I sit at the end of the bed. These mattresses placed above the wooden slats are hard to get used to but there was a time I was confined to them back in London. I light up a cigarette and for the first time notice, I’m actually in a room away from the rest. I don’t need such special treatment, besides I want to leave here and go back home.
A chuckle escapes me a little. Home? When did I ever start thinking of going back home after a mission… Much less a half finished mission? My target is still at large but I do feel that I am closer to him and all we need is time. Time for the fire to die down, for their suspicions to lower and then we can strike when they least expect it. But for now things require patience… And I am glad for it as there are still matters in our home that was left unfinished. I take a deep hit on the cigarette.
Confinement
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“So you finally came?”
He doesn’t smile. That’s odd, but to be expected.
“So give me the report.”
“Here you go Fujita-san.” He hands it to me and I look it over.
Approximate Yakuza 300, over 100, dead 37
Approximate Shizoku 100, captured 29, dead 61
Police 1,000 deployed, dead 30, injured 250 half with minor injuries
No civilian casualties but minor injuries reported
5 buildings severely damaged, 2 buildings collapsed, minor to medium private property damages.
“The Shizoku who is dead, were there any by way of sepukku?”
He nods.
“Looks like there were many who escaped.” I look at him straight but he doesn’t answer. “Well the truth is many of them would be released especially the petty thugs. It’s the Shizoku I’m conccerned about but then I suppose they all were idiots and took their life.”
He bows to me, “Fujita-san! I’m truly very sorry!”
“For your poor performance?” I tilt my head.
“Yes sir!”
“Well it’s partly my fault for not taking care of the clean up myself.” I hand him back the paper. “Don’t dwell on it.”
“Oh? What were your mistakes?” I might as well get to hear it now and see if he has a future in the TMPD.
“I failed in providing you information sir at a time you needed.”
He doesn’t look at me. “Continue.”
“I went through your personal effects.”
“Oh, so you -saw-?” I quirk an eyebrow. I’m going to have to find another place to put -that-.
He nods. “I also accused a civilian of covering up for you and pressured her to give you up.”
Taking a long drag, a small smile land on my lips. I’ll have to pry it out of Hide what exactly happened.
“And of course sir, I accused you sir of turning rogue to your Commanding Officer.”
I nod. -That- I knew already.
“Finally sir, I failed to apprehend most of the assailants the other day and also killed a man who could’ve been useful if we took him in for questioning.”
“No civilian casualties.” I remind him, “But killing… You mean you are sorry you killed a man?”
“That could’ve been useful sir.”
“No. Shindou.” I look at him straight, “You killed a man. It doesn’t matter what the reason was.”
He looks away dejected, “Yes sir. That’s correct.”
“But it doesn’t matter.” I say and flick my cigarette butt outside, “You are not a manslayer like me. But you are in a similar line of work. Killing someone for whatever reason in the line of duty would’ve happened eventually.” Plus it was really I who did Tadao in.
“It didn’t have to sir!”
“Maybe. But for example, when I asked you to guard Hide and my children if the situation required it you would’ve been bound by your duty to neutralize and arrest the assailant, but what if that were not possible and your only option was to neutralize and kill? Would you not?”
“I suppose I would be forced to use all means sir.” He sighs.
“If it were your own life on the line. It would be idiotic to give your life for his.” I light up another cigarette, “Especially if someone was waiting for your return.” I take a puff.
He doesn’t answer. And I know he did have someone he had to return to. “She would be sad if you did not return.” I remind him.
He breathes a sigh and straighten up. “I’ll be taking my leave sir.”
“Don’t take -too- long.” I remind him. It’s very obvious I won’t be seeing him for a while. But we will see how -strong- he is. I turn back towards the window finishing up my cigarette.