“Funny, I thought you wanted me to be your senpai or sensei? It seems rather rude if I let you skip about without attempting to correct you when you’re wrong.”
“Oh, I do, Subaru-san, I do. And that is quite right; I was just a little bit embarrassed, you see, and trying to make light of the subject. That’s all. You are, of course, correct, and I’ll do well to remember it in the future.”
That Red Guy: meitanteiosaka: whiteknighthakuba replied to your post:…
“Ugh. /Ugh!/ I simply cannot understand how you live. And God! What about cheese?! I suppose that doesn’t play much part here in Japan, but /still/. There are…
”…fair enough, certainly. But Subaru-san, I must ask… do you lurk in the shadows and wait for me to have moments of questionable rationality to spring out and correct me? Perhaps I should be much more mindful… I hope you’re not /just/ seeing me at my worst. At times I simply feel compelled to bicker with Hattori- it’s all in good fun, honest.“
Subaru nodded. It was a small comfort in some regards, in that it wasn’t the Black Organization. Still, given the circumstances of the case, that meant there was some form of abuse going on before the perpetrator was caught. (Harming children, though, was a special low even the Organization avoided when they could, for goodness sake.)
“It isn’t a problem, Hakuba.”
Speaking of tricks, though, there was a difference between his allusions of a weapon and his actual trickery. Namely the disguise and lying abut his identity. “So, aside from the idiocy that is that criminal, have there been other cases you’ve been working on?”
“Ah, just the usual, really. I’ve been looking into some gang-related crimes. Drug dealers. East of Tokyo.” Hakuba laughed. “So, yes, I am involved in some organized crime cases, but they’re not giving me any guff at all thus far. Just fighting with each other over territory and I’ve come across some of their illegal dealings and… well.”
The detective sighed, then got to his feet. “Can I interest you in a drink of any kind? Tea, scotch, anything…? Ah, and what have you been up to lately?”
“It is fine.” He pulled up and, following their gestures, drove to the garage. It was unusual compared to what he’d seen (even with the Kudou house), but he didn’t wish to comment on the lavishness of the location. Aside from that, he parked his car and grabbed the stew.
A man in a uniform, likely one of the security guard had him follow him to wherever it was Hakuba was in this place. As they walked, Subaru took in what he could. The security guards could be fine for dealing with lower level criminals, but higher-level crime syndicate would get through them with ease. Regardless, it was wisest to hear the entire situation first before going off to his hiding spot to retrieve his rifle.
It took a few minutes to get from the garage, down the wide marble-floored hallway, and into the parlor, but Hakuba was there to greet them at the door.
“Ah, Subaru-san. Thank you for coming.” The detective turned his attention to the security guard next, giving them a nod. “Thank you for escorting my client; it’s a relief that I can still get some work done during all of this… honestly.”
The guard nodded in turn, then took his leave with a “Yes, sir."
Hakuba then led the way into the unoccupied room, and waited to close the door once Subaru entered. There was a billiard table, card table and chairs, couches, flat screen tv – all as excessive and lavish as the rest of the house had been. But at least they were alone.
"Sorry about that; if they think you’re my client they won’t pay us any attention. Please, come in, take a seat… I’ll get bowls and things from the wet bar.”
“Understandable. I have also taken to avoiding certain topics whilst on possibly compromised phones.” And yet more hints that he’s not just some random engineering major.
London? A few ideas flitted through his mind. So something happened back when this kid was living there? (He made a mental note to look it up later.)
“Oh, I’m not too far, actually. Pulling up now.”
Hakuba had given up the idea that Subaru had been what he said he was quite some time ago; he had known engineers, and Subaru was far too sociable and observant to fit that model. All subsequent evidence gathered further supported his theories. But he’d hold off on deduction for the time being.
“Excellent. If you don’t mind holding on the line for just a moment, I’ll inform the security team."
The detective put the cellphone on mute and briskly left the parlor, calling into the hallway to alert the man that was conducting another sweep of the hallway. A moment later, he was back on the line.
"They’ll direct you to the underground parking area and then escort you to where I am. I hope that’s agreeable.”
“Oh, I see. That would be nice, but not likely for them to give up such endeavors. I look forward to hearing the details of what those sharks were involved in.”
If this kid pissed off the Black Organization, he would have to be guarded. Probably make Hakuba stay at the professor’s place if possible or with him. Not like Subaru could contact the FBI at the moment and it was unlikely Hakuba would accept their protection. Black Organization involvement was a pretty big if, as there were many kinds of criminals in the world. Still, always keep multiple plans on hand if the need arises.
“Another taste that may be, but there are many crimes that could fall under whatever it is they may have done. You haven’t been specific, though there are many reasons why that could be the case.” Given how vague Hakuba was being, it was something he didn’t wish to divulge, through oaths not to reveal it. Or personal trauma. Or it was something he was terrified of sharing with others for fear of divulging to the wrong person and someone killing him, like pissing off about any major crime organization.
“To be honest, I’m still attempting to sort out just how much I’m comfortable divulging – to anyone. But I will give you further details when you’ve arrived. Not that I don’t trust you, but I have no way of knowing which lines are safe at present for open communication… and with people so worked up…"
Hakuba sighed again, leaning back against the wall in the parlor.
"Actually, it’s likely been blown completely out of proportion. Yes, I’ve been receiving a lot of threatening and insulting letters and emails, but it seems that most of the activity is originating from London. I’m relatively certain that I’m safe here in Japan… but my father worries. How close are you, by the way?”
“It is fine. I am not too busy currently.” He’d be able to do a few tricks to check around if needed. It would require a few extra steps to hide what he would do, but this would be more ‘in case something serious happened whilst he was watching this kid.’
He drove off, making his way to this estate. Several possibilities of what was going on flitted through his mind. “I do need to get out more and this sounds like an interesting case, Hakuba-kun. I presume it’s something serious, if you aren’t going out and about despite your brashness?”
“Serious enough to warrant a direct order from the Superintendent General, but that’s kind of par for the course. I tend to be fairly obedient when my father bothers to speak with me.” He laughed, then, and shook his head. “I’m… really not quite as brash as I come off, honest. I can be well-mannered and polite. Cautious.
"It’s just… more like sharks of the past coming back for another taste, I suppose. It’d be nice if criminals would cease causing problems once arrested, ne?”
“Inform them I’m driving a white Subaru 360 with suicide doors and Shinjuku plates.” Subaru, meanwhile, was using that special ear phone. It was useful in some regards, such as talking hands free. He opened the door and brought the stew out, then got in.
“Whereabouts are you, Hakuba-kun? I do need an address, as I’ve never been there.”
“I’ll let them know, yes."
Hakuba laughed, a little beside himself. Was he really coming to visit like this? God, he… well, all right. He gave the street address for the Hakuba Estate.
"In Ekoda, if that’s not too far away. We can accommodate overnight if you like. I don’t want to waste all of your time, Subaru-san."
whiteknighthakuba replied to your post: “Stew for whoever wants…
“Me please. Except that I can’t leave my house.”
“…I understand. Tell me specifics and I’ll be there shortly. Please explain what is going on once I’m there.”
“I’m under lockdown for- ah- well, it should be safe enough for you to come here, I just can’t leave. I’ll let the staff know that you’re coming. There’s just this big… nonsense mess with the media, and my father, being who he is, insists on keeping me locked up safe and sound until it’s under control."
Sigh.
[text] I’m coming to get you. Finish your current drink and get some water.
[text] amnyghin you way senseipai!!11
