Chapitre 122: CH_4.22 (122)
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———
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"Just how much time did he put into this," Kano muttered to herself as she went through Takuma's case notes.
The boy's notes were crammed with notes, stats, and his collated thoughts. There was a lot to go through. She appreciated the dedication Takuma had put in, but that same dedication made it difficult for others. She didn't know what was important and what she needed to prioritize to get herself up to date as Takuma was temporarily out of the picture.
She wondered if Takuma had done so on purpose to slow down the investigation without him.
Kano shook her head. Takuma didn't know he was going to be suspended.
Arisu knocked on Kano's office door. "The people from T&I are here," she said.
The punishments of those involved with Takuma hadn't been finalized yet. The department was focusing its resources to progress before the Maiko Triad could make moves to hide their people and wrongdoings. If everything went well, it would take at least a few months before prosecution ended and people were sentenced.
Kano stood up and walked out of her office to greet the person from T&I division of the Hidden Leaf's Intelligence Department. Torture-and-Interrogation division was a support division that housed shinobi specializing in information extraction from people through various means. They were called by different departments when the latter required their services.
The Police Force used them frequently in important cases where information from people of importance was critical. ANBU had a long-standing relationship with T&I and had invested much in their training and growth. Even the Fire Daimyo and his Samurai availed T&I's services in sensitive matters. T&I division played a massive role in protecting the safety of not only the Hidden Leaf but also the entire Land of Fire itself.
The Department of Organized Crime had deemed the current case important enough that they had called in the professionals to get the information Takuma wanted out of the people he had targeted.
The person they sent was a cleanly dressed, tall woman with shoulder-length hair, dressed sharply in the standard T&I uniform. She had a confident and disciplined posture, and when Kano met her eyes, she felt a sharp gaze peer through her.
Kano introduced herself. "Chunin Uchiha Kano. Thank you for coming; we have a lot of work to do."
"Chunin Oishi Yori." Yori shook Kano's hand. "Then let's start working immediately."
'Oishi,' Kano recognized the name. She had heard of the name in the deep circles, the gossip of unorthodox methods, high success rate, and many more unspeakables— much more than an average T&I member of Oishi's station. 'But didn't she stop working for everyone else but ANBU?'
What was she doing working on a case with the Police Force?
Kano led Yori to the conference room they had reserved for her.
"This will work fine," said Yori, setting her belongings on the big conference table. She emptied her bag and took out a large binder thick with papers.
Seeing that made Kano's brow furrow. "Is that?"
"Hmm? Ah, I did some research of my own before coming here," said Yori.
"Are those Takuma's notes?" Kano asked, this time a bit more forcefully.
"Yes, they are. Got them straight from the source," Yori smiled.
Before Kano could say anything, Arisu, who was in the room with them, spoke, her voice louder in surprise. "Oishi! Are you related to Taro by chance?" she asked.
Yori turned to Arisu with a smile. "You know my son? Let me guess, dear. Were you his batchmate?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"And you're listed as the secondary in this case. It's nice to see batchmates working together."
Kano interrupted the chat and returned the conversation to where she wanted it to be. "Chunin Oishi, I don't believe I need to tell you the problem with obtaining case information from an outsider. You know better than most that this is restricted information."
"But I didn't obtain it from an outsider, Chunin Kano," said Yori. "I received it from the primary lead of the case, Genin Takuma. For me to do my job well, I need to know every aspect of the case. Who better to ask than the person who knows the most about the matter." Kano wanted to dispute her, but Yori cut her off. "If you're worried about the legality of the situation, worry not. I only touched the material after the request was accepted and was given clearance. I do not want to step on your toes. Please remember, I'm only here to help. This case is still entirely yours."
Kano wasn't satisfied.
"You say that you only looked at the materials after the request was accepted, but how did you have these materials in the first place? The only way to know details like the identity of the primary lead was to get it from us."
The case was still in its infancy and hadn't been publicized. The official case report was formed yesterday, and only then were Takuma and Arisu named primary and secondary lead, respectively. There was no way for Yori to know these details unless she had prior information.
"That's easy," said Yori. "Genin Takuma personally requested me to take up this case. He is my son's best friend, I had time, and well, he was very passionate and convincing about this case. I thought it would be a change of pace from what I usually do, so I thought, why not."
Kano looked down at the binder full of Takuma's case notes. She recalled how one of the recommendations Takuma had given on how to proceed was to invite an interrogator from T&I.
It made her wonder if Takuma had planned this all along.
"Worry not, Chunin Kano. Not to tote my own horn, but I'm confident in my abilities. Takuma has done your department a service by getting me involved. I will be involved in this case to my utmost professional ability. It's a great opportunity for the village, and I would like to see it succeed," said Yori, subtly revealing how she already had a great awareness of the case.
To maintain his control over the case even while he was away….
———
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A week's suspension with pay was clearly a vacation disguised as punishment. So, when Takuma found himself unable to enjoy the said vacation, he felt frustrated with himself. He tried to keep himself busy by catching up on hobbies(training) and giving his mind and best some rest, but his thoughts wouldn't stop wandering to what was happening at work while he was forced to stay away.
He wanted to barge into the office to see what they were doing. To go bother Arisu and demand she gave him the details. Ask Taro's mom to share what they were doing, but he held too much respect for the woman, and she was doing him a favor; he couldn't bother her while she did her job.
Takuma heaved a sigh as he sat down on his living room floor to service his gear laid over a tarp. Once again, before he knew it, his mind wandered off as his hands absentmindedly applied a light coat of oil on his kunai, shuriken, and senbon to prevent rust.
*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*
Takuma could see his front door from his living room. Who could it be? Takuma thought as he got up. Was it one of his asshole neighbors again?
But before Takuma could step over the tarp, a loud bash stilled him. The lock on the door snapped, and the panel swung from its hinges, crashing into the wall, leaving the entrance to his house wide open.
"You have been a naughty boy, Takuma~."
Standing on his threshold was Enomoto, with two more shinobi standing at his back.
Takuma knelt back down on the tarp and made no attempts to hide himself collecting kunai. Enomoto didn't seem to care and walked inside the house. The two shinobi with him didn't accompany Enomoto inside and closed the broken door behind him, leaving Takuma inside with him.
"What the fuck is this? You don't just break into someone's home like this, Enomoto," Takuma spat. He knew what this was about; the timing couldn't have made it clearer.
"Let's not do the whole dance where we beat around the bush, and I try to force the truth out of your mouth," Enomoto said while looking around the house. The man didn't seem to care that Takuma was armed; he even had his back to Takuma as he read Takuma's notes wall. "It's cozy, your house. It has that warm, lived-in feel, and I can see you have taken good care of your possessions. What is this?" Enomoto pointed at the notes pinned to the boards.
"I don't know what you're talking about," said Takuma.
"Oh please, didn't I say I don't want to do the entire thing?" Enomoto sighed. "Your name was the case file— the primary lead. Don't pretend, Takuma. Remember when you sent Sango to me to set up a meeting? You'd be a fool if you think you can get away with this. This risks my business interests, Takuma. I very much don't like when those are hampered in any way."
Takuma squeezed his grip around the kunai. Enomoto had a contact inside the Police Force. He was under no delusion that Enomoto wasn't aware he was in the Police Force. Who was it? Someone in Organized Crime, or someone who could access the case files, or just someone who could obtain the information by asking around.
"Of course, I have someone in there," Enomoto looked into Takuma's eyes, startling him. "Don't make that stupid face."
Enomoto pulled out a chair from Takuma's small dining table and sat down.
"Get out of my house," said Takuma.
"I'm not going to do that. What are you going to do about it?" Enomoto said nonchalantly.
Takuma could attack Enomoto, but he doubted his chances against a chunin even if Enomoto was an iryo-nin. Moreover, any battle would wreck his house, something Takuma wasn't keen on happening. He didn't even need to mention the future ramifications if Takuma straight out attacked Enomoto.
The fact that Enomoto had come to 'meet' him and hadn't attacked him at first sight or ambushed him was a sign that Enomoto wanted to have a 'conversation' of some kind.
"You didn't seem to care when Ryuu was screwing me over," said Takuma.
"Of course, I didn't care. Why would I? You were a small-time dealer, Ryuu's my distributor, and he conducted his business perfectly well. And you're not a green academy student; I don't need to hold your hand because the world gave you a boo-boo. Handle the problem between yourselves."
"But now you're interested?"
"I am. It would be strange if I weren't. Your little stunt has put one of my distributors at risk and has extended an unrelated risk to me. No, let's be honest; what you did was anything but small."
"It's not my fault he's doing business with the Maiko Triad."
"But it's your fault that he almost got caught."
Takuma felt his frustration bubble up. He didn't like the tone Enomoto was taking with him.
'Almost got caught?' thought Takuma.
"What do you want here? I can't stop this; the ball is already rolling," said Takuma. "If his men open their mouths, our people will get their hands on him."
"I agree with the first part; not so much about the second part," Enomoto crossed his legs.
"… You're protecting Ryuu?" asked Takuma. From the conversation they had, it was clear that Enomoto had much invested in Ryuu, but Takuma thought Enomoto to be the type of man who would cut off his limb to stop the infection from spreading.
"Let's say I still have use for the old man." Enomoto then smiled, "And Takuma? 'Our people'— should I take that as where your allegiance lies? Because if that is so, then you hurt me. I thought we were friends."
"Friends don't bust down friend's doors," Takuma spat with a snark.
"I keep friends and business separate. Take that as a free piece of advice; it will serve you well in life," said Enomoto. "But enough about the old man, let's talk about you. You have moved up in your life since the last time we met. The Police Force, eh— Organized Crime at that. That's a big jump. You make me proud. And seeing the moves you have made in your life, I think it's natural for you to get rewarded. My dear Takuma, I think it's time for us to become business partners. That sounds fantastic, don't you think?"
Takuma did not.
Not at all.
———
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Oishi Taro — Takuma's close friend, basic training camp teammate, and close friend.
Oishi Yori — Taro's mom, Chunin, T&I Division. [CH_3.14 (073)]
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———
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Chapitre 123: CH_4.23 (123)
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The link is also in the synopsis
———
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As Takuma's mind raced in a dozen directions, Enomoto made himself comfortable on the worn-down cushion of the dining table chair. While Takuma had a frown between his brows, Enomoto looked like he was pleasantly waiting for his tea to steep at a friend's house.
"I will admit, I was surprised when I heard you transferred to the Police Force. Didn't think you would go for the job with your background." Enomoto picked up a grocery store sale pamphlet from the table. "It was a pity, I thought. Now that you were a dog for the Uchiha, you would stop working with the old man and pull out of the Ring. I get a cut every time a fighter of mine wins; it's not a big amount, but when you have a dozen fighters, the small change adds up— and you, my friend, are fairly adept at winning."
Takuma was aware of the dealings between the Ring and the scouts. Not every scout was like Enomoto, though. Most scouts who introduced shinobi to the Ring got a one-time, flat commission. Scouts like Enomoto, who received a cut for every win, were rare and had old and important relationships with the big boss himself. He assumed Enomoto had gotten the deal due to his position as the "Head of Medical Staff."
"But to my surprise, you didn't stop on either avenue. Scars still fought; Tobi continued to deal." Enomoto glanced up at Takuma. "A Police Force office, mostly hidden behind secret identity, still mingling in our side of the town— it was almost like the Police Force gained an undercover officer without effort. A terrible gift, if I may say. You wouldn't blame me for being cautious when you suddenly attempted to lobby for a meeting with me."
Takuma tightened his grip around the kunai. Reputation was everything in the circles he and Enomoto frequented. People rarely waited long enough to gather evidence and confirm facts before taking action. If Takuma's reputation devolved into an undercover officer, a rat, his time in the village would become problematic if the wrong people turned their eyes toward him. If someone like Enomoto spoke against him— it was Takuma's word against Enomoto— and his word meant a whole lot less.
"What changed?" asked Takuma.
Enomoto wouldn't have been sitting across from him if the former thought he was an undercover officer because then there was no leverage against Takuma.
"New information and a hunch, my little friend," Enomoto replied.
"Which are?"
"Nothing you need to concern yourself with," Enomoto had the gall to laugh. "I'm here with an opportunity you can't refuse, something that will benefit both of us immensely. A chance to become my business partner— wasn't that what you wanted before you became Ryuu's dealer— to conduct business directly with me?"
That was different, thought Takuma. "Thank you for giving me this chance, but I don't have time on my hand right now. Let's talk about this—"
"You don't understand, Takuma. You cannot refuse," Enomoto leaned forward, his body hunched as he rested his elbows on his thighs. He continued,
"I can kill you right here, you know… and no one will know any better."
Takuma felt his blood chill. He churned chakra in his body, trickling it towards his arms and legs, straining his muscles to react before a moment's notice.
"… It's always recommended to eliminate the problem from the root," said Enomoto. His black shades looked darker than ever; they looked as if they were sinking into his face as shadows deepened. "The only reason I'm not going to do that is because I like you. You're a good kid, a better fighter. Unlike most worthless plebs that eat space in this great village, you have a future worth living for.
Do not let it go to waste."
'Following you would make my future worth it?' Takuma didn't let the snide thought reach his tongue. He knew about things that Enomoto could only imagine knowing. Enomoto was inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. If Takuma wanted to follow someone, then he would go kiss the asses of pre-teens studying in the shinobi academy— the real actors of the tragedy he was living in.
The thought made Takuma scoff at Enomoto, but a heaviness made its way into Takuma's heart. If Enomoto was inconsequential, then Takuma, as he was right now, wasn't even worth mentioning in the drafts, much less the footnotes.
He relaxed his body and let the built-up chakra dissipate.
Enomoto smiled.
"Good. Now we talk business," he said. "Now, you're smart enough to understand the type of arrangement I'm talking about with you being in the Police Force and all."
Takuma sighed. "If you're asking me to cover up for your dealings, you're asking too much. I don't have the influence to sweep things under the rug." Maiko Triad might be his first break, but it would take a lot more for him to rise among the ranks to have some real influence— and he wasn't an Uchiha, nor from an allied clan; he needed to make more deposits to have a chance at making substantial withdrawals in the future.
"I have been doing this for some time already, Takuma. I run a tight ship, but I wouldn't have survived this long if I didn't have counter-measures in place," said Enomoto. He laughed, "And you're correct; you don't have enough influence, but I can help you change that."
Takuma was interested. "How?"
"You and the people who were transferred to the Police Force, to be blunt, are publicity stunts. No matter how much the administration and the Police Force like to paint this as a new era. The sheeple might eat it up, but those with brains know that unless Uchiha all die one day, they will continue to own the Police Force."
Takuma nodded in agreement. He knew that better than anyone.
"Be that as it may, getting into the Police Force is still a step up for most people. Especially you who ended up in Organized Crime— that was a promotion. Even I would love to be in your position; alas, I am but a humble iryo-nin, not someone who wouldn't fit in there."
Takuma jabbed, "Uchiha Kano, my boss, is an iryo-nin and a chunin."
"I hate that bitch."
Takuma was taken aback at Enomoto's venomous tone. He wasn't expecting that from the laid-back Shady Guy. Even moments earlier, when Enomoto was threatening him, he maintained a blasé attitude for the most part.
Enomoto cleared his throat. "As I was saying, you're in a great position. And your stunt with Ryuu and Maiko Triad was a spark. I'm sure you garnered some attention due to that? What I'm offering you is the chance— chances— to replicate that."
It took Takuma a moment to understand what Enomoto meant. To understand what Enomoto meant any time, one needed to think about how it benefited him. Takuma had foiled an operation for the Maiko Triad and put them in further jeopardy. To repeat what he did with the Maiko Triad was to get someone into trouble for their illegal activities.
"… You want me to go after your competitors?"
Enomoto's smile turned devious. "Smart boy. But no, I don't want to go after my competition. I want you to go after the substitutes."
"Substitutes?"
"There's only so much money people can spend on their vices; even addicts have a limit to the money they have," said Enomoto. "The problem is that the limited money pool is split between different products. Some prefer lighter stuff like what we sell; others feel harder substances are more their alley; shinobi themselves are biased toward opium. You know the reality— competition is tough."
Takuma couldn't help but agree. He had lost customers to other drugs. People were picky, and when they were chasing certain highs and experiences, they were quick to switch. Even if they didn't switch, their purchase frequency went down.
"We command a limited portion of the pie," Enomoto traced a circle in the air with his finger, "but if someone was to kick the other products, we could encroach upon the vacuum created. Repeat it enough times, reduce the offerings available, and command a larger market share. A simple but effective plan."
It did sound simple, but when Takuma thought about the logistics of the plan, he could see complications. Even if they took out a major play, say who dealt heroin, the first dibs on the created vacuum were the competitors— not the substitute. It would take substantial effort to claw market share to their side.
"Why not go after your competition?" asked Takuma.
Enomoto shook his head. "Because it's a slippery slope. Let's say I did sic you on our competitors; if you're successful too many times, the people at the Police Force will get confident. The resources towards anti-weed efforts will increase, publicity around it will rise, and eventually, my operation will come under attack. It'll be great for me for a while, but it's not the long-term consequences. I prefer to deal with my competition on my own without external interference. Keep the devilish claws of the Uchiha away from me."
Takuma found the prospects of Enomoto's offer… interesting. All Enomoto was asking of him was to do his job— and do his job well. But at the same time, Takuma knew that one day Enomoto would come for the payment. The higher he rose, the deeper his fall would be.
But…
"And how do you suppose you'll help me?" asked Takuma.
"Information and contacts," Enomoto replied. "I have been playing the game far longer than you. I know a lot more about how things run and the people who run it. I can give you an inside source to all the dirt that you'd need to target the people that matter and, in turn, break down the operation, which I want you to get rid of."
'I want' was the part that caught Takuma's attention. It couldn't be clear that if he accepted, Takuma was going to turn into Enomoto's hunting dog.
"Alright, deal," said Takuma.
He would let Enomoto guide him, and he would sink his teeth into whoever was in front of him. He didn't have the privilege of clan shinobi, nor was he supported by a jonin. He needed to create his opportunity.
Takuma didn't know when the Uchiha clan would be a thing of the past. However, when it happened, he wanted to be ready. He would build a reputation, and when the time came, his resume would leave the decision-makers a choice but to pull him up. When the current Uchiha majority disappeared and with them their chokehold on the Police Force— Takuma wanted himself to be standing in the rubble as a shining choice, but for that to happen, he needed accomplishments. He was too young and even if he was free and loose with his estimations, there wasn't enough time to build significant accomplishments through traditional means. If he put his nose down and continued to simply work, Fuma and other Uchiha allies would overshadow him completely.
Enomoto talked about the vacuum and how he wanted to take advantage of it. Takuma wished to do the same; when the vacuum arrived, he wanted to be there to fill it up, and exploit it for all it offered.
"I knew you wouldn't disappoint me," said Enomoto. A glimmer flashed past his eyes as he continued, "Do this well, Takuma, and I will put you in Ryuu's chair… It's time to move up in the world, my friend. It's good up here…"
And perhaps, one day, he would take Enomoto's chair from him.
Takuma stood up and shook Enomoto's hand with his kunai still firmly grasped in his other hand.
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———
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The link is in the synopsis!
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
200+ Classement
Power Stone 
109 Power
stone 
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