Chapter 12
The Crossroads
Having woken up in a complete daze from one of the hardest naps of his life, Ryuji set about sating his growling stomach with a heavy dish of makeshift curry. He was far from a cook by any means, but he had learned to make simple dishes after getting kicked out of his home. When he eventually got tired of ramen packets and cutting his fingers while trying to prepare some vegetables, he went out, using some of his first payout as a yakuza to purchase a beginner's cookbook that still sat on the bookshelf in his modest apartment. When the platter of curry was done, Ryuji sat in the chair in front of his television and turned it on to the local news.
While not being a fan of the news, having gained perspective on just how much the corporations like to bend and twist the truth of most events to either keep the public from panicking or to achieve higher ratings, Ryuji did try to keep in touch with how the public viewed the world around them. When he turned the TV on, it started with just a discussion about how the stock markets were on the rise yet again, and how Japanese businesses were experiencing greater returns and security than any other point in the decade thus far. Ryuji took a large bite of curry while only half-listening to the man ramble about financial concepts he did not fully understand nor care about.
Ryuji was about to take another bite when the show shifted to another reporter who, to his substantial surprise, was discussing the disappearance of a twenty-three year old woman from Shibuya named Aiko Kamichi. "Kamichi-san was last seen in the entertainment avenue of Kamurocho," said the newscaster. "It is heavily advised to exercise heightened caution when in that area at night, and to always travel in groups."
"That must be the girl Nakano was talking about," Ryuji muttered. "Guess the police are finally wising up to all the shit going on. Iwai, you better have gotten some good info from that guy before you offed him, 'cause I get the feeling we're on the clock."
Meanwhile, Akira and Ann were slowly making their way back to LeBlanc, with the slowness being due to Ann consistently getting "distracted" by the shops on their way back. She soon got so "distracted" that they were about two blocks off their original route. While Akira was aware of the dire circumstances they found themselves in, being at the risk of being jumped by Kamoshida's goons at any moment, he had to admit that simply walking around Kamurocho in the warm morning air, taking in the sights as they came, was both pleasant and relaxing.
When coming upon a small makeup store, Ann darted inside and began inspecting the many different shades of red lipstick on display. To Akira, they appeared to be all functionally the same color, but Ann's knowing, inquisitive evaluation of each stick portrayed an entirely different perspective. She would hold whichever lipstick that caught her eye up in the light like an archaeologist inspecting a delicate artifact. "Which do you prefer, Akira?" she said as she turned around to face him. Ann held two red lipsticks in her hands, her eyes darting between them and Akira excitedly. "Do you like the more subtle maroon one?" she held up her left hand. "Or this sensual, vibrant crimson?" she held up the one on the right. "They're both really pretty and on sale! But I'd feel guilty if I bought both. Which do you think would look better on me?"
"You want my opinion?" Akira asked.
"Well, yeah, duh," Ann smiled. "I don't have Shiho with me right now, so you'll have to do. Now, which one would compliment me best?"
Akira raised an eyebrow, scanning the two lipsticks. He tried to imagine Ann wearing the different shades, but the mental images he conjured were identical in his mind's eye. "Um," he said, "the one on the right."
Ann perked up in an instant. "Are you sure?"
"Decisively," Akira replied plainly.
Ann looked at the crimson lipstick again and nodded. "I had a gut feeling about this one when I saw it. Guess I was right!" she beamed. "Come on, let's pay and get going."
Akira nodded with a pleasant smile, then let out a sigh of relief when Ann's back was turned. Ann made paid at the cash register and they walked back out onto the streets, now filled with people going about their mornings. Akira stretched his arms over his head and repressed a yawn. "So," he asked, "where to next? Back to LeBlanc?"
Ann shook her head as she looked down the street. "I'm not sure. I don't really want to just go back and sit around all day. I much prefer stress shopping over that. But, if I did just go stress shopping as much as I feel like right now, I don't think I'd have any money left over for dinner," she chuckled awkwardly. "But I would probably have a fabulous new wardrobe, at least."
"I'm sure that would be worth it, right?" Akira smiled.
"Absolutely not! Looking gorgeous is great and all, but not being able to have a nice big dinner? That sounds like torture that even stress shopping couldn't help."
Akira laughed lightly, putting his hands on his waist. "You're something else, Takamaki, you know that?"
"Is that a good thing?"
"It is. I mean, I don't know any fashion models myself, but I'd expect most of them to be super conscious about their diets, workout routines, that sort of stuff. But you seem way easier going than that."
"Most models are like that," Ann replied. "In fact, I'm the only one I've met who isn't. I guess I've just got good genes, since I can enjoy all the scrumptious food I want and never have to worry about any of that much. Of course I work out frequently, especially during peak season, but that's mostly to keep my core toned. It does have other benefits though." Ann held up her arm and flexed her bicep with a confident smirk. Her arms were small, but not dainty, sporting a fair bit of muscle, especially for a woman of her lean body type.
"Impressive," Akira stroked his chin with a smile. "Most impressive."
"I know, right!?" Ann said excitedly. "I was doing tons of shoots over the summer, so I was working out a lot more than usual. It really helped get my strength up. So," Ann pointed her finger directly into Akira's face, catching him by surprise, "if you ever need another ally of justice at your side, you can be sure I'm not just some dainty princess!" Ann then made a thumbs-up toward herself with an even more confident smirk. "I can roll with the best and fight with the worst, and that's a promise!"
"Consider me convinced," Akira held his hands up as if surrendering. "Just please don't hurt me," he joked.
Ann paused for a brief moment, then broke out into a laugh. "Look at that!" she said while trying to regain her composure. "The big, bad yakuza hero is scared of little ol' me! Ha! If I can freak out a yakuza, then I can't wait to see Kamoshida's reaction!"
"I'm sure he'll be quaking in his boots at the sight of you," Akira replied. "Probably already was when you confronted him at the club."
"You're right!" Ann crossed her arms in front of herself. "He ran away like the coward he is. And he got off easy that time."
"Man, remind me to never piss you off."
"Hey, I may be lionhearted, but I'm not mean, you know. I just stand up for myself, unlike most girls." Ann's proud visage waned almost imperceptibly for a moment, but Akira still took notice of it.
"Well," he spoke up, "I'm sure Shiho really likes that about you."
Ann looked at him with a puzzled gaze. "You really think so, huh? You said something like that at June's."
"Because I do think so," Akira nodded. He turned on his heel and started walking down the street, with Ann following at his side. "In spite of anything that happened last night, I'm sure Shiho is proud to be your friend. The way you two were acting together when we were hanging out, even after the run-in with Kamoshida, seems pretty clear that you two have got a bond too strong to be broken by just one argument. You two just deal with things differently, and that doesn't put either of you in the wrong."
Ann did not reply immediately, making Akira's gut tighten at the thought of potentially overstepping his boundaries. "You know, Akira?" Ann asked. "You're pretty good at reading people. It's actually really cool."
"Oh, well, my dad is a counselor," Akira replied quickly, internally sighing with relief. "Taught me about everything he knows. It does come in handy from time to time."
"Now it certainly seems to have come in handy," Ann smiled again. "You're pretty good at talking through people's problems, Akira. And that's not too common, at least in my experience."
"I'm sorry you have that impression," replied Akira compassionately. "But I'm glad I could help, even if only a little."
"More than a little, I'd say." Ann walked by him and started traipsing down the sidewalk. "Come on," she called back to Akira, "let's hit up a couple more stores before heading back."
Akira shrugged, but not from any dissatisfaction with the situation. "Coming dear!" he called to her, prompting a hearty chuckle from Ann.
"Don't get coy, hero," she replied pleasantly as Akira caught up to her. "You're just helping with my shopping, that's all." Ann then winked at him, with Akira cursing himself as a blush fought its way to his face.
Akira and Ann then spent the next few hours wandering around the town, almost forgetting about the dire circumstances at play in their lives. Ann purchased very little save for lunch at a local food stand, but the more they meandered around Kamurocho, the more Akira came to understand just how much Ann was trying to distract herself from current events. She acted very jovially, inspecting every sale at any interesting store they passed by, even when she did not intend to buy anything. Akira knew she was not truly happy, but was instead trying to force some happiness out of herself.
He felt good about being able to help.
When the heat of the afternoon began to bear down on them, Akira and Ann had made their way back toward LeBlanc. Rounding a corner, they could now see the hotel up the road. Thank God, Akira thought, as his arms were getting tired from carrying Ann's bags. They then made their way inside LeBlanc and practically fell into the seats in the lobby. Ann let her head fall back against the headrest and sighed.
"Ugh, it's still so hot this late in the season. I need a margarita by a pool more than anything right now."
"Here, here," Akira agreed as he leaned back in the seat next to Ann's. "I'll take strawberry."
"Hell yes," Ann weakly raised a fist. "I don't care if it's not five o'clock yet, I'd do almost anything for a strawberry margarita."
"Remind me about that when it's happy hour at the bar down the hall."
"Don't think I won't."
Akira rubbed his eyes as he already felt his exhaustion start to whisk him away. Not wanting to fall right asleep, he stretched his back with a groan, trying to keep himself awake. Then again, what would a nap hurt him? He likely had a long night ahead, and any additional energy would be invaluable. He looked to Ann, who was staring into space as she tugged at her sweaty top, and put his arm over his eyes. All light blocked out from the outside world, he let out a sigh of relief. The lobby got slightly quieter…
"Hey, bro!"
"What the hell!" Akira bolted upright in his seat, his heart pounding against his chest. He looked around in a frenzy till his gaze fell on the visage of Ryuji standing over him, with Ann still sitting to the side, now repressing a laugh. "Ryuji!" Akira glared at him. "When did you get here?"
"Just now, man. You were out like a light."
"Ugh, are you kidding me?" Akira rubbed his eyes till he saw spots. "I only wanted to sit down for a couple minutes. How long has it been, Ann?"
"Only about twenty minutes," she replied, still covering her humored smile. "It's okay, man. I fell asleep too. I woke up right before Ryuji got here."
"Well, at least it was short."
Ryuji took a seat beside Akira. "Yeah, and so is this meetup, man. Boss is coming by soon and he's gonna give us the lowdown on our next move." He looked to Ann, who was watching him intently as he spoke. "Well, he's at least gonna give Akira and I the lowdown…"
"And me too," Ann replied casually.
Ryuji was taken back by her response, messing with his short hair as he thought of a reply. "I, uh, don't think that's our decision, Ann…"
"Oh, I know." She sat up in her seat slowly, her eyes narrow and steely. "I'm not mad at you, boys. I just hope Boss understands that there's nothing he can say to get me out of this operation."
"Uh, Ann," said Akira, "you do remember he's a yakuza, right?"
"I do," she nodded, then stretched her arms and let out a yawn. "I'm gonna go freshen up," she rose from her seat, her hips swaying to and fro as she walked away. "See you boys soon!" With that, she disappeared into the elevator.
Akira smacked his lips awkwardly. "So," he turned to Ryuji, "how long do we got until Sojiro gets here?"
"An hour… ish?"
"So you don't know," Akira deadpanned.
"Look, Iwai called me up when I was at home and said to run by here because the Boss is coming 'soon'," he made air quotes with his fingers. "Then, in typical Iwai fashion, he hanged up. I don't know when they'll be here, so all I do know is that we need to be ready for some important shit."
"At least we know he's got something." Akira got to his feet and stretched his back. "Well, guess we just gotta sit on our asses and wait like lapdogs then."
"Not exactly how I'd put it, but you're not wrong. Let's just chill out a bit in your room then."
"Sure, whatever," replied Akira dismissively.
Ryuji let out a boisterous laugh. "Guessing you're still pretty tired too, huh? Can't say I blame ya, though. I at least got to nap the whole morning." When they entered the elevator, Ryuji nudged Akira in the shoulder; in part to get his attention, and also to make sure his eyes remained opened. "Hey, what were you and Ann doin' together the whole day? And where's Shiho?"
Akira sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "That's complicated, man. Lots going on in those girls lives right now."
"Yeah, no kidding. But it's got something to with Kamoshida, doesn't it? What, Shiho too afraid of him to even head outside now?"
"Kind of, but that's not exactly it." The elevator opened and the two young men exited into the penthouse. "Shiho left this morning," Akira continued in a grim tone. "Apparently, the knowledge that Kamoshida was in town looking for herself and Ann was just too much for her to handle and she left to stay with some family not far from here."
"Dammit," Ryuji muttered. "That bastard is a parasite even when he's nowhere near his victims. At least she's safe. But what about Ann? She stayed behind to fight him, right?"
"You got it," Akira nodded. "She's hellbent on getting revenge on him. Obviously, I don't blame her, and I think she deserves at least some chance at some payback, but I also want to make sure she doesn't get herself hurt even more, or worse."
A brash, heated glare appeared on Ryuji's face. "And that's why we gotta take Kamoshida down now, before anyone else gets hurt by him."
Akira looked to his friend concerningly, taking stock of his increasingly vengeful attitude. "Honestly, I really hope I never end up having that same desire for revenge that you have, Ryuji."
"I don't like it, by any stretch. But I'll admit, there's a part of me that will enjoy when we get to take him down a peg, but I promise that my main goal is dishing out the justice that asshole deserves but never got. I hope it doesn't come to it, but if we have to do something drastic…" He trailed off and slowly took a seat at the table, folding his hands in front of himself. "If it comes to it," he continued in a dark tone, "if he puts any of us in serious danger like all the other women he's caught," his gaze met Akira's, icy cold and piercing like knives, "we have to end it. Permanently."
Surprise was not Akira felt at Ryuji's words, but he still felt unbearably uncomfortable. "Are you just saying that because you don't want anyone else to get hurt? Or, do you want to kill Kamoshida."
Ryuji looked away from him. "Both."
Akira crossed his arms, looking to the floor. "I had a feeling you'd say that. Don't think I blame you, because I don't. I just want to stay on the right side of history as much as I can."
"But if it comes to it, Akira, do you think you can do it?" That was the question Akira had hoped he would not be asked. "Given how you acted with that prisoner, do you think you could do it if our lives were on the line."
Akira almost stormed out of the room at that, but he kept himself still, almost deathly so, as he pondered on his response. He had a grasp of what the truthful answer would be, but even thinking through the words made his stomach curl and his tongue dry. "I don't know," he finally replied. "And that's what I'm worried about."
Ryuji nodded, leaning back in his chair. "You sound honest about it, and that's all I can ask of ya. At least I know there's a chance you'll save our asses if it comes down to it."
"Just stop talking," Akira muttered, turning away from Ryuji. They both remained silent for a long time. Akira paced around the foyer, while Ryuji remained seated pensively at the table. The tension was palpable, like a thick layer of fog hovering over the penthouse. It was in all likelihood completely unavoidable, as Akira knew he could have just kept his mouth shut, or have responded less harshly, but neither alternative would have been honest. At least his conscious could rest assured that he had not lied, for whatever it was worth.
The elevator dinged and in walked Ann with an unexpected spring in her step that dissipated immediately upon seeing the gloomy scene before her. Akira was looking out the window, arms crossed and shoulders rising and falling in rhythm with his deep breathing. Ryuji still sat at the table, hands folded in front of him. It took both of them a moment to realize Ann was standing in the entrance.
"Eh, is it a bad time?" she asked as she stopped herself from hanging up her purse, in case she was about to be asked to leave.
"Nah," said Ryuji plainly, "it's nothing."
Akira turned around to face them. His expression was dark, his eyes narrow. "Yeah, nothing you need to be concerned about."
"Then it is something, isn't it?"
"Just a minor disagreement," said Ryuji. "Really not a big deal, okay?"
Ann looked to Akira, gauging his reaction to everything. He simply shook his head slowly, pursing his lips. Ann sighed and hung up her purse. "Fine, I can take a hint. Excuse me for being concerned," she muttered.
"How are you doing?" Akira asked as he seated himself at the table.
"I'm alright. Just kind of… bland, out of it, I guess. The last day has probably taken more of a toll on me than I'm aware of." She fluffed and shook out her blond hair, still damp from her recent shower. "How are you guys doing?"
Ryuji rubbed his forehead. "Well, speaking for myself, I'm stressed, exhausted, and kinda hungry. How about you, Akira?"
"Basically the same. And I think I slept on my back wrong last night, it's been stiff all day."
Ann smiled at him, repressing a chuckle. "Oh, aren't you a trooper, Akira," she said in a mockingly sweet tone.
"Watch the attitude," he smirked at her, pointing his finger. "You're just gonna give me an even worse headache." Akira let out the slightest semblance of a laugh, but then groaned as he laid his head on the table. "Good god, I need a Tylenol."
"I've got some in my purse."
Akira lifted his head back up in an instant. "Please?" he asked.
Ann nodded with a smile and returned to her purse while Akira got himself a glass of water. Ryuji watched on in mild confusion, wondering as to what exactly had happened that morning for his two friends to become so chummy.
Ann handed Akira the pill and he took it while downing the whole glass of water in one go. "Thank you," he gasped for air.
Ann beamed back at him. "Yeah, don't mention it."
Ryuji cleared his throat. "We should be ready for Boss and Iwai anytime now."
"Bro, it's just some medicine," said Akira.
Ryuji was about to reply, but then simply rolled his eyes and reclined in his chair. "If I fall asleep, wake me up, please."
"Gotcha."
There was another ding from the elevator. "Well, guess not," Ryuji remarked sardonically.
Out of the elevator walked Sojiro and Iwai, their demeanor seeming completely unaffected by the events at hand. They strode into the foyer with little in the way of pleasantries.
"Good, you're both here," said Iwai, who then raised an eyebrow as he laid eyes on Ann. "And you brought a guest," he remarked. Ann wasted no time in reciprocating his narrowed gaze with a glare of her own.
"It's fine, Iwai," said Sojiro with a wave of his hand as he took a seat in the foyer by the window. "The girl has her own personal stake in the matter, as far as I am aware."
"But, sir, she's a civie."
"I am," Ann stood to her feet as resolutely as she spoke, "and a very pissed off one at that."
"Ann, wait," Ryuji tried to calm her down, but was completely ignored.
Ann strode up to Iwai as confidently as if addressing a rival model who said her nails were not done properly. "This is just as much my business as it is yours. In fact, most people would say it's even more important to me than you. It's just business for you people, right? Well, it's a hell of a lot more than that for me. More than you can even imagine." Iwai remained unmoved, Akira and Ryuji were both concerned they were about to undergo cardiac arrest, Sojiro reclined in his chair and watched on silently. "Do not dare treat me like a child, especially when talking about him."
Iwai's lips pursed at her, though his expression was not exactly angry. "You got serious guts on you, Miss," he replied. "I meant no offense, or to 'treat you like a child'."
"Uh huh, sure," she nodded indignantly, and then turned to Sojiro. "Well, Boss? Are you going to have this guy drag me out of the building? Am I not allowed to be here for your meeting regarding the man who's hurt me more than anyone or anything else in my life?"
Sojiro shrugged. "Nope."
Ann's mouth opened to provide a snarky reply, but she remained silent as she processed the old man's response. "Uh, what?" she finally got out.
"I said you will not be escorted off the premises," Boss replied as plain as if he were describing the taste of water. Ryuji was now trying to keep himself from passing out. "You are welcome to stay and talk with us, as long as you keep yourself in line, and don't provoke one of my strongest muscles here," he motioned to Iwai, who only nodded in response.
Ann's eyes widened to resemble plates before she awkwardly bowed. "Eh, thank you very much, sir," she stammered out.
"Yeah, yeah. Now, all three of you kids, come over this way. I don't feel like talking across the room the whole time." Wordlessly, the three young adults came to sit by the Boss. "Very good," said Sojiro. "Now we can get this mess out of the way."
Iwai stood at Sojiro's side, arms folded and jaw clenched. "Shall I start us off, Boss?" he addressed the older man.
"Go ahead," Sojiro replied plainly before settling further into his seat.
"Yes, sir." Iwai looked down on the young adults like a judge overseeing a hearing. He exuded authority and strength, keeping all three fixated on the yakuza. "Just this morning," he began, "we interrogated an associate of Mr. Kamoshida that came into our… custody last night. He is, in fact," he looked to Ann, "one of the creeps that was stalking you outside of the club. As awful as the incident was, it turned to our advantage as we were able to track him down and subdue him. We found him to be under heavy influence of drugs, which impeded our interrogation of the jackass." The memory of the interrogation flooded Akira's mind, and all images, from the prisoner's crazed expression to his own outburst, made his fists clench and his ears ring.
"He is an employee of a pornography group called Castle Dungeon, which specializes in some of the most horrific shit in the business." Iwai stated that with such uncouth tone that it shocked Akira and Ryuji, given the situation of their friend next to them. They both looked to Ann who, while still fixated on Iwai, was going pale. "Ms. Takamaki," he addressed her, "they were intent on stealing you and Ms. Suzui away, and using you in their next project. We believe they were scouting out the area, searching for you two when Ryuji and Akira found you. Now, rest assured we will be dealing with this situation to the full extent of our abilities, and are able to provide you with a guarded escort out of the city to anywhere in Tokyo." He paused and slowly looked to Sojiro. "However, I believe the Boss has an alternative proposition for you."
Ann tried to respond, but her voice caught in her throat, leaving her unable to produce any sound as she looked to Boss.
"Young miss," Sojiro began, speaking as casually as he normally did, "you have made it very clear that you have a more personal stake in this matter than any of us, which I agree with. For us, this incident is based primarily on business and disgust, but for you, it's revenge. For both yourself and Shiho."
"Y-yes, sir," she finally managed.
"Now, just to be clear, there are absolutely no expectations set on you for this. If you want to leave this nastiness to us, you will be able to leave by dinner. But if you want to stay and help us, even if it's just to get a couple punches in if we capture that bastard, then I will allow it."
Ann fidgeted in her seat. Akira noticed both her brow and hands twitching as her gaze fell to the floor. He wanted to comfort her, to any degree he was able, until she raised her head again, now sporting the same icy glare she had exhibited when escaping the stalkers. "I stayed behind while Shiho left because I made a promise to her," she said darkly. "I've never broken a promise to her before, and this is by far the most important one I've ever made. I can't back out now, I will not. I do have a request though."
Sojiro nodded knowingly. "Let's hear it."
"Akira, Ryuji, and myself get to hunt him down."
Had the boys at her sides been taking drinks, they would have both been wiping off their mouths after a simultaneous spit take. Akira and Ryuji were both beginning to wonder whether they would survive long enough to even fight Kamoshida after all the shocking revelations they were enduring. "Ann, are you sure?" Ryuji said.
"If you're going to tell me how dangerous this is, Ryuji, don't. I know the risks, but you know better than anyone here how personal is."
"Yeah, I know that, but still. This might be exactly what he wants."
"Good!" Ann stated strongly and rose to her feet. "If he's expecting me, it means he knows that I'm brave enough to take him on, that I'll do a hell of a lot more than just get a restraining order this time. He's probably not afraid of me, but at least he doesn't expect me to be afraid of him."
There was a brief moment of silence, broken only when Sojiro let out a hearty laugh. "I wish most of my men had as much moxie as you, Miss," he smiled widely. "If they did, we'd probably control all of Tokyo now." Ann glared down at him, not taking into account how it looked for a teenage girl to be looking down on a yakuza patriarch. "Consider your point made, Takamaki," he continued. "If you think you can fight with us, or at least keep us as we do the fighting, I'll allow it."
Akira and Ryuji could swear their souls were being pulled from their bodies.
Ann collected herself after her outburst. "Um, thank you, sir," she said.
"And don't any of you think about arguing with me," he looked between the other men present. "The girl will have her revenge, full stop."
"Understood," said Iwai with a nod, much to the others' surprise. "You should be grateful," he addressed Ann.
"Trust me, I am."
The reality of the situation set in for Akira and Ryuji, though believing said reality was proving more difficult. "This is gonna be interesting," Ryuji deadpanned.
"Certainly exciting," said Akira.
Ann seated herself once again and bowed her head. "I won't let any of you down, I promise."
"You're making a lot of promises, kid," said Sojiro. "Don't give away too much of yourself. Just a life lesson right there."
"I understand."
"Well, glad that's cleared up," Sojiro continued pleasantly. "Onto the second matter, we can thank Iwai's band of merry men for tracking down the most likely spot where Kamoshida is holding up. We set out tomorrow after sending in some discreet agents to scope out the place."
"You've found him!?" Ryuji exclaimed. "And you don't want to just take them on now before they escape?"
"Oh, trust me," Sojiro smirked. "They won't. My whole information network is on high alert to make sure no suspicious dealings are carried out in the city. They try anything, and it will be as good as throwing themselves from a bridge. They may be drugged up fiends, but even they know that much."
Akira leaned back in his seat, trying to process everything that was happening around him. "Will you all be ready when the time comes?" Iwai asked.
"Absolutely," said Ann.
"Count on it," said Ryuji.
Akira's response was not as expedient. He gave them a sideways glance as he mulled over everything, until his eyes caught Ann's. She looked to him with a pleading gaze, though also one of fear. But hidden amongst that fear was a determination that was inspiring. He was not about to let his friends' metal be tested alone. "Kamoshida needs to be dealt with," he said slowly. "We need to take him down, and now." He looked to his friends, and smiled. "Let's go out and get your revenge, and cleanse this city."
Ann and Ryuji smiled brightly, Iwai nodded approvingly, and Sojiro stood to his feet. "In that case, make sure to get some rest tonight, all of you. And with luck, we'll all be celebrating tomorrow evening. It's time to finish this."