals that may arise out of this whole mess. “I need to go Takikawa-san.”
“Muriyama also told me that he and his men were going in there and taking out all of those rogue police.” He shakes his head, “He was like a young man proudly proclaiming that he and his men are going to take on twice as many trained men all by themselves.”
“That is the plan. Did he tell you too that he’s to take six at the front and back and two at both sides?” I grin sarcastically, a bit annoyed that Muriyama was running his mouth off. These country police men need more training.
Takikawa nods. “I think you now know Fujita-san, they’re going to need help. A lot of it.”
“Obviously. Him speaking to you about this operation is clearly a lapse in judgment.”
“Don’t judge him too harshly. He and his men are going there to risk their lives after all for the few who decided to stay in this village. But it’s a shame that the Central Police isn’t even making an appearance.” He lets out a frustrated sigh.
I light a cigarette. I had feared that his was going to happen. I had wanted to get to Sugiyama -first-. Secure Hide’s safety -first-. I take a long drag on my cigarette and close my eyes for a moment, telling myself it can’t be helped. Losing the Precinct would mean the complete lost of this operation.
“Don’t worry Takikawa. I alone am enough. Now step aside so I can get on my way.” I tilt my head so he’d move to which he does.
“You’re a confident man Fujita-san but be careful yourself. I don’t want to have to explain to Hide-chan should something happen to you here.”
I can’t help but grin a little. Hide-chan? I suppose I never asked her too much of her life here in Ito. I just wanted her to forget the six years after the wilderness and instead start our new life together, which could never be here in Ito.
I give Takikawa a nod with my hat and leave.
(OOC: To continue)
I still miss that stupid pocket watch. I tell myself as I try to negotiate the time in locating Miyake and his men at the beach. Just further down this landing is the Sugiyama onsen and I’m once again tempted to go there first but I remind myself what my priorities are. She’s second. She knows that. Shaking my head I scan the beach, any minute now, close to midnight. I know a fleet of ships will come.
“You think they’ll get here in time Fujita-san?”
“They will.” I say tersely. “I thought you’d be out at the harbor by now Miyake-san?”
“Some of the men are out there in various parts but I’ll be the one going into the inlets and that island over there.”
“That’s where they are?”
“Well that’s where those big ships are at that have no business being there.”
I make a passing glance at the nearby island he speaks about but my concern… lies North and South of it. Allies from the North and the perpetrators escape route towards the south. I take a long hit at my cigarette. The minutes seem to tick slowly by as I wait and stare intently at the darkness where…
“Give me your binoculars.” I say and immediately peer through it. The figures are small but there’s no mistake there’s smoke coming out of the ships and I look for the prefectural emblem to the side. “Those are the ships from Yokohama…” I grin a little, feeling a bit relieved that Miyake and his men don’t have to go at this alone. Maybe they don’t even have to do anything.
I turn to Miyake, “I need to get to them before they come too close to that island and blow our cover. I also need to let them know who you are.”
“They wouldn’t trust just any fisher folk eh Fujita-san?” Miyake grins at me and I wonder if he too feels relieved that someone aside from us are here.
“Well we better get going to get to them then!” He half shouts and motions his men to get the boat to meet the fleet up North.
I look back to the shore spying the onsen and the road that leads to back to the Precinct. I won’t have enough time to get to do both and I did tell Takikawa that I was enough. Not really if I can’t be in two places at the same time.
(Meanwhile at the Precinct)
“It’s almost midnight sir.”
“Yeah we better get in place. Two men at both side entrances and Minato, you and your group take care of the back. We charge in the moment Musashi unlocks all the entrances.”
“Muriyama Buchou, do you think Musashi can get it done? What if he’s not able to unlock all sides?”
I look at Minato. “The plan is to surround the place but whatever entrance is open is where we’ll barge in. If your side is locked go to the nearest opening. We need all the men inside and quickly.”
“You got it Chief.”
“Thanks Minato.” He leaves and motions the rest to get to their places. It’s a little dark so I can only see their silhouette disappear to the sides. It’s a quiet night with only the insects disturbing it and the sound of my mens boots on the snowy ground.
I take a deep breath. It’s odd that I’m getting hot inside this coat. The sweat suddenly dripping from my forehead into my eyes. Suddenly I’m breathing rather heavily. I can’t be excited am I? Or… Damn. I’ve never done anything like this before. I hope everything goes according to plan. I feel for my gun and the sabre at my side. Wait! Did I tell my guys not to draw out their sword? Are their guns loaded? Did I… Do everything I was supposed to? I take out my gun. Well at least I loaded it. All we need to do is intimidate these rogue cops… Since they’re not really real police, I’m sure just the threat of us surrounding them will be enough. They’ll surrender. I’m sure they’ll surrender… I try to take back my breathing that’s gone rather fast and heavy.
“Sir are you alright sir?”
I blink and look to my side. A younger man named Daisuke. He was our newest recruit right before I got fired from the job. He was one of the few of the young ones who voluntarily quit.
“I’m fine.” I tell him and take a couple of deep breaths, “Daisuke, make sure you stay behind me. Don’t go charging in there.”
“But sir, isn’t that what you said to Minato? Just go where there’s an opening.”
“No. No. That’s different.” Was it really? “Just do what I tell you to.”
“Sir I think I see Musashi-san. He’s coming to the front gate!”
Is he? This is really happening isn’t it. I open my mouth and -breathe-…
(OOC: to be continued)
The Maritime Police
Miyake:
This is one hell of a boat I think to myself. A bit wide eyed at the ironclad gunboat in front of us. It’s about as big as those ones in the inlet but I doubt this is easy to manuever…
“And you are?”
I turn to speak but Fujita cuts me off.
“He’s with me. Along with the other men in those fishing boats.” He motions to the lights across the entire dark expanse.
“All my men!” I grin at both of them. “These seas are ours and we know the area whether day or night.”
“Hmm.”
This Captain doesn’t seem to believe me. That’s irritating. I’ve been roaming these seas before he probably became a captain of his own ship!
“Adachi-sama said you would be in charge here… Fujita-san?”
“Pretty much. The local police has been run over by miscreants and corrupt policemen that the Central police is taking over.”
“So where are they? Why did we have to come?”
“I don’t remember Chief Adachi questioning how the Central Command conducts its business Captain. I suggest we keep focus at the task at hand.” Fujita replies letting a bit of his crossness go through. Good for him!
“Fine. He told me that you are a Superintendent from the TMPD answering directly to the Daikeshi. So we’ll do what you ask.”
“Thank you.” He lights a cigarette and looks behind the Captain. What was his name again? “You only have three ships?”
“One was left behind a corvette in case the Chief decided to come.”
“He’s not coming but I’m sure he’ll be sending that boat over.” Fujita interrupts him again. “He wouldn’t have told you to find me otherwise.”
The Captain raises his eyebrows obviously taken aback but really now? This is -silly- couldn’t a Captain with all his years of experience figure this out by himself? Ah wait. He doesn’t have as much experience as I!
“There are at -least- four ships just as large as this one hiding in those inlets over there.” Fujita hands the Captain -my- binoculars! “There are at least three if not more egresses where they can escape and head south. If they manage to get out, it is likely they can outrun this ship.”
“No way they can do that. We’d blow them up before they can escape!”
“Blow them up along with the evidence and likely with much casualties?”
“The casualties are not a concern Fujita-san. Aren’t they all criminals no need to be so soft hearted.” The Captain laughs.
“Ahou! I could care less about that but we are not losing their cargo, drugs, armaments or perhaps even trafficked victims. The innocents should be saved if any.” Fujita-san drags on his cigarette. “The “cargo” human or not is evidence required by the police and I want each and everyone of those criminals apprehended.”
“Fine. We’ll go in there and charge them now. My men can make quick work of it.”
“I don’t need quick Captain Goman. I’d like you to stay put until the other ship comes. I imagine that one is quicker and can hopefully be used for any runaways.”
The Captain pulls out a pocketwatch and Fujita-san’s eyes seem to get drawn to it a bit! It -is- a nice piece… They must pay this man -well-. They’ll probably get here in less than half an hour.” He pockets it. “I suppose we can wait but there really is no -need- to Fujita-san.”
“There is a need especially if a pursuit happens.” He turns to me, “I don’t have much time I can stay here Miyake-san the raid is probably already underway and I’m -late-.” There’s some concern in Fujita’s voice. “I’d like you to get the Captain up to speed as to what you found in Taishin island, get him familiar with this map.” He tosses it to the Captain.
“Also -please- no premature charges by your fleet Captain.” Then he turns to me again, “And you and your men are not to confront them head-on, even with the help of the police. Your ships are -not- ironclad.”
“So what do we do when the other ship comes?”
He closes his eyes and an almost pained look crosses his face. “Hopefully I’ll be back here in time but…” He pauses and ashes his cigarette, “If not, a young man from the TMPD is likely on that boat. You can take direction from Naruhodo Shindou and his companion Makimachi Misao.”
“You’re asking a lot Fujita-san. My men and I taking orders from your surrogates.”
“I assure you. If the Chief is sending them, then they too have his -full- confidence. But if by any chance, that ship doesn’t come and those rogue ships start moving, then by all means your men can make a move. Though do not let Miyake and his men, pursue.”
“You’re not showing much confidence in us Fujita-san.” I interject, “We’ve managed to get you all this information.”
“To which I am thankful but your mission here Miyake-san, was surveillance and intelligence only. Let the police stake their lives, it is our duty.”
I almost roll my eyes at him. It’s their duty -sure-… But this is our lives and our livelihood. “We’ll do our best. Now don’t think about us. Muriyama’s all heart in there but he’s probably going to need a lot of help.”
“Takikawa did tell me that.” He groans a bit. “Well then I’ll be off.” He nods to the Captain before getting on the small boat that would take him back to shore.