Chapter Text
They rushed outside to the grand-looking balcony to find Jingu emerging from the helicopter, accompanied by two other armed henchmen.
Kiryu’s first thought was how the politician’s face could do some rearrangement and perhaps a nice trip to the hospital. His lividness towards the man quickly morphed into enragement no sooner Jingu opened his mouth, saying that he was simply there to collect the money, completely dismissing the women he supposedly loved and the child whom he openly called a sabotage to his career.
All to maintain a squeaky clean image. All with that infuriating, smug smirk on his damn face.
Yumi didn’t seem surprised, calling out his bluff. Kiryu’s hands curled into fists, trembling with rage. The December air felt colder, no doubt emitting from their ghostly companions, all of them eager to toss Jingu off the tower.
Then, Jingu nonchalantly added, “now then, time to tie up loose ends, I suppose.”
What?
Without warning, the bastard pulled out a gun and precisely aimed at Yumi. Jingu’s leer grew, cold eyes then shifted over to Haruka. Except, his arm doesn't seem to…budge?
His eyes flew open, confidence was quickly replaced by utter bewilderment. Kiryu blinked in realization, as floating before him was Tachibana with his hand stretched out and a hollow smile on his face. Yumi could only gaped while Haruka gasped, “Uncle Tachibana!”
“Now, now, Jingu-san, we won’t be having any of that.” The former real estate agent let out a low chuckle. Both Yuko and Oda snickered at the infuriated look on the politician’s face as he struggled to move his arm, even using his other hand to pull it and only failing to do so. Meanwhile, his underlings started to panic as they frantically searched for the source of the problem.
Oblivious to their ghostly presence, Jingu gritted his teeth, face reddening with embarrassment and barked a demand, “you! Explain yourself!”
Kiryu simply shrugged and offered a cool smirk. “You believe in ghosts, Jingu?”
The politician’s face only grew redder, much to their delight. “G-ghosts?! What nonsense are you sprouting?!” He turned his head towards his henchmen, “idiots! Stop fooling around and just kill them!”
“Y-yes sir!” They quickly complied and refocused, readying the guns in their hands as they got into positions. At least, that was until they abruptly found themselves floating in the air and dissolved into blind frenzy once again.
“H-haw?!”
“H-hey! The hell’s goin’ on!?”
“Gaaagh!”
This time, it was both Oda and Yuko’s doing, the two hovering over them with delightful smirks on their faces.
“Oh no you dooon’t∼” Yuko sing-song. She never sounded this frightening before and yet very on-brand for a vengeful ghost.
Oda snickered, “indeed, fellas. What’s the rush?”
Tachibana then glanced at Kiryu with a terrifying, sweet smile, “shall we?”
Kiryu could only sigh, giving him the silent nod of approval.
“Uh, Kazuma? Were they always this strong?” Yumi brought up, terribly bemused by the scene before them. She held Haruka close, her daughter watched on with an awed expression. Kiryu snorted, contently observing with crossed arms, “you should have seen the damage over at Shibaura.”
They’re standing atop the roof of Millennium Tower now due to the additional MIA reinforcement Jingu called in. Despite the numbers, it turned out they were no match for a trio of vengeful spirits bearing pent-up grudges. The ‘battle’ ended with unconscious MIA men either lying on the floor or tossed in the pools of water in the balcony below them and a hovering, upside-down Jingu who was dangling close to the edge just above.
“Kiryu! P-put me down this instant!” The politician begged as he wrestled with the thin air. The presumptuous attitude he displayed earlier was completely absent. “A-about the 10 billion- forget about it! I-I’ll leave them alone! Please, I’m begging you!”
The three ghosts collectively rolled their eyes at his pathetic plea. Yuko scoffed, looking down at the man with utter contempt, “wow, look at this loser.”
Oda sneered. “Hey buddy, do you seriously fucking think we’ll let you walk away from all the shit you pulled? Especially to poor Haruka?”
“Well said, Oda.” Tachibana murmured coldly. “I say let’s toss this fool now.”
Growing concerned, Yumi placed a hand on Kiryu’s arm. “Um, should we stop them?”
The latter blinked, “hm? Despite everything he’s done to you and Haruka?”
Even Yumi didn’t disagree with his point, her face painted with conflicted anguish. “Well, you’re not wrong. Still, I’d rather he be disgraced and held accountable for his actions. I also rather not have Haruka witness a murder.” Then, there’s a glint in her eyes, “besides, I already arranged some precautions in case he does anything stupid.”
Well, Kiryu couldn’t really argue with that logic, especially with Haruka still in close proximity (not that the others will fully agree). At the same time, he found himself curious about what kind of preparation she did beforehand. Just as he was about to walk over to the trio, hurried footsteps were coming up the steps.
“Kiryu-san! Has Jingu- huh? What’s going on here?”
Heads turned to find Terada with a few accompanying men. Noticing their arrival, Jingu immediately flailed his arms around and demanded Terada’s subordinates to do something. Terada seemed to be the only one caught off-guard. Yumi seemed prepared. Haruka clings to her mother, frightened. Kiryu is just tired, vaguely remembering Kazama’s suspicions about Jingu’s involvement with the Omi.
Kazama certainly wasn’t mincing his words about how the ten billion situation got further convoluted as Kiryu hazily recalled their meeting hours prior to this entire mess. To the point the older man had to apologize for burdening him all at once, as it left Kiryu and the others mentally exhausted at the twists and turns in his detailed expository. His surrogate father grimaced, forcing himself to continue, “however, I’m afraid there’s more. Sera had his suspicions about Jingu and his plans.”
“Gee, how could I not guess?” Oda’s drawl reeked of sarcasm, while Yuko groaned and Tachibana had to shush them.
Kiryu nodded dully, “such as?”
A lot, really. Kiryu may as well have written down a short novel and to which, many turned out to be true later after Jingu confirmed them (“why does he monologue like a villain so well?” Yuko idly remarked at some point). Including switching over to the Omi Alliance, offering the ten billion to said group, and sparking internal conflict in the Tojo Clan by using an ambitious patriarch as bait, to which Nishiki happened to fit that mold.
Yuko scoffed at the last point. “Not that Akira cared, he was willing to take the risk. As to him, it’s another opportunity.”
“I see. Still, to think Sera-san managed to consider such possibilities…” Tachibana murmured, impressed. Oda muttered dryly, “I mean, running a clan sure ain’t a walk in the park.”
Kiryu quietly agreed with his former superiors. Kazama then pulled out an envelope from his jacket and placed it on the coffee table. He continued, “so, Sera decided to make a will for his successor, which he left up to me to choose.” Eventually, he turned his stern gaze to the man sitting across him, “which is you, Kazuma.”
Stunned silence fell in the room.
“Uh, am I hearing that right?” Yuko was the first to break it. Kiryu fully resonates with the utter confusion in her tone.
Recovering from his shock, Tachibana offered a hesitant nod. “Yes, I believe he said Kiryu-kun’s name.”
“No offence, but I’m not sure if previous experience of running a real estate agency makes junior qualify.” Somehow, Oda managed to make a half-baked joke.
Still reeling from his own shock, Kiryu could only shake his head in denial, “oyassan, I just got out of jail. And to popular belief, I’m still considered a kinslayer to the Tojo.”
Even if they were to learn the truth, Kiryu is confident that they won’t fully support the former chairman’s wishes. His surrogate father figure only sighed, as if he was expecting that response. “I’m well aware. Regardless, you’re the only one whom I trust to end this.” He paused briefly, “please, consider it as to honor the Third Chairman’s decision–”
“Don’t guilt trip him!” Yuko openly griped, despite it falling on deaf ears.
“-it may not be obvious, but Sera has made you his responsibility ever since you were sent behind bars a decade ago.”
Kiryu took a moment to reflect, thinking over the discussion he had with Kuze regarding the odd, undisturbed peacefulness he was living in. It’s all coming together now.
Oda cocked his head, “huh. That’s a roundabout way of doing it.”
Tachibana eyed the envelope with reluctance. “As much as I wish to object regarding Kazama-san’s decision on forcing it all on you as a convenience. However, with so little time we have…”
Kiryu lowered his head in silence, while Haruka stared up at him with great concern. His eyes flicked over to the paper envelope. Finally understanding the weight it carried, Kiryu eventually bowed his head.
(By the time Kiryu revealed the actual will, it was safe to say Jingy wasn’t pleased. While the man was muttering spiteful words towards Sera, the dragon made sure to land one satisfying punch on that arrogant face.)
“Let’s throw him from that side, Oda.” Tachibana pointed in the opposite direction with a smile. “I think that should make a direct fall for our guest.”
Oda grinned widely, the hovering politician in their control was now fully knocked out, face black and blue and donning a black eye. “Heh, I was just thinking the same thing.”
As much as Kiryu felt pleased to see the two in full agreement for once (even if it involved potential felony), the dragon forced himself to stop them. “Hold on- Tachibana-san, Oda. Let’s just hurry to Yuko and the others, and leave Jingu to Date-san instead once he arrives. Yumi told me she would rather have the bastard be held accountable.”
Unsurprisingly, Tachibana didn’t seem keen on the suggestion (on second thought, was his former boss actually pouting? ). “But Kiryu-kun, didn’t you give us full permission to get rid of him once and for all?”
Oda looked to the unconscious politician with disdain. “Seriously, let’s just chuck this motherfucker and get it over with.”
Kiryu inhaled, pinching the bridge of his nose. Thank god Yuko was keeping watch over Yumi and Haruka, the two had retreated back inside for safety or else the young ghost would be giving him the puppy eyes. “I know, I know . But for Yumi’s sake, please don’t? Nor do I want Haruka to witness a bloody corpse by the time we're done, even if it’s her bastard father.”
Remarkably, the two ghosts contemplated his reasoning. Out of the two, Oda was the first to begrudgingly give in as he let out a disgruntled huff, “fine. Look, I’ll do this for Haruka’s sake. Least the asshole rots for all I care.”
Tachibana remained stubborn, attempting to compromise, “but could I at-least teach him a little lesson? Such as tossing him to the balcony instead?”
Kiryu sighed to himself. Well, it wasn’t everyday the usual composed ghost pleaded to kill a man. Just as he was about to make his decision, his ears picked up a growing, faint noise. Alerted, he quickly looked around their surroundings for the source, “wait- something’s coming.”
Oda’s face soured, “it better not be another fucking-”
As if on cue, another helicopter rose into view.
Oda instinctively jolted and let out a string of profanity, causing him to lose his grip on Jingu’s unconscious body. His strong reaction startled Tachibana, who shot a glare at his former right-hand man and hissed, “Oda! Focus!”
With the two ghosts now distracted, they failed to realise Jingu’s body had slipped away from their grasp. Oblivious, Kiryu focused on the helicopter before them. Much to his immense relief, instead of another wave of MIA reinforcements, it was only Sudo piloting it with Date sitting beside him.
Date’s voice muffled through the speakers, “Jingu Kyohei! Division Four has issued a warrant for your arrest! Bribery, possession of firearms and- huh? Kiryu? Where’s Jingu?”
Puzzled, Kiryu automatically turned his head towards his spiritual guardians to find that yes, Jingu had suddenly vanished. Panic kicked in. “Tachibana-san, Oda, where did he go?”
Prompting his two seniors to look down where the body supposedly was. The duo mirrored back his blank expression. “Um-”
BAM!
The three immediately looked over a floor below them to find Jingu face flat against the balcony floor. His body just inches away from the pools of water and judging from the way he was laying, Kiryu can definitely predict broken bones and some internal bleeding.
“Uh, oops?” Oda didn’t sound sorry in the slightest. Tachibana seemed dissatisfied at the sight, no doubt wishing the politician plummeted towards the concrete ground floor instead.
“Kiryu? Everything alright?” Date called out. In his and Sudo’s view, they only see a baffled Kiryu peering over the safety railings.
The latter could only meekly point over the direction of Jingu’s body.
It wasn’t long before they hurried back inside Ares, leaving behind the injured Jingu, his subordinates and knocked out Terada to the chief-detective duo. Stepping inside, they were met with the sight of a cautious Yumi holding Haruka behind her, and Yuko hovering protectively in front of them. The young ghost in particular was glaring at the white-suited figure who was standing not too far from them.
“Nishikiyama.” Tachibana narrowed his eyes.
Oda merely smirked. “How nice of him to drop in so soon.”
At the sound of his footsteps, Nishiki turned his cool gaze to Kiryu, “Kiryu, all done with Jingu already?”
As Kiryu stepped in front of Yumi, he tried to push the memory of their little ‘incident’ earlier to the back of his mind. He grunted, “yeah, guess you could say that.”
“Still breathing, unfortunately.” Tachibana flippantly remarked. Oda snorted and the frightened expression on Haruka’s face briefly morphed into curiosity. Even Yuko snapped out of it and looked over her shoulders, “Wait, you guys didn’t throw him overboard?”
“We were planning to, until Date-san and that chief, Sudo-san arrived.” Tachibana answered with a sigh. Yuko pouted, “aw.”
Oda tried to assure them, “I mean, at least the guy kinda had a tumble.”
Everyone, could we please focus? A part of Kiryu wanted to stress out-loud.
Instead, the dragon maintained eye contact with the man he once called brother. The latter offered a cold smirk and took the opportunity to sit at the lounge area before them, “I suppose that makes me your next obstacle then.”
Kiryu felt his shoulders tensing and his hands balled into fists. So, Nishiki remained persistent with his ultimate goal. Yumi’s eyes narrowed, clutching the steel suitcase with a tight grip. “You’re still aiming for the ten billion?! Even though Jingu was using you?”
“I’m well aware!” The other man snapped back. He quickly stopped himself and breathed in. His hands dug into his pockets to pull out a cigarette box and a painfully familiar lighter Kiryu had stolen before. Brief silence washed over as they watched Nishiki light his cigarette and took a drag out of it.
“I knew he wasn’t to be trusted.” Nishiki spoke calmly, sharing how he was willing to take Jingu’s offer if it meant for a higher position of power. His voice lowered, admitting that with his kyoudai gone, Yumi’s disappearance, Kazama’s distance and ultimately Yuko’s death, he decided to sacrifice everything in order to take control of his own fate. Then, Nishiki let out a bitter chuckle and his voice strained with jealousy. “It started to pissed me off, you know? The way our old man and the members favoured you more. Once I’m able to inherit the Tojo clan, I can finally show that I don’t need you by my side to prove I can be in charge.”
“Inferiority complex, huh?” Oda absently mumbled while Tachibana remained silent.
Kiryu breathed in and out, curbing his trembling anger as he listened. Shinji and Kazama’s deaths, alongside the attempt on Reina’s life, remained fresh in his memory. Their lives are nothing but sacrifices to justify Nishiki’s selfish means?
Yuko averted her gaze, already accustomed to those repeated words. Yumi, on the other hand, retorted, “are you even listening to yourself, Nishikiyama?! That’s just running away from the things you don’t want to face!” She briefly paused, her voice started to waver. “Please…do you have any idea how Yuko must be feeling watching-”
“Shut up!” Nishiki’s cold mask shattered as he spring onto his feet, enraged at the mention of his deceased sister’s name. However, he halted in realization, “wait- Yumi, when did you-?”
The latter shook her head with a saddened expression. “No, only Kiryu and Haruka can see her. I was able to talk to her for a bit through Haruka.”
Nishiki lowered his head in thought. His dark eyes flickered over to Kiryu. “So, you were actually right about Yuko’s ghost.”
Kiryu mutely nodded, unsure what was running through his kyoudai’s mind. The latter huffed out a laugh, raising the lit cigarette in his hand. “Tell me, Yuko. How are you feeling now?”
Just as he was about to take another drag, the cigarette abruptly slipped from his fingers and was thrown to the marble floor. It took a moment for Kiryu to realize it was Yuko’s attempt to make a statement as she glowered before her older brother.
“Well? Was that obvious enough, Akira?” She tested him with a harsh glare. Unbeknownst to her, the ceiling lights started to flicker, prompting the others to raise their heads warily and Yumi instinctively held Haruka closer to her.
“Damn, Yuko-chan.” Oda muttered, torn between awe and fear. Whereas Tachibana smiled wryly. “You honestly can’t blame her.”
Nishiki simply regarded it for a brief moment before lowering his hand and laughed quietly to himself. “You’re disappointed with me, of course you are.” He shook his head and raised his chin, an unwavering conviction returned to his eyes. “I’m sorry, but I’m still going ahead with my plan. After all, your older brother is no longer the same.”
Despite the fact he shouldn’t be surprised by his kyoudai’s complete change, Kiryu’s heart sank for the second or third time now. Even after acknowledging Yuko’s presence, does his kyoudai’s arrogant pride know no shame? Behind him, Yumi mirrored his disheartened expression.
At first, Yuko stared at the man in stunned silence. Finally, she dipped her head in defeat, mentally drained and buried her face in her hands. She muffled out her words, “Kazuma, just- just please beat some sense into this idiot. That’s all I’m asking for . ”
Prepared for this outcome, both Tachibana and Oda turned to Kiryu expectantly. The taller ghost weakly offered a reassuring grin, “well, we discussed it before. We believe in you, junior.”
“Indeed. Don’t hold back, Kiryu-kun.” Tachibana fixed him a stern look.
Kiryu closed his eyes for a few seconds, taking a quick breather before opening them again. He hardened his gaze, bringing his foot forward. “If that’s your decision, let’s settle it then.”
Nishiki nodded firmly. “Yes, let’s.”
("It is, uh, mandatory for them to fight shirtless?" Yuko pondered out-loud.
"Maybe." Oda muttered dryly, as both former real estate agents simply shrugged, almost nonchalant.)
Kiryu sparred with Nishiki a couple of times before. Whether it was for fun, training or used as an excuse to practice some wrestling moves he saw on TV. While Kiryu mostly relied on brute force, Nishiki depended on his nimbleness and situational awareness.
Here, Nishiki has certainly grown stronger and ruthless. Like a koi that has scaled the brutal waves of the waterfalls, ready to take on the dragon on his back to be the next successor. Kiryu won’t let him, refusing the man he once called brother and best friend to further drift to a destructive path that will only bring senseless bloodshed and empty happiness.
Just like they had promised once upon a time ago.
“I’m sorry…kyoudai.” Kiryu croaked out.
Nishiki had collapsed on the marble floor, both men equally wounded. Kiryu found himself heaving heavily and unable to stand on his own two feet. Giving in, his knees buckled, and dropped to the floor. His eyes drifted downward to his hands, smudged with his kyoudai's blood.
“Kazuma!” Yumi cried out, footsteps and ghostly presences hurried over to him. Kiryu felt a hand on his shoulder, lifting his head to find Yumi checking on his injuries, Haruka staring rightfully concerned as she helped to sit him up with her mother while the others looked relieved that he managed to pull through.
“You did it, Kiryu.” Oda half-heartedly smiled at him. Tachibana agreed, looking over Nishiki with an unreadable expression. He then glanced back at them. “Regardless, the situation is far from over. Let’s retrieve the pendant first.”
“I’ll get it.” Yuko volunteered quietly, giving one last solemn gaze at her brother before floating to his white jacket. The fabric shifted and Yumi blinked at the movement, to which Kiryu had to explain while the young ghost rummaged through. It wasn’t long before the gold, engraved locket came into view. She hovered back, bringing it to Yumi. The latter brought her hand forward and Yuko gently placed it in her palm.
“Thank you, Yuko.” The older woman smiled softly at the gesture, pulling out a tiny key from her pocket. Everyone quickly leaned in close with much anticipation as she turned the key.
“Finally, the damn big reveal.” Oda muttered in the back, tired from the mystery. Tachibana nodded with a sigh while Yuko snorted, “seriously. Wonder what the fuss is all about.”
Eventually, there was a click and she opened the lid. Yuko’s eyes widened in disbelief. “A…photo of us?”
“Do you remember, Kazuma, Yuko?” Yumi smiled fondly at the little photo. “We were in high school at the time.”
Yes, Kiryu does remember. It’s a rare group photo with him, Nishiki, Yumi and Yuko that they took in the photobooths. Yuko was deemed healthy enough and granted permission by the doctor to be able to explore outside for a bit. It had been Nishiki and Yumi’s idea to commemorate the occasion. Everyone looked so young and blissfully happy.
It’s…bittersweet, looking back.
But at the same time, a nagging thought bothered Kiryu.
“Hold up- hold the fuck up.” Oda’s voice interrupted, absent of his usual humour. “That’s real sweet and all but- that fucking thing got your own daughter kidnapped and people killed, remember?”
Ah, right.
Even Tachibana looked torn, admitting, “I was about to say the same thing, actually.”
Needing to appease his spiritual guardians, Kiryu hastily turned his face towards Yumi. “Uh, Yumi, is there a secret code in this thing or something? Since, you know, how important it is.”
“Yeah, Yumi. There better be a good explanation.” Yuko sounded exhausted at this point.
As it turned out, the pendant is part of a scanning contraption to unveil something big. That something being a hidden vault where the ten billion was kept and the last time Kiryu saw an incredible amount of money was during his real estate days.
“Technology, man.” Oda stared in awe, his initial anger already forgotten as he and Tachibana helped walk Kiryu over to it. That garnered a giggle from Haruka, finally smiling after too many stressful moments, “we’re almost like in a spy movie.”
“Heh, no kidding.” The tall ghost chuckled along, “you took the words out of my mouth, Haruka-chan.”
“Well, when you have to hide from a politician and a yakuza clan, I suppose you have to go to such lengths.” Tachibana idly mused, as they observed Yumi placed the steel suitcase atop the stack.
“Seriously.” Yuko grinned, approving Yumi’s plan, “by going out with a bang? Best idea ever.”
Despite his wounded state, Kiryu couldn’t help but crack a faint smile at their light-hearted banter. Once the bomb timer was activated, Yumi walked back to them with a firm expression, “alright, everyone. Let’s hurry before-”
Without warning, the sound of gunshots rang in the air and Kiryu cried out, feeling abrupt pain in his knee and lower leg.
“The fuck-? Kiryu!”
“Kiryu-kun!”
Equally startled, his spiritual guardians nearly dropped him but managed to regain their hold and made sure to lower him on the floor.
“Uncle Kaz!” Haruka gasped, while her mother quickly ran to his side. Alarmed, their spiritual companions quickly looked for the perpetrator who finally emerged from the stairs where Nishiki entered from.
It was Hayashi, frustration written all over his face and a pistol in his uninjured hand.
It’s odd. A decade ago they were just casually lounging around in Serena, living in the moment and discussing their futures.
How did it dissolve into this?
Someone is dying in Kiryu’s arms once again and of course it has to be goddamn Yumi as her abdomen got shot. Haruka is crying, clinging to her mother and urging her to stay awake. Nishiki had woken up to the chaos and roughly shoved Hayashi into the vault with a knife buried in the other’s stomach. Both Kiryu and Yuko are calling out to him with nothing but desperation in their throats. That Yumi is losing blood, that they should flee, that the bomb will set off soon-
Nishiki mutely shook his head. Then, his body shifted and turned around, pistol gun aiming directly at the suitcase, finger right on the trigger. They all froze, horror struck across their faces.
“Akira- no!”
“O-oi!”
“Nishikiyama, stop!”
The man had the audacity to offer them that damn, stupid smirk. That for a split second Kiryu saw faint remnants of the old Nishiki he once knew. The dragon quickly pushed the thought away, begging him to not shoot. Yuko is pleading besides him, just as she was about to rush towards her stupid brother with her hands stretched out-
Nishiki’s lips just curled, despite the strain etched in his face. “Sorry. The responsibility is mine.”
His finger pulled the trigger.
It’s all going too fast.
Amidst the burning smell, falling debris, cloud of dust, and scattered money, Kiryu could only register Haruka’s sobbing.
It’s a horrible, deafening sound. As she clings to her mother, bawling why she had to leave so soon and there is nothing but absolute pain and denial in her cries. “You promised you’ll come back! You promised we’ll stay together! You promised, you promised, you promised-”
(Memory played a dirty trick, cruelly reminding him of Makoto and Tachibana’s fate.)
Everything else was white noise to Kiryu’s pounding ears. Yuko’s choked cries. Tachibana’s guilt-ridden apologies and repeated callings of his name. Oda’s unintelligible words and genuine regret.
Despite his wounded state and the throbbing pain in his legs, Kiryu forced himself to move, protective instincts telling him to hold the child in his aching arms. Haruka is trashing and trying to break free from his hold, weeping that she just wants to be with her mother, wants her back, as she reaches desperately towards Yumi’s cold body with her little hands, now stained with her mother’s blood. Kiryu failed to heed the warnings of his spiritual guardians about approaching footsteps. He failed to notice the group of officers rushing in the scene and the click of their guns pointing at him. He failed to hear Sudo’s commanding voice. He failed to realize that Date had knelt beside them and the weight on his shoulder.
But most of all, he failed both Nishiki and Yumi.